Beyond the Self: How Jiu Jitsu Echoes Alan Watts’ Teachings

Alan Watts was a British philosopher, writer, and speaker known for exploring Eastern philosophy, particularly Zen, Taoism, Hinduism and Buddhism, and his ability to bridge it with Western thought. His work often revolves around themes of consciousness, identity, and the interconnectedness of life. His unique approach encourages people to view the world more holistically and interconnectedly, challenging the conventional idea of a separate "self."

Watts’s philosophy encourages us to drop the illusion of control and embrace life’s inherent “wiggliness.” According to Watts, the world is not orderly and straight-edged, but rather organic, curving, and unpredictable. To live harmoniously, we must acknowledge this natural rhythm, allowing life to unfold without rigid expectations.

“Your skin does not separate you from the world. It’s a bridge through which the external world flows into you. And you flow into it.”

For those who practice jiu jitsu, this philosophy may sound familiar. At its core, jiu jitsu is about adaptation and flow, not brute force or rigid strategy. Watts’s idea of “going with the flow” can be seen in how practitioners learn to work with, rather than against, an opponent’s movements. Jiu jitsu teaches that resisting an opponent’s strength head-on often leads to failure, while blending with their energy opens up opportunities for control and success. This reflects Watts’s concept of “wu wei” or effortless action—acting in harmony with the situation instead of struggling against it.

Alan Watts’s teachings can serve as a reminder that jiu jitsu, like life, is not something to be overthought or micromanaged. Success on the mat comes when one surrenders the need for certainty and allows themselves to be fully present. This mindset is especially helpful in stressful situations, whether in a sparring match or a high-stakes competition. By embracing a flexible approach, practitioners can respond effectively and creatively to whatever comes their way.

Alan Watts’s philosophy encourages us to live with awareness, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the flow of life. For jiu jitsu practitioners, these ideas offer valuable insights into the mental approach needed to thrive in their art. Just as Watts taught people to surrender to life’s natural rhythms, jiu jitsu encourages practitioners to release the illusion of control, stay present, and connect with their surroundings.

Through Watts’s wisdom, jiu jitsu becomes more than just a martial art; it becomes a path to self-discovery and harmony. By applying his philosophy on the mat, practitioners can experience jiu jitsu as a form of moving meditation, one that teaches them to adapt, to be present, and ultimately, to “wiggle” their way through life’s many challenges. In the words of Watts, “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”