Purple Belt! My Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Journey

I was honoured to receive my purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this video I talk about my amazing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey, the incredible teachers that have taught me, the important lessons I've learnt and how it's changed my life.
Have you tried Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Let me know in the comments below!
#BrazilianJiuJitsu #MartialArts #GracieBrothers #Wellbeing #RussellBrand
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[@RussellBrand]

Thanks for watching! 🙏🏼 Join my mailing list to get weekly bulletins directly from me: www.russellbrand.com/join Head over to ‘Awakening with Russell’ for more spiritual and well being videos!

[@WholeOtherLevelOutdoors]

Very cool Russel. My entire family except me does BJJ and kickboxing. I’ve wanted to join for a long time but have not made the leap. Excuse after excuses. Congratulations on purple belt. 🙏

[@goyguy3211]

bjj/gjj money scheme.....every yellow belt judoka will now throw you any way you want.

[@colbythom223]

Ive really enjoyed watching you grow over the last year or so. Ive always liked your acting and comedy. Your role in forgetting sarah marshall is hilarious. But you have taken your human existence to the next level with this youtube channel. Thanks Russell, congrats on your purple belt. Im sure you put the work in to earn it!!

[@gitmehere1]

I love it when rich people pay for their belts.

[@caffeinated1432]

Congratulations! Stay motivated and keep going.

[@Syakirin57]

didn’t know you’re a bjj practitioner and a purple belt too. Congrats brother 👍

[@evelynneustadt2268]

@Fukurtech Censorship red belt is hard.

[@mathew9851]

@Fukurtech Censorship u know nuthin jon snow

[@AlanHandsome_]

@Fukurtech Censorship don’t shit on a man’s journey. Encourage.

[@aikighost]

@Fukurtech Censorship most leave at white, even more leave at blue, 10% make it to purple.

[@aikighost]

@Fukurtech Censorship the point being that over 90% of people who try never get there. So in some sense it must be difficulty.

[@etimezz]

"Rollin' with Russell", sounds like a much needed segment.

[@SashyGryphyth]

*Not a euphemism lol

[@gavinwhitby5164]

31 years old - i've finally attended my first BJJ class - so pleased i have done so! I have been putting it off for about 3 years as i didn't want to be the "new kid in school" but now of course i wish i had have gone sooner - the journey starts here!

[@ZombieChris1]

I relate to this so much, i started MMA at 36/37. I always loved watching and put it off due to me age and a few niggling injuries, and walking through that door the 1st time was a huge battle, now 5 years later i couldnt imagine my life without it! Hope your still going and enjoying the journey

[@johngalvin3124]

Every leader was once a follower

[@kee-logreen]

Are you still training

[@WDufficy20]

32 and attended my first session a little over a month ago. I wish I took it up sooner I love the sport.

[@jeremyo.5321]

Still going?

[@shambolical]

Just received my blue belt this week after a very long hard 7 years. Injury (serious neck injury and broken tib and fib) , life and shit just got in the road. Now focused on my training and the way it’s crossing over into my general life. 👍🏻❤️

[@ryanwilliams9984]

Love stories like that. Injuries suck and can make you want to quit at times. Glad you're still training.

[@elio5555]

mate i have a serious issue to my neck as well (replaced disc). Thinking of starting bjj. Any thoughts? Thanks and take care

[@arnoldcalderon8320]

Was the injury from bjj?

[@HavokYT]

Brilliant achievement, congrats! OSS!

[@shanesmith4170]

Nice to see you here Havok. Hope the work schedule got better.

[@JohnMcGrath1]

@@shanesmith4170 lol

[@ricky7973]

Being a ginormous ggafot is the first part of accomplishing that

[@goyguy3211]

bjj is very overrated

[@doubleb222able]

@@goyguy3211 I mean, not really

[@nubianjay7044]

Congrats on your purple belt and your martial arts journey brother!!!

[@ancientmystique3900]

BJJ was and is integral to my healing and sobriety. It makes me so excited it’s the same for you, Russel! 🥰🌱💫💜

[@jmjaquinas7298]

How did it benefit your sobriety? I’m wondering because I’m working toward that as well

[@DF-ei9kc]

@@jmjaquinas7298 gives you a goal. Works on your health strength and fitness. Also ask Jesus to heal you he’s an ever ready friend

[@JohnnyYork]

“This is not a toy. This is a message to the entire office so they can see that I am capable of physically dominating them.” -Dwight Schrute (referencing his purple belt)

[@ladimirvlenin4255]

In karate, doesn’t count

[@friendlyoldbum9182]

I feel bad for Dwight, his skill level was that of a black belt, his Sensei was just milking lessons 😅

[@guitarwizard1989]

Good job showing people one of the best tools they can ever learn. Martial Arts is a gift from god in my life. Same with music and especially guitar for me :)

[@bluetaigax1747]

Also a privilege, testament of will, respect, and discipline. A lot of values to be learn from them based off my experience

[@sophiaw5562]

Martial arts doesn't come from religious people. It comes from Chinese japanese & Korean's. These are far from Godly people!

[@bluetaigax1747]

@@sophiaw5562 "Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans" clearly there are other more lol. It doesn't come from specifically religious people, did we imply that? No

[@thumper9633]

Same here! Martial Arts saved my life, literally and figuratively. If I live to be 100 I'll still be training in something.

[@craighambo]

Jiu-jitsu and guitar keep me alive.

[@DLC-music]

I’m a black belt. Jiu-jitsu also saved and changed my life. I teach Jiu-jitsu for a living now and have seen it change many peoples lives for the better. Congratulations again! Purple belt is a big deal!👊

[@HereThereBackAgain]

@Fukurtech Censorship BJJ or another martial art?

[@asharedo]

@Fukurtech Censorship 'Going for red belt?' You have to have been doing jujitsu for a minimum of 50 years and then it is "for those whose influence and fame takes them to the pinnacle of art" - According to Renzo and Royler Gracie. It is awarded in lieu of a ninth and tenth degree black belt... So yeah I call bs on your "world already have my black belt" statement lmao because if that was true you would definitely have known this fact.

[@asharedo]

@Fukurtech Censorship "The red belt is considered a “Grand Master” in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Under the Gracie Brothers belt system it takes a minimum of 50 years of training/coaching to become a Grand Master, Red Belt."

[@kevinwilson455]

@@asharedo You learn something every day.... I wasn't even aware of a red belt in martial arts. Out of curiosity, how many people currently have this distinction in BJJ?

[@HereThereBackAgain]

@@kevinwilson455 One

[@AlanHandsome_]

I started Japanese JuJitsu later in life. I wish I’d started as a child. Incredible life skill. A wonderful ‘meditation’ when you practice. It’s ‘in the moment’ and takes you away from other distractions. Body confidence and a real appreciation of those with huge skill in the discipline. Dare I say Russell? - I’ve watched your intellectual journey and your interest in the misrepresentation by MSM. Has JJ introduced you to the decent, good, kind people who happen to shout encouraging words to Brandon?

[@AndrewBowden101]

Good for you Russell! I'm currently living in a car, struggling with alcohol and mental health problems. Your podcasts and meditation videos, give me so much inspiration to try and break through as you have. XXXX

[@samrapheal1828]

Keep on keeping on🎯

[@gonzo5648]

How's the struggle going? Hope you've found a better frame of life!

[@MrRojas54]

Don't stop grinding. You'll find your way through the fire. Trust Jesus.

[@danielwatson3273]

What a surprise, didn't expect that, they don't just give them out, they are hard earned, well done Russell

[@goyguy3211]

bjj is a joke.....total money scheme....

[@Grimy_Aaronarr]

@@goyguy3211 it's a great way to get yourself beat down. Rule number 1 of street fighting. *Never go to the ground*

[@gitmehere1]

@@Grimy_Aaronarr first of all you are very stupid. A lot of fights end up on the ground and now you will know what to do unless you are like Russell and have only paid for your belt.

[@Grimy_Aaronarr]

@@gitmehere1 the purpose of never going to the ground is because it puts you in a vulnerable place. A lot of fight end up on the ground because people don't know how to fight and end up fighting like apes. Well that's understandable when you realise they're actions are purely coming from their reptilian part of their brain. My martial arts - "what are you going to do when you take the guy down and now his girlfriend takes off her high heel and rams the heel into your back. Neve go to the ground" Another thing he says - "if you only have one bullet in your chamber then you better make it count" meaning going to the ground with multiple attackers would be missing your last shot. Unless you're going into MMA then don't learn BJJ for self defense. It's a 1 on 1 sport with rules to prevent certain things happening. Against multiple attackers BJJ has no answers. Here's another rule for you. There are no rules. Never expect to have a fair 1 on 1 when you're getting robbed by 2 or 3 people. Unless you can stick it to them on the feet then you're screwed.

[@ek4asd300]

@@Grimy_Aaronarr not many martial arts are effective against multiple attackers. Striking isn't greatly effective in a 3 v 1 situation all 3 will be attacking u at once. Bjj is as effective as any other martial art or self defense

[@Eddie-Spaghetti]

Russell is a modern day hero!

[@ianshore_jj]

Just received my purple belt, couldn't agree more, thank you

[@edmunddantes4579]

I can only echo your sentiments. As someone who started at 40 years old, BJJ has had such an immensely positive effect on my life. Receiving my blue belt last year ranks as my proudest achievement, other than my children of course! 🙏🏻

[@MmaLegend420]

I did Tae Kwon Do for 9 years, got my black belt. I've always wanted to get into Jiu Jitsu... I think this is my sign to start it up.

[@vannlove5855]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qICTnmCGp8ungrs 😅🧐👌🤛

[@markcassidy7442]

Most fights end up on the ground, wise choice

[@magababy4291]

@@vannlove5855 thanks

[@badlaamaurukehu]

@@markcassidy7442 But preferably not.

[@Eastcoast_11]

@@markcassidy7442 but they all start on the feet ;) but I agree, would rather be prepared for both situations regardless

[@evilchaperone]

Definitely a worthy achievement. I've been training since 1995. It's a lifestyle choice. Keeps you honest with your diet and fitness levels. I'm getting a bit long in the tooth, so I'm slowing down.

[@magababy4291]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qICTnmCGp8ungrs 😅🧐👌🤛

[@Lucky2bLivin]

Super proud of you. Martial Arts are one of the greatest gifts that every human should engage in. Humility, hard work, dedication and friendships are just the tip of the iceberg of what they have to offer. Congrats on the life long quest of Jiu Jitsu.

[@sstarjoyy]

So proud of you and your journey, Russel. Your personal growth is rather inspiring. Much love!

[@stevenolove]

The jiu jitsu community is another level, I did Muay Thai for 4 years infested with egotistical bullies then I switched to jiu jitsu and it was full of lovely relaxed people wanting to help each other progress, complete opposite to Muay Thai

[@magababy4291]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qICTnmCGp8ungrs 😅🧐👌🤛

[@badlaamaurukehu]

They tend to be a little more grounded in my experience.

[@teamsanity3808]

Its like they will never let another team mate feel shitty about their Jiu Jitsu 🤗 love it 🥰

[@gussstavo]

yes i noticed that, i been boxing for 6 years and only did bjj for like 2 months, is not for me but i noticed the the bjj gyms have like a chill vibe and the trainer was a cool calm dude with nice manner, and in a boxing gym is another atmosphere and trainers are a little rough, i think its easiear to learn that way i mean the bjj way, when i mean it wasnt for me is not because the way is trained is just that i dont feel comfortable on the floor and i dont enjoy it really but i would like to know a few tecniches for sure

[@dany1441]

I am sorry you had such bad experience in Muay Thai. I've been practicing and competing in MT since 1979 (last fight in 2004) and I think it's great. I also have a blue belt in BJJ under Rickson Gracie and I think it's awesome, wish I'd started it - and Judo - much much earlier.

[@MJ-kg2qy]

WOW. Congratulations on the achievement. A lot of personal growth is difficult to measure. I ❤ how you have taken a lot of negative energy and made positive changes.

[@magababy4291]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qICTnmCGp8ungrs 😅🧐👌🤛

[@roxannemaguire9844]

Congratulations, Russell, on this wonderful achievement. Your attitude is the best - respect you more and more as time goes on. Thanks for being so honest and down to earth - and a great role model for so many 💜

[@kindclassyman8114]

Mr Brand my friend is doing Jiu jitsu and he says it is the greatest thing he has ever done for himself and becoming happy. I am happy for you and thinking of jiu jitsu myself :)

[@countsmyth]

Im an older practitioner of BJJ over 2 1/2 years at this stage. Huge issues with my back, and 4stripes on my white belt. Seems my blue belt will never come. Congrats Russel!

[@boldbrownie]

I’m a 47 yr old purple belt. Bad back as well. Your blue belt will come. just keep training. I don’t want to say how long I stayed as a blue belt. 😂

[@countsmyth]

@@boldbrownie Thanks, Ill keep going.

[@User-ln2yx]

@@countsmyth did you get your belt?

[@countsmyth]

@@User-ln2yx A bitter sweet story! Yes I got my blue belt, and about 1 month after I broke my ac joint. It required 2 surgeries and followed with a paralysis complication. My arm is functioning again, yet I havn't got back to jujitsu or kickboxing. Thanks for asking.

[@User-ln2yx]

@@countsmyth shame, atleast you hold a blue belt in the sport though, I’ve a white belt at the moment but I wanna get to atleast blue.

[@02337755]

Thats great Russell! Hard work in a legitimate martial art is something to be proud of.

[@sjgonline]

How did I miss this one?! Congratulations. I’m on my way to my blue belt in a few weeks and I feel I know absolutely nothing… the humility and self control one gets from BJJ is life changing

[@tuckmurphy941]

Bjj is the hardest thing I’ve ever tried to do, much respect for the purple belt bro💪🏼

[@jobrimar8291]

The dichotomy of the human condition, attempting to create a cocoon of ‘home’, of safety and familiarity, when the reality is being surrounded and immersed in a fluid and ever changing world not under our control. Congratulations on your journey, may you continue to travel far.

[@olsim1730]

I like the image this conjures. May I appropriate this to share?

[@fearthetriangle]

I’m a purple belt as well my good sir! Thank you for representing the art we love.

[@luke10s]

Congratulations and well said! I love the calm that comes over me after training. The controlled release of aggression, camaraderie, and learning more about your self (body and mind) is such a growth experience. Your training shows through in your demeanor and the respect you show in dealing with others.

[@skibum365]

Congratulations! Purple belt is a big step!! Very well done explaining to people why it's always important to adapt and grow. You're an inspiration in so many ways.

[@Ivegotnochoicesilencemyvoice]

Congrats brother, keep doing everything you're doing we appreciate it.

[@bobbyamdro7987]

I’m just here waiting for the Russell Brand Podcast on Youtbe.

[@mikrobspen]

I guess you never heard of "Under the Skin with Russell Brand" available on iTunes

[@Omnifarious0]

Congratulations! I've thought of something like this, for a number of reasons. Your point about grounding your spirituality in your body, in something undeniably real is a really good one. Thank you.

[@gym1champ]

@RussellBrand Your voice and delivery in your stream of consciousness - consistently demonstrating what you’ve learned about your perspective, your feelings, your history - is incredibly inspiring. I wholly appreciate your attention to the language you use to describe your emotions and thoughts and self correct as you share. It’s clearly visible the path that you’ve walked to achieve these goals and the path you will surely continue to walk by sharing your love and personality. Congrats on your accomplishment!

[@dbanks3748]

I appreciate your honesty about your path in life...its very deep and insightful. Additionally, and probably most importantly, it is relatable in so many ways. Genuine human beings are rare, as most people are unable to own their past, so there is no mental or spiritual growth. I am now subscriber, as I believe your honesty about your own life and personal growth will help me on my own life journey as a man entering his 40s.

[@teamsanity3808]

Con grats 💜 I am a female, one year into BJJ - white belt 4 stripes. Started thanks to Keanu Reeves 😅 had no idea how profound exparience it will be for me 🤗 going to enjoy it for many years 🥰 #BJJ4life

[@grigorgrigorov6286]

Congratulations! As a person who just now starts that particular journey, I find what you said inspiring, thank you!

[@davehill9951]

My son did Kempo karate for 10 years and was an amazing time for me to watch and see his accomplishment's. My favorite line from his teacher i will never forget was 1 talk it out,2 walk away 3 defend yourself.

[@popokaito2045]

I was thinking Russell Brand for world president...? We all know that this purple belt ain't bombing nobody! Love you Russell!!!

[@damiendegrasse]

I'm not sure that Russell is a fan of world government.

[@slothomatic]

I don't have that thing where I elevate celebrity. I like various actors and performers but typically my respect for them is in how well they do their jobs. You won't find me standing outside someone's house in LA hoping to get a glimpse or trying to bask in reflected glory. So when I say that I think it would be amazing some day to sit down with you and have a pint and just talk for a couple hours, know that it's because I genuinely feel like it would be an amazing conversation. I admire you as a person, for whatever that's worth.

[@baronvanhumbeeck7539]

Yes mate! Big respect. One of the things I love about bjj is that when you see someone getting a promotion the first thing you think is, they obviously worked hard enough to deserve that. Congratulations. ❤️

[@knuckletherapyserveothersf6092]

That's so awesome young man. It's a really peaceful feeling when you have confidence in your ability to hold your own . And at the same time be humble and have compassion for others. Once you have become accustomed to that feeling. You will notice a change while you are in a high stress situation and have calm at the same time. Godspeed on your journey. I'd say your new life is just beginning.

[@woody1755]

Congratulations Russell!

[@Tor010]

Wow great going. bjj saves lives. I'd be so proud, next steps are too passing on knowledge soon.

[@vannlove5855]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qICTnmCGp8ungrs 😅🧐👌🤛9

[@elmarbagirov2281]

Congratulations! I got mine a few weeks ago, at 45 years old. Feels amazing. To get recognition for all the work that has gone into it. And yet how much more there is to learn, the excitement of the path ahead, how much jiu-jitsu is now part of my life. Thank you, Russell, for doing your part in popularizing the sport.

[@ZombieChris1]

I have been training for 5 years now (give or take) and the achievement for you to get a purple belt is brilliant, not only does it show your dedication to BJJ but also the changes it reflects in your life as a person Great work and cant wait to see you further down the path with your black belt eventually

[@CynicalScientist261]

I’m glad you shared your achievement with us.

[@melissaslate1621]

Martial Arts is amazing. As a 4th Degree in TaeKwonDo, I have completely changed again and again. It helped me move farther and farther away from my addictions. I tried BJJ for several months but decided to focus more on TKD. Thank you for sharing Russell

[@lanceeverhard6951]

Much love and respect to you from a BJJ black belt. The important thing is to focus on what you love and enjoy! Osssss

[@davidbrett1958]

What a humble and intelligent man a great teacher himself putting himself out there and giving so much to us all. Thanks Russell your such a positive influencer!

[@shumwab]

So observant, well spoken, and A brilliant minded open book. A pleasure to listen to his take on any topic.

[@5cent27]

I had a coach once that told me “it’s the jiu jitsu of life, keep rolling and adapting to it”. Spoke volumes to me at that point in my life.

[@stepbak123]

The outcome of what it’s done for Russell sounds amazing. Makes me want to do something like this. Congrats bro 👏🏾👏🏾

[@user-wl3ux2eo9v]

👆➕➊➐➊➏➎➒➌➎➐➌➏

[@hannahmitchell87]

Is anything other than self doubt holding you back? If not, go for it!!!

[@HereThereBackAgain]

Go for it. I've rolled with 60yr olds who were just starting.

[@glenmacdonald3477]

15 years ago, I never would have guessed this coming. Love seeing your explorations and absorbing the changes. Inspiring. Love hearing the stoke in your voice.

[@tennisfancaz22]

Congratulations on your purple belt! 💜 ... You're so good at bettering yourself and using your knowledge for further enlightenment. You're a great life teacher for us and remind us that it's always possible to improve and change ourselves no matter what stage of life we are living. Congrats again Russell 💜😘💜

[@taja1976]

Conrgats mate. I've always found it fascinating how guys like you (and me) who aren't innate aggressors assimilate the "art of fighting" and feel drawn to it. There is a strong philosophy/spirituality that mirrors the challenges of life and ultimately promotes gratitude.

[@keithbarnold2]

Congratulations on your purple belt. Ive always enjoyed you as a brilliant comedian. Now i see this new dimension as a news analyst and balanced political commentator. I love your thought provoking podcasts. You are a true exemplar in this field.

[@emilyjames7499]

Congratulations Russel! I literally just watched my son grading this week from blue to (fingers crossed) purple belt in Shotokan Karate (Namibia, Africa) and hope that he will also take the lessons he has learned studying martial arts through his life with him. It definitely requires great discipline, determination and dedication... he has been at it since kindergarten and starts highschool this January! Can't believe how far he has come (of course he has grown physically but also emotionally!) and look forward to continuing the journey with him through to black belt!!🥋

[@adrienneclarke3953]

Recently relistened to you on Joe Rogan talking about your martial arts journey. Really proud of you. Watching you "grow up" over the years has been amazing. You were always intelligent and its great to see you come out the other side, survive and become the man you are.

[@chrismlone]

Brilliant Russell! We received our blue belts round about the same time. Fell away from BJJ in the last couple years. You've just gave me a kick up the arse to get back into it. oss

[@0megaJB]

Congratulations on this achievement as well as the sobriety and wellness you've found.

[@dcnunez100]

Congrats Russell!!! I love your humble spirit 💖

[@patriciamelo4885]

Bravo Russell, you inspire so many of us to work on ourselves. Patricia from Rio de Janeiro.

[@dgarzaart2000]

Congratulations Russell! Well done. Continued success in all your endeavors. Peace and an abundance of good things to you & yours and to everyone everywhere now and always!

[@user-nf7rr6pz9c]

Congratulations, Brother. Praising your self in the name of recognition of growth and self- journey. 👏🏽. Purple’s a powerful color to match your journeys current now and it’s becoming. Proud of you. -M.E.

[@user-wl3ux2eo9v]

👆➕➊➐➊➏➎➒➌➎➐➌➏

[@CloudsCastles]

Your message and path resonate with me very much. You are such an inspiration. Thank you for genuinely being you 💜

[@barbvdvelde]

I love qi gong, it gives me a self composure I don’t experience otherwise. I can feel incredibly clumsy in this body of mine & it realigns my empowerment in a peaceful strong way. Russell your ability to be so succinct when describing feelings & things is incredible, come away from your ‘chats’ feeling humbled quite often. That’s such a gift, my gratitude to you 🙏🏼

[@memorris2]

Incredible message to go with your MANY achievements and the amazing transformation mentally, physically, and most importantly spiritually!!!!

[@margarertstewart9121]

Congratulations Russell on a great achieveman. I took karate first time when I turned forty, actually to support my daughter in it. At 45, I was in the absolute best shape of my life. I absolutely loved it. It is true you change so much in the teachings of martial art. I witnessed this so very much in the kids that trained beside us adults. It was amazing the confidence and respect that bloomed within them. I always wished that martial arts could be a curriculum of our education system in North America, if your teachers were genuine, humble and respectful, that would be passed on. I also turned to Tai Chi, and yoga. Of all of these, karate was the most demanding, social and fun, tai chi was meditative, but yoga deepened my spirit, respect and flexibility for my body and groundedness. It is all good. At 70, even though I long for a younger body, I am content with my walks in nature and its awesomeness. Again, so much respect and congratulates!

[@Duffsmom68]

What a beautiful human being! Thank you for all you do and your ability to express yourself is second to none!

[@mariezp]

Congratulations on your purple belt! Quite an achievement from a lot of hard work and dedication. My son started his JIu-Jitsu journey when he was 15. He is now a black belt and owns his own gym. From the time he started training he was surrounded by a fantastic bunch of teammates. They were and still are pretty much always ready to help each other out. I have found the vast majority of them seldom ever full of cockiness even though they have ever reason that they could be. As a mom I would highly recommend Jiu-Jitsu to any parent. The skills taught in self defense are so beneficial. Students also gain self esteem as well as learn self disciple.

[@BeyondPostal]

Well done Russell, as someone who studied for many years, getting a purple in BJJ requires absolute knowledge of the mat, well done sir!!

[@jaimeclements1215]

Massive respect Russell, very hard material arts. Doing BJJ for 6 months now and it’s amazing.

[@gabrielleheard6366]

You are an inspiration to all of us who appreciate being peaceful and compassionate, a really strong human being.

[@Kwuasimoto]

I learned a very valuable lesson from this video (any many of your others) relating to my inability to control myself emotionally, thank you Russell. I really appreciate your honesty and transparency when displaying your progress as a human on KZbin. It found me when I was in a very dark space mentally and your growth shows me that even in the heaviest moments of humility and "Making an Ape of myself", I am given blessed opportunities to learn about myself, practice forgiveness and make the changes needed to avoid making the same mistakes twice. Truly. Thank you

[@travissmith6253]

That's epic Russell great work!! 👏 👏The Gracie Bros are so fun to watch. Thanks for sharing 😌

[@niranjansilwal3738]

You're the best political commentator on KZbin!

[@vannlove5855]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qICTnmCGp8ungrs 😅🧐👌🤛

[@unholylemonpledge9730]

Not really

[@JETJOOBOY]

@@unholylemonpledge9730 OH, you aren't just the best street fighter..but the best political commentator as well.?

[@richardlong7291]

Brand spreads disinformation about Covid-19

[@unassociatedanomaly1158]

@@richardlong7291 🐑

[@tylercampbell2147]

Awesome advice and words Russell! Thank you

[@chuckczajkowski182]

Sincerely appreciate your thoughts on everything - mostly how you continue to urge people to be free and think for yourselves - brilliant Russell - congrats on the belt!!!!!

[@bobadicious]

Very well done. As a lapsed BJJ blue belt I know how much hard work it takes even to get 1 stripe. Must get back into it.

[@IKEMENOsakaman]

Russel, did you know that a character inspired by you was featured in the anime Jiu-jiutsu Kaisen?

[@vannlove5855]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qICTnmCGp8ungrs 😅🧐👌🤛

[@JETJOOBOY]

Really? Or are you taking the fun?

[@adolynch]

CONGRATS Russell, you're an inspirational person

[@mistatea3170]

You EARNED that belt, Russell. Your teacher knew you deserved it and decided to reward your hard work through mind, body and spirit with a sybol of your dedication. Good on ya, mate!

[@jomacba]

Russell, wise words my friend. I happy you found BJJ. It's always entertaining to hear somebody summarize the effects of jiu jitsu in your life. I have been training since 2013 inconsistently. I have two kids, a wife and a career. I've had a few injuries here and there that have throw a wrench in the gears, and let's not forget the pandemic. All that time when I wasn't rolling, I was I was. When I get back to it I realize how level I become in just every day life. Seeing you hold your purple belt makes me stoked, because I know the feeling that's attached to it. I think one thing people who don't train will never understand is what it truly represents, because the color of your belt doesn't matter really, not to other people anyways. It matter in your own mind, as a representation of the achievements you've made to improve yourself as a human being. To be honest, I'm not sure it's describable. Regardless, congrats brother on your achievement, that is something to be proud of sir.

[@tomchilton4550]

Starting BJJ on Monday! Also a recovering alcoholic, drug addict, porn addict, etc. Jesus saved me from myself 6.5 years ago, and it’s been the most beautiful journey. Russel, I’m proud of you. You hit on some key virtues that I’m also looking at as I anticipate being a fish-out-of-water in a Gi: Humility, self denial, self-discipline, peace and contentment… these are the virtues I hope to grow through this BJJ journey. I believe Christ will honor and bless this journey as I surrender more to Him throughout it. “He must become more, I must become less.” John3:30 Love you brother. Sending prayers to you right now.

[@joshwilliams6517]

Keep your fappy hands to yourself

[@David-mo3cy]

How's it going now bud?

[@siIIysnake]

Amen Russel, congrats on the purple belt. I just started my journey in jiu jitsu 2 weeks ago, really going for it and I love hearing this great advice for a white belt and and mindset, thankyou and once again congrats Russel!

[@darren7020]

The more and more I watch your videos, the more and more I feel your love brother. You being you is the best you. Visionary.

[@johnsimpson5471]

I took Gracie jiu-jitsu in the 90s and there was only like 6 purple belts in America at that time. It's was very hard to move up my class had like three blue belts which was the second belt!

[@badlaamaurukehu]

I got to get beat up on the mats by Gracie students half my size. Good fun👍👍👍

[@dianevanderlinden3480]

one of the Gracies thought it was okay to grab the mail lady...by the.....while she was just doing her job. And free lessons if I'd give it up! Hopefully the rest aren't like that.

[@AdamS789]

I’m starting my first BJJ class tomorrow at 44 yrs old and this video was just what I needed! Looking forward to being part of the community.

[@barrycanavan6268]

Started 9 weeks ago at the age of 38 myself. It's tough going feels like so much to take in but just enjoy it I say.

[@Savron74]

I started last week and I’m 48. It’s been amazing the community the training. The best part is after years in the military and going to combat, I finally feel at peace with myself. It’s very spiritual.

[@TheDomLouis]

Are you still going to class?? I'm 54 and started consistently a year ago. I've competed at white belt in 2 competitions. Hitting a submission in class is one feeling, but getting a submission is competition is an incredible feeling!! Recommended. Videos of my competition on my channel.

[@terryfielding3329]

your an amazing example to all of us with past addictions and mental health issues. You hit on the head when you said its hard to see the changes in ourselves because we get constantly reminded of who we use to be, Thanks Russel

[@onlyinbakedgoods4877]

I love it. Keep going from strength to strength Russell! Continually honing your mind and body with such positivity. The journey continues and I look forward to bearing witness to the enlightenment you clearly are obtaining. OSS!

[@viceroybear6298]

Great work.putting that time on the mat.

[@johnbennett700]

Good job man. Keep up the hard work. And appreciate your channel and all the knowledge you have shared with me. Aloha 🤙🏽🐝

[@vannlove5855]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qICTnmCGp8ungrs 😅🧐👌🤛

[@Jamiebmurray]

Beautifully described Russell. Thanks.

[@jamesmurray8507]

Well done Russell amazing achievement for the belt and the 18 years. Very inspirational.

[@DandinXY]

Starting to feel like some of Russell’s less-watched and less political videos are the real gems, despite the well-watched political videos really cheering me up despite covering disturbing topics

[@JessicaOrban3606]

Congrats!!! My husband and young boys train BJJ, purple belt is a big deal! One day I hope to train and learn with my baby girl. Keep up the hard work, you're an inspiration!

[@childvspuddle5732]

Good luck in your journey

[@jessemercer5912]

Congrats dude! Purple belt is for sure my favorite belts to see someone grow into.