In Ivanka Trump’s interview on the Lex Fridman Podcast, she discusses her journey into jujutsu, commonly referred to as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which began with her daughter Arabella’s desire to learn self-defense. Ivanka shares how this led her to the Valente Brothers’ school in Miami, where the entire family, including her husband Jared Kushner and their sons Joseph and Theodore, eventually joined in the training. She speaks highly of the Valente Brothers, praising their integration of philosophical principles and history into their teachings, alongside practical self-defense skills.
Ivanka highlights the empowerment and confidence she has gained from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing its benefits in enhancing situational awareness and calmness. She also notes the positive impact on her children, who have embraced the 753 Code, a set of values inspired by Samurai principles and developed by the Valente brothers, which they apply in their daily lives. Ivanka appreciates the holistic approach of the Valente Brothers, which includes mental, physical, and philosophical growth, and values the deep, scholarly dedication to martial arts that they embody.
Lex Fridman also praises the Valente Brothers, noting their exceptional commitment to the art and history of martial arts. He admires their dedication to understanding and teaching both the physical and philosophical aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing that they maintain the essential self-defense roots of the practice. This comprehensive approach, Lex remarks, instills confidence and awareness in practitioners, both on and off the mat.