Book Review: The Warrior Mindset, The Tao of a Champion by Roger Gracie

I picked up Roger Gracie's The Warrior Mindset: The Tao of a Champion because I wanted to learn more about his famous career. What I found was a lot more than that. It's part autobiography, part philosophy, and part guide on how to live life with the same clarity and calmness that Roger brought to the mats.

Roger doesn’t glorify toughness for its own sake. Instead, he shows that being a warrior means being patient, humble, and able to deal with problems. In his own words:

“Jiu-jitsu gave me everything. It taught me discipline, resilience, humility and, most importantly, how to stay calm under pressure – not just on the mat, but in life.”

I could tell from reading that he really values simplicity. His fighting style was famously straightforward but devastatingly effective. That same philosophy flows through this book: cut out distractions, focus on what matters, and trust the process.

He also reminds us that struggle is not something to run from:

“The biggest tragedies in our life offer us the greatest lessons from which we can evolve.”

This is powerful advice for anyone who has either been stuck under a crushing side control or gone through tough patches in life—you don’t grow by avoiding pressure; you grow by surviving it and adapting.

What I liked most was how universal his lessons are. Even if you’ve never stepped on the mats, Roger’s reflections on friendship, resilience, and purpose still hit home:

“The glue that holds our life together is our connection to others.”

For jiu-jitsu practitioners, this book feels like a reminder that our journey isn’t just about belts or medals. It’s about shaping character, finding balance, and building something meaningful with the people we train alongside.

Roger ends the book not as a competitor, but as a teacher:

“Now, my mission is to pass it on. To teach not just techniques but the mindset behind them.”

That’s the essence of The Warrior Mindset—a philosophy that outlives competition and continues to influence everyone who steps on the mats.

If you’re ready to dive into the world of authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, consider visiting The Jiu-Jitsu Foundry at 72-C, Jalan SS21/62, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, WhatsApp 011-11510501. Embrace the challenge, improve your skills, and discover how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can transform your martial arts journey!

Be good!