Why Are Celebrities and CEOs Turning to Jiu-Jitsu Now?

Why do so many successful personalities and celebrities such as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, podcaster Joe Rogan, and actors Tom Hardy and Mario Lopez, among others, are now practicing Jiu-Jitsu? This phenomena inspired us to dive deep on the benefits that Jiu-Jitsu brings to such high performing individuals.

According to Jock Willink, retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer, bestselling author, and leadership consultant in an interview at the Lex Freedman podcast: "Jiu-jitsu, for me, was the connective tissue that started to join my mind together with all the different aspects of my life ... Jiu-jitsu, for me, was really important, and I don't think I would be doing anything that I'm doing right now if it wasn't for jiu-jitsu" (Lex Fridman Podcast #197: Jocko Willink on Leadership and Discipline). Listen to the full episode here.

We live in a busy, stressful world with many challenges. Jiu-Jitsu teaches us how to stay calm and solve problems, even when things get tough. For famous CEOs and celebrities, spending an hour or two rolling isn’t just exercise—it’s a way to clear their minds, handle problems better at work, and make smarter decisions.

Jiu-Jitsu is more accessible than ever, and its community is growing. The sport teaches us valuable lessons, like never judging a book by its cover. BJJ practitioners come from all walks of life, and anyone can become a skilled fighter, regardless of appearance.