Win or Learn | Helio’s Mindset Hack

Last week we took a deeper look at the concept "Win or Learn." Understanding that true success begins with failure. Helio Gracie had an interesting way of teaching the value of a loss. Not only does his technique work, but it works on children. It might plant the seed of thought in adult BJJ athletes as well.

During competitions back in Rio de Janeiro, Helio encouraged his children to participate. Royce Gracie fondly recalls how his father Helio rewarded his children and students who finished on the podium. 

Each one who took home a medal was given $5. It may not seem like much to you. But, if you’re a kid growing up in Brazil in the 80s and 90s, it’s a lot. 

Sure, there’s nothing special about this, right? After all, why wouldn’t you reward your kids and students whose efforts took home the gold? 

The most interesting thing about Helio’s methods was what he did to the kids and students under him who lost. 

He gave them money as well. “How much?” you ask?

He gave the children who lost $10! 

As an adult, you might be wondering about the method behind what looks to be Helio’s madness. In truth, Helio taught a valuable lesson — how a loss and losing are two different things. 

Sure, a student may have lost a match. But, other than a chance at a medal, something can be gained from the result. For the children and students of Helio Gracie, it was money and more positive reinforcement from the Gracie Barra patriarch. 

For you, it can be the feeling of going through odds. More importantly, it can be the lesson you walk away with. 

And, that’s always worth more than money and a medal around your neck — which you’ll get with more losses, lessons, and learning anyway. 

Compete. Learn. Improve. 

Losing is a state of mind. If you realize how much more valuable losing can be to your development as a Jiu-Jitsu athlete, you’d recognize that there is no such thing as losing. 

You either win. Or, you learn. 

This is how you should be processing results before you step on the mats or enter into a competition. If you’re looking for an opportunity to practice this mindset hack, you’ll need to compete. 

At Compnet, you can check out the upcoming competitions and events in your area. 

Go to Compnet to compete, learn, and improve your Jiu-Jitsu!

Blog Written by Veronica Street - Gracie Barra Blue Belt