Playing the Infinite Game: How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Transforms Life On and Off The MATS.
At The MATS Academy, we integrate James P. Carse’s core philosophy from “Finite and Infinite Games” into our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) teaching approach. Carse’s insight into finite and infinite games provides a robust framework for our instruction, allowing us to help students become more skilled in BJJ and apply its lessons to their everyday lives.
The Infinite Game of BJJ: A Mindset Shift
In BJJ, there are clear examples of both finite and infinite games. Finite games, like competitions, have clear rules, opponents, and a defined outcome—a win or a loss. While we value competitions as valuable training and growth experiences, they represent only a single aspect of BJJ. At The MATS Academy, we encourage students to view their journey as an infinite game. The goal isn’t merely to win or achieve specific ranks but to develop continuously, adapt, and deepen one’s relationship with the art.
This infinite mindset is essential because it fosters resilience, patience, and an appreciation for the learning process. Students learn that there’s no final destination in BJJ; there’s always more to explore, refine, and experience. This approach keeps them engaged and teaches them to value the process of learning itself—a lesson they can carry into every area of their lives.
Application to Everyday Life: Lessons Beyond the Mats
Relationships: Building Connections Over Winning Just as we learn to value our training partners in BJJ, we can apply this mindset to our relationships. Rather than approaching relationships as conflicts to win or problems to solve, we focus on building trust, supporting each other’s growth, and cultivating connections that strengthen over time. Our students learn to communicate effectively, prioritize harmony, and resolve conflicts constructively, fostering relationships that thrive in the long run.
Work and Career: Prioritizing Growth Over Achievements In the workplace, it’s easy to focus on promotions, titles, or financial gain as markers of success. But at The MATS Academy, we teach that the true value of BJJ—and life—lies in personal growth and contribution. Our students learn to prioritize continuous improvement and adaptability, qualities that help them stay resilient and open to new career challenges, no matter what external achievements they attain.
Health and Fitness: A Lifelong Pursuit Many people approach health as a finite game, setting specific short-term goals. We emphasize the infinite nature of health, which aims to cultivate long-term habits that sustain our vitality. Through consistent practice, our students learn the importance of maintaining both mental and physical resilience. This mindset encourages them to prioritize well-being over rapid gains, leading to healthier, more balanced lifestyles.
Creativity and Learning: Embracing Curiosity and Exploration BJJ, like any art, thrives on innovation and creativity. We encourage our students to approach their training with curiosity, seeing each challenge as an opportunity to explore new techniques and expand their understanding. This approach translates into everyday life by fostering a mindset that values lifelong learning and the joy of exploration over rigid achievement or status.
Mindset for Life’s Challenges: Finding Purpose in the Process Just as there is no "final victory" in BJJ, there is no finish line in life. Our students learn to approach challenges with a sense of purpose and adaptability. This mindset teaches them to value the journey, finding fulfillment in overcoming obstacles rather than focusing solely on reaching a particular goal.
Community Engagement: Building a Supportive Environment At The MATS Academy, we cultivate a community that values support, knowledge-sharing, and collective growth. We encourage students to see their training partners not as competitors but as collaborators in the infinite game of development. This emphasis on community translates into a broader sense of empathy and teamwork in everyday life, teaching students the importance of working together and uplifting those around them.
Resilience and Adaptability: Thriving Through Change Life, like BJJ, is full of unpredictability. By engaging in the infinite game, our students develop resilience and adaptability, qualities that empower them to thrive amidst life’s changes. They learn to embrace failure as a necessary part of growth and to adapt their approach in response to setbacks, making them more equipped to handle challenges beyond the academy.
Conclusion: The MATS Academy’s Infinite Approach to BJJ and Life
At The MATS Academy, our mission is to teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques and instill a philosophy of lifelong growth and adaptation. By applying Carse’s concept of finite and infinite games, we help our students see BJJ as a lifelong pursuit, where the value lies in continual evolution rather than in the finite milestones of competition or rank.
This mindset empowers our students to bring a spirit of resilience, curiosity, and purpose into every area of their lives. In choosing to play the infinite game, they become skilled martial artists and well-rounded individuals who understand that the ultimate goal is not to "win" but to keep playing, learning, and growing.