Jiu Jitsu Coaches as Cultural Workers
Discover how Freire’s critical pedagogy reshapes jiu-jitsu coaching, why gym culture matters as much as technique, and how coaches can create learning environments that empower students as active participants.
Georges St-Pierre
Bio
Georges St-Pierre (born May 19, 1981, in Saint-Isidore, Quebec) is a retired Canadian mixed martial artist widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. Known by his nickname “GSP,” he is a two-division UFC champion, having held titles in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions.
St-Pierre began practicing Kyokushin karate at age seven to defend himself against school bullies. By age 12, he had earned a second-degree black belt. He later expanded his training to include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and boxing. Before turning professional, he worked various jobs to support his training, including as a bouncer and a garbage collector.
Despite his success, St-Pierre has expressed that he never enjoyed fighting itself, describing it as a stressful experience. He preferred the training and discipline aspects of martial arts. After his final fight in 2017, he officially announced his retirement in 2019.
In his autobiography, The Way of the Fight, St-Pierre shares insights into his journey from a bullied child to a world champion, emphasizing the mental and physical challenges he overcame.
St-Pierre is celebrated as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame and is recognized for his contributions to the sport both inside and outside the octagon.
Humility is the first rule of martial arts. Either you learn humility quickly, or you leave because your ego can’t handle losing repeatedly.
If you don’t feel fear, it usually means you’re not paying attention. Or you don’t care. The key isn’t to avoid fear. It’s to understand it.
The goal isn’t to do more, it’s to do what matters, with full energy and presence.
People talk about talent, power, discipline. But what really set me apart was intelligence. Not books. Not academic degrees. But making the right decision under pressure. In a fight, and in life, that’s everything.
In martial arts, failure is built into the training. You get hit. You get submitted. You lose over and over. That’s how you grow. The problem is when people see failure as proof they’re not good enough. It’s not who you are. It’s where you are. A lesson, not a label.
The things you complain about today might be the things you once prayed for. It’s easy to forget. Easy to move from goal to goal without ever pausing. But if you don’t take time to appreciate where you are, you’ll always feel like something’s missing. Gratitude reminds you how far you’ve come. It brings perspective. It keeps you from chasing endlessly, and helps you enjoy the moment you’re in.
Balance isn’t something you find once. It’s something you work at every day.
We all face hard moments. It’s how you respond that defines your future. Play the hand you’re dealt. Do your best with what you have. And never give up on yourself.
Patience isn’t passive. It’s power under control.
Most people want fast results. But real skills, real strength, real success - they’re built through quiet, boring consistency.
Humility isn’t weakness. It’s awareness. It reminds you that nothing is guaranteed. That every day is a chance to prove yourself again.
You can’t prepare for everything. But you can train your ability to stay focused when things fall apart.
If you’re not confident, don’t fake it. Earn it. Prepare harder. Study more. Push deeper. That’s where real belief comes from.
Here’s the truth: everyone already has discipline. Some people use it to stay comfortable. Others use it to grow. The difference is simply where you choose to place it.
High performance is not doing more. It’s doing what matters, with total focus.