Preserving Tradition and Upholding Honor: The Core Value of Integrity
Welcome to the heart and soul of Gracie Barra, where Brotherhood/Sisterhood, Integrity, and Development are not just words – they are our way of life. These are our guiding principles that shape every action and decision. From the highest-ranking black belts to the newest white belts, these Core Values are the foundation upon which our community thrives, fostering respect, trust, and honor among all.
In this blog, we embark on a journey deep into the essence of one of Gracie Barra's values – Integrity. When you become a member of the Gracie Barra team, you quickly understand that we believe strongly in preserving tradition and upholding honor is crucial not only for our community but also for the growth and development of each individual practitioner.
By embracing the Core Values, specifically Integrity, we create a strong foundation that allows us to excel in our development, not only for our Jiu-Jitsu journey on the mats but also in our personal lives where we can become “Everyday Champions.”
There are many definitions of integrity. Some define it as doing the right thing even when no one is looking. And it is that. But integrity can also be being true to oneself or one’s history. Another definition would be a condition of being unified or whole. Within Gracie Barra, all of these definitions contribute to the full meaning of Integrity.
When we define Integrity, it starts with a deep respect for our traditions, but it doesn’t end there. We honor the sacrifices of those who came before us by preserving the essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Take, for example, the decision of Master Carlos Gracie Jr. to prioritize training in the traditional Kimono in the early 2000s despite the rising popularity of No-Gi grappling. His choice wasn't easy or popular, but it ensured that Gracie Barra remained true to its roots, laying the foundation for the growth of traditional Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu as a sport of its own aside from the popularity it was gaining in the UFC.
In this blog, we embark on a journey deep into the essence of one of Gracie Barra's values – Integrity. When you become a member of the Gracie Barra team, you quickly understand that we believe strongly in preserving tradition and upholding honor is crucial not only for our community but also for the growth and development of each individual practitioner.
By embracing the Core Values, specifically Integrity, we create a strong foundation that allows us to excel in our development, not only for our Jiu-Jitsu journey on the mats but also in our personal lives where we can become “Everyday Champions.”
There are many definitions of integrity. Some define it as doing the right thing even when no one is looking. And it is that. But integrity can also be being true to oneself or one’s history. Another definition would be a condition of being unified or whole. Within Gracie Barra, all of these definitions contribute to the full meaning of Integrity.
When we define Integrity, it starts with a deep respect for our traditions, but it doesn’t end there. We honor the sacrifices of those who came before us by preserving the essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Take, for example, the decision of Master Carlos Gracie Jr. to prioritize training in the traditional Kimono in the early 2000s despite the rising popularity of No-Gi grappling. His choice wasn't easy or popular, but it ensured that Gracie Barra remained true to its roots, laying the foundation for the growth of traditional Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu as a sport of its own aside from the popularity it was gaining in the UFC.
