1 comments about The Grappler's Handbook: Gi and No-Gi Techniques: Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Fighting.

1. The Grappler's Handbook by Jean Jacques Machado and Jay Zeballos is a must have for any brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner! It is a great learning tool for any experience level!! The attention to detail allows the reader to easily understand and incorporate the techniques seamlessly into their training!! It includes a variety of both gi and nogi techniques - This is a great way to learn from one of the greatest grapplers on the planet!

5 comments about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Submission Grappling Techniques (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series).

1. This book just like most in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu series can help improve your game tremendously. The book begins with a great theory section where Royler diverges secrets to training and becoming a champion among other great points. Sections on grips and drills are a great addition to the book. Grips are especially important to discuss when talking about grappling without a Gi since there is a whole new set. There is a good amount of techniques from any position that will work in Gi and no Gi situations. The authors credentials speak for themselves and this book is a great addition to any Jiu-Jitsu library it becomes a part of. Buy this book and you won't be sorry.



2. I bought this book as an experience white belt (read: about a year of BJJ), after reading the excellent, but light-on-technique "Mastering JuJitsu" (5 stars on it's own). Obviously you'll never truly learn BJJ from a book, but it certainly helps. Joyler is kind of a secret hero for me since we're both skinny little guys.
   
   If you're looking for a book with lots and lots of techniques, this is a great first step. Even if you manage to find a better one, this money will not be wasted. The pics are large and from multiple angles, in color, and match the descriptions. The explanations are clear and detailed, pointing out danger spots.
   
   At the risk of sounding crass (which I kind of am) I've stored this book in my bathroom and that works well. You can just open it to any page and start reading a technique.



3. This is the third and last gracie book I will buy. This book is not something for beginners, its a bunch random techniques as most of there books are and the grcies always seem to leave important postions/moves out of there books which keeps you buying more and more books to complete the puzzle. I personaly think Gene Simco products are much better and does not hold back on showing you counter moves. (Gene Simco Master text the most complete BJJ book and will save you money in the long run). I dont have anything personaly against the gracies I love there bjj its just that there out to make money, common they dont want to give everything away in one book.



4. this is a great no gi bjj book and actually a really good gi bjj book, too, since I believe that if you can utilize all our opponents limbs fluently it's gonna be much easier for us to utilize their gi and limbs. So this book is actually a great book since you can learn the higher level one but at the same time, of course, it's not for the beginner, especially when they are beginner who learn a gi bjj. Hey, there's always two side of a coin, isn't it? ;p anyway, if anyone is interested in learning a basic bjj (which usually start with the gi bjj) you can get that from Saulo Ribeiro Brazilian Jiu Jitsu University or Royler and Helio Gracie book for BJJ. But this book is great in a little bit higher level not as advanced as Marcello Garcia's X Guard, Eddie Bravo's Twister and Rubber Guard but this book need a basic understanding of grappling.
   
   Royler is a great BJJ competitor and teacher, two thumbs up. Thanks



5. I've been doing jiu-jitsu for a little over a year now, and I was looking for something to help expand my no-gi game. I finished this book in two days, primarily because a lot of the techniques are introductory (white belt level). As an example, I think there are 16 pages that cover a basic trap & roll mount escape, and the only difference between each "technique" was the grip setup. For me, pages 1-180 could have been completely left out of the book, as it was all very basic introductory stuff anyone with any submission grappling experience already knows.
   
   If it weren't for pages 180-260, I would have given the book 1 star. The last sections of this book have some good techniques, nothing groundbreaking or really beyond the blue belt level, but I found some techniques that I might be able to apply to my game, so 2 stars it is.
   
   This is the first book I've found specifically targeting submission grappling, but I really would not recommend this book to anyone. If you are looking for general jiu-jitsu knowledge, I would highly recommend Saulo Ribeiro's Jiu-Jitsu University, or the guard series books by Joe Moreira & Ed Beneville. If DVD's are more your style, you can't go wrong with the Roy Dean series.

5 comments about The Guard: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Details and Techniques (Second Edition).

1. This is definitely a top of the line book. The symbols and layout is a little wonky at first, but once I adjusted to it it was very nice and very very detailed. I think that is what makes this book a step above most others - the sheer number of photographs, details, and angles given for every technique. That and the very nice layout for flowing from one technique to another.



2. A BRILLIANTLY organised and depicted book,with an in depth focus on the theory.
   After purchasing the book i was a little overwhelmed by the amount of technique involved, but with the bigger picture review at he end of each chapter everything flowed beautifully to memory and application on the mat.
   I cannot even begin to explain the impact this series of books(i bought all three)has had on my technical knowledge and application on the mat, and has left me with the question of, if only i had known earlier.
   ESSENTIAL



3. All of the books in this series are meant to last you a long time. From the quality paper and printing right down to the tactics. I shared this book at my academy and all level of students were able to get something out of it and I know some ran home to order their own set of secret weapon books. The material is so dense you will consistently look to it for solutions to your grappling puzzles and the answers are always there. I spent some time out on an injury and casually read through these books with no mat time and still came back better in some ways. My classmates thought I had been sneaking to practice until they saw my cardio. One of my favorite things about this book is the flowing cause and effect way of instruction. Never are you able to execute a technique without interference from your opponent and this book gives you the tools to move on from your first tactic and immediately into the next which usually catches your opponent by surprise. Each short chapter is summarized by a flow chart outlining all of the methods presented to deal with a certain situation such as a stalling opponent,dealing with submission counters and attacking and upright posture from the guard. I would say this book has greater value to practitioners with a least a month or two experience so you can fully understand how each position usually plays out.



4. This is an excellent book for someone wanting to learn about the Guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
   
   The thing i have found in this book (and the other 2 in the series) are that they are not just a compilation of different moves from different guard positions, but it also goes into great detail about what to do if this fails. It shows the importance of being able to do things from several different positions, and what to you can do if you are unsuccessful. For example if you attempt a triangle choke, and the opponent defends in one way, it shows how to move to another submission attempt, and if he defends the triangle a different way, how to move on from THAT position, and so on.
   
   This book caps this excellent style of showing effective flowing attacks, with all the moves having multiple angle shots, good explanations, and descriptions from various positions and is very easy to follow and understand.
   
   As far as instructional BJJ books go this is probably the best i have seen. You won't be disappointed, I wasn't!



5. great book, very detailed and lots of pictures from different angles.
   specially loved the variations and strucure of the book, with a logical flow of techniques.
   
   only downside a small percentage of the pictures were a little blury. but otherwise very good book, will last a BJJ life time

5 comments about Strategic Guard: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Details and Techniques.

1. As the third installment it does wonders with teaching you things to overcome. nice little hints and secrets. Has improved my game. With this whole series you would be promoted.



2. A BRILLIANTLY organised and depicted book,with an in depth focus on the theory.
   After purchasing the book i was a little overwhelmed by the amount of technique involved, but with the bigger picture review at he end of each chapter everything flowed beautifully to memory and application on the mat.
   I cannot even begin to explain the impact this series of books(i bought all three)has had on my technical knowledge and application on the mat, and has left me with the question of, if only i had known earlier.
   ESSENTIAL



3. The trilogy of BJJ books by Ed Beneville is by far the best series of BJJ books on the market, which includes the Strategic Guard.
   
   Unlike many other BJJ books, you can ACTUALLY learn BJJ from these books; of course, I'm assuming you are practicing the moves with a partner and not merely reading it like a textbook. The photos are very detailed and presented from multiple angles. Key points are highlighted both visually and in the text. The author made sure that the participants used different gi colors so that the reader could tell what each person was doing and how his partner was reacting.
   
   There are certainly other good BJJ books on the market, but the Guard series (Passing the Guard, The Guard, and Strategic Guard) differs in many important respects. While the Kid Peligro books are visually appealing, they tend to lack detail and subtle nuances. Thus, a reader gets a glimpse of many techniques but larger conceptual ideas are often missing. Beneville's books are rich in both photos and concepts. Moreover, he often shows a few variations on a technique and how to deal with common opponent counters or reactions to an initial technique. He also includes useful drills in his books.
   
   There is easily something for every BJJ level, from beginner to advanced. There is years worth of material here all the way to black belt. No joke! I highly recommend his Guard series. It helped my Guard tremendously (but yes... you do have to actually attempt and practice the moves in class. Sorry to disappoint but kata just won't get you very far in BJJ).



4. As a smaller and weaker practitioner this book was particularly helpful. All of the books in this series are very good, but this one covers the detail of how to use proper technique at any size to be lethal when your opponent thinks he has you. Large full color photos show multiple angles and variations on each technique. The first half of this book deals with escapes and the second half deals with submission counters and how to keep from needing an escape in the first place. As a lower belt I felt the first part of the book was very applicable to me, but the second part more advanced than the other books and I would come back to the second half as I get better. This book has really helped me get out of dangerous situations and get back to attacking instead of surviving. All of the techniques are presented in the same way your teacher would show and provides multiple angles with basic applicable note. I think all of these books are far more helpful than a video or other books because of their level of detail and book lay out that builds one technique upon the other and factors in the typical areas a practitioner might lose position. There are usually three sets of photos for one technique and the subtle details that make them effective is clearly highlighted either in words or in the picture. Check out their website for an idea of how the books are laid out and a technique of the week. www.grapplingarts.net



5. I have been practicing BJJ for close to three years and it often seems like class flies by and the finer details of techniques get lost. The books in this series are huge helps to go back and examine techniques in great detail. The narratives and multi angle pictures let me dissect the moves and work towards perfecting them.
   
   The books also serve as a fantastic situational reference. If I find myself having problems dealing with a situation that comes up in class I can always look it up to find solutions to bring back with me for next time.

No comments about Advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Techniques.

5 comments about Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu: Revolutionizing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

1. Really informative technical book. Right up there with Isao Okano's Vital Judo vol. 1 and 2 on a technical level. On a personal level, Dave's struggles to remain relevant in both sports as well as trying to follow the advice of both his Judo and BJJ coaches was one the best parts of the book. It was nice to read a brief history of a young man steeped in Judo tradition and how watching the first UFC led him to BJJ and how that art helped him develop the methods that makes him one of the most sought after pro MMA trainers today.
   I am thankful for Dave's book, because his honest and progressive attitude in Judo and BJJ promotes open-minded cross-training that I hope will bring people together rather than continuing the "closed door" mentality that is currently keeping people apart.



2. Before I begin I want to say what a wonderful time we live in for MMA. Truly MMA is living up to it's title(MIXED martial arts)and this book will most definitely help you to mix your martial arts.
   
   The book begins with an overview of Dave Camarillo, one of the best jiu-jitsu instructors in the world. And explains how he took the two sports he loved(judo was first till he turned 19 and was introduced to jiu-jitsu)and meshed the two together. In such a way that the resulting style is not only simple but incredibly effective.
   
   The photos and layout are, usual with the latest Victory Belt publications, of excellent quality and design. Multiple angles, full color photos, and step by step instruction are just about everything you need. If you are new to either judo and/or jiu-jitsu you will be just as surprised, and delighted, to find training exercises to help you hone your skills when not working with a partner.
   
   I can't forget to mention the "Flying Attack" section. Want to know how to do those crazy mid-air submissions? You can find out how! And how to defend against them too.
   
   Overall, the instruction and concept are excellent. Mixing both judo and jiu-jitsu is fantastic and fun. This book is excellent and if you practice either style you will learn alot. For the beginner, let me ask you this question, how would you like to be setting up that armbar before you even clinch? Exactly, buy the book and find out.
   
   To quote Dave Camarillo in the opening of this book,"Judo is more technical on grip fighting and throws, and its players develop strength and speed. Jiu-jitsu is far more technical on the ground. If you combine the two, you plug the holes in each. Having the ability to chuck and out-grip your opponent certainly won't hurt you in a jiu-jitsu competition, nor will being able to pull out technical submissions during a judo match. At the very least, it gives you options."



3. The title might be a little misleading. This is not a book about Jiu Jitsu ONLY, it is a book about Judo throwing techniques and Jiu Jitsu submissions. Camarillo is truly a master of the grappling arts.



4. Regardless of whether you practice Judo or Jiu Jitsu, this book is for you. Great approach to take downs and submissions. Pictures are good.



5. With advocates like Josh Koscheck, Forrest Griffin, and BJ Penn, there is no doubt the training and instruction of Dave Camarillo works. Bridging the gap between his extensive judo experience and his later love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has created an innovative fusion Camarillo calls Guerilla Jiu-Jitsu, a study of the flaws in each practice that, when linked, create a superior fighting style..
   
   A brief introduction invites readers into Camarillo's life, his competition domination, and his legendary flying attacks. Knowing beforehand the author's experience and skill has been vetted in the gi and on the mat makes it easier to dive into the primary content - called "Incorporating Judo and Jiu-Jitsu" - that starts out with some very simplistic movements like rolls, falls, grips that appear trivial upon first glance. If, however, these fundamentals led to Camarillo's success, then who's to argue?
   
   After the first section, the next two sections cover submissions and flying attacks; respectively, the latter being Camarillo's claim to fame. If you'd like to learn some of the basics of armbars, triangles, and various BJJ-oriented submissions, this may be a perfect supplementary addition to your resources. If you're looking for the absolute basics, however, this book may not be the best option. Absolute BJJ basics like the guard are overlooked...which is to be expected when a beginner wouldn't get into Guerilla Jiu-Jitsu.
   
   Nonetheless, this book is packed with useful information, is from an impeccable source, is relevant for both judo and BJJ practicioners, and has tons of full color photos to demonstrate each move in easy to follow steps. Highly recommended for those interested.
   
   The review title is both a joke and a nod to one of the most shocking finishes in MMA history.

4 comments about Passing the Guard: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Details and Techniques (Revised and Expanded Second Edition).

1. Utilizing the guard position in Brazilian JiuJitsu is a dynamic attack posture, whereby, the player is continually attempting to either offensively dominate the opponent who is within the guard, or where the guard-player is attempting to sweep his opponent who is in the guard for an even more dominate mounted position. Due to this dynamic environment of the guard, passing the guard is, likewise, a proactive proposition for the passer. Enter the necessity of: Passing the Guard!
   
   This second updated edition of Passing the Guard has addressed this situationally active position with the same, superior photographically enriched directness that Ed Beneville revolutionized when the Grappling Arts Publications LLC, released the first edition of this book in 2002.
   
   Utilizing multi-camera angles to capture both the technical nuance of the application and the full action sequence of the movement, the reader is provided a detailed analysis of the technique, akin to watching a frame-by-frame video revelation. Nothing is left to speculation with the way the photos unfold and unwrap the technique with the accompanying text. The pages are oversized, glossy and of the highest quality. The photographs themselves are clear and well-taken. With my aging eyes, this is a plus.
   
   With over one-hundred additional pages, encompassing over seventy different methods of passing the guard, ranging from the most fundamental to the more elaborately mastered passing methods, the manual diligently demonstrates and explains just what the guard is and what one must master in order to actively defeat this highly offensive position.
   
   Divided into eight color-coded chapters, the author stresses that this book is primarily for those who will engage in Brazilian JiuJitsu-type sports competition. The reader must then understand that in such competitions, the idea is for one adversary to defeat another adversary with a submission or choke. There are no strikes permitted, and actions are very strictly controlled. One who is the guard is constantly seeking to reposition in order to gain a submission while the one who is generating the guard is highly offensive, attempting to also engage a submission. There is very little NON-movement in such competitions, where movement, counter-movement, and recounter-movements are chronic in their applications on both sides.
   
   The first chapter reveals the importance of fully understanding the basics--both the basics of the various guard positions (this book states seven possibilities of the guard position) and the fundamental requirements needed for establishing a solid, yet active, balanced base within a guard, explicating proper body alignment, hand and head placement, gripping and breaking the closed guard.
   
   I am fanatical about mastering the basics, and this first chapter, alone, details specifics about both guard and passing the guard I have not found in other pictorially-rich manuals addressing the same topic. If we do not have a firm grasp of the fundamentals, then we cannot hope to master anything more advanced. This chapter thoroughly dissects the essentials for passing the guard into its most important common denominators, upon which the rest of the book's passing the guard problems are resolved.
   
   The second chapter specifies how to pass the guard from attacking the knees while both players are grounded. This is an elaborately composed chapter with numerous ways and means of passing the guard are included.
   
   Chapter three provides many safe and viable options for a player who is standing in one's guard posture, attempting to get around this guard to gain control over the player for submission.
   
   Defense and counters to offensive guard actions are covered in chapter four. This chapter, as all the chapters of this book, stresses the importance of maintaining a solid base and adjusting one's balance in order to assist off-setting an attack before the attack is completed. Several of the common attacks addressed, with the appropriate counters, include: the Triangle, the Kimura, the Guillotine, Cross Choke, Armbars, Omo Plata, keylock, and various sweeping actions, to name just a few.
   
   Chapter five covers the half-guard in detail along with the attacks one can implement while in the half-guard. I personally see the half guard as the half mount, so the importance of this chapter must not be taken for granted.
   
   Attacks from inside the guard are explicated in chapter six, which are quite diverse in their applications, but always stressing the need for a strong position before that submission is attempted. We will find numerous attacks to the articulations of one's leg (knee, ankle, foot) here, as well as the Sode Jime.
   
   I found chapter seven quite interesting in that in BJJ competition, as in Judo competition, a competitor will slip into a "turtle posture" so as not to be scored upon. This often occurs when a strong counter-fighter is getting the better of an opponent. Interestingly, this chapter demonstrates what a player can do to negate this protective posture--in effect--to crack the turtle's shell most abruptly and soundly. If one's opponent decides to slip into this default turtle posture, the information and illustrations found in this chapter will offer an aggressive player the how-to for dispatching the passive opponent.
   
   Drills--simple, basic, and challenging drills are located in chapter eight, and all good skills become superior skills through proper and persistent drilling. The material here helps one integrate basic skills through drilling paradigms in order to improve proficiency of one's specific skill set.
   
   At the end of all chapters are what I call an after action summary. What is covered in that chapter is amalgamated into a type of unique flow chart that makes sense of each independent action. This summary creates a unified chaining of the independent parts into a functional whole that extrapolates from the training experience into actual experience. This helps the player to shore up any technical loose ends and offers correct application for said player when he or she attempts movements within diverse situations.
   
   Passing the Guard: Volume One: Revised and Expanded (2009) stands alone in its presentation of the technical expertise, both in its visual instruction format and the wisdom found in the written text pertaining to this subject matter. This text, as well as the other two manuals: The Guard: Volume Two (also Revised and Expanded) and Strategic Guard: Volume Three are required reading and recommended text books for those students who frequent the Hikaze Learning Corner's, Diversified Combat Arts and Sciences Curriculum.
   
   
   Rev. Arthur Bodhi Chenevey, RM, DD
   Hikaze Learning Corner
   Wooster, Ohio



2. Now in a newly revised and expanded second edition, "Passing the Guard: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Details and Techniques" by martial arts experts Ed Beneville (a student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 1996 and studied under 7th Degree Black Belt holder Joe Moreira for the past eight years) and Tim Cartmell (Shen Wu Academy of Martial Arts in Southern California) continues to be an ideal instructional introduction and reference with this new edition including more than sixty guard passing techniques, submissions and submission counters, as numerous drills. Of special note is how the showcased techniques are viewed from different angles with each key point fully illustrated, including photo sequences demonstrating such relevant factors as application, timing and strategy. Expertly organized and superbly presented, "Passing the Guard" is a fundamental and strongly recommended instruction guide and reference for students and practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.



3. No book is a substitute for solid instruction. But this book can make every time you step on the mat more effective. The biggest difference between this book and others is the abundance of pictures and the words are presented in such a way that you could adapt the move to slightly different situations. Another thing that makes this book so effective is acknowledging what your opponent is likely to do and how to combat that. As a white belt just seeing what an upper belt might do when faced with these passes is also helpful. Each section is relatively short and comes with a big flow chart type of map that summarizes what you can do from just about ever position you find yourself in and what page to refer back to for more detailed instruction on how to get out. As the title suggests the content is mostly about how to pass the guard and a secondary focus is given to submissions,but other positions are covered to a lesser degree in this book as well. If you want the same great format and instruction level but are looking for submissions I would suggest their second book "The Guard"



4. This book is sort of the basic 101 of jiu jitsu. It's a very easy book to go through. Lots of pictures and examples from different angles on how to do the move and then counter the move. I am a purple belt and I still use this book as reference once in a while. Had it for about 5 years.

5 comments about The X-Guard: For Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, No Gi Grappling, and Mixed Martial Arts.

1. Have only read the first half and flipped through the second, but Marcelo does a great job showing his X-guard. If you liked the Eddie Bravo books you will really like this.



2. This is a must have for anyone willing to think outside the box when it comes to BJJ. The introduction itself is worth its purchase. Marcelo defines what it means to sacrifice for any goal or passion we all have inside. The detailed pictures and explaination leave no room for error. Get this ASAP.



3. It's no secret that I really enjoy Victory Belt's books. I think they've nailed the format for describing individuals' games and their specialities. They are definitely the market leader in the arena of working with a fighter to extract the information they need and put it into print.
   
   It shouldn't surprise any readers, then, that I really liked the X-Guard by Marcelo Garcia.
   
   The book has all the hallmarks of Victory Belt's previous works. The large format and detailed colour photography don't disappoint and actually go one better with this edition.
   
   Not resting on their laurels, the guys at VB have introduced detailed inset photos where warranted. This is not a completely original concept by any means, but it is done as well here as with any other publisher.
   
   One of the problems I thought I might have with the book is that I wouldn't be able to identify with Marcelo and the X-Guard. This was an issue with Eddie Bravo's books on the Rubber Guard. I don't really use the Rubber Guard and am not built well for it. I pretty much have had the same problem with the X-Guard.
   
   That was until I read through this book. You see, my butterfly guard is a little...... agricultural. And that, it seems , is my problem with the X-Guard. Not my long legs and extraordinary height - my previous excuses.
   
   The book is split into two sections. The first is on the butterfly guard and the second on the X-Guard, itself. Both are split into three subsections each. The butterfly guard section is the most detailed treatment I've seen of the topic in a book. The three subsections are titled "Basic Positioning & Grip Defense", "Sweeps & Transitions" and "Submissions".
   
   Now, Marcelo Garcia can work his butterfly guard in a way I find amazing. It's something I'd never been able to do terribly well. I could work it well enough against white belts, but always had to let it go against people nearer my own skill level. This book, though, gives solutions to most of the problems I'd encountered in the past.
   
   I had the same problem with the X-Guard. There was just no way known I was ever going to get my giant legs in position. It shouldn't surprise you to find I was doing it wrong, though. The details shown for the X-Guard helped me a great deal, but I believe it's my better understanding of the butterfly guard that has ealed the deal for me.
   
   The X-Guard section is is split up in a similar way to the butterfly guard section with subsections called "Establishing the X-Guard", "Sweeps" and "Submissions".
   
   All-in-all, I'd say this is one of those rare $24 books that have made a heck of a lot more than $24 worth of effect on my game.
   
   It just keeps getting better, too. Erich Krauss and Glen Cordoza have been getting steadily better at writing, too. In the past, I've criticised their spelling and grammar in the introduction sections. Is it better in this book? The truth is, I don't know. I got so engrossed in Marcelo's story, I never bothered to check.
   
   That's got to be a big tick in the box.
   
   After a review like this, I like to put a little disclaimer to it......
   
   I am no Marcelo Garcia fanboy. I've not watched his DVDs all the way through and I've seen maybe three of his matches. I have also been known to give Victory Belt some very pedestrian reviews, but they do impress me with their ability to improve with each publication. This book is the second of their catalogue to go in the Best of the Best category, but probably not the last if the quality continues this way.



4. If you want to add new dimension to your game, get this book. Better yet get his DVD as well.



5. I have flipped thru this book several times and came up with a major problem.
   
   This book is most definitely not for MMA. My class have tried the X-Guard and found it to be worthless. The setup for it is too long and leaves you too exposed to punches and kicks to make it feasible.
   
   If the title were changed to "The X-Guard: For Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and No Gi Grappling." I think it would be an excellent book for such.
   
   Truly none can deny that Marcelo Garcia is one of the best in the world of jiu-jitsu. And after reading some of the book have found the submissions to be excellent. But the X-Guard itself is too open for counters in MMA especially from a striker.
   
   I recommend this book for jiu-jitsu competition only.

5 comments about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Closed Guard (Book of Knowledge).

1. A good insight into the basic but highly effective guard. Recommend it to anyone who understands the importance of getting the basics right.



2. I was hoping it would be more exhaustive / detailed, since it deals with one particular -- albeit very important -- aspect of BJJ. One example is in the posture-breaking section: how hard would it have been to show options when your opponent's hands are on your biceps, or else if he's postured up with both hands on your belt? Instead, all of only several posture-breaking techniques assume your opponent is using a staggered grip on your belt and lapel. It's a little thing, but BJJ is all little things.
   
   What this book had going for it, potentially, was to provide a really inclusive roadmap of the closed guard, and I think it's lazy in that regard. You can find all the stuff in this book plenty of other places.



3. This book not only is full of great techniques but the detail and the photos illistrating the techniques are great. I highly recommend this book.



4. This book will help you improve your close guard regardless of your rank and experience. I like the idea of just covering one aspect of the art of jiu-jitsu (Close Guard in this case) and really covering it from learning the basics to advance moves and putting combinations together. The book delivers on its promise.



5. Excellent book, very clear instruction on each technique. Offers some very usable new techniques or variations on those you may already know. I think this book is up there with Saulo Riberio's offering. Apparently BJ is bringing out several books on different aspects of the game. I'll be buying them all, a top addition to your own personal knowledge base if you buy this book.

5 comments about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series).

1. This book has a nice little history about the BJJ first family and then goes thru the basics of their game. I find the longer I train the more I come back to this book to refresh on what we do on the mat.



2. This is one of the best books I've read on BJJ. The photos and descriptions make the techniques easy enough for any student of grappling to understand, whether beginner or advanced. The only annoying flaw is Kid Peligro's constant harping on how much more deadly BJJ is than the striking arts because of some flawed competitions in the past. I have been in the martial arts since 1970 and teach both Jujitsu and Karate (also boxed, and do BJJ, etc.) and I know some Okinawan Karate practitioners who could kill a BJJ champion in a fight. But since killing opponents isn't allowed in tournaments, this can never (and should never) be proven. Therefore it's time to get off the comparison kick and understand that grappling and striking have always gone hand in hand (yes grappling is present through all karate kata.) It's the tournament training in Karate, TKD, Kung Fu, etc. that lost in those matches because the competitors were not martial artists, but martial sportsmen. Great difference! Take away the "killing" aspects of an art designed to kill, and how can you then compare? If my hand can grab a gi for a choke, it can rip through a throat or gouge out an eye. And also, statistically, most fights end in 3-15 seconds, usually from sucker or kill punches, not in a grappling session. Yet, BJJ is an awesome art and not just a sport and yes, those in the striking arts should know some grappling, just as grapplers should know about striking (Bruce Lee didn't grapple much but he could fight.) Aside from this, the actual instruction of BJJ this books offers is excellent, although there might have been a bit more at the beginning about shrimping, raising hips, off balancing, etc. Just viewing Royler and Renzo Gracie doing the techniques is enough to recommend the purchase of this book. If not for the silly diatribes, it would easily rate 5 stars.



3. I am new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This book is great because it shows BJJ for a beginner so it is not too technical. There are many pictures along with written explanations so you can see step by step how to do what is explained. It also shows you how to apply BJJ it to real world situations, much like what you will be facing against a bully (defense against a 2 handed choke, single handed wrist grab, two handed wrist grab, headlock, rear bear hug). That is just a small sampling of what this book has, it also has much much more and it has more technical techniques for more advanced skill levels. The techniques are easy to master with a little practice so you should have no problem performing them in a real world situation. I love this book and it is money well spent.



4. I ordered the book but I was not able to by it because the shipping price was wrong!



5. great book to have to review techniques I've covered in class.
   I received book from the vendor in a decent amount of time and in great shape.