Why I Fight: The Belt Is Just an Accessory

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Why I Fight: The Belt Is Just an Accessory

3.51 of 5 stars 3.51 · rating details · 208 ratings · 44 reviews

Street fighting. Brazilian jujitsu. Grappling.
Welcome to BJ Penn's island.
Don't worry, he won't hurt you (much).

For the last decade, BJ Penn has been one of the most successful and feared fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), rising through the ranks to become, pound for pound, one of the best in the world. Along the way, people have been quick to judge...more

Hardcover, 320 pages

Published April 13th 2010 by William Morrow & Company (first published 2010)

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Jun 07, 2010 Jason Slovak rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I won this book through the Goodreads First-Reads giveaway program. So, a big "Thank You" to both Goodreads and the publisher for this book!

I've been an MMA/UFC fan for a while now and pretty much the whole time I have disliked BJ Penn. After reading this book though my opinion of him has COMPLETELY changed.

The UFC, for whatever reason, has always kind of cast his as a villian and I was always more than happy to view him that way myself. Reading this book though, you will find out that not only...more I won this book through the Goodreads First-Reads giveaway program. So, a big "Thank You" to both Goodreads and the publisher for this book!

I've been an MMA/UFC fan for a while now and pretty much the whole time I have disliked BJ Penn. After reading this book though my opinion of him has COMPLETELY changed.

The UFC, for whatever reason, has always kind of cast his as a villian and I was always more than happy to view him that way myself. Reading this book though, you will find out that not only is his personality different from what you may think it is but also pretty much his entire story is different too. The UFC always seems to want to make it sound like he comes from this really wealthy family in Hawaii and BJ has had this really cushy upbringing with pretty much not a care in the world. On top of that, they almost always make it sound like he doesn't take training seriously and he's even pretty lazy. My impression of him now is nothing like that. In a lot of ways he had a harder time growing up than I did and I'm pretty much from the suburbs... He also takes his training very seriously and in my opinion, works his ass off to be the best he can possibly be.

On top of all of that, it was really interesting to get kind of a "behind the scenes" look at how the UFC operates and specifically how Dana White can be. Almost every time I talk to my friends about Dana, I make a point to mention how "fair he is" when it comes to making hard decisions. Now, I don't know that I think of him quite the same way. Of course there are 2 sides to every story but I really got the impression that he's more a 2 faced business man than his on screen image lets on.

BJ also goes in-depth about the "greasing" incident with GSP. At the time when that whole thing was going down I really thought BJ was just making excuses for a poor performance. Turns out there was A LOT more to this story than just BJ pointing a finger. I found myself siding with BJ on this issue and GSP is even my favorite fighter (although his stock dropped some for me now).

All in all, I say this is pretty much a must read for MMA/UFC fans. If nothing else, you will get a first hand account of what it is like to live that lifestyle and all that goes with it.(less)

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Jan 21, 2012 Loy Machedo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Loy Machedo’s Book Review - Why I fight – The belt is just an accessory by BJ Penn with David Weintraub

For a guy like me who loves reading biographies, self-help or business books reading David Weintraub contribution on the life of Mixed Martial Artist Champion - BJ Penn’s aptly titled memoir ‘Why I Fight – The belt is just an accessory’ would seem strange. But all your doubts would be non-existent when I tell you that though I am obsessed lover of self-help books, I am also a big fan of Mixed M...more Loy Machedo’s Book Review - Why I fight – The belt is just an accessory by BJ Penn with David Weintraub

For a guy like me who loves reading biographies, self-help or business books reading David Weintraub contribution on the life of Mixed Martial Artist Champion - BJ Penn’s aptly titled memoir ‘Why I Fight – The belt is just an accessory’ would seem strange. But all your doubts would be non-existent when I tell you that though I am obsessed lover of self-help books, I am also a big fan of Mixed Martial Arts – at least as a viewer if not a participant.

My introduction to the world of fighting began as a youngster with the glamorous entertainment of brute strength with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Embarrassed to admit it but it was only at the late age of 29 did I realize that WWE was all but only entertainment and scripted fights. With that came in a void that later on was filled by an accidental introduction to a MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Video of Ultimate Fighting Champions (or UFC as the company is famously known as). It was there I was introduced to the world of MMA and the superstars that dominate this sport.

BJ Penn is one among two great legends of the MMA who for the last decade has dominated himself as a champion in two weight classes making him known as a the pound for pound great champions.

In this book BJ Penn shockingly speaks him mind out – both of the sport, the hypocrisy of a few famous stars, the behind the scenes dirty laundry that is not shown and most importantly the business side of the sport.

He confesses his opinions of his colleagues (sounds too formal a word, especially when you consider he and his colleague bash the living day lights of each other in the ring) and does not hold back the hatred he has for some of them.

Overall a book that takes you through the childhood of a young man from Hilo, Hawaii who was born and destined to get into the Octagon (the fight ring of the UFC), to the pinnacle of his career that made him one of the most respectable fighters and legends of the fighting world.

The only drawback of this book, like all other books on MMA fighters, well its attractiveness would be limited to a MMA fan base. So if you are not a MMA fan, this book is not for you.

Overall rating – 4 out of 10….Nah make that 5 out of 10 for his honesty.(less)

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May 16, 2010 BookMarc rated it 4 of 5 stars

'Why I fight: The Belt is Just an Accessory' by Bj Penn is the first autobiography I have read in quite a while and as I'm always up for a bj I just couldn't resist the lore of this book.
The last time I delved into the autobiography genre I picked up a copy of 'Batista Unleashed', which was just about the worst autobiography I've ever read, and so expectations weren't particularly high going into this one due to the similarities of them both being tough, muscular athletes. Thankfully, I can tell...more 'Why I fight: The Belt is Just an Accessory' by Bj Penn is the first autobiography I have read in quite a while and as I'm always up for a bj I just couldn't resist the lore of this book.
The last time I delved into the autobiography genre I picked up a copy of 'Batista Unleashed', which was just about the worst autobiography I've ever read, and so expectations weren't particularly high going into this one due to the similarities of them both being tough, muscular athletes. Thankfully, I can tell you that my negativity was unwarranted as I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
I'm not actually an MMA fan, although I have watched a few fights on tv and know who BJ Penn is, so I was very much going into this blind with little knowledge of the sport and its participants. I was pleased to find that my lack of knowledge did not detract from the book as when explanations of fighting styles and techniques are required they are explained in simple terms that anyone can understand. Also my understanding of the sport grew in relation to the life story being told as I learned, along with a young and reckless BJ Penn, the art of fighting, discipline and dedication required to be the best of the best. I really enjoyed how that was done and was a testament to the writing skills of Dave Weintraub.
As is the case with autobiographies you know what you're getting in terms of structure. It starts out recounting BJ's upbringing, with stories from his childhood, and heads on through adolescence on into manhood and his eventual rise to MMA superstar. Sometimes I find autobiographies can be over zealous about one aspect of the subject's life but 'Why I Fight' was paced well and I never became bored due to overkill of a particular era of BJ's life.
Overall this was a learning experience for me and an entertaining read at the same time. I also discovered that my view of Hawaii as a peaceful, sun, surf and sand nation is very far from the reality of life there...especially the one experienced by BJ Penn.(less)

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May 05, 2010 No Remorse rated it 3 of 5 stars

Good book, easy read. Penn is one of my favorite fighters, his flexibilty is crazy and he loves to throw those hands. Great look at his life and growing up.

Looking forward to see him get his title back!

Seemed he hated on Rogan a few times in the book, which I didn't get, and who I am also a fan of. I am a huge Mixed Martial Arts fan so this book was entertaining all the way from front to back.

Big thanks to goodreads / first-reads for sending me a free copy of the book.

Notes: Just Scrap!

Haole - w...more

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May 18, 2010 Brenda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, adult-fiction

I’ve been a fan of the UFC for many years. So when I won a free copy of BJ Penn’s book from Goodreads, I was pretty excited to read it. The book provides a very personal insight into BJ Penn’s life as a child in Hawaii and his move into mixed martial arts. He provides his story with brutal often candid honesty when describing his own failures and achievements. He presents things in a way that does not necessarily criticize but more to enlighten. It was impressive to hear about all of the hard wo...more

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May 28, 2010 DH rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: gr-str, 2010

Sometimes when you read a memoir or a biography, you think the author is holding back or he or she is stretching the truth to get a point across. Why I Fight, however, was a brutally honest and raw account of BJ Penn’s life. He didn’t hold anything back and he wasn’t afraid to say what’s on his mind even if it’s not politically correct. He tackles every subject a fighter goes through in this book from disputes with coaches to his position against steroids and cheating, as well as trying to figur...more

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Jun 07, 2010 Beth rated it 3 of 5 stars

I know absolutely nothing about Brazilian juj-itsu (BJJ), and found this memoir of a champion BJJ fighter assumed ore knowledge than I had. Ten years ago, B.J. Penn became the first American-born winner of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the black-belt category. This autobiography is a reflection on the moments that led up this victory: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The tale of B.J.'s childhood in Hawaii gives props to his parents, focuses on the strength of family and the failings of his...more I know absolutely nothing about Brazilian juj-itsu (BJJ), and found this memoir of a champion BJJ fighter assumed ore knowledge than I had. Ten years ago, B.J. Penn became the first American-born winner of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the black-belt category. This autobiography is a reflection on the moments that led up this victory: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The tale of B.J.'s childhood in Hawaii gives props to his parents, focuses on the strength of family and the failings of his private school education, and busts down stereotypes of an idyllic and laid back lifestyle of surfing and sunning. There are adrenaline fueled moments of jumping off 30 foot high bridges into hammerhead shark infested waters between rumble style fights (like in the Outsiders!) for no good reason. B.J. is always the guy to stand up and be ready for a fight, and this tendency serves him well when he begins training with a CA transplant who is a tae kwon do expert who is just learning BJJ himself.

The quality of the writing is merely mediocre. The ghostwriter allows B.J.'s voice to really come through--he has a wonderfully engaging conversational style--but tighter editing would have made this a much more pleasant read. I kept thinking that I had lost my place, because whole phrases are repeated nearly word for word. A few grammatical errors, which may have just been B.J.'s way of talking, were grating to me. There are many acronyms that are not deciphered in context, and there isn't a glossary. I admit to being clueless about mixed martial arts, and the authors assume the reader knows some of the moves. That said, it's a pretty inspiring story, in part because B.J. says what's on his mind, and later in his career, speaks out against illegal practices, which resulted in policy changes. Photos in the center of the book include high quality action shots of pivotal moments during tournaments as well as portraiture.

Since a good third of the book covers the author's youth, and he has success early in life, this is a book with potential teen appeal, especially to followers of the sport or teens who aspire to this career choice.(less)

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Jun 12, 2010 Todd rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I have read many books from many fighters, including: Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell, Renzo Gracie, Forrest Griffen and others. WIthout hesitation, I rank this book in the top 2 of these. I can't decide whether this or Forrest Griffen's Got Fight is my favorite. Griffen's book is hilarious and raw. It made me laugh out loud. This book, never did. It's an honest look into the things that I've watched unfold on the screen, and read about online and in magazines. I feel like I know both sides of the...more

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Feb 13, 2013 Steve rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 21st-century, american, fight-sports, non-fiction

Learned a lot about people in the MMA world who aren't named BJ Penn, and I can't say the portraits of them were too flattering. Now, this is only one side of the story, but regardless of how you feel about BJ, he does come across as honest. It was one of the better books by a fighter I've read yet, even though (or perhaps due to the fact that) it was coauthored.

Postscript: I heard today, 2/13/13, that BJ mentioned the dropping down to 155 and fighting as a lightweight once again. Only time will...more

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Nov 11, 2010 Max P rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: finished

It was a varry good book. Because it gave a lot of detail.

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May 22, 2010 Rochelle rated it 2 of 5 stars

I won this book from Goodreads and was very surprised when I received this. I thought this was going to be a book about boxing,but to my surprise it was about BJJ and MMA and the UFC, which were totally new to me.

As a primer to understanding the sport, I found it to be excellent. The story of his early life and personal life is rather sketchy. At one point suddenly he is a father, without any preamble.

He promotes himself very well throughout the book as an honest athlete (no steroids, no greasin...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Justin rated it 3 of 5 stars

First of all I must say thank you BJ Penn for responding to my Facebook post! It means the world to me and beat up MacDonald! Anyways the book gives a very informative inside look at Dana White, pioneers in the sport, the UFC's early days, misconceptions about the Hawaiian lifestyle, and a personal view of who Penn is and obviously why he fights. It is somewhat confusing to know who is who in the ever growing list of trainers, mentors, and coaches BJ surrounds himself with, especially if you rea...more

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Aug 09, 2010 Gary Braham rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is the project of former UFC lightweight champion, BJ Penn. The book was an easy read, that progresses in a linear fashion through BJ's life. There were really two parts to the book.

In the first part, we learn of BJ's upbringing. He describes what it's like to grow up in Hawaii. Then there's the history of his first experiences with boxing, brazillian jiu jitsu, and just plain out fighting. From there, he moves to California and gets more serious about training in competitive jiu jits...more

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Jul 06, 2010 Kenny Lam rated it 3 of 5 stars

BJ Penn's autobiography provides some insight into the internal politics that is the UFC while allowing Penn to speak his side of the story.

As a devoted Jiu Jitsu student, I truly enjoyed the chapter's that covered Penn's spectacular rise as a Jiu Jitsu athlete culminating in his gold medal at the Mundials.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it puts into words some of the changes I too have noticed concerning the sport of MMA and the truly negative effects the UFC monopoly has on many fighters tr...more

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Jul 27, 2010 Violet rated it 3 of 5 stars

It's hard to rate this book. I am not a fan of BJ Penn but I did like his candor in talking about the negative aspects of the UFC franchise and some of his fellow fighters.

His writing style left much to be desired, but the stories were good.

3/5 is my compromise. It's worth reading if you're a fan of MMA, UFC or just got tired of reading all the stories from other fighters who somehow manage to avoid mentioning the UFC in anything less than glowing terms.

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Oct 06, 2011 Tyler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Honest look at an interesting, and talented, man. Before I read it I already knew a bunch about Penn but I still learned more. Seeing what the guy thinks about UFC, Dana White and MMA period is always interesting. There's not a dull moment in here. BJ Penn gets a bad reputation for playing a villain but he's just a guy who a) likes to fight and b) speaks his mind, which is refreshing when you all you see are company men.

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Oct 04, 2011 Rotten rated it 5 of 5 stars

I train in a related art, Aikido which has no competition or tournaments. Aikido is derived from Aiki Jitsu so somewhat related, similar.

I'm interested in why people train but more why we keep training and excel. I've seen so many start .... and quit, and promote through ranks .... and quit. For everyone who finally reaches black belt rank .... many quit.

People take up MA for a variety of reasons; need for self defense, fitness, discipline. But sticking with it for years with all the years, in...more

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May 13, 2010 Yoonmee rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: asian-american, memoir, hawaii

It's not going to win any literature awards, but BJ Penn's autobiography is still an interesting peek into his life and the growth of MMA in general. As with any memoir/autobiography, it can be hard to tell how forthright the author is being; Penn painted himself as a clueless kid who didn't mean to piss people off but was a victim or circumstance and naiveté for much of his early career. Maybe it's true, maybe it's not. Who knows. Despite being a BJ Penn fan, I'm giving this 2 stars because it...more

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Mar 05, 2012 Frank Taranto rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: mma

Good stories, but the writing was very poor. There were too many repeats of the same phrases. I did enjoy learning about the UFC from an insider who doesn't just gush about how wonderful it all is. The story about St Pierre greasing himself before fight was intersting, and I lost the respect I had for him.

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Jan 21, 2011 Aaron Hubbard rated it 3 of 5 stars

I read this book so I could better understand BJ Penn. While watching him fight I often find him lackadaisical and unmotivated. Nothing proved this more to me than after watching the second Frakie Edgar fight and seeing the look on his face before fight. After reading the book I made me appreciate how he and others like him have dedicated their lives for something they love.

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Nov 21, 2012 Docta rated it 4 of 5 stars

My dad bought this for me and I read/devoured it over one weekend. I've been a BJ Penn fan since he fought Din Thomas many years ago. It was interesting to read about his take on many fights I remember watching on pay-per-view. A must read for any MMA fan.

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May 11, 2012 Edgar rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book tells the thoughts and the side of BJ Penn's historic fight care and lets you find something about your self when you hear his side of the story. It has made my thinking be different when training for Martial Arts Tourney's.

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May 20, 2010 Shari rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads, biography

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thanks, Goodreads! My husband is a big fan of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)and finds BJ Penn fascinating. It was cool to learn about his upbringing in Hawaii and how he's been fighting his whole life. He is definitely one of the best fighters in the world!

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Jul 04, 2011 Vikram rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great read on BJ Penn's career, from his roots to his BJJ career to his fights in the UFC. Also, it was interesting to hear about his thoughts on Dana White and the GSP greasing drama.

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Jun 09, 2010 Chris Lee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Only follow MMA peripherally. Found it interesting in light of the bits I had heard regarding Dana White, UFC and The Ultimate Fighter.

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Oct 31, 2010 Caleb rated it 2 of 5 stars

Definately has a few interesting facts for the avid BJ Penn but overall read's like a high school written biography.

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Oct 15, 2011 Jeremiah rated it 3 of 5 stars

I enjoy reading this type of biography, I have more respect for BJ Penn too after reading it.

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Oct 20, 2011 Benjamin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sports

gets you to think why you want to do the things you do in life

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Jul 14, 2010 Joe rated it 3 of 5 stars

Pretty open and honest. Poorly written though which I expected. Good quick read.

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Nov 12, 2010 Edgar added it · review of another edition

Why I Fight
By Jay Dee B.J. Pen

Why I fight was an autobiography of Jay Deen. Its about this fighter who as a little kid doesn't know what he was going to become. It talks about how as a little kid he wanted to be a profesional soccer player. That was until he got on a fight and got kiked out of the team. He then started to fight with other kids at his house. which leaded to one thing to another to another.
This was one of the best autobiography I have read it was interesting and almost didn't ha...more

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