"Greatness tends to be known by proxy--titles, legacy, etc. Yet rarely can we study its essence, free of jaded signatures that leak meaning. Comfort in Darkness is an unflinching chronicle of brutality that peers into greatness and unveils the naked embers of the noble soul that powers it. Having lived a life so willing to die has imbued Rickson Gracie with a peace, honesty, and humility that's palpable in every page." - Rodney Mullen, the most successful competitive skateboarder in the sport's history "Undefeated Jiu Jitsu champion Rickson Gracie illuminates the philosophy inherent in Jiu Jitsu, shares his vision and techniques, and explains how Jiu Jitsu can help people marshal their discipline and strengths to face any adversity in life. A moving and empowering guide." - Karen Springen, Booklist "The message of Comfort in Darkness extends way beyond mere Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Rickson shows us what is possible when facing life's most daunting challenges because he refuses to abandon his quest to reach the highest form of self.
" - Kelly Slater 11x world surfing champion "Rickson's approach to martial arts, to the game of unarmed combat is well beyond his years. He is definitely an inspiration of mine." - Conor McGregor, UFC double-champion "A fluid mind-set is required to excel in both combat and life. Rickson Gracie is the embodiment of this mind-set. I don't know of any athlete, in any sport, who can perform in 'the zone' or 'the flow' the way that Rickson Gracie did." - José Padilha, director of Bus 174, Elite Squad, Robocop (2014), Narcos, and Entebbe "Rickson Gracie and I had a match in the BYU wrestling room in 1992. He made me tap out twice and told me I was the toughest guy he'd gone against. Rickson was the best fighter I'd ever seen.
He still may be." - Mark Schultz, wrestler and Olympic gold medalist "Breathe: A Life in Flow is at its best when it tells beautiful stories illustrating this truth about how Gracie moves through the world, as a fighter, a surfer, and a man doing his best to be his best." - Carolyn Lee Adams, Bloody Elbow "There is Jiu Jitsu, and then there is Rickson Gracie. All others fit neatly below. The presence of mind and body to make micro adjustments in order to occupy what he calls 'The Middle' and his deep understanding in the form of Connection and Balance sets him apart from other Masters of this so called Gentle Art. Gentle, my ass. You keep what you kill." - Maynard James Keenan, martial artist, winemaker, and lead singer of Tool and A Perfect Circle.