Brazilians Kachigumi vs Makegumi: Winning Mindsets Explained

In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the terms Kachigumi and Makegumi hold significant importance, representing winning and losing mindsets, respectively. These concepts go beyond mere competition outcomes, shaping how practitioners approach training, challenges, and personal growth. Understanding the difference between these mindsets can transform your BJJ journey, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner. This post delves into the Kachigumi vs Makegumi debate, offering insights into cultivating a winning mindset in BJJ and life.
What is Kachigumi in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Kachigumi refers to the winning mindset in BJJ, characterized by resilience, strategic thinking, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. Practitioners with a Kachigumi mindset view every roll, competition, or challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. This mindset fosters adaptability, mental toughness, and a positive attitude, even in the face of defeat.
Key Traits of a Kachigumi Mindset
- Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks with determination.
- Strategic Thinking: Analyzing situations to make informed decisions.
- Growth Orientation: Focusing on progress rather than perfection.
📌 Note: Cultivating a Kachigumi mindset requires consistent effort and self-reflection.
What is Makegumi in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

In contrast, Makegumi represents the losing mindset, often marked by self-doubt, fear of failure, and a lack of persistence. Practitioners with a Makegumi mindset may avoid challenges, blame external factors, or give up when faced with adversity. This mindset hinders growth and limits potential, both on and off the mat.
Signs of a Makegumi Mindset
- Avoidance: Skipping difficult techniques or opponents.
- Negative Self-Talk: Focusing on failures rather than lessons.
- Fixed Mindset: Believing abilities are unchangeable.
Kachigumi vs Makegumi: How to Shift Your Mindset

Transitioning from a Makegumi to a Kachigumi mindset involves intentional practices and habits. Here’s how to make the shift:
1. Embrace Failure as Feedback
View losses as opportunities to learn and improve. Every mistake is a stepping stone to mastery.
2. Set Clear Goals
Define short-term and long-term objectives to stay motivated and focused.
3. Practice Gratitude
Acknowledge progress and celebrate small wins to maintain a positive outlook.
📌 Note: Consistency is key when shifting mindsets. Small, daily efforts yield significant results over time.
Applying Kachigumi Principles Beyond the Mat

The Kachigumi mindset isn’t limited to BJJ; it’s a powerful tool for personal and professional success. Here’s how to apply it:
- Problem-Solving: Approach challenges with a strategic, solution-focused mindset.
- Resilience: Persevere through obstacles with determination and adaptability.
- Continuous Learning: Seek growth opportunities in every experience.
Checklist for Cultivating a Kachigumi Mindset

- Reflect on past challenges and identify lessons learned.
- Set specific, measurable goals for your BJJ journey.
- Practice positive self-talk to build confidence.
- Surround yourself with like-minded, supportive individuals.
What does Kachigumi mean in BJJ?
+Kachigumi refers to the winning mindset in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing resilience, strategy, and growth.
How can I overcome a Makegumi mindset?
+Shift your focus to learning from failures, set clear goals, and practice gratitude to build a Kachigumi mindset.
Can Kachigumi principles be applied outside of BJJ?
+Yes, Kachigumi principles like resilience and strategic thinking are valuable in personal and professional life.
The Kachigumi vs Makegumi debate highlights the importance of mindset in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and beyond. By embracing a Kachigumi mindset, you can transform challenges into opportunities, fostering growth and success in all areas of life. Remember, the journey to a winning mindset is ongoing, but with dedication and the right strategies, you can achieve greatness both on and off the mat. BJJ mindset, winning mindset in BJJ, growth in Jiu-Jitsu, resilience in training.