CLAY COUNTY – Jordan Hix, a Keystone Heights native, University of Florida graduate and U.S. Naval officer, published his book, “Rapid Growth in Grappling: How To Use The Principles of Deliberate Practice To Get Better Faster” in December 2021.

Hix has been actively promoting his book since he returned in April following a three-year stint at the U.S Fleet Activities Sasebo base in Japan.

The book focuses on deliberate practice and guides efficient training methods for students and coaches in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu. Hix emphasizes the principles apply to any area of improvement, making it valuable even for those unfamiliar with Jiu-Jitsu.

“If you’ve never done Jiu-Jitsu, there are still really valuable lessons on how you to improve yourself and become your own coach and anything, with these principles that can be applied,” he said.

Hix wrote the book after suffering an injury that hampered his military (and Jui-Jitsu) training in 2020.

“I knew this was going to make me miss a lot of training and opportunities, but it gave me a lot more time to think. I wanted to make sure that when I came back to (the United States), I could train as efficiently as possible and make up for that lost time,” Hix said.

It took him a year to finish it. He said the book focuses on consistent training.

“I saw that there was a lack of consistent training and protocols and methodologies in Jui-Jitsu,” he said.

Hix’s journey in the sport of Jui-Jitsu started during his final semester at Florida in Spring 2016 at the Gator Brazilian Jui-Jitsu Club.

He then continued his post-graduate training when he moved to Port Orange and eventually returned to the Keystone Heights Martial Arts Academy in 2019.

After completing officer training school in Newport, Rhode Island, and earning his commission, he was sent to the U.S. Fleet Activities Sasebo, where he continued his training.

Hix cross-trained with local judo clubs in the city, competed in tournaments, and even taught his classes. During his experience, he trained Japanese natives and people who would serve in the U.S. Military Police. 

“No. 1, I think everyone should try Jui-Jitsu even if you haven’t before. You’ll learn a lot more about yourself. And even if you haven’t tried Jui-Jitsu a day in your life, this book will still give you value. That’s because I cited a lot of research from skill acquisition studies, so whatever you want to get better at, you can use these broad principles and concepts in the book to apply it to whatever goals you what want to accomplish,” he said.

To promote his book, Hix recently appeared on a podcast with Rene Dreifuss, founder and head coach of Radical Mixed Martial Arts, a popular school in midtown Manhattan. The renowned coach appreciated the book’s practices, even implementing them in his classroom.

“It’s really good to see a professional do that,” Hix said.

Despite his work commitments, the 30-year-old continues to teach in his hometown, returning to Keystone Heights once or twice a month. The book’s sales have experienced ongoing success, with positive feedback from readers who find it useful for coaching roles and personal development.

They say that it’s really useful for them, and many have used it for coaching roles at their own gyms,” Hix said.

“It’s been going well, and I’m so happy. I’m finally starting to get some organic sales from people discovering it on Amazon, and that’s always cool. I’ve had several people reach out to me personally on Amazon to thank me. There are people reading it, and that’s always good.”

With seven years of participating in tournaments across Florida, including Jacksonville, Orlando, Daytona Beach, Tampa and St. Augustine, Hix brings a wealth of knowledge to his novel.

To purchase “Rapid Growth Grappling” in Kindle ($9.99) or paperback ($19.99) format, visit www.amazon.com/Rapid-Growth-Grappling-Principles-Deliberate-ebook/dp/B0BPQWQZB5.