Improving our world, by improving our community, by improving ourselves.
Our mission at Werneck Family Jiu-Jitsu is simple, yet global in its scope. We provide world-class instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, family-friendly environment in order to help each and every student reach their full potential both as an individual, and as a contributing member of society. Whether one wishes to be a World Champion athlete, a successful business person, a good student, or a better parent, the habits and life-style choices one makes are key factors in achieving one’s goals. Coincidently, these same traits that help us achieve our individual dreams also foster a sense of community, and with that a sense of civic duty.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” William Durant, American Writer and Philosopher
Our program teaches and reinforces the characteristics recognized as the foundation for success. We categorize these “life skills” into our Five Pillars of SuccessTM: Strength, Honor, Courage, Commitment, and Vision.
Força e Honra
Força e Honra (Portuguese for Strength and Honor) is our school motto. Strength is our starting point, for it is only with the vehicle of a strong, healthy body that we can effectively accomplish anything else in life. Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a fun way to put in the work necessary to develop a high level of functional fitness. It will increase cardiovascular capacity, build muscular strength, improve flexibility, and develop coordination.
Strength isn’t simply a physical state, however, just as we are not merely physical beings. Our program helps build mental and emotional strength as well. Grappling with teammates in a safe, nurturing environment builds confidence, patience, resilience, and tenacity like few other activities can. Such internal fortitude empowers a person to see past short term temptations to achieve greater, long-term goals. It enables one to resist unhealthy peer-pressure, and to be resilient under adversity. Imagine the confidence that comes from having the skills and knowledge to effectively control a training partner in class, or a potentially violent situation “on the street!”
“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” – Declaration of Independence
From ancient philosophers such as Homer and Confucius to the concept of Chivalry in medieval Europe and the Bushido Code of the Samurai, Honor is a virtue that has been extolled throughout the ages. We believe it is our responsibility as members of the martial art community to promote an ethical code of conduct. This code includes such ideals as courtesy, integrity, self-discipline, and gratitude. For example, we believe in honoring – in demonstrating gratitude to – our teachers, our training partners, our parents, and by extension, other members of our community.
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ …You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
When people think of Courage, images of grandiose acts of valor come to mind, like storming the beaches of Normandy, or rescuing someone from a burning building. No less important, however, are the more common decisions we regularly face. It requires courage to face change, accept new challenges, and to act. By doing so we create new opportunities for success and growth in our personal lives. When we have the courage to stand up for what’s right, even in the face of public opposition, we help make the world around us a little bit better. Training at Werneck Family Jiu-Jitsu provides a safe, friendly environment where one can learn to face their fears and accept life’s challenges, with the full support of the entire jiu-jitsu family.
“The quality of one’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” – Vince Lombardi
All great accomplishments require untold amounts of time and effort to achieve. It takes years, even decades, to become a World Champion. The path to victory is also marked by setbacks, and even many “failures.” Ask any world-class athlete about their trials and tribulations on the road to the Gold, and they will tell you a story of Commitment. It takes powerful commitment to work through all the time away from family & friends, the thousands of hours spent fine-tuning their craft, the injuries, and the losses. This trait is key to not only athletes, but anyone interested in achieving big things in life.
Life on the “mat,” where we train with our teammates – sometimes winning, sometimes “tapping out” – provides the perfect environment to develop our commitment to excellence. Every class is an opportunity to learn a new technique, or refine a known one, and put that knowledge to the test. In this manner, each class becomes a victory – a successful step in building our bodies, and sharpening our minds to a higher end.
“What you can do, or dream you can, begin it,
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it,
Only engage, and then the mind grows heated—
Begin it, and the work will be completed!”
–Goethe, as translated by John Anster
What do you want out of your training? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 20? This dream is your Vision, and we want to help you get there. Every successful person has a vision, and a game plan, with measurable goals along the way to mark their progress. We can provide the plan, through our structured curriculum, to help you achieve your goals. Our jiujitsu family will provide a supportive environment to help you stay committed. We can all work together to achieve our individual goals, all-the-while making our community a better place in the process. What are you waiting for? Sign up for a free trial NOW!