Charlie Kirk was an American activist known for his leadership at Turning Point USA, an organization focused on engaging young people in discussions about culture, society, and faith. With a bold personality and a strong stage presence, he constantly encouraged dialogue and believed that every person should have the freedom to express opinions without fear of censorship.
On September 10, 2025, while speaking at a university in Utah, Charlie Kirk was assassinated by a gunshot. The sudden and cowardly attack shocked the nation, not only for its brutality but also for what it symbolized: an attempt to silence ideas through violence. His death compels us to reflect on today’s world, where debate is often replaced by intolerance.
Principles Charlie Kirk Defended
Faith and conviction
Kirk frequently emphasized that living according to Christian values was essential for building a meaningful life. For him, true courage meant staying loyal to your beliefs even in difficult times.
“True courage is living according to what you believe to be the truth.”
The phrase above reminds us that it is not enough to speak about principles — we must act according to them.
This idea is deeply connected to what we learn on the mat. In martial arts, courage is not only about facing an opponent, but about living with discipline, respect, and humility, both in training and in daily life.
A true practitioner does not separate what is learned in the academy from real life: honor, self-control, and perseverance are values that shape actions. Real strength is not found in winning fights, but in maintaining coherence between what one believes and how one lives
Courage to engage in dialogue
He never shied away from debates. On the contrary, he organized events that invited opponents to challenge his views, encouraging young people to stand up for their ideas with clarity and determination.
“If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas — not run away from them or try to silence them.”
The phrase above — not run away from them or try to silence them” connects directly with what we experience on the mat.
In every martial arts training session, we are challenged to face difficulties, to get tired, to fall and to rise again. Running away is not an option.
Just like in life, on the mat we learn that courage does not mean the absence of fear, but the ability to remain firm under pressure
. A true practitioner does not give up when facing resistance, nor tries to hide mistakes or silence the progress of others. On the contrary, they fight with discipline, respect their training partners, and turn every obstacle into a lesson.
Discipline and perseverance
Kirk also highlighted the importance of patience and consistency, teaching that meaningful change comes only through steady discipline.
“Great transformations do not happen overnight, but through perseverance in doing what is right.”
The phrase above perfectly reflects the essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. On the mat, nothing comes instantly. Progress is the result of consistency, dedication, and discipline.
Just as Kirk reminded us, true change requires time and commitment. In Jiu-Jitsu, you cannot expect to attend one or two classes and suddenly be ready to defend yourself. Each position, each technique, and each roll is part of a long journey where growth comes step by step.
The perseverance to keep showing up, to learn from mistakes, and to stay humble is what transforms a beginner into a confident martial artist. Just like in life, in BJJ the transformation is not immediate — it is the reward for consistent effort and the courage to keep moving forward.
Violence Versus Dialogue
The contrast with martial arts values
The act that ended Charlie Kirk’s life stands in complete opposition to the values taught in martial arts. In jiu-jitsu, muay thai, boxing, or karate, students quickly learn that combat is not about destroying others, but about building character.
Respect, discipline, and honor are the true pillars — and they prevent strength from being used unjustly.
This tragedy goes directly against what we teach on the mat. At the beginning of every match, we shake hands, we give our best, and when it ends, we understand that it all starts again so that we can improve.
Differences of opinion can never be solved through violence; they must be addressed with respect and dialogue. At Athlas Training Team, we strongly condemn any kind of violent behavior and stand firm in our commitment to building a culture of discipline, respect, and continuous growth.
The digital age and intolerance
Many people now call our reality a new kind of pandemic — not of disease, but of behavior
People have become addicted to short videos and instant information, and as a result, many have lost the patience to truly listen, process, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Social media, instead of being a space for healthy debate, has often turned into a battlefield where individuals attack rather than listen, and judge rather than understand.
This inability to sit down, present points of view calmly, and respect differences without resorting to aggression has created a culture of hostility.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a tragic and extreme example of what happens when conversation is replaced with conflict. It shows us that when people no longer tolerate opposing ideas, violence becomes the misguided outlet.
In martial arts, however, we learn the opposite: discipline, respect, and the ability to face challenges without hatred. These are the values society urgently needs to recover.
Respect beyond religion or politics
At Athlas Training Team, we believe that progress is impossible without mutual respect. Inside our academy, religion, politics, culture, nationality, or skin color do not divide us. We welcome people from every background, and each one is respected in the same way.
The moment we put on the uniform, we are all equal on the mat. Rank, culture, or personal differences no longer matter — what matters is the commitment to learning, growing, and supporting one another. Respect is not only a rule; it is a constant practice that builds a stronger community both inside and outside the academy.
Our guiding values
Respect for individual differences.
Discipline to overcome challenges.
Dialogue as a path to growth.
Self-control to ensure strength is used with responsibility.
Our message to the community
Just as Charlie Kirk lived with conviction, we believe martial arts give each person the tools to grow stronger in both body and character. Training is not simply about fighting — it is about self-mastery, respect, and transforming energy into positive growth.
Charlie Kirk’s assassination tragically reminds us how far violence can go when society abandons dialogue. Violence will never solve differences. The true answer lies in respect, discipline, and the courage to listen to opposing viewpoints
At Athlas Training Team, we reaffirm every day that martial arts are an antidote to intolerance. Through training, we shape people who are not only stronger physically, but also stronger in character. And it is this character — grounded in respect, humility, and dialogue — that we want to see flourish in our community.
