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

1. To succeed in the highly competitive nature of combative grappling disciplines, one must establish and master an active, aggressive ground game, including being able to dominate an adversary when we find ourselves on our back, needing to fight the opponent who is between our legs. This is especially true for small fighters, like this reviewer, working against much larger and stronger athletes. By default, we often find ourselves in this position, needing the skills to better our situation aggressively and with confidence.
   
   THE GUARD, Volume 2, Expanded offers the practitioner just that: an extremely active and aggressive curriculum for learning how to dominate an adversary with confidence. This book provides the detailed instruction we will need when we find ourselves on the ground, on our back, needing to win.
   
   Once again, Grappling Arts Publications of Costa Mesa, California with Ed Beneville and his instructor, Joe Moreira have created a visual work of art that moves from page to page as a still-framed motion picture, where we can inspect each and every frame of action for a specific learning experience. This format of flowing photos, taken at various angles, leaves nothing to be presumed, insofar as what the specific application is being taught and demonstrated.
   
   As with all previous manuals from Grappling Arts Publications, this second edition of THE GUARD, teaches NO movement in isolation. Movements are grouped or chained together for a more comprehensive and thorough understanding of not only the guard's fundamentals, but explicates the flexibility and the inherent variety of defensive and offensive maneuvering within this very active position.
   
   There are twelve color-coded chapters, which are instructional solid with both color photos of superior quality and paper, coupled with concise text to fully explain what we are observing through the visual contents. The twelve chapters cover all of the fundamental aspects of maneuvering successfully from an active and aggressive guard position into the most appropriate follow-up, submission or change to a more dominate position. At the conclusion of each chapter, an entire review is provided, which serves to join the chapter's composites into an expanded flow chart, where the practitioner can literally visualize this unified diversity of movement options available.
   
   There are no passive guard applications within its 264, 8 ½ X 11 inch pages. What's more, an entire chapter demonstrates what we can do to the one who is in our guard, behaving passively, just lying there, attempting to smother us with his body's mass. This book strongly conveys that the guard is supposed to be a very active and aggressive position--not one where we merely lie on our backs, holding on to the adversary, hoping for the best.
   
   The chapters cover the fundamentals of moving comfortably and aggressively while on our backs into the appropriate guard postures; counters to those who will attempt to pass our guard; chokes we can slip on successfully when we have achieved a strong guard posture; sweeps; offensive counters we can apply to those attempting to stack us; attacking both upright and stalling (aforementioned) postures within our guard; three different series of flowing (chained) attacks; achieving head and neck control over the adversary who is in our guard; reversing a pass with roll-outs; learning how to get to our knees or to a standing posture from our guard, and the conditions when this will be necessary; and finally, sweeping the standing opponent who is hovering about our guard.
   
   Over all, this book is a beautifully created, quality made, and comprehensive training manual dedicated to assisting the serious grappler toward developing a complete, aggressive guard repertoire. This book exceeds well beyond the norm of any standard, competent training manual covering the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's infamous Guard position. Well done, gentlemen.
   
   Rev. Arthur Bodhi Chenevey, RM, DD
   Hikaze Learning Corner



2. I've been involved in Grappling arts for over 12 years now. Many of the moves described in this book are revised moves of old. They are very well laid out and described. Some moves are new to me and very inovative. I would recomend this book to any serious grappler looking to shrpen or up their game.



3. 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.



4. 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



5. 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.

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 Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu: Revolutionizing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

1. I first started training jiu jitsu at a Ralph Gracie school and even though Dave Camarillo had already been at AKA for several years the grizzled veterans still loved to swap stories about Camarillo's legendary jiu jitsu (even the newer students were well aware of his legendary exploits at the academy - I was once kicked in the face by a blue belt attempting to hit a flying triangle that he'd seen Camarillo pull off!). The introduction alone was practically worth the cover price for the detailed description of the BJJ scene in the Bay Area circa 1990s.
   
   As for the content itself, Camarillo provides a great explanation of how the rules in judo and Brazilian jiu jitsu have lead the two arts to diverge to the point where one could train for several months in BJJ without learning basic forward rolls, throws, and breakfalls (as I did), or earn a black belt in judo and possess lesser ground skills than a BJJ blue belt (though of course many judokas have wicked ground games, albeit not necessarily ones well-suited to jiu jitsu). I agree with other reviewers that the book assumes some prior knowledge of BJJ. At the same time, it assumes virtually no knowledge of judo, which was perfect for me. The book became a great way to tighten up my technique on moves that I hadn't extensively drilled due to my BJJ-focused background. And by this I mean basic, basic things (forward rolls, grip fighting, ippon seioinage, osoto gari) that most judoka do in their sleep. Most of the introductory sections are essentially "judo for dummies," which was exactly what I needed to develop some semblance of a standup game in jiu jitsu.
   
   My one caveat is that, though the book contains relatively few actual techniques, the level of assumed mastery increases fairly rapidly. For example, I have yet to read through the impact control section in great detail because at this point I am still trying to solidify my ability to establish basic grips and execute simple throws. Similarly, I imagine that the flying attacks section will be much more relevant once one has established a strong gripping/throwing game.
   
   In sum, this book is a terrific resource for BJJ players who might need to fill in some gaps in their knowledge, as well as judokas looking for good ways to translate their skills into quick submissions in the context of BJJ. At the very least, you should develop some good alternatives to simply pulling guard every time you find yourself on your feet.



2. 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.



3. 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."



4. 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.



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

No comments about Drill Like a Champion: A 12-Month Plan to Better Your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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

1. I have been following the rise of the grappling movement since the first Ultimate Fighting Championship in Denver, Co., 1993. Since this time, exaggerations have developed about the importance of grappling skills in the martial arts arena, which have more to do with individual marketing claims than about the genuine importance of basic grappling skills. There are, however, fundamental truths about grappling essentials that are needed if one desires to become a well-rounded fighter. Enter: The Strategic Guard, Volume 3.
   
   My personal experience in operating in actual violent combative environments has demonstrated a general requirement for the complete understanding of defensive tactics stressing basic escapes from disadvantage positions and repositioning strategies designed specifically to turn the tide of an initially bad situation into a better situation, in order to dominate the adversary.
   
   During my experience in grappling competitions prior to the 1993 UFC era, understanding how to maneuver and operate from the bottom position from my back, made all the difference as to whether or not I was able to win the match, commandingly.
   
   From my personal experiences in two very distinct environments calling for grappling skills, I believe it is imperative for competitive mixed martial arts athletes and hard-core combatants, both possess solid, basic skills of how to operate successfully, defensively, from the ground, in the bottom position, from their backs.
   
   Volume 3: The Strategic Guard, does precisely this through its photographically rich--text-enhanced manual. The Strategic Guard specially addresses the needs a practitioner must master in order to change a position of disadvantage to one of advantage, and being on our back, one the bottom in an open-type guard is definitely one of disadvantage, especially if we find ourselves here without our intention to be here.
   
   Through a series of chapters addressing specific positions and maneuver, we learn the fundamentals of side control and north/south escapes; the basics for applying deflections against the top adversary's body in order to reposition our own body; how to better utilize the half guard position to our advantage. We will learn the best ways for protecting our side from loose guard passes and tight guard passes; how to defeat the adversary in a strong combative base against our open guard posture. We will learn how to take advantage of "underhooking" when one attempts to pass our guard as well as submission counters. In addition to the aforementioned skills, we learn to capitalize on a seated guard posture, and how to best facilitate sweeps against the top adversary to a mount position or a better top position in relationship to the adversary.
   
   This book is not about being actively offensive from the guard position but more directed at learning what skills are needed when we find ourselves in positions demanding defensive skills in order that we might eventually become more offensive. This is not a submission-rich book, but the submission applications that are included are from unique postures with special applications designed to catch the adversary off-guard, making for a more secure submission when applied.
   
   We must remember, and it is what this book is attempting to achieve, is that the fighter who is balanced defensively with a strong offensive capability, commands the match or the battle field. It is never sufficient to only know attacks or only know defenses. Offense and defense must be seamless. This book provides the information one needs to develop this defensive ability to transition one into the other more effectively.
   
   The maneuvers in this book are highlighted with numerous, multi-angled photographs that are almost like watching a slow motion video. Frame per frame of detail, one is able to see the intricacies needed in order to master the basic movement demonstrated. With the models in different colored uniforms on a neutral background, much time and effort was made by the authors to provide the best possible visually intense learning format available to modern book technology. And since I am a visual learner, this book is outstanding as an aid to actual physical instruction.
   
   I have had the opportunity to review many of the top publishing companies books specializing in jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts, and while their formats are good, the visual format created within the Strategic Guard, is superior, for the simple reason, after each chapter, a series of chained movements are added, so that the reader has the opportunity to visualize a seamless applicability of the various movements demonstrated in each chapter.
   
   One of my biggest complaints of other grappling manuals are that they do not illustrate enough detail needed to understand the movement and that they show the movement as an isolated entity. This book does not suffer this weakness. On the contrary, its strength is that Joe Moreira stresses the importance of being able to transition to another technique immediately when one is not working. He then goes on to show how we can transition one movement into another throughout the book.
   
   I have not had the honor or privilege to review the two previous volumes of the Guard series. This is my first chance to review anything offered from The Grappling Arts Publications LLC. I understand that Volume One: Passing the Guard and Volume 2: The Guard, are currently being updated and revised for their 2nd Edition releases in 2009. It is my hope I will be able to review these up-dated volumes as potentially being very high quality learning aids. I am greatly impressed with the quality of the design and the internal format of this currently reviewed book: Strategic Guard. It is always a special treat for me to be able to review such well-made, creatively designed, aesthetically pleasing book filled with reliable, valid and credible information, as well.
   
   From my perspective, I must award Volume 3: Strategic Guard, a beyond five star quantifier. I highly recommend Volume 3: The Strategic Guard to those mixed martial arts athletes and coaches who want to develop a wider repertoire of sound basic skills leading to advance applications in competitions. I also recommend this book to those lawful (law enforcement, security and military personnel) operators who are seeking a real advantage in a combative environment when their position initially is not one of advantage, but one where they find themselves on the bottom, on their back, needing to escape or reposition to a better posture in order to prevail.
   
   Thank you.
   
   Rev. A. Bodhi Chenevey, RM, DD



2. 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.



3. 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



4. 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).



5. 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

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

1. This is everything you could ask from an instructional manual about the guard. Just like most Victory Belt books, this one has awesome pictures and very clear written explanations. BJ Penn does a masterful job going through a whole array of closed guard techniques: from armbars to chokes and sweeps. One of the great things about it is that it covers the basics very well but at the same time it throws in there some more advanced-yet high percentage moves. There's not a single technique in the whole book that doesn't have a good chance of working in competition. Great work! Probably better than BJ's first book.



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



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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 comments about Gracie Submission Essentials: Grandmaster and Master Secrets of Finishing a Fight (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series).

1. This book starts with a brief history and background on Helio and Royce, as well as their fight philosophy. There is a brief section on what makes someone a good BJJ practitioner and how to train techniques.
   
   It then moves into what this book is all about BJJ submission essentials. It starts with Helio demonstrating a number of his favourite submissions before Royler takes up the rest of the book demonstrating a plethora of other submissions.
   
   The book covers submissions from all situations and positions whether standing, mounted (top and side), guard, from the back or fighting from the bottom. All techniques are explained in great detail to ensure that the technique you're executing is correct. This is enhanced greatly by Kid Peligro's large, clear photos, which includes close ups of grips and multiple angles etc when necessary.
   
   Basically, this book is exactly what it says on the cover - an explanation of BJJ submission techniques.
   
   What this book is not - while it may be a useful reference book for a newer student it doesn't go into fundamentals of wrestling such as basic positioning, transitions between positions, or wrestling theory. Applying these techniques without any of those basics in a fight situation is almost impossible. These are however, covered in other Gracie BJJ books. As such this book is most useful for those who already have wrestling experience, though this doesn't necessarily have to be in BJJ.



2. Like so many other books in the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu series, the authors did a superb job in the layout and format of this book and the information that it contains is nothing short of first rate, although I did feel that a couple of sections could have used a bit more detailed explanation than what was give, but that is a very minor complaint bordering on the trivial.
   
   As I was with the other books in the series, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy each technique was to initially grasp when reading this book. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that the photographs are all in color and printed on glossy paper which makes it easier to distinguish the finer points and it really adds to the overall quality of the book.
   
   The techniques themselves were clearly shown with numerous photographs per technique and the accompanying text to explain each technique was very detailed yet easy to understand and comprehend.
   
   I particularly enjoyed the history of Helio Gracie and it was really quite something to see him demonstrating the various techniques in this book. I think that it would be safe to say that this book may one day even have some significant historical value because of this fact.
   
   I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning jui-jitsu and/or MMA along with the following books.
   
   Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series)
   
   Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: For Experts Only
   
   Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Submission Grappling Techniques (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series)
   
   Here are two other books on wrestling and grappling that I am sure you would also find very beneficial.
   
   Wrestling for Fighting: The Natural Way
   
   Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge
   
   Shawn Kovacich
   Martial Artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.



3. "Gracie Submission Essentials" is part of the "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Series", and like the other books in the series, it is well-done, with clear text, color-coded chapters, and color photos. The first part of the book just gives some background on Gracie Jiujitsu, specifically on the history and submission strategy of Helio and Royler Gracie, the two featured technicians. This book is all about submissions, and even the early discussions focus on that. Next, Grandmaster Helio shows a baker's dozen of his favorite techniques. Most are classics, like the Mata Leao/Rear Naked Choke and arm bar from guard, but others are a bit less conventional.
   
   Next up is Royler, who is given the majority of the book to display his favorite submissions. He begins with attacks from standing. These run the gamut from chokes, takedowns to leg locks, flying arm bars and triangles, to a surprising amount of wrist locks. Next is a few submissions from guard passes (although one actually attacks the turtle position... trouble with the editing I suppose), then moves on to attacks from side control. These include basics such as the Americana, intermediate moves like leg locks, and some very unconventional arm locks and chokes. From there, we move to mount, which is given mostly the standard choke/arm bar mix, but also continues to have some unconventional moves, such as the knee split. After that is a chapter on back control; many of these techniques feature Royler's agility, where he slides up the back of an opponent who's trying to stand up in order to apply an arm bar or triangle. For some reason, the publishers decided to group techniques that attack the turtle and half guard in the same section, which was the last chapter before guard submissions. The guard chapter includes a variety of arm locks and gi chokes, as well as a number of different finishes from the omoplata.
   
   This book is unique in that it offers techniques for every level from basic to advanced. In many cases, combinations of techniques are shown, giving the reader an idea of how the moves flow together. A surprising number of movements involved rolling the opponent over from a face-down position. Although I think such techniques are good to know, I have to wonder how many BJJ practitioners are going to have the necessary agility to pull them off. Another point to note, for good or ill, is that the book made no distinction between levels of technique. They were all simply classified by what position was being attacked at the time. Finally, some of the techniques are illegal in BJJ competitions; novice practitioners should know the rules of such events before attempting some of these techniques.
   
   Taken for what it was, the favorite submissions of two very technical members of the legendary Gracie family, this is an excellent book. It was easy to follow, and technique details were clearly pointed out. A BJJ practitioner of any level, or someone simply wanting to expand their knowledge of submission holds, could benefit from this book.



4. I like it! Helping me understand what my friend is talking about!! HotDog to Mission Control and the like...



5. I've been doing BJJ for a year and a half now, but have always had the trouble of forgetting details here and there, especially for some of the positions that only happen occasionally. A single miniscule movement can make or break a submission attempt, and so that is my trouble.
   
   I was in the market for a good book of techniques and this seemed like a good one.
   
   If you only need help with submissions, this is the book for you. A great deal of basic ones are covered, as well as some which may even catch the more experienced members of your class. Escapes, counters, and general movement are not covered here. The small little details are helpful though and it would be a valuable reference to have and look over before practice or a tournament.

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

1. This is an excellent training manual on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The techniques are detailed with photographs and very well written descriptions. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to up his or her Brazilian Jiu Jitsu game.



2. Is this book brill yes it is and thanx for the quik deliver!
   is this book a magnet for distruction as my dog chewed it and it keeps fallen of the shelve and now its fallen in paint! or is it posessed! anyway its worth it cheers! Sid thanx seller......AGHHHHHH!



3. I've bought this book to explore the BJJ world (I'm a Judoka). I find it very interesting and, above all, very clear. I like the intro, it made me understand the relations between Judo e BJJ as well as the differences. I was impressed by the pictures quality that helps a lot in understanding the techniques. Congratulations to Masters Renzo and Royler Gracie and to all the people which worked on this beautiful book.



4. Very well presented and good pictures. Techniques are very easy to understand. This is the perfect gym companion. If you forget a move it will be in this book. Definitely worth the cash.



5. I am a Judoka and I wanted to "improve" my grappling. I found this extremely helpful and have been sharing this with others in my dojo.
   
   A few of my favorites:
   
   019 - Attacking from the mounted position "Americana"
   021 - Defense against a guillotine choke
   028 - Headlock escape 1
   034 - Attack from the guard position, "Kimura" [Priceless]
   037 - The guillotine Choke