Comfort in darkness The invisible power of jiu jitsu

Undefeated jiu jitsu champion Gracie, once again collaborating with his friend and student Maguire, as in Breathe (2021), discerns the nobility in martial arts. In his preface, Maguire notes that MMA "conjuries images of heavily tattooed, steroid-swollen monsters pounding each other bloody and senseless in metal cages to the blaring sounds of heavy metal music." But for Gracie, who comes from jiu jitsu's most famous family, the ancient, meditative practice is a way of life. He stopped fighting in 2000, after his oldest son died of a drug overdose. A year later he was told that he had Parkinson's, a brain disorder that affects the central nervous system and leads to muscle stiffness, poor reflexes, and loss of balance. While facing this new battle, Gracie drew on how jiu jitsu teaches people strategy, tactics, timing, acceptance, and hope. Now he illuminates the philosophy inherent in jiu jitsu, shares his vision and techniques, and explains how jiu jitsu can help people marshal their discipline and strengths to face any adversity in life. A moving and empowering guide.