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The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Globetrotter
10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION! (2021)
"I didn't care about what would happen. He might win the match, but he could never beat me. I was living my dream, traveling the world with complete freedom. Nothing could put me down. The play button was pressed again. My opponent took my back and I tapped to a bow and arrow choke. I laughed and shook his hand, as I stood back up. I was out of the competition. Everything was perfect. Life couldn't be better."
After a training partner commits suicide, Christian Graugart feels obliged to do something with his life. Starting his own gym, dedicating almost all his time to the art of BJJ, alters everything, including the way he sees himself.
The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Globetrotter is not only a story about traveling and training in martial arts. It's about all the things that can happen to you if you choose to truly stay alive until you actually die.
"I didn't care about what would happen. He might win the match, but he could never beat me. I was living my dream, traveling the world with complete freedom. Nothing could put me down. The play button was pressed again. My opponent took my back and I tapped to a bow and arrow choke. I laughed and shook his hand, as I stood back up. I was out of the competition. Everything was perfect. Life couldn't be better."
After a training partner commits suicide, Christian Graugart feels obliged to do something with his life. Starting his own gym, dedicating almost all his time to the art of BJJ, alters everything, including the way he sees himself.
The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Globetrotter is not only a story about traveling and training in martial arts. It's about all the things that can happen to you if you choose to truly stay alive until you actually die.
538 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2012
59 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 1, 2013
I guess just wanted more from the book vs. just an account of the authors travels across the globe. I just felt there was a great opportunity to go deeper into providing background to the Jujitsu history, tradition and story in each country to come up to a whole vs. the account of a whirlwind trip around the world. Its an ok story, and still plenty interesting and inspiring its just that when I finished I couldn't help but ask more e.g. How did Jujitsu get to Russia? What do the sambo and systema guys think of it? Whats the story of how it got there and is it popular? Why or why not? Also for such an extensive world spanning trip I felt it was such an omission to miss the Abu Dhabi jujitsu scene - thats also an intersting story, in teh Desert so far away from Brazil and that culture the worlds richest Grappling tournament was born and well...again whats the story behind that? What about teh EMirati's - how do they feel/know about the sport? We all know the story of BJJ in Brazil but what about Colombia and its feeling towards this? If you are looking for an answer to that - you got to look elsewhere. The author travels and trains and you get a good account of that but he doesn't question or try to put things in a broader context. In that I was disappointed. Its very very much a personal story of travel and BJJ.
June 13, 2013
Imagine if one day you woke up and decided that you were no longer interested in working your high-paid 9-to-5 desk job. Rather, you were going to do something you’d always wanted to do, but worried was too irresponsible: ditch your job in order to dedicate your life to the thing you love: Jiu Jitsu. Well, that’s exactly what brown belt Christian Graugart decided to do in 2011.
From his home in Denmark, Christian decides to plan a 140 day trip that will take him to 24 countries, where he will visit 56 gyms and take part in 90 classes. This book, The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Globetrotter, serves as his journal containing not only a log of each and every training session, but also his philosophical musings as he travels around the World learning not only more about the sport, but more about himself and, indeed, human beings. Despite English being Graugart’s second language, except for the minor issue of an overuse/miss-placement of commas, Graugart’s prose are descriptive, engaging and full of his own blend of charm, wit and honesty. In addition, the author has a true knack for portraying characters and really being able to craft an individual with his words.
Essentially, what Christian did was save up a ton of money (by going seriously OCD on his outgoings for a while) and created a blog offering to teach BJJ to anyone willing to allow him a free lesson in their gym. Some of my favourite chapters were where the author finds himself deep in the more ‘dangerous’ parts of Europe such as Romania and Moldova. The Jiu Jitsu gyms in these places aren’t pretty, but it quickly becomes apparent that even for the most hard-up kids, Jiu Jitsu is a way to escape the difficult life-style for a while embrace the ideologies that come with taking up a Martial Art. Whilst these kids don’t offer our author much in terms of Jiu Jitsu practice, not all of Christian’s stops have him being the main man in the room. In fact, as you would expect, most gyms have at least a few stronger and higher ranking competitors, especially when Graugart makes a point of visiting the more renowned gyms towards the middle of his trip (including the World renowned Marcelo Garcia Academy in New York!). Eventually, as the trip’s busy-schedule begins to break-down the authors body, his abilities and resolve get tested; Graugart begins finding that even the blue and purple belts are becoming hard work. Walking into the gym as an ‘Internet Celebrity’ – due to the popularity of his blog and various magazine spots – he seems to have a target on his back and finds himself wondering whether this trip was a good idea, whether he really deserves his brown belt, let alone his black belt (which has been on the cards for a while) and whether he whether perhaps surfing could serve as a less demanding Jiu Jitsu replacement.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Globe Trotter when I picked it up… I do think it’s important to note that it is not a technique book or the autobiography of a fighter – the two more common types of book produced for martial artists. It much more closely resembles a travel book with the author providing as much detail about the people and the locations he visits as the training. This turns out to be far from a disappointment though, for Christian’s message is clear: like travelling, Jiu Jitsu is as much about the journey and the people you meet along the way as it is about the belts, the defeat of sparring partners or the medals that come through competition.
The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Globetrotter is truly a must read for anyone studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or, for that matter, anyone who has a dream but allows their responsibilities to hold them back.
From his home in Denmark, Christian decides to plan a 140 day trip that will take him to 24 countries, where he will visit 56 gyms and take part in 90 classes. This book, The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Globetrotter, serves as his journal containing not only a log of each and every training session, but also his philosophical musings as he travels around the World learning not only more about the sport, but more about himself and, indeed, human beings. Despite English being Graugart’s second language, except for the minor issue of an overuse/miss-placement of commas, Graugart’s prose are descriptive, engaging and full of his own blend of charm, wit and honesty. In addition, the author has a true knack for portraying characters and really being able to craft an individual with his words.
Essentially, what Christian did was save up a ton of money (by going seriously OCD on his outgoings for a while) and created a blog offering to teach BJJ to anyone willing to allow him a free lesson in their gym. Some of my favourite chapters were where the author finds himself deep in the more ‘dangerous’ parts of Europe such as Romania and Moldova. The Jiu Jitsu gyms in these places aren’t pretty, but it quickly becomes apparent that even for the most hard-up kids, Jiu Jitsu is a way to escape the difficult life-style for a while embrace the ideologies that come with taking up a Martial Art. Whilst these kids don’t offer our author much in terms of Jiu Jitsu practice, not all of Christian’s stops have him being the main man in the room. In fact, as you would expect, most gyms have at least a few stronger and higher ranking competitors, especially when Graugart makes a point of visiting the more renowned gyms towards the middle of his trip (including the World renowned Marcelo Garcia Academy in New York!). Eventually, as the trip’s busy-schedule begins to break-down the authors body, his abilities and resolve get tested; Graugart begins finding that even the blue and purple belts are becoming hard work. Walking into the gym as an ‘Internet Celebrity’ – due to the popularity of his blog and various magazine spots – he seems to have a target on his back and finds himself wondering whether this trip was a good idea, whether he really deserves his brown belt, let alone his black belt (which has been on the cards for a while) and whether he whether perhaps surfing could serve as a less demanding Jiu Jitsu replacement.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Globe Trotter when I picked it up… I do think it’s important to note that it is not a technique book or the autobiography of a fighter – the two more common types of book produced for martial artists. It much more closely resembles a travel book with the author providing as much detail about the people and the locations he visits as the training. This turns out to be far from a disappointment though, for Christian’s message is clear: like travelling, Jiu Jitsu is as much about the journey and the people you meet along the way as it is about the belts, the defeat of sparring partners or the medals that come through competition.
The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Globetrotter is truly a must read for anyone studying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or, for that matter, anyone who has a dream but allows their responsibilities to hold them back.
February 3, 2017
This book is more of a collection of journal entries, lacking much of a bridge between chapters and sometimes sentences for that matter. While the content is enjoyable to read Graugart was in need of an editor, if for no other reason than to correct some basic English mistakes. Despite these short comings I did enjoy the book.
June 13, 2013
The only reason I have not given this book 5 stars is due to the large number of grammar mistakes. Christian is a natural storyteller and this is a must read for anyone who trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or just enjoys a good travel story :)
January 1, 2017
Graugart's book is interesting. It could use an editor. I love the philosophy of jiu-jitsu he proposes. His story and his trip around the world are interesting and fun but not particularly polished.
May 4, 2017
Loved this book. Made me want to train more and travel more. Felt a little unfocused in the beginning but really tightened up by the end.
March 18, 2022
300 pages overlong, riddled with spelling errors and lousy with privileged platitudes about the ‘life-changing’ power of travel, the Brazilian jiu jitsu globetrotter should not be as good as it is.
But it is good. In a sport defined by ridiculously macho posturing, graugart is a figure brave enough to express sympathy, compassion, fear and anxiety. The bravado so common in rickson gracie’s ‘Breathe’ is here replaced by a winning self-deprecation and his book has become a manifesto for everything jiu jitsu can and should be.
For graugart, grappling isn’t about proving yourself or winning championships, or being the toughest man in town. It’s about making friends and having experiences. It’s a lens through which to connect with yourself and the world around you.
It’s for that reason the book works so well, especially if you train. This is the most astute account of the experience, the texture of feeling, associated with grappling I’ve ever read. It’s just pretty rough around the edges.
But it is good. In a sport defined by ridiculously macho posturing, graugart is a figure brave enough to express sympathy, compassion, fear and anxiety. The bravado so common in rickson gracie’s ‘Breathe’ is here replaced by a winning self-deprecation and his book has become a manifesto for everything jiu jitsu can and should be.
For graugart, grappling isn’t about proving yourself or winning championships, or being the toughest man in town. It’s about making friends and having experiences. It’s a lens through which to connect with yourself and the world around you.
It’s for that reason the book works so well, especially if you train. This is the most astute account of the experience, the texture of feeling, associated with grappling I’ve ever read. It’s just pretty rough around the edges.
April 24, 2021
I got this book years ago with a purchase I made from Prof. Graugart's website and it took me a while to get into it and finish it. It seemed like it was a series of blog entries or notes from his travels as well as some background about his life.
Overall, I enjoyed it but felt it could have had a little more structure to it. It seemed like he had a happy childhood for a good portion of the book and it took about halfway more to find he had struggles with being a child of divorce and estrangement.
English isn't his first language so there are some grammar and syntax mistakes that sometimes made him a little hard to understand, but in toto it w was a fun read while I was traveling, definitely a good beach read and inspired me to compete more.
Overall, I enjoyed it but felt it could have had a little more structure to it. It seemed like he had a happy childhood for a good portion of the book and it took about halfway more to find he had struggles with being a child of divorce and estrangement.
English isn't his first language so there are some grammar and syntax mistakes that sometimes made him a little hard to understand, but in toto it w was a fun read while I was traveling, definitely a good beach read and inspired me to compete more.
February 5, 2020
Inspiring
This book was not only about him, but also his journey in life to experience more and inspire folks to get out and see and meet people through whatever medium, whether jiu jitsu or surfing or art. The book was about bettering yourself and others on the way. Very Jack Kerouac and "On The Road". Thanks Christian for reminding me about the goodness of life and people globally. Christian
This book was not only about him, but also his journey in life to experience more and inspire folks to get out and see and meet people through whatever medium, whether jiu jitsu or surfing or art. The book was about bettering yourself and others on the way. Very Jack Kerouac and "On The Road". Thanks Christian for reminding me about the goodness of life and people globally. Christian
December 19, 2022
Beautiful, wonderful, an amazing story and ode to the art I love. His description of the conditions that poorer nations do just to train jiu-jitsu and do so without complaint was humbling and inspiring. Having been to, at least, one of these nations made me hunger for travel and to train as much as I can.
If you love BJJ, get this book.
If you love BJJ, get this book.
August 30, 2017
A funny and entertaining memoir about traveling and training.
September 17, 2017
makes me want to train at gyms around the world
July 3, 2018
Awesome book for every Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Take this one on your trip, you won't be disappointed.
January 6, 2019
Excellent account of an adventure every BJJ practitioner would love to do. Needs editing but very readable.
August 21, 2018
Incredibly inspiring, fascinating accounts!
May 4, 2013
Enjoyable read. There's not a lot of jiu jitsu technique/training in it, it's more about traveling and the BJJ life. Good message about living life to its fullest. Thanks to Susan for this nice gift.
January 9, 2014
What a great book about not just jiu jitsu, but also travelling, changing life and most of all friendship and how jiu jitsu can bring people together. Would recommend this book to everybody and not just jiu jitsu practitioners. What this guy did is amazing!
January 21, 2016
Awesome Journey!
Very thought provoking read. Especially meaningful if you train grappling but the story is engaging on it's own merits. Very honest and unpretentious. The final wrap up is particularly well written.
Very thought provoking read. Especially meaningful if you train grappling but the story is engaging on it's own merits. Very honest and unpretentious. The final wrap up is particularly well written.
May 26, 2013
Good read for anyone interested in BJJ and globetrotting..
April 25, 2013
Great Book for every Grappler out there
August 16, 2013
Great read for enthusiasts
March 30, 2017
Awesome book about traveling and doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) but too, may, god, damn, commas. Needs editing.
April 4, 2017
Magnificent read!
Should be a must read for everyone !!!
The way its written the reader is transported to all the destinations and the JiuJitsu flows magically :D
Should be a must read for everyone !!!
The way its written the reader is transported to all the destinations and the JiuJitsu flows magically :D
September 26, 2017
This book single handedly inspired my own travels to train around the world.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews