Royce Gracie, the legendary UFC champion and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer, makes a compelling case for implementing martial arts programs in school curriculums across America, similar to the successful model adopted in the UAE. Drawing from his experience seeing Jiu-Jitsu’s positive impact in UAE schools, where it has become a mandatory part of physical education, Gracie emphasizes how martial arts training develops crucial character traits in students beyond just self-defense skills.
According to Royce Gracie, martial arts programs teach discipline, respect, confidence, and personal responsibility. He highlights how these programs can benefit both bullied students and bullies themselves, noting that bullying often stems from a lack of confidence. Through martial arts training, students learn to channel their energy positively while developing self-assurance.
Allegedly the feedback from the UAE has been complementary. Royce told Prager U:
“It builds confidence in the students, teaches them how to defend themselves. We’re not teaching them to become fighters but to defend themselves—how not to get bullied and how to protect others.”
“It also improves discipline. Students understand their teachers better, argue less, and develop respect for themselves and others.”
“We’re teaching discipline. Be on time, bring your gear—your gi. And if they say, ‘Oh, my mom forgot the gi,’ I tell them, ‘That’s not your mom’s problem. It’s your responsibility to pack your gi.'”
“It teaches accountability, respect, and discipline.”
When asked about chances of BJJ being integrated into schools in the US, Gracie said it would be tremendously beneficial:
“Absolutely, it would. Every school should have it. Jiu-Jitsu teaches discipline, confidence, and respect. And it’s not just for the kids getting bullied; the ones doing the bullying need it too.”
“Why is the bully picking on others? No one ever asks. It’s often because they don’t have confidence themselves. They’re trying to prove their toughness by picking on smaller kids.”
“But if they learn martial arts, if they learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, they’ll know how tough they are. They won’t need to prove it by hurting others. It’s an amazing way to channel natural masculinity in young men.”
“I don’t believe in that ‘toxic masculinity’ stuff. Honestly, I don’t even know how to pronounce it properly because I don’t believe in it. Men need to be men. Boys need to be boys.”
The Gracie method focuses on teaching students how to handle confrontation appropriately – not through aggression, but through controlled responses and standing one’s ground when necessary. This approach helps students develop emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills alongside physical capabilities.
Gracie argues that implementing martial arts in schools could address behavioral issues while fostering personal growth. He emphasizes that martial arts instruction isn’t about creating fighters, but rather about building character and teaching students how to defend themselves while maintaining discipline and respect for others.
Based on the success seen in UAE schools and Brazil’s martial arts culture, Gracie believes American schools would greatly benefit from incorporating martial arts into their curriculum. The program would provide students with valuable life skills while promoting physical fitness and mental well-being.
Through this educational approach, schools could help students develop the confidence, discipline, and respect that are fundamental to both personal development and academic success. Gracie’s advocacy for martial arts in schools represents a holistic approach to education that addresses both physical and character development.
