Jocko Willink is a former Navy SEAL, author, podcaster, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Dean Lister. When asked about the importance of BJJ in his life, Willink was unequivocal in his endorsement of the martial art.
“Jiu-Jitsu is probably the No. 1 activity that I would recommend to someone to improve their lives overall,” Willink stated. He cites the well-rounded physical and mental benefits as key reasons why BJJ stands out.
“Jiu-Jitsu is a great workout both mentally and physically. You want to be strong for it and flexible for it. You want to have explosive energy and you want to have endurance. So it’s a very good all-around physical conditioning tool,” Willink explained  here.
The intense nature of grappling doesn’t just push you physically, but mentally as well. Willink highlighted how BJJ forces you to confront humility and perseverance. “It can be very humiliating and humbling. If you have a hard time dealing with the fact that someone smaller than you may be able to tap you out, it is going to be difficult.”
This mental toughness is part of what drew Willink to incorporate BJJ training when leading his SEAL teams. “I loved teaching the guys as much as I could, and as much as they wanted…For me, I knew I wanted to be able to make sure that it wouldn’t be done to me, and I would be able to do it to other people.”
Whether for the physical challenges, mental fortitude, or highly practical self-defense applications, Jocko Willink stands firmly behind Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as the number one activity he recommends for improving one’s overall quality of life. With his experiences as an elite soldier and BJJ black belt, his endorsement carries tremendous weight.
