Written by: Michelle Cassady, MA. Ed.
Royce Gracie Academy of Macomb places a strong emphasis on developing both martial arts skills and character through structured programs. Incorporating the “7-5-3 code” into daily “mat chats” is a great way to encourage thoughtful reflection and personal growth in students. The approach of focusing on different aspects of the code each month and building discussions around them helps reinforce important values. Our academy is committed to developing well-rounded individuals, both physically and mentally.
At Royce Gracie Academy of Macomb, we are dedicated not only to teaching martial arts but also to fostering personal growth and character development. We believe that the values learned on the mat can translate into everyday life, shaping students into well-rounded individuals who embody respect, discipline, and resilience.
One of the key tools we use to achieve this is the 7-5-3 Code, a set of guiding principles that promote a balanced and meaningful life. The 7-5-3 Code consists of 7 virtues of the warrior, 5 keys to health, and 3 states of mind, each playing an important role in building a strong character and a healthy, focused mindset.
To ensure these values are absorbed and practiced by our students, we integrate daily “mat chats” into our training sessions. During these mat chats, students gather to discuss a particular aspect of the 7-5-3 Code. Each month, we focus on a different area of the code, diving deep into its meaning and how it can be applied both on and off the mat.
During the daily mat chats, students are encouraged to share their thoughts and perspectives. This is not a passive lecture but rather an open discussion where students of all ages feel comfortable speaking up. Each student is invited to respond to the week’s discussion question, offering their interpretation of the virtue, health key, or state of mind being explored. This not only boosts their confidence in expressing their opinions but also helps them see how others interpret the same values, fostering a sense of community.
To engage students on a deeper level, we focus on critical thinking. After introducing a concept from the 7-5-3 Code, we challenge the students with questions that require them to connect these values to real-life situations. For example, if the focus is on one of the seven virtues like courage, students might be asked, “Can you think of a time when you needed to show courage in school or with your friends?” These kinds of questions encourage students to reflect on their own experiences, making the lessons more relevant and meaningful.
Through partner drills and group discussions, students develop strong bonds with their peers, which enhances engagement. Working together to learn techniques and solve challenges fosters a sense of teamwork, where older or more experienced students often take on leadership roles in encouraging younger ones. This dynamic not only reinforces the 7-5-3 Code’s principles of respect and loyalty but also allows students to grow socially while building leadership skills.
The 7-5-3 Code in Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu is a set of principles that serves as a guide for personal development, both on and off the mat.
The code is broken down into three main components:
7 Virtues of a Jiu-Jitsu Warrior:
These are core values that reflect the warrior spirit, essential for martial artists to embody. The 7 virtues typically are:
1. Rectitude-Doing what is right without regard to consequences
2. Courage-Inner strength to resist opposition
3. Benevolence-The disposition to be good
4. Politeness/propriety-Proper consideration and courtesy to others
5. Honesty/Sincerity-Genuine integrity in character and action
6. Honor-Profound respect and ethical conduct
7. Loyalty-Faithfulness and alliance
These virtues emphasize character development, which is fundamental in Gracie Jiu Jitsu’s philosophy, going beyond physical techniques to focus on mental and moral fortitude.
5 Keys to Health:
The second part of the code emphasizes physical well-being and growth.
1. Rational Nutrition
2. Sensible Exercise
3. Efficient Rest
4. Proper Hygiene
5. Positive Attitude
These elements are crucial to maintaining peak physical condition and ensuring that practitioners have the strength and stamina required for Jiu Jitsu, while also living a balanced lifestyle. If you come up short or miss one it throws the entire body off.
3 States of Mind:
Finally, the code also recognizes the importance of mental clarity and focus through:
1. Zanshin (Awareness)
2. Mushin (No Mind or Clear Mind)
3. Fudoshin (Immovable Mind)
These states of mind are designed to develop concentration and mental resilience, essential for both life and Jiu Jitsu practice. The 7-5-3 Code is about creating a balanced, disciplined, and harmonious approach to Jiu Jitsu and life, ensuring practitioners are equipped not just to defend themselves physically but to grow as individuals.
