My name is François Deniau, I was born near Paris in 1969 and sports have always been part of my life. I always had to do some physical activities at some point. I started to wrestle with my older brother and then started judo when I was 11. I discovered in the same time the underwater world and spent my time since doing both Martial Arts and Freediving.
The Journey Through Jiu-Jitsu, Martial Arts, and Holistic Wellness
1. The Benefits of Jiu-Jitsu and Martial Arts
Jiu-jitsu, like other martial arts, offers numerous benefits, from improved fitness and self-defense skills to personal growth and mental clarity. Unlike striking disciplines, jiu-jitsu focuses on grappling, allowing practitioners to train at full intensity without significant risk of injury. While complementary skills in boxing or other striking arts can be valuable, jiu-jitsu is often regarded as a versatile platform to explore various physical and mental disciplines.
At our academy, we embrace a well-rounded approach, incorporating tools like boxing bags, monkey bars, and ropes. For me, it feels like an ideal playground where I can tailor my training to suit my needs and mood. Martial arts, historically endorsed by great philosophers as a means to cultivate both body and mind, remain a powerful tool for developing discipline, self-awareness, and resilience. Jiu-jitsu connects naturally to other activities like yoga, freediving, climbing, and surfing, making it a truly holistic discipline.
2. My Beginnings in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu
My journey began in the suburbs of Paris, where I attended public school in a challenging environment. To defend myself, I joined the Judo Club Jacques Noris, where I discovered not only self-defense but also the values of discipline and the philosophy of the « peaceful warrior. » These teachings shaped my confidence, resilience, and sense of purpose.
After years of training, I pursued a Master’s degree in Sports Science (STAPS) at the University of Lyon, which deepened my understanding of physical education. It was during this period that I transitioned from judo to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), marking a pivotal moment in my martial arts journey.
3. Competition: A Double-Edged Sword
Competition is just one aspect of jiu-jitsu, as Rickson Gracie famously said, « a chapter of the art. » For me, it was an avenue to test my limits and explore personal growth. My first judo competition in 1984 taught me goal-setting and perseverance. Later, in England, I trained under Neil Adams, a world-class judoka, which profoundly influenced my focus on groundwork (ne waza) and prepared me for BJJ.
Competing was both enriching and challenging. It boosted my confidence and skill but also brought moments of pressure and self-reflection. Ultimately, it was a transformative journey that reinforced my love for martial arts.
4. Discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
My introduction to BJJ in the late 1990s opened a new chapter in my martial arts career. As a pioneer of the sport in Europe, I competed without affiliation, winning national and European championships. Later, I trained with esteemed mentors like Cid Borges, Ricardo Carvalho, and Megaton Dias, traveling to Brazil, the U.S., and Abu Dhabi.
Highlights of my journey include meeting Rickson Gracie, competing under Gracie Humaita, training with Royler Gracie and even meeting Helio Gracie, the legendary founder of BJJ. These experiences were deeply humbling and shaped my understanding of jiu-jitsu as more than just a sport—it is a way of life.
5. The Sea as My Medicine
In 2012, a knee injury led me to discover the healing power of water. Swimming not only repaired my torn meniscus but also rehabilitated my fractured ankles in 2016 after a canyoning accident. Immersing myself in the sea taught me resilience and reinforced Bruce Lee’s philosophy: « Be water, my friend. »
Freediving further deepened this connection, teaching me to surrender to fear and embrace the unknown. This meditative practice, akin to the mental state cultivated in a dojo, complements jiu-jitsu beautifully. Breath control, focus, and letting go of fear are lessons shared by both disciplines.
6. The Birth of the Freediving Dojo
Inspired by my experiences, I created a « Freediving Dojo, » merging jiu-jitsu, freediving, yoga, and other activities into a holistic approach to physical and mental wellness. Conscious breathing, derived from practices like pranayama, lies at the heart of this system. It promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and improved performance, both in martial arts and daily life.
Freediving and jiu-jitsu share profound benefits: enhanced body awareness, resilience, and a deep sense of interconnectedness. These practices are transformative, pushing boundaries and unlocking potential on physical, mental, and spiritual levels.
7. Expanding Through Other Disciplines
Disciplines like Ginástica Natural, developed by Alvaro Romano, integrate movements inspired by animals, yoga, and martial arts to enhance mobility, strength, and coordination. When combined with jiu-jitsu, yoga, and freediving, this approach promotes a well-rounded lifestyle focused on fitness, mindfulness, and personal growth.
By blending these practices, our dojo creates an environment that nurtures the mind-body connection, fostering resilience, relaxation, and self-discovery. Jiu-jitsu is no longer just a sport; it becomes a gateway to holistic well-being, where martial arts meet philosophy, science, and art.
Aknowlegement to my family and my teachers :
Jacques Noris (Judo Club of Cergy) 1982 to 1986
Marc Mermet (Judo Club Dauphinois) 1986-1989
Thierry Oviz (Judo Club d’Echirolles) 1989-1991
Philippe Petit (GUC JCD Grenoble) 1991-1992
Jean-Pierre Millon (GUC JCD Grenoble) 1992-1995
Neil Adams (Neil Adams Club Coventry, England) 1993-1994
Military service in Grenoble, so I could train at the GUC JCD in 1994-1995
Daniel Ray (CS DOUA, Villeurbanne) 1995-2000
Jean-Paul Pagnoud (CS DOUA, Villeurbanne) 1995-2000
Ricardo Carvalho (Team Edson Carvalho) 2003
Cid Borges (Team Edson Carvalho) 2003- 2011
Wellington « Megaton » Dias / Royler Gracie (Team Gracie Humaita) 2005-2017
Luciana Dias / Royler Gracie (Team Gracie Humaita) 2005-2017
