What 'David Vs Goliath' has to do with Jiu-Jitsu

The fable of David and Goliath has many theological meanings. But the battle between the stronger, Goliath and the smaller, weaker David has taken on a more popularised and secular purpose and is used to describe any scenario where a smaller individual triumphs against the odds and becomes the victorious underdog.

This metaphor is seen as an overarching theme of the entire history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

The story goes that one of the pioneers of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Grandmaster Helio Gracie was one of the smallest and weakest of his brothers and adapted the teachings of Judo and Japanese Jiu Jitsu to develop the origins of the art we love and practice today. Time after time, Helio Gracie would pit himself against stronger and larger opponents to prove the effectiveness of his techniques.

In the early '90s his son, Royce was chosen, not because he was the strongest or most talented of the Jiu Jitsu practitioners of the Gracie family, but instead because he was built the most average, coming in around 80 kgs. By choosing Royce, the family allowed Jiu Jitsu to take centre stage in the battle against other martial arts.

The entire foundation and history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are built on the premise that the weaker opponent can persevere and through the use of technique and leverage, can overcome a stronger and larger opponent. Helio said to always imagine that there was someone out there stronger and better than you, so no matter what size you are, sometimes you can be the Goliath and sometimes you can be David. It's important to recognise and learn from both and always work to keep your technique as pure and free of brute strength as possible. To overcome and persevere in the face of nearly impossible adversity is the Jiu Jitsu way.

It doesn't matter if you are a smaller Jiu Jitsu practitioner or if you're pushing the heavier weight classes, you can learn a great deal from the smaller, technical fighter.

Book your free trial at the Northern Beaches Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Cromer, to see why this sport is growing so fast.