Ralph Gracie

The Talented Mr. BJ Penn aka ‘The Prodigy’

If you look up the definition of the word ‘prodigy’ you will in most cases find:

“A person so extraordinary as to inspire wonder; specifically, a child of highly unusual talent or genius.”

BJ Penn, the current UFC-Lightweight Champion, from Hilo, Hawaii, has often been referred to as ‘The Prodigy’. And rightfully so, may I say.

In today’s post, I will refrain from listing all his impressive wins on the mat, in the ring and inside ‘The Octagon’. And they are many, even against a number of highly recognizable names on the MMA circuit such as Matt Hughes, Renzo Gracie, Jens Pulver, Kenny Florian.

I am more interested in sharing with you his predisposition in becoming a UFC Champion and one of the most well-known and respected figures in professional Mixed Martial Arts.

And how did that nickname ‘The Prodigy’ establish itself anyway?

When BJ was 17 years old, he started his BJJ training together with his brother after an introduction by his neighbor, Tom Callos, who must be mighty proud today.

It must have been around two years later in 1997 that BJ received instruction under the legendary Ralph Gracie, from whom he received purple belt.

By 2000, just 3 years later, he was awarded the coveted black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by Andre Pederneiras.

This in itself is quite a feat, because reportedly it is not unusual for BJJ students to have to put in 10 years to reach that level of skill and dedication.

Shortly thereafter BJ Penn went on to become the first non-Brazilian to win the black-belt division of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which, as you might know, is considered the birthplace of BJJ.

While most people need a decade or more to become a black belt, BJ Penn had, with only three years of training, not only received a black belt but defeated people who had been training their entire lives on his way to winning the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Talent can certainly get you places, but it usually in addition takes consistent hard work and commitment to maintain and even propel you to higher elevations, in just about any profession.

Years ago UFC-President, Dana White, expressed his impression that BJ had coasted through his fighting career on natural talent alone.

That has definitely changed after BJ Penn has shown his willingness to take his professional MMA career more seriously in his training and he has obviously renewed his commitment to excel at the highest level to remain the UFC-Lightweight Champion.

His immense talent, combined with his experience and renewed commitment, make UFC-Lightweight Champion, BJ Penn ‘The Prodigy’ a force to reckon with. And most probably one of the best fighters of all time.

Check out this video in its entirety. You will not be disappointed!