Chris Matakas

Hero Chris Matakas

Jiu Jitsu is a vehicle for personal development used by people across the globe to better their lives. The physical, mental, and emotional demand of Jiu Jitsu elicits growth in the practitioner uncommonly found in the modern world. The more sincerely we pursue mastery of this art, the greater the opportunity is for equivalent development of our humanity. Derived from the wisdom of the humanities, Hero posits that the best path forward through Jiu Jitsu is to embody the behavior patterns of the archetypal hero who voluntarily confronts the unknown on behalf of progress. Embracing such action, we maximize our skill acquisition as we strive toward our potential on and off the mat. Through lessons training with the best grapplers in the world-Ricardo Almeida, Frankie Edgar, Gordon Ryan, and Garry Tonon-to a deep understanding of the behavior patterns articulated through literature, religion, and mythology, Chris Matakas posits a simple framework through which to maximize development in Jiu Jitsu and life. We are to embody the behavioral wisdom of the hero. By paying attention, facing the dragon, and allowing ourselves to die and be reborn, we engage in the timeless discipline of confronting novelty in the most productive way to make our potential manifest in the world. With teachings new and old-from Carl Jung and Jordan Peterson to Arthurian legends-Matakas applies the wisdom of the humanities to the gentle art in a way that has never been done before.