1. Lesson from Gilberto Durinho
After hitting the woodwork so many times, the Atos lightweight won one of the thorniest divisions in Worlds history. The lesson: don’t be discouraged if you have your objective within grasp on so many occasions but it slips through your fingers. When it comes down to it, those attempts, which others erroneously call “frustrations”, will lead you to conquer something beyond a mere objective, but your greatest dream in life.2. Lesson from Kron and Tanquinho
The two finalists (lightweight and featherweight) dropped down a weight group to achieve better career results. Take a close look to see whether you’re coming up short for want of a diet – or just a pre-tourney spell in the sauna.3. Lesson from Gabrielle Garcia
One time, upon surmounting ultraheavyweight Luiz Felipe Big Mac, black belt Alexandre Souza taught: “You don’t chop down a mountain, you scale it.” If you’re one of Gabi Garcia’s opponent’s and you haven’t found a way of beating her yet, train and study more. Adopting the unbecoming tactic of berating and badmouthing the absolute champion is the attitude of someone who understands nothing of the spirit of Jiu-Jitsu, wherein great opponents shape our character and games.4. Lesson from Tyler Brey
In Long Beach, the blue belt from Infinite Jiu-Jitsu proved how you don’t need a black belt to thrill a crowd. His legs rendered useless by a congenital spinal defect, Tyler parked his wheelchair at ringside and dove on in. “If you limit yourself, you’ll never get anywhere. I don’t have it all, but God gave me what I need to do what I want,” said the fresh-faced Californian. Stop whining about the difficulties and ask yourself how you can make a difference.5. Lesson from Angélica Galvão
André’s wife took five years off from training to take care of her daughter. Even after spending so many years on the sidelines, she came back and became purple belt world champion. Find inspiration in her accomplishment; keep in shape and get back to training tomorrow, regardless of your reasons for having put Jiu-Jitsu on hold in the first place.6. Lesson from Braga Neto
The Roberto Gordo pupil won the world championship in 2008, after which he had a run of poor results until capturing his second, this year in California. Persist, keep training and believing; after all, storms and fair weather are a normal part of any journey.7. Lessons from the Mendes brothers
The first brothers crowned black belt world champions on the same year, they started out together and made it to the top together. Invite the ones you love to train with you. Jiu-Jitsu only strengthens the bonds – and helps with your objectives.8. Lesson from Pé de Pano
Early in the year, Márcio Cruz told GRACIEMAG.com he would be making his return and pursuing a medal at the 2011 Worlds. Keeping his word, the black belt commonly known as Pé de Pano only hit a wall in an evenly-matched semifinal with Cavaca. If you truly believe in the promises you make, state them, share them with friends and even rivals. Hold yourself to them and make it happen.9. Lesson from Hannette Quadros
Dare. If the move featuring on your opponent’s menu is a flying armbar, go for it, and rush to the crowd to celebrate.10. Lesson from Letícia Ribeiro
Let stated that her pupil Bia Mesquita won’t let her stop competing. Iron forges iron, steel shapes steel. Teach your training partners everything you know so you’ll continue to evolve – and win along with them.11. Lesson from Léo Nogueira
Winning the absolute gold medal at the Brazilian Nationals a few weeks prior was key in his success at the Worlds. Hiding your game may be effective, but testing it against the best is far more productive. Be prepared to face challenges the moment they surface.12. Lesson from Cris Cyborg and Ben Henderson
Jiu-Jitsu may not be your only concern in life but it should be top of the list of the less important ones. Train, test yourself at all times, and you may just nab a bronze medal to show your friends at the UFC like Ben did, or a gold medal to show off around Strikforce like Cris did.13. Lesson from Marcelo Garcia
Be wary of beaten old precepts like “It’s easy to make it to the top, what’s hard is staying there.” Plenty of superstars toiled doggedly in the lower belt divisions, facing all the challenges they could handle, stomped on their egos, and today they seem to win on “automatic pilot”. That’s the case of Marcelinho, who took on all the absolute had to offer at brown belt, developed an unbeatable game, and is now five-time middleweight world champion.14. Lesson from Alexander Trans
So what if what you’ve been doing is hardly recognized in your country or not recognized at all? Fight, hone your skills, and strive to be the best in your country at what you do. With time, you may, for example, come from Denmark to become champion of the world in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu…15. Lesson from Luanna Alzuguir
Cracked rib? Get the quick tapout, grab your gold medal, and go get it taken care of happier and more fulfilled.16. Lesson from Rodolfo Vieira
Don’t let titles or glory change the way you see the world and do things. A short tale picked up on by the GRACIEMAG at the Worlds Blog: on opening day at the Worlds, Rodolfo got in a lengthy line like everyone else to collect the IBJJF T-shirt and copy of GRACIEMAG to which all 2,300 athletes signed up were entitled to. Getting near his turn, Rodolfo stuck a hand in his pocket and realized he didn’t have his IBJJF ID, promptly leaving the line and telling a friend: “Shoot, I didn’t bring my card; I’ll come back tomorrow. There’s no way to prove I’m signed up for the Worlds. “What are you talking about, you nut? You’re on the cover of the GRACIE you’re about to pick up; at the Pan!” Even so, Rodolfo stuck to the rules and left, returning the next day to pick up his magazine and T-shirt, happy as a lark.* This article was originally printed in GRACIEMAG #172.)
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