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

1. We all know about Helio Gracie's sons. They have their champions in each arena and Royler's game seems to be submission wrestling. He is a perennial competitor at the ADCC championships and has come away with his share of medals.
   
   Royler is a natural instructor and likes to teach by showing the techniques. Teaming up with Peligro has proven to be a bit of a masterstroke. Peligro is a well credentialled writer, but has the advantage of being a BJJ black belt and being very familiar with the Gracie family, themselves.
   
   This family of books (Peligro) is always well organised and well photographed. This organisation and photography has improved over time, as well, and these later books are close to the best books in the market. The only ones surpassing them are the Ed Beneville books on the Guard and Passing the Guard.
   
   In this book, Royler spends a significant portion of the text talking about adaptation of the gi game to no-gi and training for each type of competition. His discussion of strategy and the mental game is an important part of this book and separates this volume from many other books in the genre.
   
   First, Royler covers grips and controls. These are well known to wrestlers, but this an area the jiu jitsu practitioner needs to get right to play no-gi. He follows this with drills for the basics. Stuff we all need. You've probably seen the drills before, but have you used them? Maybe it's time you did!
   
   Following this is a fairly in-depth look at standing grappling. Takedowns, takedown defences and using those grips and controls from earlier are covered.
   
   The standup section is good. Workman like, though. It's stuff you need to work on. The next section is the bit we buy the book for. It's when the man talks ground work. Surprising to some, Royler's game is basic. The techniques string together into a game. Royler shows how to combine techniques that flow together and shows details that make them work.
   
   The book is well worth it for the gi grappler who is looking to improve his or her no-gi game. Equally, it is for anyone who wants to see what is working for the man, himself.



2. Another in what has become a rapidly growing series (mostly co-written by Kid Pelligro) from Invisible Cities Press, backed by the same UAE Shiek who holds the ADCC Submission Grappling Championships (now every two years), ADCC legend Royler Gracie (son of Helio) returns to share techniques expressly designed for no-Gi/Kimono Submission Grappling.
   
   This volume is giant step up from the previous two. Not only are the techniques rock solid, the organization is excellent (heck, there's organization!) and Royler goes through everything from getting grips (tricky without the cloth to hold on to), to takedowns, passing the guard, submissions from top and from the guard, sweeps, etc.
   
   The text portion covers rules, strategies, and other important aspects of ADCC-style Submission Grappling, and the photos. like the rest of the series, are bright, full color, and with alternate angles when necessary.
   
   It's unfortunate it took the series a few stumbles to get on track, but awesome that if finaly found such great form!



3. This book is very good for someone who wants to learn submission wrestling, or someone who wants to add to the submission game. In my case I compete in gi, and have never fought in no gi, so getting this book, really helped me take what I learned with the gi, and make changes for when I don't have the gi. Very good instruction. Plus the instructors in it are unbelievable. I fight for Royler Gracie and David Adiv, but David Adiv is the one who trains me since he lives in the US, and he alone is Roylers best black belt, David Adiv puts out the best Fighters, and him and Royler together are great to learn from. Very good book. Highly suggest it to any fighter.



4. As a more seasoned student of jiu-jitsu, I found this book to be a great addition to my library. It may even help me defeat my wife (a purple belt) one day. It is very detailed in its description of techniques but a beginner would be hard pressed to benefit from it (reason for 4 stars). Royler is a legend in jiu-jitsu and commands great respect as an authority on the sport, providing validity to this book. I have a number of the guides and they are all great. This is a good addition to a practitioner's library.



5. 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.

5 comments about Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

1. This is clearly the best book on Brazilian jiujitsu I've ever read, or even seen. It covers everything and really makes clear the process of going from first touch to winning pin. Everyone should have this.



2. Excellent...
   
   Must have for any level of Jiu-Jitsu.



3. This book covers jiu jitsu fundamentals and self defense as good as any. For what it aims to do - preserve the simplicity of Helio's high leverage innovations - it is a fanstastic, if slightly pricey, book. There's answers to many questions that don't appear in daily jiu jitsu training. ("How do I use what I know to defend a knife attack?") It's also great for reminders - "What's the perfect posture to avoid a triangle?" - Helio demonstrates the correct way.
   
   All this said, do buy the book for what it is, not what it isn't. It isn't a manual on modern innovations - there are better places to learn the X-guard, the De La Riva Guard, the Rubber Guard, and other no Gi techniques. The focus is on gi jiu jitsu fundamentals and self defense. For that, it succeeds greatly.



4. This book is not the tell all to those looking for indepth look at BJJ and technique. It is a great table book to have for all BJJ guys that want a slice of history. Gracie JJ was created and molded by Helio and his bro Carlos to be used as a self defense art. It has taken shape today into a whole new beast. As beautiful as the art has become...this book touches on the self defense aspect of BJJ. There is a ton of stand up defense and a few chapter on the basic Gracie JJ techniques we all know and love..arm bar, triangle etc. Buy this book if you are a true fan..plain and simple!



5. Rorion Gracie created the "Ultimate Fighting Championship"event in 1993. This no-holds-barred tournament pitted all the different martial arts styles and traditions against each other in free form combat of no rules and no time limits. This iconoclastic approach created a furor within the martial arts community and from this unique approach arose one particular martial arts as being superior to all the others. It was called 'Gracie Jiu-Jitsu'. This unique approach to the martial arts in all of the associated moves of both defense and offence are thoroughly illustrated with step-by-step photographs in "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu", a 275-page compendium of instruction that is enhanced with the inclusion of Grand Master Helio Gracie's life story, his teaching principles, and the 'Gracie Diet'. As thoroughly 'user friendly' as it is Informed and informative, "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu" is strongly recommended for personal, academic, and community library Martial Arts reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

5 comments about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Path to the Black Belt (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series).

1. After reading Rodrigo's The Path to the Blackbelt, I have adopted it as one of the primary curriculum resources for my school of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts.
   
   Rodrigo Gracie is one of the toughest no holds barred competitors out there today, but what seperates this book from many others written by tough fighters is that Rodrigo is an equally great teacher; he has poured into this book a tremendous amount of experience, training wisdom and essential techniques.
   
   The Path to the Black Belt is a best pick for anyone's training library.



2. One of the best books in BJJ.
   I like the kind of way he presented,explained & teach about BJJ.



3. As an experienced black belt Judo, with a long competition history, I loved this book very much. I am always searching to expand my technical skills. And this BJJ handbook gives me more inspiration to drill my students and myself to new skills.



4. Invisible Cities Press and Kid Peligro deliver another top-notch Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructional book with _The Path to the Black Belt_. In this manual, Peligro co-writes with Rodrigo Gracie to deliver an impressive text that is part student training manual, part self-instruction book. Every drill and technique is demonstrated with numerous photos and step-by-step explanations to help students master the moves on their own.
   
   So, what makes this book different than the other jiu-jitsu manuals published by Invisible Cities Press? To begin with, this one contains numerous training drills instead of just the techniques. The book also covers a broad selection of techniques for all levels of training rather than a subject focus (Ultimate Fighting Techniques (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series) by Royce Gracie and Peligro, for instance, features techniques from the top positions). You're getting an entire course of study here rather than a book that will only help you with one aspect of jiu-jitsu.
   
   The following chapters are covered in this book:
   
   - Introduction. The first 43 pages are devoted to an introduction that covers the basics of being a student. From mindset to belt advancement and on to which techniques you should focus on for your body type, this section is one many will probably skip but that all should read.
   - Basic Drills (14 pages). Almost every jiu-jitsu school practices drills at the beginning of a class - if you are studying on your own, shouldn't you be doing these drills, too? Drills such as the Hip Escape (shrimp crawl) and break falls are covered.
   - Advanced Drills (18 pages). Most of these drills need to be done with a partner, but they will help your overall "feel" for the sport when you are actually in a match. The drills include side-to-side transitions, passing the guard chains, and guard replacements.
   - Basic Techniques (14 pages). These are the moves you need to not get submitted. These moves focus on transitioning/escaping (bridging, side control escape) and maintaining distance.
   - Dealing with the Stiff Arm (2 pages). How to deal with the stiff-arm tactic learned in Basic Techniques. This really should have been included in the previous chapter rather than being its own section.
   - Chokes (11 pages). Some of the signature submissions of BJJ are covered here, including the triangle and rear naked chokes.
   - Joint Submissions (14 pages). The basic join submission of BJJ, including the Kimura, Americana, foot lock, and arm lock.
   - Takedowns (18 pages). Drills and tecniques for getting your opponent either 1) down on the ground from the standing position or 2) submitted from the standing position. This is a VERY important aspect of jiu-jitsu, though it is often ignored.
   - Guard Defense Basics (24 pages). When you are "in the guard," you are on your back. In some grappling sports, this is not where you want to be (ask any wrestler), but in jiu-jitsu, it is just another position. The techniques in this chapter focus on defending position from the back (how to not get mounted), a few transitions, and a few submissions.
   - Sweeps and Reversals (30 pages). These techniques focus on moving from your back to a more advantageous position (such as the mount).
   - Half-Guard Sweeps (8 pages). How to move from your back and into a better position when in the half-guard.
   - Half-Guard Passes (6 pages). How to get past your opponent's defenses when their back is on the ground and they have you in the half-guard.
   - Passing the Guard (20 pages). How to take advantage of the situation when your opponent is on their back. Includes some submissions.
   - Knee on the Stomach (5 pages). Knee on the stomach is an excellent technique that can be used either as a submission in its own right or to transition to a submission.
   - Mounted Position (9 pages). How to take advantage of (if on top) or escape from (if on the bottom) one of BJJ's most dangerous positions.
   - Escaping the Back (8 pages). If your opponent "takes your back," you are in trouble. This chapter deals with escaping from the most vulnerable position you will ever be in during a jiu-jitsu match.
   
   This book has a lot to offer those interested in learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Still, it is not perfect, and has two major flaws. The first flaw is that, while most techniques get a thorough explanation with pictures, a few are not described in enough detail. Take, for example, the Americana on page 39; while many of the other techniques in the chapter are shown with numerous photographs, the Americana only gets two - even though the technique is described in its entirety in the page's text (and there's room for at least one more photograph if the text had been formatted properly). The second flaw is that the book is poorly organized and somewhat difficult to follow (why did "Dealing with the Stiff Arm" get its own section, while information on the arm lock/bar is scattered throughout numerous sections).
   
   In conclusion: I recommend _The Path to the Black Belt_ to anyone interested in learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and only looking to buy a single book. More advanced students, however, will find that there is not a whole lot of new information in this text, and so might want to pick up some of the more specialized manuals instead (Ultimate Fighting Techniques, Ultimate Fighting Techniques Volume 2: Fighting from the Bottom, Gracie Submission Essentials: Grandmaster and Master Secrets of Finishing a Fight, and Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge are all excellent).



5. After reading this book I now have a better understanding of how I should look at my training as well as how I should train. I am only a year into BJJ and have come to find that I have been looking at it all wrong. The book stresses taking it slow and undersatnding your limitaions. The time to spar everyone in the club will come, realx and focus on the basics. The pitcures are great and the descriptions offered a lot of important insite. Even though I am still very new to the game I highly recommend this book to anyone starting out. I will buy future books from these authors.

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

1. After viewing many jiu-jitsu books and videos I find the Joe Moreia's teaching technique is the best understood and when applied correctly make you a force to be reckoned with on the mat.



2. As with "Passing the Guard", no other book focuses on the bjj guard so much, with so much details. The paper is cheaper and the pictures are darker than those in the first volume ("Passing the Guard"), but the page count increased and the content is still high guality, if not higher.
   
   I'm a bjj blue belt and I like this book a lot, but it's not an easy book to use. You have to study it, choose the techniques that fit your style and don't get lost in all the material. It's easy to loose focus with such huge work.
   
   If you are not an experienced grappler, and your guard game is still fragmented, I suggest you to buy and study "The Essential Guard" first (for at least 3-6 months). After you have mastered the fundamental skills, you will get a lot more from "The Guard".



3. Excellent! This and Passing the Guard are very well done. I think they may have used too much space sometimes for drills that are simplistic (e.g. p.28-29, 32 pics showoing Moriera spinning his legs?). But the detail, as in the first, is better than I have seen in any Bjj book. The Gracies should take note. With the exception perhaps of Rodrigo's Path to Black Belt and Peligro's The Essential Guard.



4. Aside from the guidence of instructors Tyrone Glove and Mike Fowler, I've used this book and lots of excerpts [...]to help me visualize my guard attack; which has become pretty nasty for a white belt. I review the very detailed illustrations in this book on a regular basis, and use the front and back blank white pages as a diary of subs I've gotten and new techniques learned. I love to pull and attack from guard, with the help of good flexibility and regular yoga, I plan a more detailed study of Eddie Bravos material on rubber guard and attacks from half and full guard. This book was the first place I started though, and I'm glad I did.



5. I have studied the martial arts for 40 years. For 15 of those 40 years I studied brazilian jiu-jitsu. I had to add this book to my library. The details in this book are great. Joe and Ed are a good team, you get a look at Joe's teching style and Ed's writing style. This book will give you a better understand of the guard play in brazilian jiu-jitsu, how to put together groups of moves. Detailed Photos from multiple angles. Whether a beginner or an advanced Martial artist this book can be a great reference guide.

5 comments about Ultimate Fighting Techniques (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series).

1. This book will teach you a lot of very basic drills and ways to move from an offensive position to a stronger offensive position and in many cases teaches you how to defend those same advances. The book has very little about armbars, leg locks and figure 4 triangle leg chokes (although it does have a really cool one to use if you're already mounted past your opponents guard). You'll become efficient at understanding terms like guard, half guard, mount, back, side control and how to move from one position to a stronger using proven techniques. I give the book 5 stars because the techniques presented are well taught using pictures and easy to understand language. This book focuses mainly on techniques used to attack your opponent, today I'm ordering the second book of the series on ground game defense, after all, there's nobody better at defending a ground position than Royce.



2. Royce Gracie is at his simplistic best,Teaching moves that are simple and will be remembered in the ring. Royce Gracie is the only man in octagon history to defeat 3 oppenents in one night 3times to win the first 3 out of 4 UFC Championships.



3. Any fan of Jiu-Jitsu will love this book! My husband read it constantly. Great illustrations and step-by-step directions on how to do each move. A++



4. This is a great reference book on BJJ techniques. However, I do agree with other readers that this book really does not cover UFC technicalities (i.e. strikes). Would definitely recommend for someone studying ground techniques but not for NHB/UFC training.



5. Just like I said about UFT vol.2,this is a sport bjj book for begginners.About one in every four moves shown in this book can be translated to mma competition.
   The moves inside are divided up as follows;
   1)Takedowns-22 moves
   2)Guard Passes and The Turtle Position-21 moves
   3)Side Control-17 moves
   4)Mount-17 moves.
   5)Rear Mount-8 moves.
   Once again,Royce links the moves together and this is an excellent book.

5 comments about Ultimate Fighting Techniques Volume 2: Fighting from the Bottom (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series).

1. This book is extremely good. IMO it is even better than the first one. Definitely it is more advanced than Royler and Renzo's BJJ Theory and Technique, which is a good book and a complete guide of techniques. This book has a lot of stuff which other books are missing such as defenses and several options for each defense, which I find to be priceless. On the theory portion of the book, it is too brief and almost the same things as the first book, so there's nothing new to it, but regarding the techniques shown, they are excellent. The explanations are very clear and very articulated, something which is extremely important for anyone learning BJJ.



2. If you want to improve your jiu-jitsu game through the use of books, there are three you should read. The first is Ultimate Fighting Techniques Volume 1 - a book that details the basics such as clinching and fighting from the top. The second is Gracie Submission Essentials by Helio and Royler Gracie - a book that is completely focused on submissions from almost every imaginable position. The third is this book, and I have found it to be the most useful for improving my skills.
   
   _Ultimate Fighting Techniques Volume 2: Fighting from the Bottom_ reveals what you should do when you are fighting from positions that are considered "disadvantaged" - that is, positions where your back is generally on the mat. If you intend to compete in a grappling tournament, you WILL find yourself in these positions eventually. The knowledge in this book could very well be the difference between you having to submit to an opponent and you being able to reverse positions and submit them. Do you know how to escape the side mount without being choked out or submitted via kimura? Can you break the mounted choke? Can you do a half-guard sweep? If the answer to any of these questions is NO, then you need to study this book.
   
   This book contains 304 pages. All of the "disadvantaged" positions are covered in this book; however, the primary focus is on the back, mounted, side control, and guard positions. The techniques are broken down step-by-step and include numerous photographs to make learn them on your own relatively easy.
   
   Note: While this book is titled _Ultimate Fighting Techniques_, it is primarily Gi-Brazilian Jiu-jitsu focused. Most of the techniques will translate to MMA/UFC-style fighting (and there are some MMA-specific techniques included), but that is not the focus of the work. For a more-specific MMA texts, try B.J. Penn's _Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge_ or _Bas Rutten's Big Book of Combat_.



3. This book follows the pattern of the first volume. It is a great reference tool for the bottom position. About the second half of the book are moves from the guard while the first half is a mix of the other bottom positions. Its a great book!



4. This is another great book by Royce Gracie. Unlike some other books written by the Gracie family this book focuses on knowledge and technique to be good at grappling and not just on strength. The book is full of hundreds of great techniques that really work quite well. I go to jujitsu class every day with a new technique and I keep frustrating my fellow classmates with my new knowledge. This book, and Royce's first book, are a must have for anyone that wants to increase their skill in grappling without having to hit the gym five days a week in the hopes of being strong enough to using some "fancy looking" move. On a scale of 10, I would give this book a 9.5!



5. This is a sport jiu-jitsu book;which means about one in every four techniques can be used in mma competition.
   I try to only buy sport bjj books when they are written by a former UFC/Pride champion.
   This book is for the total begginner.
   It's broken down as follows;
   1)Rear Mount techniques-10 moves.
   2)Mount techniques-20 moves.
   3)Side Control techniques-22 moves.
   4)Guard techniques-68 moves.
   Overall,this is an excellent book as Royce also links moves together.

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

1. This third book in the series builds on the strengths of the first two. While the casual observer of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu may be dazzled by the flash of flying arm-bars and triangles, the technician is drawn in by the fine details of the ground game - positioning, base, control. Joe and Ed have produced another book that will improve your understanding of the ground game considerably. Having had these techniques applied to me by these guys and their training partners,and having used them myself, for over ten years I know they work. Brute force and speed can only take a player so far. The techniques in this book bring out the finesse and beauty of BJJ. Collect all three books, study, and then train hard.Strategic Guard



2. 
   All three books have been excellent. The quality of the paper and picutes in this one is by far the best of the series. This book has a lot of detail, practitioners of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu should be able to use this as a reference for years. This is not for the casual reader, but is full of tecniques and details to help the serious grappler have an impassable guard!

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

1. Learn essential submission techniques from the masters of Jiu-Jitsu. There are also great tips on how to become a great finisher.



2. Gracie Submission Essentials is 240+ pages of full color photos that explain how to do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submissions from almost any position. The photographs for each submission are large, clear, and plentiful - usually four or more for each technique. While those reading it will not be able to master the techniques without a partner, this book is an incredible starting point for those new to the sport and also a great reference for more advanced students. Kimuras, chokes, gogoplatas, omoplatas, locks, triangles, etc... they're all inside.
   
   While there is an introduction section with brief biographies, interviews, and training tips, the primary sections of the book break down as follows:
   
   - Grandmaster's Favorites. Helio Gracie dons a gi and demonstrates the basic (but devastating) submissions of BJJ. These include the standing kimura, choke from the mount, americana, various arm-locks, and the legendary rear-naked choke. 13 techniqus, 29 pages.
   - Stand Up Submissions. Royler grapples with Megaton (I though that was MegaTRON the first time I read it) for the rest of the chapters. The standing techniques include standing chokes, wrist/arm locks, knee locks, the guillotine, and pretty much everything you'd ever want to know from the standing position. Since a lot of new BJJ practitioners don't learn these techniques in class (a lot of schools start rolling from the knees), this is an important section for any new student heading to a tournament to read. 26 techniques, 51 pages.
   - Guard Pass Submissions. These are some pretty intense techniques that will take a lot of practice and timing to do properly and safely (most of them involve flipping your opponent over). 3 techniques, 7 pages.
   - Side Control Submissions. A lot of newer students see side control as just a transition stage, and it is not. Leg-locks, knee-on-the-stomach attacks, chokes, americanas, spine-locks, arm-locks, and arm-crushers are covered. 19 techniques, 46 pages.
   - Mount Submissions. Submissions from the mount are some of the most common, but can always be practiced. Chokes, triangles, nutcracker chokes, arm-locks, and the knee-split are shown. 9 techniques. 20 pages.
   - Back Control Submissions. The submissions in this section are interesting because "the back" is a broad definition; these techniques tend to be defined according to situation and include "opponent bridges" and "opponent stands up." 5 techniques, 14 pages.
   - Turtle and Half Guard submissions. This is a sort of a short "miscellaneous" chapter. The bananna split, chokes, calf-lock, and kimura are covered. 5 techniques, 12 pages.
   - Guard Submissions. Are you comfortable fighting from your back? If not, this chapter is a MUST. Chokes, arm-bars, triangles, wrist-lock, omoplata, shoulder locks, crucifix chokes, reverse americanas, gogoplatas, and more. 25 techniques, 63 pages.
   
   While this is one of the best books on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu submissions on the market, it is not the ONLY book you will ever need. It is VERY specific to gi (uniform) submissions, so not every technique will work in a no-gi environment (UFC, etc...). As well, this book does not cover movement - something that is critical to getting into proper position for submissions. Other books (including Royce Gracie's excellent Ultimate Fighting Techniques Volumes I & II - Volume I being a great reference for movement) are necessary to truly understand Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.



3. A solid addition to the series - good fundamentals from the Grand Master Helio Gracie. Simple, yet effective techniques that are the foundation for any Brazilian Jiu Jitsu student. Royler takes it further with some great chokes. Good ideas to take to the mat.



4. This is a great book by the Gracie's. But as you go along in the book you can see it wouldn't benefit a beginner much. It is for those already with brazilian jiu- jitsu experience.



5. Once you have a good understanding of the basic of BJJ, this book takes your game to another level offering you many options in term of submission. To get the most out of this book, it is recommended that you master one technique at a time, then try to combine it with other techiques. For example, I found that the bent arm lock works really well with Kimura as a second attack option.

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

1. I was excited to get this book and it completely lived up to my expectations. Like the other Krauss-Cordoza collaborations from Victory Belt publishing this is a very well put together book printed on high grade glossy paper, with detailed high quality multiple-angle shots of the techniques and very good explanation including the physical mechanics of the movement and advice on strategy of when to use it, how to get there, mistakes to avoid, and what your opponent is likely to do. Marcelo Garcia is probably the best grappler in the world and his system is unique and effective and works for all body types, and unlike Eddie Bravo's very good system doesn't require crazy flexibility. The book provides info on gi and no gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It's comparable to Eddie Bravo's Rubber guard book in terms of quality and production value. It has a color coded easy to use system that makes it very easy to quickly find sections and whether the technique is appropriate for gi and no gi competition.
   The introduction includes a short biography that shows you the determination and dedication that has made him the champion he is. From 3 hour commutes to training, to cleaning the mats so he could afford to train 4 times a day. The first section on technique is 78 pages dedicated to the butterfly guard including basic stance and grip work, sweeps and transitions, and submissions all with detailed advice on how to establish and properly adjust the technique so you can make it work in high level competition ( e.g. 7 pages just on the guillotine choke, most books give it only 2). He constantly emphasizes drilling the technique to really get it down and learning the fundamentals of the butterfly guard before moving to the X guard. This sort of guard requires very good timing and sense of balance that can only be developed through many hours on the mat. The X guard is detailed in the final 149 pages of the book (264 pages all together). 63 pages on establishing the X guard from standing, sitting, elbow control, underhooks, full guard, half guard, omoplata, mount and headlocks. Then a section with 18 sweeps from X guard from different kids of control (e.g. from hands, sleeve, or collar). Then 15 pages detailing 7 submissions for X guard including omoplata, triangle, gi and no gi inverted arm bar, knee bar, foot lock, and heel hook. Again filled with tips on when to use it, positions to transitions from, your opponents likely reactions, and common mistakes. If you perfect even just a few of the techniques in this book your game will improve dramatically. This book is more for intermediate to advanced students of BJJ, though the section on butterfly guard is fairly accessible and very useful to beginners. Those starting out (and intermediates too) should check out Kid Peligro's book "the Essential Guard" or the Joe Moreira /Ed Beneville 3 part series on the Guard, these focus are more on the fundamentals. If you're looking to improve your guard and your overall game, I highly recommend this book, it's a steal at this price, I would have paid more for it. I look forward to his next book on arm drags and mastering the back.



2. 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.

5 comments about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory & Technique.

1. very good manual, seems to be useful in the practice, which is what i desperatelly needed:)



2. I liked the step by step narative with pictures. I liked how the art is explained in the first few chapters. The writers didnt talked over my head and it was easy enough to understand. I get a distinct feeling that the Gracie family actually cares that this art is passed along correctly, which shows in this book. Not alot of "extra" garbage, They get to the point and do a great job of teaching it.
   
   Being a student of BJJ, I found this very helpful in understanding the art and the techniques presented. Well Done.



3. Overall i think the book is very good and worth buying. However there are a few baffling decision made by the authors in the book. Escape from half guard for instance, where much is made of how common a position it is, and then they include it in the Black belt syllabus?? I would have had it in the blue belt section, personally, seeing as it is so commonly used. Also the Gracies continue to churn out the very useless standard guard pass in this book, a pass nobody in their right mind would try and use if their opponent has even heard of the triangle choke. Surely they could have put a more useful guard pass in? To their credit at least they mention its limitations. (Unlike Rorions instruction video!)



4. I recently started training in Gracie Jiujitsu. The Gracie system has a structured curriculum i.e. so many lessons at each level, and I found this book to be helpful. After training, I come home, find the technique I learned in the book, and flag the page. I then have a visual reference to go over the techniques in my head when there is no training for the day. It's easy to understand, the pictures are clear and show the important steps, and the pages are color coded to belt level (though I found this wasn't exactly accurate).
   
   Overall, it is a good purchase for anyone studying this martial art.



5. I purchased this book on the recommendation of a guy that I ran into in the martial arts section of Barnes and Noble (purchased it on Amazon...it's $10 cheaper) and I will definitely be providing the same recommendation to others. I began taking jiu jitsu classes approximately 3 weeks prior to my purchase of this book and I was becoming quickly frustrated with my inability beat anyone in my class. While I am blessed to have a fantastic instructor, I'm not the most patient person so I purchased this book and read it the weekend between my 3rd and 4th weeks of being in class in the hopes that I could speed my technical progress. The book opens with a nice introduction to the sport as well as a description of the basic positions that are fundamental building blocks for a begininer but may be overlooked in a class where everyone is already familiar with the basics. The book clearly explains every move and provides large color pictures to highlight every aspect of a technique from start to finish. Additionally, for some of the more complicated maneuvers a reverse picture is shown along side the normal description with extra hints to make the technique more adaptable. After just one time reading this book, I felt exponentially more confident the first time that I rolled in class afterwards and I had significantly greater success on the mats than I was having just 3 days prior. As a female, I like the component of jiu jitsu that allows for a smaller, weaker opponent to dominate a larger, stronger player simply by relying on technique and forethought rather than brute strength, and after the purchase of this book, I was enlightened on dozens of techniques that allow for exactly that. If I wore a gi in class, I would have given this book 5 stars, however I do not, so some of the techniques aren't applicable to me and there is no non-gi alternative described for some of the moves that hinge directly on the capability of maneuvering an opponent by the handling of his clothing. Conclusively, I highly recommend this book to the beginner who has never taken a ground fighting class before. It also serves as a decent refresher for returning participants as well as a bridge for people who previously have experience in wrestling but not in jiu jitsu.