Jake Johnston

It's been 32 years since I first stepped onto the mats, eager and uncertain, to learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Along the way, through countless hours of sweat and struggle, I found myself uncovering lessons—principles—without even knowing it. They were always there, hidden in the folds of every roll, every escape, every victory and defeat. But what Rener Gracie has done with *The 32 Principles* is something I wish I had at the start of my journey. Rener has taken what many of us stumbled upon by chance and laid it bare, clear as day, for anyone to grasp. This book isn't just about mastering Jiu-Jitsu—it’s about mastering the art of life. The way it defines these principles makes learning a truly boundless endeavor. It doesn’t just teach you; it shows you how to discover, to explore, and to evolve endlessly. I find myself wishing these principles had been laid out for me all those years ago. How different my path might have been—how much better a practitioner, and perhaps a person, I could have become. And yet, there is a sense of gratitude that they’ve been defined now, at this precise moment in my life. It feels like the timing is perfect, as if everything has come full circle. I can't recommend *The 32 Principles* enough, whether you’re someone interested in Jiu-Jitsu or simply in the art of living well. It’s a guide, a beacon for anyone ready to learn, to discover, and to grow.