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Worth Defending

By: Richard Bresler, Scott Burr
Narrated by: Scott Burr
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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
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What listeners say about Worth Defending

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Best Jiu Jitsu Book In Existence

This is by far the best Jiu Jitsu book Ive come across. Its rich with content and the history of JJs start in the USA. But its more than that. The story is movie worthy.

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Excellent!

Even if you’re not a BJJ practitioner, this book has something to offer just in life in general. Highly recommended.

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Incredible

Incredible story!!!So much to digest. So much to contemplate. Lots of wisdom and insight as to what Gracie Jiu Jitsu truly is. Author brings inspiration and positivity. I highly recommend this book.

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Fantastic story

This audiobook is down to earth, a great history lesson, and an inspiring listen by one of the first American students of the great Gracie jiu jitsu system.

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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….

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Great and inspirational book

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

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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.

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Awesome!!!

Tremendous book on the history of Jiu-Jitsu in the US. Not only did I read it twice but. Ought it for all of my instructors

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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.

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great read

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

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