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The Detachment Principle: Letting Go of What Holds Us Back in Jiu-Jitsu, Faith, and Survival

Writer's picture: Jason Hunt, Ph.D.Jason Hunt, Ph.D.

One of the most common mistakes beginners make in Jiu-Jitsu is holding on too tightly. Whether gripping their opponent’s gi with all their strength, resisting an inevitable sweep, or refusing to let go of a bad position, this over-commitment almost always leads to exhaustion and, ultimately, defeat.



Rener Gracie teaches the Detachment Principle as a way to break free from this self-imposed trap. Instead of clinging to something that isn’t working, a skilled practitioner knows when to let go, reset, and flow into a better position. Detachment, in this sense, is not about quitting—it’s about survival, strategy, and success.


But what if this principle applies to more than just grappling? What if learning to detach is the key to overcoming spiritual deception and dangerous survival myths?


Letting Go of False Beliefs in Faith

The Bible warns us against holding on to traditions and ideas contradicting God’s truth. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for clinging to man-made religious customs instead of God’s commandments (Mark 7:8). Just like a stubborn white belt who refuses to release a doomed submission attempt, many believers struggle because they won’t let go of false teachings, spiritual legalism, or cultural traditions that contradict scripture.


How False Doctrines Trap Us

  • Legalism – Some people believe that following strict religious rules makes them righteous, forgetting that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). This legalistic ideology is like gripping an opponent with unnecessary tension—wasting energy and missing opportunities to flow with God’s Spirit.

  • Prosperity Gospel – The idea that faith guarantees wealth and health is like going for a submission without considering defense—eventually, reality counters hard. Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33).

  • Blind Traditions—When people follow religious customs without questioning whether they align with scripture, they risk spiritual stagnation. This stagnation is similar to a grappler using a flawed technique because “that’s how I was taught.”


The Detachment Principle teaches us that instead of resisting correction, we should be willing to examine our beliefs in the light of scripture. If something isn’t biblical, we must let go—even if it’s uncomfortable.


Letting Go of Bad Survival Information

Just as spiritual deception is dangerous, so is misinformation in survival training. When people rely on myths instead of tested skills, they put their lives at risk. Holding onto lousy survival knowledge is like holding onto a choke that isn’t there—you’ll only wear yourself out. At the same time, your opponent (or the environment) takes advantage.


Common Survival Myths That Need to Be Dropped

  1. Use Tampons to Pack a Wound – Many believe a tampon can be used to pack a wound. Still, it does nothing at all to control the bleeding within the wound other than plug it at the top, making it a more dangerous situation.

  2. Rubbing Two Sticks Together Instantly Makes Fire – Fire-making is a skill, not a magic trick. Without the right materials and conditions, friction-based fire-starting is nearly impossible.

  3. Sucking Out Snake Venom – This doesn’t remove poison; it can make things worse. The proper response is to stay calm, immobilize the limb, and seek medical help.

  4. Moss Always Grows on the North Side of Trees – Not always! Depending on the environment, moss can grow in multiple directions.


Why Holding On to Myths is Dangerous

Many people resist correcting bad information because of pride or tradition. Just as in Jiu-Jitsu, where resisting the truth about an opponent’s position can lead to getting choked out, refusing to detach from faulty survival knowledge can have life-threatening consequences.


Learning When to Let Go

Jiu-Jitsu, faith, and survival require a willingness to detach from harmful habits, beliefs, and techniques. Here’s how we apply this principle in all three areas:


In Jiu-Jitsu:

  • Don’t hold onto a lost position—adjust and survive.

  • If a submission isn’t working, flow into something else.

  • Let go of unnecessary tension and wasted effort.

In Faith:

  • Question religious teachings that don’t align with scripture.

  • Let go of pride and be willing to change when confronted with biblical truth.

  • Trust in God’s plan rather than rigid human traditions.

In Survival:

  • Ditch myths and rely on tested, proven skills.

  • Learn from mistakes instead of stubbornly sticking to bad techniques.

  • Stay flexible and adaptable—nature rewards those who can adjust.


Conclusion: The Strength of Detachment

True strength isn’t about how hard we hold on—it’s about knowing when to let go. Whether in Jiu-Jitsu, faith, or survival, detachment allows us to move freely, adapt wisely, and ultimately thrive. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). That freedom comes when we release what is false, harmful, or ineffective and embrace what sustains us.


So, what do you need to detach from today?

A bad Jiu-Jitsu habit?

A false teaching?

A survival myth?

Let go, reset, and move forward with clarity, wisdom, and faith.


 
 
 

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