I have always believed that learning goes far beyond the classroom and technical courses. It was on the mat, practicing Jiu-Jitsu, that I discovered valuable lessons that shaped the way I lead teams and face challenges on a daily basis.
That is why I like to say that Jiu-Jitsu, more than a martial art, is a true school of leadership and self-development.
And in this article, I want to share how this practice transformed me and how it can be a powerful ally in the development of leaders. I hope you enjoy it!
Resilience: getting up after every fall
In Jiu-Jitsu, defeat is a constant. Losing a position or being submitted is part of the process, but what really matters is the ability to get up, learn, and get back into the fight. This resilience is essential for leadership.
In difficult times, when we face rejection or obstacles, I remember that every mistake is an opportunity for growth.
As a leader, I adopted this “fail fast, learn fast” mentality, which helped me face challenges with more serenity and optimism.
Humility to learn from others
No matter how experienced you are in Jiu-Jitsu, there will always be someone with a better technique, a firmer grip or a more refined strategy. This taught me to value the exchange of knowledge and to recognize the importance of teamwork.
As a leader, I realize how essential it is to listen to others, learn from each team member and never assume that we already know everything. Humility creates an environment of continuous learning, which is fundamental for collective growth.
Planning and strategy under pressure
On the mat, every move needs to be calculated. It’s a game of chess where thinking two or three steps ahead can determine the outcome of a fight.
This ability to plan strategically, even in high-pressure situations, is one of the greatest lessons that Jiu-Jitsu has taught me.
I take this skill to the corporate world, where decisions need to be made calmly, even when faced with tight deadlines and uncertainty. Therefore, having a clear strategy, but knowing how to adapt, is a differentiator for any leader.
Emotional control: the key to balance
One of the first things I learned in Jiu-Jitsu is that losing emotional control is one of the greatest weaknesses. Anxiety and impulsiveness are powerful adversaries both on the mat and in leadership.
This practice taught me to stay calm, even in difficult situations, and to make decisions clearly. In the corporate environment, maintaining emotional balance inspires confidence in the team and helps to create a healthier and more productive culture.
Leadership that inspires by example
In Jiu-Jitsu, respect and discipline are not just words, but principles that guide each training session. At work, I realized that leading is not just giving orders, but acting with integrity, dedication and consistency.
Just as on the mat, where we inspire our partners through the effort we put in, in the corporate environment, an effective leader inspires his team by example.
Jiu-Jitsu taught me to be more resilient, strategic, humble and emotionally balanced. I believe that the best leaders are formed not only by the great challenges of life, but also by the daily practices that shape our character.
Therefore, the mat is a space for constant learning, which transforms not only the way we relate to others, but also how we view life.
