Leveraging Time and Talent: Jiu-Jitsu's Universal Lesson

In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we often discuss leverage in terms of physical principles - using mechanical advantage to overcome stronger opponents. However, leverage is a universal concept that extends far beyond the mats, offering profound insights into how we can optimize our time and talents in all areas of life.

Let's explore the levels of leverage in jiu-jitsu and how they parallel our journey in personal and professional growth:

1. Physical Attributes:

At the most basic level, we rely on our muscles and time. However, these are finite resources. We can only get so strong, and there are only so many hours in a day to train. This is akin to early humans relying solely on their physical capabilities for travel - walking or running. It's effective, but limited by individual strength and endurance.

2. Technique Collection:

A step up from pure physicality is accumulating a vast array of techniques. While this approach is better, it still has limitations. Our memory, material resources, and time are not infinite. This stage is comparable to the invention of the bicycle - a collection of simple techniques (pedaling, steering) that increased efficiency but still relied heavily on physical input.

3. Fundamentals:

This is where we start to tap into true leverage. By focusing on non-attribute based principles - the intangibles of jiu-jitsu - we connect to an abundant, overflowing source of wisdom. These fundamentals transcend individual techniques and apply universally across different situations. This stage mirrors the development of motorcars and trains - fundamental principles of combustion and mechanics applied to transportation, dramatically increasing speed and efficiency.

4. Creation:

The highest form of leverage in jiu-jitsu is creation, where we use our faith in the fundamentals and our imagination to create and adapt. At this level, we're not just applying techniques; we're extracting their hidden wisdom to make them effective across all venues - from sport to self-defense - and against all types of opponents. We allow jiu-jitsu to use our physical attributes, rather than the other way around. This stage is akin to the invention of the airplane - a creation that required not just understanding of principles, but imagination to envision humans soaring through the sky.

In this final stage, our jiu-jitsu becomes a living, breathing art form. We're not confined by predetermined moves or strategies; instead, we're free to express ourselves through movement, strategy, and problem-solving. This creative adaptation allows us to transcend the limitations of physical attributes and memorized techniques, tapping into a limitless well of possibility.

Just as the Wright brothers didn't simply replicate existing transportation methods but imagined an entirely new way of travel, at this level of jiu-jitsu, we're not just refining existing techniques - we're potentially creating entirely new paradigms of movement and strategy.

The beauty of this concept extends far beyond the mats. We can apply this thinking to how we leverage our time and skills in all areas of life. Let's consider the construction industry as an example, noting how increased leverage often correlates with increased earning potential:

1. On-Site Carpenter (Physical Attributes):

This is like spending all our time and energy directly on tasks. The carpenter can only work so many hours a day, limited by physical stamina and time. Their earning potential is directly tied to the hours they work.

2. Carpenter Manager (Technique Collection):

This is akin to learning and applying various management techniques. The manager can improve the efficiency of multiple carpenters, but is still limited by personal capacity to oversee and direct. They typically earn more than individual carpenters due to their increased responsibility and impact.

3. Carpentry Instructor (Fundamentals):

This represents understanding the fundamental principles of the craft. The instructor leverages knowledge to create more skilled workers, potentially impacting hundreds of projects they'll never see directly. Their earning potential is higher as they can charge for their expertise and potentially reach a wider audience through various teaching platforms.

4. Construction Company Owner (Creation):

This is the highest form of leverage, where one creatively designs systems and businesses. The owner isn't just using their own skills or teaching others - they're creating entire operations that generate value beyond their direct involvement. Their earning potential is the highest, as they benefit from the collective efforts of their entire organization and the systems they've put in place.

The highest form of leverage in life, as in jiu-jitsu, comes when we deeply understand the fundamentals of our field and then allow our imagination to create novel solutions and adapt to new challenges. Whether we're on the mats or in our careers, the principle remains the same: continually seek ways to increase our leverage and impact. As we do so, we often find that our value and success increase correspondingly.

This is why jiu-jitsu is so much more than just a martial art or a sport. It's a laboratory for life, teaching us principles that extend far beyond the physical realm. As we progress in our jiu-jitsu journey, we're not just learning how to grapple more effectively; we're learning how to live more efficiently, creatively, and potentially, more prosperously.

So the next time you're on the mat, remember: you're not just practicing armbars and chokes. You're cultivating a mindset of leverage, creativity, and adaptation that can transform every aspect of your life. Embrace the fundamentals, unleash your creativity, and watch as the principles of jiu-jitsu open up new possibilities in everything you do. Like the evolution of transportation, your journey in jiu-jitsu and life can take you to heights you never imagined possible.