“ I train Jiu Jitsu because I recognize that I am a piece of the whole, and as I grow so does that which contains me. The whole of man advances with the growth of a single individual. Every life I influ… Chris Matakas
“ This is a trust that you just cannot find in modern society for there are no conditions to forge it. Chris Matakas
“ The only way to consistently perform at your potential is to ask: Am I better than I was yesterday? Chris Matakas
“ As an instructor, my goal has always been to use Jiu Jitsu as a vehicle to help our students achieve their goals, whatever the case may be. I have yet to find a better vehicle for growth, and the mome… Chris Matakas
“ Jiu Jitsu is a vehicle for self-discovery and growth. It reminds me of my ego, of my insecurities, and of my shortcomings. Chris Matakas
“ I am a better son, brother, friend, and teacher because of the daily sacrifice and effort I put toward my craft. WIth all the advantages modern society has created, it has left us wanting. We no longe… Chris Matakas
“ To base your self worth relative to others is to play a losing game. If you are at the bottom, you will be filled with self-loathing. If you are at the top, you will be filled with self-aggrandizement… Chris Matakas
“ Devoting yourself to a particular art is invaluable. The art becomes our vehicle with which we drive down the road of life. We use this vehicle to learn about ourselves and this place, to conquer fear… Chris Matakas
“ Jiu Jitsu gives me an ideal to strive toward. Technical mastery lies on an infinite continuum and completion of this skill is impossible. Every time I train I have something that I can improve upon, a… Chris Matakas
“ We must remember that regardless of our differences in rank we are all equal as human beings. You can always tell how caring and compassionate others are in their actions towards those "below" them. O… Chris Matakas
“ Your progress as a Jiu Jitsu practitioner is a direct reflection of the standards you have for yourself. Chris Matakas
“ We can either approach Jiu Jitsu through the lens of the "real world" or we can approach the real world through the lens of Jiu Jitsu. I have found the latter to be far more rewarding. Chris Matakas
“ Today's world is flooded with participation trophies. In an attempt to promote equality we have robbed our youth of the most growth-inducing aspect of competition, failing. If you want to be resurrect… Chris Matakas
“ Many of us begin this art with little to no understanding of what we are getting ourselves into. Then, maybe a year or a black belt later, we realize this odyssey we have embarked upon and rest happil… Chris Matakas
“ The road from white belt to black is long and arduous; most never reach the end. There are simply too many obstacles of daily life, and too much effort and attention required, for this to be something… Chris Matakas
“ After I received my blue belt, I soon recognized that the belts were simply an external representation of an inner experience, and that they mattered little compared to the person I was becoming. Chris Matakas
“ Anyone can be tough for a season. It takes a special kind of human to rise to life's challenges for a lifetime. Chris Matakas
“ We can lose the roll, we can lose position, but we can constantly strive to win the moment. Chris Matakas
