Sweet Jesus, please help me. Words matter. The source matters. Your Word always matters.

How do I hold my tongue when plagiarism has been positioned as wisdom of Carlos Gracie? Especially when positioned as the “12 Commandments of Jiu-Jitsu?” I will not copy the image here, but it’s rampant in BJJ.

How does one simply see anything wrong in the world and not seek to understand or work toward a solution? I use to think I cared too much. I was wrong.

Truth is always worth caring about and the number one reason for me to “fight” .

I can send an email to attorney John Gomez, who clearly does not know Christian D. Lawson wrote “Promise Yourself” aka The Optimist’s Creed in 1912. Surely an attorney can appreciate the issue of plagiarism, right? Even though he trains under one of Carlos’ grandsons? We shall see.

Always, I seek the source. And, THE SOURCE has been spitting facts all day. Jesus clearly wants me to wrestle with this before giving me what He wants in the first “About the Author” section of Black Belt Wisdom. I keep getting the sense that the welcoming must be in my voice with His Tone. That’s a tough order.

For funsies, the Spirit revealed why there is no Master Jacare Cavalcanti quote in Black Belt Wisdom. Several of his students are included, but not him. Apparently, it was not a mistake. I caught this closing comment this morning from an interview On The Mat:

Jacare received one of the last Black Belts awarded by Rolls Gracie, mere months before Rolls’ tragic death. Apparently, I am to write specific letters to Masters Rickson and Jacares and tell them about our Oszczakiewicz Gracie. The truly personal connection must be shared.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Relax.

Just like that, Divine Humor strikes again. I have written countless times that my BJJ Journey began with finishing Episode 2358 of the Joe Rogan Experience on 10/17/25. Two days later, I wrote this Prayer for Joe. Master Jacare’s birthday is October 17. #ISWYDT.

I love how He gives me bookends and dates to remember what He has done in my life.

Here are some facts about the source of the plagiarized 12 Commandments of Jiu-Jitsu

Master Carlos was born in 1902. Lawson published Promise Yourself when Carlos was about ten years old. Optimist International began June 19.1919.

No doubt in my spirit Carlos didn’t intend to steal someone else’s work. That would go against being honorable in every way. I pray he gave credit along way or asked for Lawsons expressed permission to do what has been done. However, it stings that it continues to be passed off as his work.

There is no honor in a lie.