No comments about Elasticsteel Grappler - Strength and Flexibility for Grapplers.

4 comments about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminars: Year One.

1. Wow! This DVD is awesome. Better production quality than most every BJJ DVD on the market. It has good instruction as well as a little something to get just about anyone inspired. The Purple Belt test was truly great. It really shows just how much blood, sweat, and tears goes into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Honestly, if this video doesn't make you want to go out and join the nearest BJJ academy, nothing will. In addition to the inspiration, it is also a great tool for those wishing to extend their training to their own home. Do yourself a favor and pick this DVD up! It definitely will not let you down.



2. This outstanding production from Roy Dean is a great first release.
   
   Roy Dean's Year One DVD gives an insight into his unique blend of Traditional Martial Arts aesthetic & community and the devastating effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu training.
   
   The seminars on the DVD are fantastic. Roy Dean's combination attacks from the guard position and Roy Harris' Open Guard control & passing counters could have each been their own DVD (though no quality is lost by placing them both on this disc).
   
   Typically, when I watch a new grappling instructional, I look for one new idea that I can incorporate into my own training. From the Roy Harris segment alone, I picked up three "I need to use these" moves, and three more "I need to add these when I am ready" techniques...not to mention the new material I saw in Roy Dean's sections!
   
   The extra features are great. The Purple Belt exam, tournament footage, and commercial all help build the great vibe that Roy Dean's teaching and school have. Pick up this DVD and see what his unique flow is all about!



3. This is my most recent purchase of one of Roy Dean's DVDs. I wasn't sure I needed this one, since I believe I've purchased every one of his other DVDs. I've purchased many other BJJ DVDs by other people, as well as many other instructional DVDs on martial arts in general. And many of them are very good, even excellent.
   
   What makes Roy Dean's DVDs different is Roy Dean. I find myself mesmerized just watching him move. It's like watching a beautiful and graceful dance. He flows into and out of many different positions with such an incredible ease and fluidity. And better yet, he teaches you (as he teaches his face to face students) how to do it too. You can see the same fluidity in many of his students.
   
   Many BJJ DVDs by other people provide tactics to use in specific situations. Roy Dean's DVDs give you a more complete view of BJJ and a strategy for approaching it, along with critical concepts underlying the strategy. And there are details about specific tactics as well. I have a different understanding of BJJ now from watching his DVDs.
   
   If you are at all interested in BJJ, at any level, this DVD, as with any of Roy Dean's other DVDs, is worth buying. He has a wonderful approach toward learning and teaching BJJ. He has a very interesting background. And just watching him do what he does is inspirational. If you're new to BJJ and trying to decide if it's really what you want to do, this and the other DVDs by Roy Dean may be just the thing to help you decide.
   
   Maybe one day I'll get to visit Professor Dean's school in Bend, Oregon. In the meantime, I will watch and rewatch these DVDs and learn as much as I can from them (in addition to my regular BJJ training).
   
   On the surface this specific DVD seems to be just a collection of different unrelated BJJ seminars and other events. But it's really more than that and I did pick up some very good technical tips from this DVD that added to what I've learned from Mr. Dean's other DVDs. The seminar by Professor Harris (Roy Dean's teacher) alone was worth the price of the DVD. I took away several concepts from that seminar that I feel I can use in the long term; concepts that I have not seen elsewhere. So I found this DVD a very worthwhile addition to my collection.
   
   Highly recommended!



4. This DVD is different from other bjj DVDs. Its a nice change of pace from the basic instructional DVDs. I found his teaching and movements just a constant and beautiful flow. It was so good and inspiring that i will be buying all of his other dvds in the near future!

1 comments about Aikido|Brazilian Jiu Jitsu|Art of the Wristlock.

1. I want to start off by saying that you should not think that this is a DVD set purely focused on wristlocks. There is a truly massive amount of information contained in these two discs. While the first disc is primarily an overview of the various jiu jitsu wristlocks and their application (I will talk about this more below), disc 2 contains two very extensive seminars taught by Mr Dean. I am a blue belt in BJJ (and former Aikidoka) and I can honestly say that even after watching the seminars several times, I have not yet begun to get all of the purely BJJ material out of these, not to mention the cross-over Japanese Jiu Jitsu stuff. This second disc alone is probably worth the price of the discs.
   
   Now to the wristlocks. Mr Dean does a really great job of showing the most common forms of wristlocks. Furthermore, he provides some really valuable insight into how each of these is implemented into different types of Japanese Jiu Jitsu. For anyone who does not have a background in JJJ, it is a very good introduction to this material. Even if you have studied these techniques in the past, I can almost guarantee that you will find some new information here. Of course, the truly unique part of this disc (and is covered in the seminars) is how these techniques work with the ground fighting techniques of BJJ.
   
   This blending of jiu jitsu styles is really where Mr Dean has a lot to offer. In the past, very few traditional jiu jitsu practitioners have delved into the world of BJJ. Conversely, BJJ practitioners typically stay away from (and in some cases look down on) traditional forms of jiu jitsu. This is really too bad because these techniques can work very well together. Sensei Dean, who holds black belts in Judo, Aikido, Seibukan Jiu Jitsu, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has managed to keep an open mind about all of these approaches and through his own experiences is able to demonstrate very effectively how to use these techniques together.
   
   Whether you are a hard-core BJJer looking to add a little more to your game, an Aikidoka who is curious about BJJ and how their own skills can apply, or just a serious student of martial arts looking for something new, you will not be disappointed with this disc set. I can tell you from my own experience, that after my first few session of getting destroyed on the BJJ mat, I was afraid that all of those years of Aikido had been wasted. Because of the material here, I have been slowly finding ways too work all of these valuable techniques back into my game. I now regularly surprise my BJJ compadres with wristlocks while sparring. It has been invaluable to me and I am sure that anyone who studies this material will be able to find there own gems.
   
   I highly recommend these discs.

5 comments about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu- Ultimate winning techniques.

1. I think that this DVD is not about Ultimate Winning Techniques, it is more about Beginner MMA information. If you really want to learn MMA go to a local MMA training complex. If you have never been, this DVD can help you in getting a step up on some of the basics before taking classes.
   
   With that said, it is easy to understand and follow along on the DVD. Simco goes over information slowly, but that is what you want to pound it in your head and understand the movements. Good for beginners, and if you are wondering whether you would like to take the next step and join MMA classes and learn some defense. It is also cheap. I think I am going to make my next investment in Mario Sperry's Vale Tudo 3.



2. I ordered this product and it was missing a DVD too. I am not sure how to contact the seller for my other DVD but not worth the hassle of only getting Disc 2.
   DON'T BUY THIS DVD



3. This dvd offers "winning techniques" as described in the title. The information is easy to follow and techniques are thorough. I highly recommend this dvd for beginners to intermediate looking to review structured techniques.



4. This DVD (3) to be exact has some good points and intruction, its just cheaply made and the intructor is one of the worst sites on camera. I could have made a better production with a retro 80's camera and a VHS player on EP mode, just rubbish. I found myself laughing more than I was paying attention, I had to go back and watch it a few times to get past it. I would recommend the BJ Penn MMA book on here, at least that won't have you laughing.



5. I am new to BJJ...so I was looking for a cheap DVD (I can't buy anything too expensive or my wife will start to rag and I will eventually end up throwing her down a flight of stairs - I bought a house with a set of stairs solely for this reason.) that would give you the basics of the sport...I thought the dvd gave me a good, simple overview into BJJ...

3 comments about Saulo Ribeiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Revolution Series One. Six Volume DVD Instructional Series for Grappling and Mixed Martial Arts.

1. This six set DVD covers the major aspects of BJJ: Mount, Cross Body (ie side control), Back, Guard, Half Guard, Passing Guard. The only other piece needed for a complete sport game is takedowns, which are covered in Series Two. All instruction is with gi, with Saulo demonstrating on Chris (one of his brown belts) for around 15 techniques per video.
   
   The techniques lean towards offense, so for example Half Guard spends more time passing and submitting than defending or sweeping. Saulo does a great job of emphasizing a consistent theme in each DVD. For example in the Cross Body DVD the first few sequences demonstrate the importance of controlling the opponents hips with your weight, as opposed to with arm positioning or grips, and he reiterates this point in every cross body technique. This theme of using your core positioning rather than limbs to maintain control comes across as one of the key tenets of Saulo's approach. Another key point is that jiu-jitsu is not as simple as learning a set of magic techniques that always work, and Saulo teaches you to recognize the moment ("momentum" is his word) in which a technique will be most effective.
   
   Overall this series is very good. As a white belt who has trained for six months, I found the half-guard DVD particularly enlightening, both the specific passes and the general philosophy for defending and sweeping. The only complaint is that the series emphasizes advanced techniques at the expense of basics. This is most pronounced on the Guard DVD, where the basic submissions (armbar, lapel choke, kimura, triangle) aren't touched, while multiple butterfly sweeps are. Bill Lewis's online review says this is probably due to marketing concerns of avoiding material well-trodden by other series. Still, I found Saulo's series most valuable when it laid out correct body placement on basic moves and positions as opposed to exotic submissions, and having this for the full range of "BJJ 101" would have been nice.
   
   Another minor complaint - both Saulo and Chris are wearing shiny white gis and sometimes it's hard to tell exactly where an arm or leg is positioned. Kind of an obvious oversight in what otherwise is a very well produced set.
   
   Overall though anyone up to a blue should find this set greatly clarifies some basic points and erases many of the misconceptions you've picked up early in training. I'm guessing advanced belts will benefit from the more advanced techniques, but I'll leave that to another reviewer to confirm.



2. it is well worth the money as it provides a different point of view n way to tackle some of jujitsu problems. saulo repeatedly emphasized the importance of energy conservation, leverage and avoid using power against power on the moves are something that all beginners n intermediate practisioners need to take at heart. his teaching is solid, very detailed and easy to understand. also the techqiues he taught are also the ones he used successful on the tournament i.e the spectacular judo throw !!!!!



3. I've been training in bjj for about a year now. I find it hard to remember all the various techniques taught in class, forgetting the majority of them until they are done multiple times down the line. In order to help me learn more, especially while sore, unable to train, etc., I began reading books, including Ribeiro's Jiu Jitsu University, which was excellent. However, I tend to learn a lot more (in this area) watching the technique over and over again. My brother bought Jiu-Jitsu Revolution (gii) while I bought the no-gii one. Both have helped me tremendously, though I was disappointed the no gii series had nothing regarding cross body, which is a place I find myself allllll the time against higher belts, and neither have anything regarding takedowns. Both packages are expensive but when compared with a private lesson (usually between 70 and 150), you really learn a lot and can watch the techniques over and over again. I've definitely benefited in a quick amount of time from Ribeiro explaining the details of various techniques and pointing out what are the most important areas. I've seen a large improvement in my game quickly but I also watch the videos, train, and asks lot of questions in class often.
   
   I will say if you're expecting to pay the price and hold your own against purple belts and above, it's probably overly optimistic. I often roll with two to four stripe purple belts and, while I don't get tapped out often, they are clearly aware of what I'm trying to do. I recently rolled with a very well known black belt and had several opportunities to try certain techniques in the series, particularly the knee on belly. He obviously knew what I was doing (don't they always seem to?) and had me twirled in a million different directions in no time. So yeah, if you're a newbie like me and aren't BJ Penn, I wouldn't buy these with the mindset you're going to be amazing.
   
   Overall, especially if you're new, I would highly recommend Ribeiro's videos and book. They're enjoyable to watch (hard not to laugh when he looks at the camera and says "guys" like he's talking right to you or "i don't want that") and teach you a lot of technique in various areas.

4 comments about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt Requirements: Gateway to the Advanced Game.

1. I bought his Blue belt requirements and found it very informative and with the detail I wanted.
   I bought the Purple belt expecting the same...and WASN'T Disappointed.
   Not a lot of techniques...more a focus on variations and approaches...I like his ananlogy that at BLUE BELT you have a Learned a lot of WORDS...NOW at PURPLE BELT its TIME TO start making SENTENCES. I would have given it a 5 if there was more techniques but if you can walk away with the concepts then your game will surely improve.
   
   Keep rolling



2. Roy Dean is very elegant, focuses on the point, this dvd is very helpful for people who wanna concentrate on practicing in their academy and moving up towards the next belt. Really basic but smooth transitions into becoming advanced, plus he throws some words of wisdom in there. very good and very good dvd quality/. i was impressed. chao, BARRO. COMBATE Fight Club. [...]



3. I've amassed a large library of martial arts books and video materials over the years. In "Purple Belt Requirements" Roy Dean continues his description of the BJJ journey relating his own experiences. He demonstrates the importance of being able to link techniques to advance your BJJ game, and most importantly the mental aspect of "What makes a purple belt". The techniques and philosophies in this dvd is helping me on my own path to purple belt in my bjj school. This is definitely a great addition to my personal martial arts library, and I look forward to the upcoming "No-Gi" dvd that's coming out.



4. Roy Dean's way of teaching is outstanding, clearly illustrating moves with ease. I had his blue belt DVD, and as expected, I'm impressed again with this one!
   
   I'm looking forward to the brown belt requirements while I train with this DVD, clearly a great buy!

1 comments about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: NO GI Essentials.

1. Overall, this DVD set has a lot to teach and does so in a format that is easily understood and clear to watch. You could re watch these DVDs several times and learn new techniques or new facets of a technique each time. A very good investment.
   
   More specifically: I thought the first section on how to move properly was a little slow, since I've been involved in martial arts for so long that being told how to roll was now to helpful, but at the same time it would be good advice for a true beginner, and even for a more advanced student, it really never hurts to be reminded of the basics. In any case, Roy rapidly moves on to techniques, which is where the DVD really shines. The techniques tend to be presented in a building sequence, which I found really intelligent as it meant that if you already knew the basic concept of a particular submission, you could still get a lot out of learning where to go next or what to do if your opponent defended against that submission, or even a more waterproof variation on that submission. All good things to know. Also, if a move was new to you, the first time watching that section you might only pick up the basic first technique (as I did with the ankle locks, for example), but then watching it again a week later, having tried that move at my academy, I was able to absorb how to move from that ankle lock into the next technique in the sequence, and then the next and the next and so forth. Roy also explains the dangers of some positions and goes over the finer details of others. All in all, there is definitely a lot to learn from these DVDs. They are NOT just some guy showing endless submissions with no explanation or cohesion.

5 comments about Cesar Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Grappling Instructional Series.

1. My first BJJ instructional DVD - CG is a great teacher, excellent quality DVD, outstanding review of BJJ techniques. Recommend to all BJJ aficionado-s:)



2. This collection of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is amazing. With each dvd there is step by step instructions and explanation of techniques. This dvd set is a must have for any skill level, and anyone who is interested in learning and improving Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques. Cesar Gracie shows step by step instructions on moves and explains the reasoning behind the moves. This is a very informative collection.



3. I have been studying martial arts on and off for years. I recetly have had the opportunity to start studying Gracie Style Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I wanted to get some additional materials to assist me in digetsting the information provided in the dojo, and I stumbled upon this DVD. Listen.. Cesar Gracie is a awesome teacher.
   
   1. He is easy on the ears :) His english is great no accent whatsoever and he gives great analogies
   
   2. In many cases he demonstrates moves from a variety of angles
   
   3. The DVD is broken up into different skill levels. Within just a half our of watching the basic DVD helped to shed new light on many of the techniques that have been presented to me in class.
   
   Bottom Line is that this is worth every penny. In fact if I had seen a few of the lessons I would probably have paid double for it. Please keep in mind that I am writing this review as a beginner so I cant speak to the inetermediate and advanced DVD's included with the set. Lastly I would like to repeat that I am using this as a suppliment to in class training.



4. This is an excellent series, and I would recommend it to anyone beginning jiu-jitsu. The examples are clear and shown from many angles, and there is enough variation of technique to keep you interested.
   
   So why give it 3 stars if it is so good? Even though these videos are very good, they do not compare to the Roy Dean Blue Belt Requirements series, and of the two, I would highly recommend the Roy Dean series over these, so that is why I gave it 3 stars.



5. This dvd is wonderful for when you need to go over the techniques or refresh your memory.its also good for beginners who want to memorize the basics and strategy .If you are a visual learner you will greatly benefit by this dvd .

5 comments about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt Requirements: Fundamentals for All.

1. I am an entry level jiu jitsu practitional who has found this video invaluable over my first couple of months. Most beneficial in learning things to do in positions prior to being taught them. It has given me a 'one up' on those who started training at the same time as me.



2. It is a great video but for the price I was expecting more than I would find on youtube.



3. I'm just starting with BJJ and while searching for training material to supplement my class lesson, I found Roy Dean's DVD on a local DVD store and bought it. The illustrations of techniques are great with varying degrees of difficulty (well, for a beginner like me) and by watching and training it with a dummy, I quickly learned all the tricks.
   
   I would highly recommend this to all white belt BJJ practitioners like me. Roy Dean is a great teacher and speaker and I would definitely buy his other BJJ DVDs to supplement my training.
   
   Keep making instructional DVDs, Roy.
   
   Thanks!



4. I like this DVD. I will mention, as some other reviewers have, that the physical disk itself is very thin. I've never come across a DVD this thin before, which made me worry a bit about breaking it as I was removing it from the case and putting it in and out of my DVD player (hence the reason for 4 versus 5 stars). But it plays just fine and I haven't broken it yet.
   
   The physical disk aside, the content of the DVD is excellent. I'm a newcomer to BJJ (a white belt) but have studied other martial arts (black belt level). What I liked about Roy Dean's approach to presenting the material is that he clearly explained the concepts and then clearly showed how to implement the concepts.
   
   Many DVDs of this type will show a bunch of techniques, which is fine, but then it becomes an exercise in attempting to memorize some or all of the techniques. BJJ is so technical and has so many techniques, that it can quickly become overwhelming.
   
   Roy Dean, on the other hand, first spent some time talking about the concept of position in BJJ, and then showed techniques specific to improving or maintaining your position. And this was great because improving or maintaining your position is your primary goal at the beginning. From there you move on to other defenses and attacks (armbars, chokes, and the like), but first it's all about position. You can neutralize much of what your opponent can do just by getting to and maintaining a superior position.
   
   Overall (at least in my impression), there are far fewer concepts in BJJ than there are techniques. The techniques can be grouped according to concept. Just this mental construct for approaching BJJ helped me a great deal in digesting and retaining the material.
   
   On top of that, Roy Dean's skill level is very evident. He moves very smoothly from position to position. That was inspiring to me in thinking about improving my own skill level.
   
   Some of the extras on the DVD were also very useful. The videos of various individuals testing for their blue belts were instructive in terms of just being able to see where their skill level was relative to some of the more advanced students and to Roy Dean himself. I think these test segments helped put the instructional material from the DVD into perspective.
   
   So, overall, the presentation seemed very well thought out and organized. The techniques shown were very relevant to the target audience (BJJ white belts). The instructions given (both verbally and visually) were very clear, precise, and thorough. The production quality of the DVD is first rate.
   
   The only thing I didn't like was the very thin physical material of the disk itself. It may be just fine, maybe this is a new thing in DVDs. I've just never encountered a DVD as physically thin as this one. So far though, it's played just fine.
   
   A highly recommended DVD for anyone interested in BJJ!



5. I have been studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for about a month and a half. I got the Blue Belt Requirements 2 weeks after I started to help accelerate my training. Almost all of the core techniques presented so far are on the DVD. It makes for a great review and it provides techniques that we haven't covered yet so I have a few more things to try when we're doing live drills.
   
   I strongly recommend these DVDs for folks who are new to BJJ. I think they would be even more valuable if you go to a school with a limited class schedule. The only drawback is that the DVDs are pretty thin as some of the other reviewers have stated. That being said, I contacted the Dean Academy about something else and mentioned that I loved the DVDs except for that. I got a prompt (same day) reply to my inquiry and learned that the DVDs were some sort of eco friendly design that many people were unfamiliar with. They're switching back to the normal DVDs from what I was told. Not sure how long it will take them to trickle out to Amazon but you may be able to order from the academy.

5 comments about The Pit Workout.

1. This has to be one of the most intense workouts Ive ever done. It teaches you how to fight while also giving you a Great workout. Great for anybody who want's to get in shape. For the price it's one of the best workout DVD's you can find. And plus you don't even need anything else besides your body to workout with.



2. In the field of physical fitness and sports we often see 50 minute DVDs costing $40. This is a 2 DVD set, no fluff, great workouts and costs half of that.
   Another good feature is that you need zero equipment, although a heavy bag and a jump rope will enhance the workout. Still, you can do these sessions anywhere and you certainly don't need a gym.
   
   I am a fitness guy not an MMA fighter and I have the feeling that this is the targeted market for the DVD. Although there is a brief appearance by Chuck Liddell at the beginning, he doesn't actually contribute anything to the DVD besides introducing John. The guys and gals in the class certainly do not appear to be MMA fighters but rather average folks keeping in shape. Great shape. And John does the workouts with his students.
   
   The DVD shows very intensive upper body, lower body and full body sessions. I got some great ideas from this product.
   
   My only semi-critical comment is that there was noticeable technique deterioration as the sets progressed. Parallel squats became quarter squats, pushups began to look contorted, etc. There are different schools of thought in the world of fitness and conditioning. One school believes that an exercise is terminated once good technique cannot be maintained. John seems to subscribe to the philosophy that there is conditioning value in doing partial, technically imperfect reps.
   
   To sum up: great DVD and great value.



3. This DVD was pretty good. It wasn't quite as diverse as I would have liked, but it was worth the money. This is not a program that can be your sole source of exercise. It consists PRIMARILY of shadow boxing and pushups. Unfortunately, there are no back exercises. Also, if you don't have any boxing or MMA background, this DVD isn't for you. If you don't know how to shadow box or hit a heavy bag, you'll probably be lost and frustrated. If you want to add a little something extra for your workout, give it a try.



4. I completed 90 days of P90X and had great results but wanted more of a challenge and even more results. The Pit workout does it and is more fun for me because I am interested in MMA. I am noticing a higher level of strength and fitness, and getting a little more cut. P90X feels like aerobics compared to this! I still mix in the weights DVDs from P90X, but the PIT pushes you harder. And you are still using just your body and don't really need equipment. John Hackleman is a cool dude and is helpful and instructive with no BS.
   
   My only criticism is that you should do some jump rope or jacks while John talks before each set cause he stretches the water break about a minute too long sometimes.
   
   If you get the boxset, you will have a more complete picture of what John teaches in regards to fitness.



5. Great workout,John Hackelman has you sweating from the beginning, the first workout is upper body and the second workout is lower body and the third workout combines both for a full-body workout. The workouts are very intense but also very easy to follow along. Hackelman has trouble counting when doing push-ups but he does admit his mistakes, i count for myself so I know how many I have done. Otherwise a great quality workout dvd, that you do not need any equipment for besides a television and it only costs less than 20 dollars.