Rickson Gracie's definition of courage

What was the most important day of your life?

For many who now wear the gi and enjoy the benefits of jiujitsu, a memorable day was certainly the day they first stepped onto the mat. After all, from that banal but courageous act, they were able to learn invaluable lessons about determination, confidence, how to act in risky situations, how to talk to each other eye to eye, and even how to approach their loved one.

Everything, however, begins with a first step into the unknown, which requires a bravery that many do not believe they possess. Not for nothing did the American poet Maya Angelou single out courage as the most important of virtues.

If you have not yet lost your fear to put on your gi and give jiujitsu, one of the gentlest martial arts, a first chance, get inspired today by the wisdom of some thinkers who have already reflected on the value of bravery for those who want to change habits or conquer the unattainable dream.

1. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. ~ Steve Jobs

2. Courage is very important. Like a muscle, it is strengthened by use. ~ Ruth Gordon

3. Be positive and any challenge will be easier. ~ Rickson Gracie

4. Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace. ~ Amelia Earhart

5. You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore. ~ William Faulkner

6. Courage doesn't mean you don't get afraid. Courage means you don't let fear stop you. ~ Bethany Hamilton

7. With jiujitsu, I learned to differentiate between fear and lack of confidence. Paralyzing fear only arises in the face of what we don't understand. We are afraid of what we don't know, what we don't trust. ~ Rickson Gracie

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