Written by Craig Graves, Hanks Realty Group Realtor
Since June 2017, I’ve been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and it’s easily one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The art of BJJ is more than just a martial art or a sport; it’s a way of thinking and approaching life. As I’ve progressed in my training, I’ve realized that many of the principles and lessons I’ve learned on the mats directly translate to the world of real estate. Here’s how the discipline, strategy, and mindset required in BJJ have shaped my approach to real estate.
1. Leverage and Positioning
In BJJ, success often hinges on using leverage and positioning rather than sheer force. By positioning yourself effectively, you can control your opponent, even if they are physically stronger. This concept directly applies to real estate. Knowing how to position a property in the market, negotiate from a strong stance, or leverage financing and partnerships can dramatically influence the outcome of a deal. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
2. Patience and Timing
BJJ teaches that patience and timing are crucial. You can’t rush a submission; you must wait for the right moment when your opponent makes a mistake or exposes a vulnerability. In real estate, patience and timing are everything. Whether you’re waiting for the right market conditions to sell, timing your entry into a deal, or negotiating, knowing when to act is just as important as knowing what to do.
3. Adaptability
Every opponent in BJJ is different, requiring you to be adaptable and adjust your strategy on the fly. The same goes for real estate, where the market is constantly changing. Being adaptable—whether due to market shifts, economic conditions, or unexpected challenges—is key to maintaining success. Flexibility allows you to pivot and find solutions when things don’t go as planned.
4. Discipline and Consistency
Progress in BJJ is only possible with discipline and consistent practice. The same principle applies to real estate. Success isn’t achieved overnight; it requires consistent effort, disciplined financial management, and the persistence to keep going, even when deals don’t work out as planned. Just as in BJJ, where showing up regularly leads to improvement, in real estate, consistent actions lead to long-term success.
5. Overcoming Challenges
In BJJ, being put in a difficult position doesn’t mean defeat; it’s an opportunity to learn and grow. This mindset is invaluable in real estate, where challenges are inevitable. Deals fall through, financing can be hard to secure, and markets can be unpredictable. Staying calm and finding ways to navigate these challenges is essential for long-term success. BJJ has taught me to embrace challenges, knowing that each one is a chance to improve.
6. The Power of Community
The BJJ community is strong and supportive, with practitioners helping each other improve. This sense of community is also crucial in real estate. Building relationships with mentors, networking with other investors, and learning from others in the industry can help you grow and find new opportunities. Just as in BJJ, where learning from others enhances your skills, in real estate, leveraging the knowledge and experience of others can propel your success.
7. Humility and Continuous Learning
No matter how skilled you become in BJJ, there’s always more to learn. Staying humble and open to continuous learning is essential, both on the mats and in real estate. The real estate market is ever-evolving, with new trends, strategies, and technologies emerging all the time. Maintaining a mindset of continuous improvement ensures that you stay ahead of the curve and continue to grow in your field.
8. Strategic Thinking
BJJ is often described as physical chess, requiring you to think several moves ahead and anticipate your opponent’s actions. Real estate is similarly strategic. Whether planning a development, negotiating a deal, or managing a portfolio, thinking ahead and being strategic in your decisions can give you a significant advantage. Just as in BJJ, where the most successful practitioners think several steps ahead, in real estate, foresight and planning are key to success.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has not only improved my physical and mental resilience but has also taught me invaluable lessons that I apply daily in my real estate career. From understanding leverage and positioning to maintaining discipline and adaptability, the parallels between BJJ and real estate are striking. If you’re facing challenges in real estate or looking for strategic guidance, I’d love to help you navigate the market with the same principles that have guided me on the mats.
If you’re interested in learning more or need expert advice on your real estate journey, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together to find the best strategies for your success—whether in real estate or life. Contact me today to get started!