Bow Before No Man: The Origin of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Ethiopia

by Colin Stewart, Yared Nigusse (contributor), Leykun Birhanu (contributor)

In the shade of the dense eucalyptus forest perched above the capital city of Ethiopia, Brazilian jiu jitsu began to take root in the late 2010s. Geographically isolated from the international martial arts community, and born into a region plagued by political instability, the odds did not favor the immediate development of the sport. Despite the challenges, the students were ready. In 2021, a coach arrived. These are the stories of how Ethiopian youth found meaning on the mats amidst civil war, extreme poverty, global pandemic, chronic under-employment, mental health misconceptions, and the preventable deaths of their teammates.

Like Ethiopia, the stories are “becoming.” Unfinished, largely unedited, and written in foreign script by young men and women who are becoming the next version of themselves. Brazilian jiu jitsu, for better and for worse, provides the vessel. The stories are firsthand accounts, as seen through an array of diverse lenses. As such, the memories are unique to the individuals, complete with inconsistency, delusion, and personal flair.

In their home country, the athletes still face a deep cultural bias against combat sports. The martial arts scene in Ethiopia has long reflected the traditional values that dominate the local landscape. Certain disciplines have been ordained, while most new sports are viewed with skepticism. The government-funded federations established to spread sport in Ethiopia view jiu jitsu with the same suspicion as the invasive eucalyptus, a foreign species looking to choke out the incumbent.

They are correct.

Your purchase includes a contribution to the development of Brazilian jiu jitsu in Ethiopia.

225 pages, Paperback

Published June 30, 2024

Reviews

[Charissa Costa Bauhaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to read BOW BEFORE NO MAN by Colin Stewart. I’ll start off by saying that I do not do jiu jitsu, martial arts, or any regular form of exercise. BOW BEFORE NO MAN is a personal account of the author’s time in Ethiopia, and the story of a group of young people who find camaraderie, safety, and purpose in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I’m sure those who love the sport will love this book. I’m also sure that those who love Ethiopian or African history will find voices in this story that until now have been left unheard. But this book is not just a story about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it’s a tale of struggle, perseverance and fortitude. The characters are real people with real challenges that many of us cannot imagine. The climate is rife with obstacles, yet they overcome and succeed again and again. BOW BEFORE NO MAN demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal. It’s worth the read. Well done.

[Mohamed Amine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked about this book is the spontaneity of the narration, with some funny situations that make the reader want to know more and wonder. What happened next? The story is also an inspiration not only for people who train Jiu-Jitsu but for everyone, this story is a living example of what Paulo Coelho said: When you want something.. the entire universe conspires to help you achieve it. And all you needed in this story was not the entire universe but a few people who love Jiu-Jitsu and will train even if they can't find a suitable place or the right clothes, you are a source of inspiration and thank you for giving us hope in this sport and in life

[Barrioviajero]

Una bella historia de los orígenes del Jiu Jitsu en Etiopía. Por Colin Stewart, cinturón negro cuarto grado, que vivió en el país durante varios años.

Se trata de un libro coral, en el que se relata cómo fue aquel proceso: difícil, con pocos recursos, pero sostenido por la disciplina, la ayuda exterior y la fuerza de una comunidad de alumnos comprometidos.