In combat, the Ratchet Principle promotes incremental advancements in one direction while preventing motion in the opposite direction. In life, this principle is founded on the belief that gradual, persistent progress will result in significant gains over time.

In chapter twenty-six, Rener details how he used the Ratchet Principle to generate ideas from jiu-jitsu instructors all over the world which he then used to double his organization's rate of growth.