Breathe: A Life in Flow

*An instant New York Times bestseller, USA Today bestseller, and Wall Street Journal bestseller*

From Brazilian Jiu Jitsu legend Rickson Gracie, a riveting memoir weaving the story of his stunning career with the larger history of the Gracie family dynasty and the fighting philosophy of Jiu Jitsu.

Undefeated through his final fight, Rickson Gracie belongs in the fighting pantheon with Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and Mike Tyson. In Breathe, Rickson shares 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, and the principles and skills that guided him to his undefeated record. Gracie’s classic memoir offers indispensable insights into the warrior mindset, martial arts, human performance, and how the connection between mind and body can be harnessed for success both inside and outside the ring.

Inside, Rickson shares the code of a modern samurai:

• The Gracie Dynasty: Learn the history of the world’s most famous fighting family, from their Scottish warrior roots to the creation of Gracie Jiu Jitsu in Brazil.
• Vale Tudo Champion: Go behind the scenes of Rickson’s legendary, undefeated career in the brutal, no-holds-barred world of vale tudo.
• The Mind-Body Connection: Discover the spiritual and psychological principles Rickson used to harness his internal energy, conquer fear, and remain in a state of flow.
• Birth of MMA: Witness the inside story of the Gracie family’s move to America and the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Rickson Gracie is the New York Times bestselling author of Breathe. The leader of the most prominent martial arts family of all time, Gracie reigned as world Jiu Jitsu champion in both the middle heavy weight and open divisions for almost two decades. Since retiring with an undefeated record, he has focused on unifying and spreading his family martial art through his Global Jiu Jitsu Federation. 

Peter Maguire is the author of Law and War, Facing Death in Cambodia, Thai Stick, and Breathe. Maguire has taught the law and theory of war at Columbia University, Bard College, and University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He is the founder and director of Fainting Robin Foundation. Maguire received his blackbelt from Rickson Gracie and has been his friend and student for over 30 years.