Breathe: A Life in Flow

This autobiography of the phenomenal Brazilian Ju Jutsu practitioner, Rickson Gracie, begins with ancestral origins that include a Gracie who fought in the US Civil War through Rickson’s boyhood in Rio and his professional fights in Japan, and onward to how he reinvented himself after family tragedy and the end of his fight career. Along the way, he conveys lessons learned not only through personal experience and from his father and uncle, the founders of Gracie Ju Jutsu, but also through his studies with Olando Cani -- a yogi and developer of bioginastica. While the book is overwhelmingly about a life in Ju Jutsu, Cani’s influence plays a crucial role as the yogi taught Rickson about breath control, and, among a huge pack of skilled Gracie fighters, that ability was pivotal in Rickson’s rise to the top. (The book’s title, “Breathe,” hints at the role breathwork played in Rickson Gracie’s legendary capacities for enduring, flowing, and keeping his head in seemingly unfavorable situations.) The memoir is candid, offering insights into not only Rickson’s path to success, but also his failings (which, not unexpectedly given his single-minded obsession with Ju Jutsu and fitness, more often involved life as an impetuous youth, as a father, and as a person – generally – than it did his life on the mat.) The book also explores some of the fissures in the Gracie clan and how they grew under the pressure of the family’s mammoth success. With autobiographies, it’s always a challenge to know how true a picture one is getting, but Gracie’s willingness to self-critique makes this book feel truthful. This book is fascinating and highly engaging. If you’re interested in martial arts, it’s a no-brainer for one’s reading list, but any reader who enjoys a memoir of a life intensely lived will find the book highly readable.

If you want to know more about Rickson Gracie's life, definitely read this. If you want to get anything else other than the previously mentioned, there is nothing here for you.No advice on training, breathwork protocols, a tad bit of "eat clean, avoid crap" dietary advice and that's about it.To skip the purchase you can just watch his podcast with Jocko and you will learn plenty of details there.I was quite excited about this book when I bought it, but ended up being disappointed in the end. Just my thoughts.

The anticipation for this book was huge. The chance to have a real intimate look at the legend that is Rickson Gracie. It almost delivers.To be perfectly honest, it reads very much like an abridged version. Almost feels like the large font was used to flesh it out more and make more pages.I struggle to believe that the ghost writer couldn’t have really crammed this book with so much detail.Walking away from the book, you feel short changed. It has diluted what has been a remarkable life of a remarkable man.

Great read for any BJJ fan. I was expecting it to be a book about Ricksons breathing technique when I pre ordered it to be honest but was please to learn about the Gracie family history and about Ricksons life story.Very inspiring.

I really couldn't put this ebook down I was fully immersed in the story of Rickson Gracie and loved the fact that it showed a darker side to this obsession with being the greatest and the best. While I admire the family so much there is also a price to pay for this ambition. Thank you Rickson for being so honest.

Rickson Gracie is considered by many as Jiu-Jitsu’s greatest of all time. Stories have been passed down through time as to his incredible skill and understanding of his family’s art, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. It was refreshing to read a very honest and open account of a life that has seen its share of drama, tragedy and success. Rickson comes across as a man that has walked the path of a warrior, made mistakes, as we all have, and learned to live his authentic best following the loss of his oldest son. I would have liked more great stories, but perhaps there is another book planned (I hope so). All in all a great read, whether you are a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner or just someone that is looking for inspiration. Highly recommended.