We had the absolute pleasure to talk about martial arts, mindset and lifestyle with Ryron Gracie. We hope you enjoy!

Ryron Gracie, the eldest grandson of Grand Master Helio Gracie, grew up in a family deeply rooted in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Under the guidance of his father, Rorion Gracie, and his uncles, Ryron witnessed the effectiveness of the art firsthand. In 2003, Ryron and his brother Rener received black belts from their grandfather, recognizing their mastery of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques and teaching methods.

Taking on the role of head instructors at Gracie University, Ryron and Rener revitalized the training programs and expanded the reach of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu through online education, seminars, and a network of Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Centers. Their efforts have met the growing demand for instruction worldwide, preserving the art's effectiveness and simplicity.

Gracie University , offering online access to courses, has attracted over 100,000 students from 196 countries. Ryron and Rener continue to promote Gracie Jiu-Jitsu through various media platforms, partnerships, and their own dedication to the art and lifestyle.

Embracing a philosophy of constant improvement, both on and off the mat, Ryron and Rener welcome feedback from students who have explored the Gracie University curriculum. They invite individuals to share their comments and experiences with the Gracie Brothers.

More information can be found here: https://www.gracieuniversity.com/

We recently came across the philosophy Wabi Sabi. Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. It embraces the natural cycle of growth, decay, and aging, appreciating the unique characteristics and flaws that make an object or a moment in time truly special. Wabi-Sabi values the authenticity of materials, the simplicity of design, and the appreciation of the fleeting and transient nature of life. It encourages us to find joy in the subtle, the modest, and the humble, reminding us to slow down, be present, and cherish the beauty that exists in the world around us.

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, starting a business or embarking on a new venture requires more than just a great idea or a solid product. To truly succeed and make a meaningful impact, it is essential to start with service and focus on providing value for people. This customer-centric approach emphasizes understanding individuals' needs, desires, and challenges, and tailoring offerings to meet those needs effectively. By adopting a mindset that prioritizes serving others over personal gains, businesses can build trust, loyalty, and satisfaction among their target audience. Thorough research, active listening, and empathizing with customers' pain points allow for the development of solutions that address their specific challenges, desires, and goals. This philosophy of starting with service cultivates a loyal customer base, positive word-of-mouth, and a reputation for excellence, positioning businesses for sustainable growth and meaningful impact in the long run.

So what is wisdom? What makes words wise? And why is wisdom so valuable? Working with so many incredible martial artists over the years made us realize how every single person with life experience has wisdom... it's just up to you to extract it! Whether it's from our elders, our teachers, or simply those that have gone before and lived to tell the story, a perpetual student has an endless thirst for wisdom. We hope this episode inspires you to keep chasing wisdom as it is a good path to be on!

Life is a thrilling adventure that unfolds like a captivating video game, except there's one crucial difference: you have only one life to live. Each day presents a new opportunity to navigate through uncharted territories, face formidable challenges, and unlock the mysteries of existence. Just like in a game, you start at a certain level and progress forward, but here, the levels are not determined solely by external achievements. Life has a profound way of keeping you at the same level until you learn the valuable lessons required to advance. These lessons may be disguised as obstacles, setbacks, or even failures, but they serve as crucial stepping stones for growth and transformation. The journey is not always easy, and you may encounter moments of doubt, fear, and uncertainty. However, as you persevere and overcome these hurdles, you gain experience, wisdom, and resilience, leveling up your character in the game of life. So embrace the adventure, relish the challenges, and cherish each precious moment, for it is through the trials and tribulations that you evolve and progress towards the next exhilarating chapter of your journey.

When shit hits the fan, it is important to know your rules of engagement: knowing when it's time to fight, run, or if you're the type of person who generally freezes. We discuss how we handle people committing robberies and whether we act as good Samaritans.

Why is it that the best in business always say focus on the fundamentals? Though we all know that advice why is it so hard to do? In this podcast, we discuss the importance of sticking to the basics and why it can be considered boring. 

As a mature and discerning adult, there are certain topics that are best avoided when in the company of those you care about, and one of those topics is politics, which can cause unnecessary conflict and division whether in the workplace, on the playing field, or even within the confines of a martial arts dojo. In this week's podcast, we delve into the world of dojo politics and how it can create a toxic environment that stifles growth and inhibits progress.