The Power of Jiu-Jitsu

💡 Why So Many Successful People Train Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become more than a martial art — it’s a mindset that’s shaped everyone from UFC fighters to business leaders and podcast hosts. Across Texas, and especially here in Waco, more adults and kids are stepping onto the mats to train because of the influence of major figures like Joe Rogan, Jocko Willink, and Lex Fridman.

They’ve each said it in their own way: Jiu-Jitsu humbles you, strengthens you, and teaches you how to think under pressure.

🎙️ Joe Rogan: “It’s the Truest Martial Art There Is”

Few voices have done more to popularize Jiu-Jitsu than Joe Rogan, who holds black belts under both Jean Jacques Machado and Eddie Bravo. On The Joe Rogan Experience, he’s called Jiu-Jitsu “the truest martial art — because you can spar at full intensity without hurting your partner.”

In countless episodes, Rogan emphasizes how BJJ teaches problem-solving and self-control. You can hear him discuss it here:
🔗 Joe Rogan on Jiu-Jitsu & Humility
🔗 Joe Rogan on BJJ Black Belts and Life Lessons

Rogan also credits Jiu-Jitsu with changing his mindset:

“The ego you have when you start Jiu-Jitsu dies on the mat. You learn that losing is learning.” — Joe Rogan

That same attitude is what we teach every day at Martial Arts of Waco — how to stay calm, adapt, and find solutions when the pressure’s on.

🥇 Jocko Willink: “Discipline Equals Freedom — and Jiu-Jitsu Builds Both”

Former Navy SEAL, author, and leadership expert Jocko Willink has made Jiu-Jitsu a core part of his philosophy. He holds a black belt under Dean Lister and regularly talks about how BJJ builds discipline, humility, and strategic thinking.

In his podcast, The Jocko Podcast, he says:

“Jiu-Jitsu is the most effective martial art for real fighting. But it’s not just about fighting — it’s about developing calmness and discipline.”
You can hear Jocko discuss it here:
🔗 Jocko on the Value of Jiu-Jitsu

Willink often compares rolling to life: sometimes you’re on top, sometimes you’re stuck underneath — and you have to stay calm to find your way out. At Martial Arts of Waco, that’s exactly what we train: control, not chaos.

🧠 Lex Fridman: “Jiu-Jitsu Is a Conversation Without Words”

MIT researcher, podcaster, and AI scientist Lex Fridman also trains Jiu-Jitsu daily — often with elite grapplers and professors like John Danaher and Gordon Ryan.

In his words:

“Jiu-Jitsu is meditation. It’s a conversation without words — a language of respect and understanding.” — Lex Fridman

Fridman believes Jiu-Jitsu teaches empathy through physical dialogue. Every roll is about listening, adapting, and responding.
🔗 Lex Fridman on Why Jiu-Jitsu is Philosophical

That’s why so many high-performers — scientists, business leaders, first responders, and parents — are drawn to the mats. It’s mental training as much as physical.

💪 What You’ll Gain from Jiu-Jitsu in Waco, Texas

Training at Martial Arts of Waco means more than just learning submissions — it’s about personal growth:

• Self-Defense Skills: Learn to control, escape, and protect yourself without striking.

• Confidence & Focus: Each class challenges you to problem-solve under pressure.

• Fitness & Conditioning: Build strength, endurance, and flexibility naturally.

• Community: Our team in Waco supports each other like family.

You don’t need to be in the UFC or on a podcast to benefit — you just need to show up and train.

📍 Start Your Jiu-Jitsu Journey in Waco

Whether you’re inspired by Joe Rogan’s mindset, Jocko Willink’s discipline, or Lex Fridman’s philosophy, Jiu-Jitsu can change your life too.

Train with us at Martial Arts of Waco, where our black belt instructors teach traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi) in a safe, welcoming environment.

📍 504-B Lake Air Dr, Waco, TX
📞 (254) 723-8345
🌐 www.MartialArtsWaco.com
📲 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @MartialArtsWaco