At Jiu jitsu, we’ve noticed a surprising rumor circulating in the martial arts community: Did former President Donald Trump train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
This claim has sparked intense debate and speculation across social media platforms, reminding us of the historical connection between politics and martial arts, like Teddy Roosevelt’s jiu jitsu training.
In this post, we’ll examine the origins of this rumor, explore Trump’s known fitness routine, and compare it to other political figures’ martial arts experiences.
Did Trump Train in BJJ?
The Birth of a Rumor
The martial arts community recently experienced a stir due to an unexpected claim: former President Donald Trump allegedly trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). This rumor, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, caught many BJJ practitioners by surprise. The claim appears to have originated from a satirical article published on a lesser-known website. The piece, written in a tongue-in-cheek style, jokingly suggested that Trump had secretly trained in BJJ for years. Unfortunately, many readers missed the satirical nature of the article and began sharing it as fact.
Social Media Amplification
Within hours, the claim gained traction on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. BJJ enthusiasts and political commentators alike shared and debated the possibility of Trump’s secret martial arts training. Some even created memes depicting the former president in a gi (the traditional BJJ uniform), further fueling the speculation.
The Importance of Fact-Checking
This incident highlights the critical importance of fact-checking in the martial arts community. As practitioners, we value discipline and respect for truth – principles that should extend to how we consume and share information online.
At Souza Grappling Co., we encourage our students to apply the same critical thinking skills they use on the mat to their online interactions. Before sharing news about high-profile figures in BJJ, it’s important to verify the source. Look for reputable martial arts publications or official statements from the individuals involved.
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. If a political figure suddenly reveals extensive martial arts training, you’d expect to see some documentation or testimony from credible sources within the BJJ community.
Debunking the Claim
A quick fact-check reveals no credible evidence of Trump’s BJJ training. Donald Trump’s fitness routine was quite different from what one might expect of a martial artist. Trump believed the human body was like a battery, with a finite amount of energy, which exercise only depleted. So he didn’t work out.
This situation serves as a reminder of the need for critical thinking in our information-saturated world. As we move forward, let’s examine Trump’s actual fitness routine and how it compares to other political figures who have engaged in martial arts training.
Trump’s Unconventional Approach to Fitness
Golf as the Primary Physical Activity
Donald Trump’s fitness routine during his presidency deviated from traditional presidential workout regimens. His primary form of exercise centered around golf. Trump frequented his golf properties, playing over 260 rounds during his four-year term (according to Trump Golf Count). While golf offers some health benefits, such as walking and social interaction, it falls short of meeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
Limited Exercise Beyond the Fairways
Outside of his time on the golf course, Trump’s exercise routine remained minimal. Reports suggest he occasionally walked around the White House grounds and used a stationary bike. However, these activities lacked structure and regularity. Trump’s diet (which reportedly included substantial amounts of fast food and diet soda) also raised eyebrows among health experts.
A Departure from Presidential Fitness Norms
Trump’s approach to fitness contrasted sharply with recent presidents:
- Barack Obama: Known for regular basketball games and gym workouts
- George W. Bush: An avid runner who completed a marathon while in office
- Bill Clinton: Frequent jogger who later adopted a plant-based diet for health reasons
These differences highlight varying attitudes towards exercise and its role in maintaining health and managing presidential stress.
The “Battery” Theory of Human Energy
Trump believed the human body was like a battery, with a finite amount of energy, which exercise only depleted. So he didn’t work out. This viewpoint influenced his minimal approach to physical activity beyond golf.
The Impact on Presidential Health
The lack of a structured fitness routine raised concerns about Trump’s overall health and ability to manage the stresses of the presidency. Regular exercise has proven benefits for stress reduction, cognitive function, and overall well-being-all crucial aspects for a leader in such a demanding role.
As we transition to examining verified martial arts experiences of political figures, it’s worth noting that Trump’s fitness philosophy stands in stark contrast to leaders who have embraced more rigorous physical training, including martial arts disciplines.
Political Figures Who Embrace Martial Arts
BJJ in Politics
Several politicians have found value in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training. Many of the practices termed “BJJ-politics” have the consequence that members of a team are isolated from other teams. Different arguments are used to uphold these practices. Tulsi Gabbard, former U.S. Representative and presidential candidate, holds a purple belt in BJJ. She often speaks about how the sport improves her focus and resilience. Tim Kennedy, a former UFC fighter and U.S. Army Special Forces veteran (who has considered running for political office), uses his extensive BJJ background as a cornerstone of his public image and leadership style.
Diverse Martial Arts Among World Leaders
Beyond BJJ, various world leaders practice different martial arts:
- Vladimir Putin: The Russian president holds a black belt in Judo and has published a book titled “Judo: History, Theory, Practice.”
- Justin Trudeau: Canada’s Prime Minister has boxing experience and participated in a charity boxing match in 2012.
- Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck: The King of Bhutan practices Taekwondo regularly.
These examples show how martial arts transcend cultural and political boundaries, offering universal benefits to those in leadership positions.
Leadership Skills Forged on the Mat
Martial arts training offers unique advantages for political figures:
- Stress Management: High-intensity training provides an outlet for the immense stress of political life.
- Decision-Making Under Pressure: BJJ and other martial arts simulate high-pressure situations, forcing practitioners to make quick decisions. This skill directly translates to crisis management in politics.
- Humility and Continuous Learning: The journey in martial arts requires constant growth. Politicians who train learn to accept defeats gracefully and improve continuously – essential traits for public service.
- Physical Fitness: Regular martial arts practice keeps leaders in top physical condition.
- Cultural Understanding: Many martial arts have rich cultural histories. Leaders who engage in these practices often gain a deeper appreciation for different cultures, which can prove invaluable in international relations.
The Impact on Leadership
The discipline, focus, and physical conditioning gained through martial arts training can significantly impact a leader’s performance. These skills often translate into improved decision-making, stress management, and overall resilience in the face of political challenges.
Final Thoughts
The Trump BJJ rumor proved to be a satirical piece mistaken for fact. This incident highlights the need for critical thinking in the martial arts community. We must apply the same scrutiny to online information as we do to techniques on the mat.
Political figures who engage in martial arts, like Teddy Roosevelt’s jiu-jitsu training, demonstrate how these disciplines shape leadership qualities. At Souza Grappling Co., we encourage our community to question, analyze, and grow both on and off the mat (in our 3,000 sq. ft. facility).
Martial artists should commit to fact-checking before sharing information. This practice maintains the integrity of our community and honors the principles of discipline and respect. We strive to ensure the martial arts world remains a source of truth, growth, and empowerment for all practitioners.
