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Breathe: A Life in Flow Hardcover – 19 Aug. 2021

by Rickson Gracie (Author), Jocko Willink (Foreword)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 3,744 ratings
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From legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA master Rickson Gracie comes a riveting, insightful memoir that weaves together the story of Gracie’s stunning career with the larger history of the Gracie family dynasty, showing how the connection between mind and body can be harnessed for success both inside and outside the ring.

Undefeated from the late 1970s through his final fight in the Tokyo Dome in 2000, Rickson Gracie amassed hundreds of victories in the street, on the mat, at the beach, and in the ring. He has joined the pantheon that includes Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Jackie Chan as one of the most famous martial artists of the twentieth century. Jiu-Jitsu, the fighting style developed and pioneered by his family, has become one of the world’s most prominent martial arts, and Vale Tudo, the “anything goes” style of Brazilian street fighting over which the Gracies had a monopoly, was an early precursor to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Simply put, without the Gracie family, there would be no sport of ‘MMA’, no 4-billion-dollar UFC empire, and no ‘Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’ at strip malls all across America.

In Breathe, for the first time, Rickson will share the full story of how his father and uncles came to develop Jiu-Jitsu, what it was like to grow up among several generations of world-renowned fighters from the Gracie clan, and the principles and skills that guided him to his undefeated record. From learning to assert himself on the streets of Rio to gaining fame and honour in Japan and emerging through heartbreaking tragedy, the martial arts master shares tales of overcoming challenges, extolling universal virtues and showing readers how pride and ego are the enemies of success. With never-before-seen photos and profound insights into the sport and way of life that only a studied legend can provide, Breathe is an entertaining and magnified view of an enduring legacy as well as an inspiring tale of weathering life’s complexities and overcoming them with style and grace.

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  1. Print length
    320 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    HarperCollins
  4. Publication date
    19 Aug. 2021
  5. Dimensions
    15.9 x 2.7 x 24 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    0008440107
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0008440107
  8. See all details
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Breathe
Comfort in Darkness
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars 68
4.8 out of 5 stars 68
Price £16.80 £16.80
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Product description

About the Author

Rickson Gracie, member of the most prominent martial arts family, was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he entered his first Jiu Jitsu competition at the age of six. By the age of fifteen he was teaching his family’s martial art. For almost two decades, Gracie reigned as world Jiu Jitsu champion in both the middle heavy weight and open divisions. He retired from fighting with an undefeated record. 
Since retiring, he has focused on unifying and spreading his family martial art through his Global Jiu Jitsu Federation. Today, he teaches seminars around the world and his students come from all walks of life: men, women, children, senior citizens, law enforcement officers, military personnel, veterans suffering from PTSD, and martial artists of all styles. A film about his life, Dead or Alive, directed by Narcos director José Padilha, is currently in production from Netflix.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins (19 Aug. 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0008440107
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008440107
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.9 x 2.7 x 24 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 3,744 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Peter Maguire

    Peter Maguire

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Peter Maguire is the author of Thai Stick: Surfers, Scammers, and the Untold Story of the Marijuana Trade, Law and War, and Facing Death in Cambodia.

    Peter is a historian and former war-crimes investigator whose writings have been published in the International Herald Tribune, New York Times, The Independent, Newsday, and Boston Globe. He has taught law and war theory at Columbia University and Bard College.

    Watch interviews and videos with Peter:

    Peter speaks about his book, Facing Death in Cambodia on CSPAN Book TV: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/FacingD

    The Origins of the Cambodia War Crimes Tribunal: http://vimeo.com/28287579

    Interview with Radio Australia: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/connect-asia/the-therapeutic-legalism-of-cambodias-war-crimes-tribunal/1105808

    Interview from the film "Brother Number One": http://brothernumberone.co.nz/cambodianhistory

    Interview with France 24: http://www.france24.com/en/20090217-landmark-khmer-rouge-trial-continues-

    Interview on the origins of Mixed Martial Arts: http://archive.org/details/NoHoldsBarredPeterMaguireAndJohnPerrettiOnTheRealOriginOfMixed

    Article about John Danaher: The Professor is The Madman: http://www.fightmagazine.com/mma-magazine/the-professor-is-the-madman-5714/

    Article about Strategic Legalism as defined in Peter's book, Law and War: An American Story: http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/strategic-legalism

    2001 Interview about Peter's book Law and War: An American Story: http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/law-and-war-century-hypocrisy-and-ambivalence

    See more on the author's page
  2. Rickson Gracie

    Rickson Gracie

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    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
3,744 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and inspiring. They describe it as a great read for BJJ fans or martial arts enthusiasts. The storyline is interesting and well-told, with an honest and open account of Rickson Gracie's life. Readers praise the writing style as easy to read and flowing. They appreciate the author's honesty and humility about his mistakes and struggles. Overall, customers consider the book a powerful and insightful account from one of the greatest fighters and martial artists.

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InsightReadabilityStorylineWriting styleHonestyStrength
21 customers mention ‘Insight’21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful, inspiring, and interesting. They say it's an honest and open account of a life that has seen its share of drama. The book provides fundamental lessons about life that resonate with them. Readers describe it as an incredible journey of an incredible human being.

"...Rickson is an exceptional fighter and it was good to get an insight into his incredible mindset and the way in which he deals with life...." Read more

"...it will naturally appeal to BJJ/Fight fans more, there are fundamental lessons about life that will resonate with everyone...." Read more

"...It was refreshing to read a very honest and open account of a life that has seen its share of drama, tragedy and success...." Read more

"...So gave the book a read and can say was very entertaining but also appears to be full of honesty about his life and the Gracie family, you read it..." Read more

21 customers mention ‘Readability’21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and interesting. It's refreshing to read an honest account of a life well-lived.

"Excellent read!..." Read more

"...All in all a great read, whether you are a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner or just someone that is looking for inspiration. Highly recommended." Read more

"Very interesting read a must for any mma fan." Read more

"Best book have read for a long time so enjoyable to read. There are no coincidences follow your path with courage and honesty." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Storyline’10 positive0 negative

Customers find the storyline engaging. They mention it's a true legend's life with interesting stories about his family and honor. The book keeps them hooked with its rich heritage and storytelling.

"...His story has everything - the greatest highs, and the lowest lows - and it all resonated with me more than any book has for a long time...." Read more

"Story of a true legend , Rickson Gracie is one of the toughest and most powerful men ever to walk the earth." Read more

"Highly recommended. A true master and legend." Read more

"I really couldn't put this ebook down I was fully immersed in the story of Rickson Gracie and loved the fact that it showed a darker side to this..." Read more

6 customers mention ‘Writing style’6 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style easy to read and inspiring. They describe it as simple yet brilliant, with words that flow smoothly off the page.

"...Rickson’s way of writing is beautifully simple, the words dance off the page and into your soul...." Read more

"Outstanding book, very interesting and well written. Includes information about Brazilian Jiujitsu history...." Read more

"...I had a look and the style of writing is very interesting. I will be reading it soon. Fascinating stuff." Read more

"Fantastically well-written and insightful account from one of the greatest fighters and martial artists...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Honesty’5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's honesty and humility in the book. They say it's full of honesty about his life and struggles. The author also mentions that the story is realistic, not a John Wick story.

"...There are no coincidences follow your path with courage and honesty." Read more

"...and can say was very entertaining but also appears to be full of honesty about his life and the Gracie family, you read it and see they are just a..." Read more

"You need to constantly remind yourself that this is real and not a John Wick story. Incredible journey of an incredible human." Read more

"...wider Jiu-Jitsu story, the author managing to tell his story with great humility and an objective focus that is so incredibly rare these days" Read more

4 customers mention ‘Strength’4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and well-written. It's an account from one of the greatest fighters and martial artists, a powerful man, and an extraordinary dynasty of fighters.

"Excellent read! Rickson is an exceptional fighter and it was good to get an insight into his incredible mindset and the way in which he deals with..." Read more

"...of a true legend , Rickson Gracie is one of the toughest and most powerful men ever to walk the earth." Read more

"...insight into a fascinating family (the Gracies) and an extraordinary dynasty of fighters...." Read more

"Fantastically well-written and insightful account from one of the greatest fighters and martial artists...." Read more

Damaged
1 out of 5 stars
Damaged
This book was for a gift. It arrived with damages, see photos. Disappointing. I don't have time to return items and wait for another, so gave the book as it was, with an apology to the recipient.
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • X
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 November 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent read! Rickson is an exceptional fighter and it was good to get an insight into his incredible mindset and the way in which he deals with life. Also has information concerning the early UFC and Pride, highly recommended reading for anyone with an interest in martial arts or the Gracie family and their champion.
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  • Gary J Savage
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating insight into the life of a living legend
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 August 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Rickson Gracie is considered by many as Jiu-Jitsu’s greatest of all time. Stories have been passed down through time as to his incredible skill and understanding of his family’s art, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. It was refreshing to read a very honest and open account of a life that has seen its share of drama, tragedy and success. Rickson comes across as a man that has walked the path of a warrior, made mistakes, as we all have, and learned to live his authentic best following the loss of his oldest son. I would have liked more great stories, but perhaps there is another book planned (I hope so). All in all a great read, whether you are a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner or just someone that is looking for inspiration. Highly recommended.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Simple but Brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 October 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I would encourage everyone to read this book. While it will naturally appeal to BJJ/Fight fans more, there are fundamental lessons about life that will resonate with everyone. Rickson’s way of writing is beautifully simple, the words dance off the page and into your soul. It’s an easy read, and will only take a few days - but it will stay with you forever.

    His story has everything - the greatest highs, and the lowest lows - and it all resonated with me more than any book has for a long time. I look forward to reading it again soon - it’s that good!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • barry
    4.0 out of 5 stars The legend
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 January 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Very interesting read a must for any mma fan.
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  • G. ellis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 December 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Best book have read for a long time so enjoyable to read. There are no coincidences follow your path with courage and honesty.
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  • Anthony J
    5.0 out of 5 stars An open and honest account of his life
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 September 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Always thought Rickson was one of the top instructors in his field, albeit I’m not a BJJ student but do train jujitsu, always liked the top Gracie’s teaching methods. So gave the book a read and can say was very entertaining but also appears to be full of honesty about his life and the Gracie family, you read it and see they are just a family like every other, albeit they have gone on to great success, a good little read for anyone interested in the Gracie’s, jujitsu or any martial arts practitioners
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Ben
    5.0 out of 5 stars legend
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 May 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Story of a true legend , Rickson Gracie is one of the toughest and most powerful men ever to walk the earth.
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  • Philip
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 November 2023
    Verified Purchase
    You need to constantly remind yourself that this is real and not a John Wick story. Incredible journey of an incredible human.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Drew Hughes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on 15 February 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent book about one that man consider the greatest Jiu-Jitsu warrior of all time. Royce does an incredible job telling his story and weaving in life lessons that Jiu -Jitsu has taught him in life!
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  • Luis Enrique
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente
    Reviewed in Mexico on 17 December 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Buen libro, fácil y rápido de leer
    Report
  • Paulo Cesar Santos Brida
    5.0 out of 5 stars Legítimo samurai
    Reviewed in Brazil on 22 June 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Muito bom ver as histórias de um Samurai da vida real! Erros e acertos e até certo ponto as batalhas parecem maiores do que poderiam ser, mas a visão sobre os anos 80 e 90 pra quem não esteve lá, realmente fica difícil ter a dimensão de toda magnitude expressada.
    Entender que o samurai brasileiro está ficando velho é maravilhoso por mostrar que a filosofia é mais forte que o físico e o espiritual individual de cada homem é o que nos diferencia nessa trajetória. Oss
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  • Jason Libbos
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in Canada on 24 January 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this biography. It really gives you a good understanding of the culture and origins of Gracie jiujitsu and an in-depth look into the Gracie clan. It also gives you great insight into the life and upbringing of Rickson Gracie, one of the greatest martial artists of all time.
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  • Jose Manuel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Me ha encantado.
    Reviewed in Spain on 5 April 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Totalmente recomendable si eres fan del BJJ y conoces algo de la historia de la familia Gracie.
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