Why jiu-jitsu is uniquely transformative

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Imagine standing near the summit of Mount Everest during its deadliest season while battling the internal voice that tells you to turn back. Cesalina Gracie joins Kelly and Juliet Starrett for a powerful conversation about resilience, self-belief, and staying calm under pressure. Drawing on lessons from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Everest, and her work in women’s safety, Cesalina offers a grounded perspective on mindset, preparation, and performing when it matters most.

In this deep dive, Cesalina shares her unique upbringing in the legendary Gracie family and how she translated those martial arts lessons into a successful summit of the world's highest peak. You will learn about the psychological traps of self-sabotage and how to reframe your internal dialogue to build unwavering self-belief. Cesalina explains why the mind-body connection is the most powerful tool you possess for navigating both the mats and the mountains.

The conversation also covers vital practical skills from Cesalina's Modern Woman Safety System. From navigating Ubers and elevators to setting firm boundaries in social settings, this episode is packed with actionable advice for women to move through the world with more confidence and awareness. Whether you are an athlete, a parent, or someone looking to sharpen your mental edge, Cesalina's insights on faith and preparation offer a roadmap for personal growth.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Why self-belief is built before the moment that tests you
• The dangerous pattern of self-sabotage — especially in high-achieving women
• How jiu-jitsu teaches you to stay calm under pressure and find solutions
• What surviving Everest reveals about fear, decision-making, and mental strength
• Why asking “What else is possible?” can change everything
• The reality of violence against women — and why awareness matters
• Simple, actionable strategies to reduce vulnerability in everyday situations
• How posture, voice, and presence impact how others perceive you
• Why freezing is the default — and training creates options
• The connection between physical practice, emotional resilience, and confidence

Key Highlights: 

(0:00) Welcome to the Ready State Podcast

(3:15) Healing through women empowerment workshops

(8:40) Identifying and stopping self sabotage

(13:50) Growing up in the Gracie family dynasty

(19:15) The true mission of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

(24:40) Why physical connection and play matter

(30:10) Using leverage and strategy in life

(36:55) The transition from the mats to the mountains

(43:20) Training for Everest in seven weeks

(49:45) Mental toughness under extreme stress

(55:30) Crossing the Khumbu Icefall ladders

(1:01:10) Survival mindset and the death zone

(1:07:45) A lesson in self sabotage at 8000 meters

(1:14:20) The importance of betting on yourself

(1:21:05) Why we need specific training for women's safety

(1:28:40) Practical safety tips for Ubers and hotels

(1:35:15) How to tell if someone has bad intentions

(1:43:37) Closing thoughts and final advice

Connect with Cesalina

Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

Take Cesalina's brand new course the Modern Woman Safety System! In this women's safety course, you’ll learn awareness, posture, voice, controlling your environment, and self-defense techniques that work for all women no matter your experience, size, or strength. This course gives you the essential tools every woman should learn in a simple, step-by-step program. Don’t leave your safety to chance. Use code READYSTATE20 at checkout for 20% off.

Huge thanks to our sponsors, LMNT, Momentous, Vitality, and Kreatures of Habit