Worth Defending

How Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Saved My Life

By: Richard Bresler, Scott Burr

Narrated by: Scott Burr

Length: 9 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

The Story of the First American Student of Bjj...and the Martial Arts Revolution He Helped Create!

"My friend, have you ever done any martial arts? My family has been doing Jiu-Jitsu for sixty-five years. We're champions. We're very well known in Brazil. Why don't you come by for a free class?"

I couldn't have imagined it then, but that moment would mark the beginning of the rest of my life...

Richard Bresler was Rorion Gracie's first student in LA, and is widely recognized as the first student of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in the US. His memoir, Worth Defending, chronicles his over 40 years' involvement with the Gracie family and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, including the almost 20 years he spent working closely alongside Rorion helping to grow Jiu-Jitsu through the Gracie Garages, the challenge matches, the founding of the Gracie Academy, and the inception of the UFC.

This memoir includes:

• Richard's journey out of depression and substance abuse through the transformative power of the martial arts.
• Richard's experiences training privately with many members of the Gracie family, including Rorion, Rickson, Royce, and Grandmaster Hélio himself.
• Richard's trip to Rio de Janeiro, where he shared the mats with the legendary Rolls Gracie.
• Richard's experience watching from ringside as his friend and teacher, Royce Gracie, won the first Ultimate Fighting Championship.
• The creation of "Krav Ground," the ground-fighting system that Richard helped develop for Krav Maga.
• Richard's experiences with and take on alternative health and dietary practices, including the Gracie diet.
• Richard's take on the current state of BJJ, and where it needs to go moving forward.
• A new foreword by co-author Scott Burr, in which he discusses the timing of the project and the partnership and process that finally made this long-awaited book a reality.

www.WorthDefendingBook.com

©2020, 2021 Richard Bresler, Scott Burr (P)2021 Scott Burr

Richard is a huge part of Jiu Jitsu history.

His fascinating story, the way he exposes himself, the humility….he’s a legend. But he won’t tell you that….

Great and inspirational book

Great job that goes behind the scenes on the early days of Gracie Joy-Jitsu in America. Loved it

Amazing history of Jiu Jitendra in America.

I really enjoyed listening to this book. It’s a great story of the history of the Jiu Jitsu in America.

This is a great book

Loved it. listen to it more than once. I Would Love to hear more stories from Richard.

Hooked from start to finish

So I stated a podcast a few months ago, and I was looking for guest, so someone told me “Richard Bresler would be the perfect guest” so I reached out to him and we talked and he says “do you know my story” I replied “unfortunately I do not” he told me about the book, and as soon as he said the title, I was like “OMG I JUST BROUGHT YOUR BOOK” so fast forward to being able to read/Listen to the book, it was nothing short of amazing, you hear the Gracie story all the time but to hear it from someone on the outside (as in someone who didn’t have the Gracie last name) was fascinating! From actually being at the first UFC, to help build what Gracie is now. One part, he said “where would I’ve been if I never found Jiu Jitsu?” That’s a question I ask myself everyday! This book was truly inspiring and a great read. Thank you for sharing your story and experiences with the world.

Helpful to my understanding of Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Excellent book about the practice of Gracie Jiu Jitsu and the benefits it may provide. By just reading this book it has helped me better understand my journey and would be beneficial to many who are currently training. A must read for anyone training Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Amazing listen. I’ve listened to it over 5 times since it’s release and learn more every time.

Expertly written, the story of how Gracie jujitsu and UFC got started in the U.S.

Richard is completely open and transparent, and shares the story of his life, wrestling with, and overcoming his demons and finding purpose.
I’m a 35-year-old male in this book resonated with me like nothing else.
Highly recommend for any guy that’s interested, not only in jujitsu, but struggling to find meaning or purpose in life.
5 stars, no question.

great read

amazing. couldn't stop listening the entire time. great for any student of BJJ. must read

Amazing story

Amazing personal story with inside info of the beginnings of jiu-jitsu in the United States