“Out of every one hundred men, ten shouldn't even be there, eighty are just targets, nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back.” ~ Heraclitus

This quote arrived in my inbox in the moments I was preparing to publish this very first podcast episode with Fernando Belatto. This is about as suitable a quote to fit Fernando as I could imagine.

Fernando is a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu who is innovating and challenging the Status Quo in the Martial Arts world, especially to acknowledge the importance of self-knowledge. While Fernando appreciates competition and traveled that path himself, he understands Martial Arts as something fundamentally spiritual.

Fernando touches people not traditionally interested in Martial Arts and black belts alike because his interest in helping people awaken their inner warrior so that they can navigate everyday life challenges with greater harmony and ease.

I was struck once again by the depth of my friend Fernando's knowledge. Indeed this was a wide-ranging conversation that touched on many deep! and meaningful themes including following one's heart on the path of Dharma (higher purpose), the relevance of warrior spirit to our everyday challenges, how martial arts and having an army can be at service of peace, yin/yang (masculine/feminine within each one of us) and how this relates to reactivity and presence, the Bible, Bhagavad Gita, and money. Whew!

Fernando's purpose is Martial Arts at Service of Love. He is a beautiful man who has helped many, many people. I felt energized the whole time speaking to him and I hope you enjoy listening to it.

Visit Fernando at ODGI.com.br and follow him along with many fans on Facebook page also at ODGI.