5 comments about Passing the Guard: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Details and Techniques: Volume 1 (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu).

1. Too many books try to cover too much in their text. This often results in poor details, a small snapshot of someone's game, or unconnected techniques that don't integrate well. It is a fantastic idea to spend an entire volume on one aspect of the game.
   
   I'd read Cartmell's good work in "Effortless Combat Throws" and liked it a lot. I'd never heard of Beneville, though, as per most of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community.
   
   However, the most important qualification is whther your information is accurate and effective. This book is exactly that.
   
   The book opens up with imporatant details on posture and position. What it is, why you need to get there and - of course - how. This is golden information to the beginner and early intermediate, but more advanced practitioners will even find some useful info here.
   
   Then, onto the guard passes. The passes shown are the same ones you're taught in every class. The details, though, are intricate and accurate. There are a number of options for each pass and photos aplenty, along with concise, accurate text descriptions.
   
   The book covers more than passing and is THE text for the whole game from inside the guard. It covers posture and position, passes from the knees, passes from standing, submission attacks from inside the guard, defenses and counters to attacks and even a great section on a ttacking the turtle position.
   
   More still, the book ends with some great drills that will help you develop the skills described in the book.
   
   This book pioneered the contrasting coloured uniforms on the models and the blue vs white is still a great idea. The photography is great and has views from multiple angles. As said earlier, the text is concise, clear and descriptive.
   
   It's clear that the authors know their subject and have planned this book well. Kudos to them.



2. I'll start off by mentioning the only negative I can think of or noticed:
   
   There are quite a few typos and grammatical errors in the technique descriptions/instructions. However, they only cause a minor distraction, and not enough to warrant giving this book anything less than 5 stars. The reason for this is because all you have to do is look at the accompanying picture and the problem is solved. For example, the instructions will say, "Grab with the right hand or swing to the right" and then you look at the picture and the guy is grabbing with his left hand and swinging to the left. I'm assuming those who buy this book already practice BJJ and are only purchasing the book for reference, so it should be easy to "understand" what the typos meant to say. This, however, leads to the best part of the book.
   
   Everything else about the book is great. The only negative I mentioned above may actually go unnoticed by some. The reason for this is that the pictures are awesome. One may be able to learn a technique just by looking at the pictures. They're that good. The flow and clarity of the pictures makes the detailed instructions seem as an optional supplement.
   
   Another thing that this book does well is it's order. The book starts from the ground up, literally: breaking the guard on your knees, passing the guard on your knees, standing up, breaking the guard standing up, etc, etc... More importantly, whenever the opportunity is given, the authors split the techniques into alternative "finishes" depending on whether or not the opponent reacts.
   
   If you're looking for a well written book with plenty of details for BJJ as a reference, I cannot recommend this more. It's really great to look through and see a technique and think to yourself (or scream out loud), "That's what I should have done in that last fight/roll/etc!"
   
   I will be buying volume 2 for sure.



3. I'm a blue belt, and this book can definitely improve your top game a lot. No other book cover the subject with so much depth. Sometimes the pictures aren't as crystal clear as Kid Peligro's ones, and you have to get used to the unusual layout. Aside from that the book is awesome and I think intermediate bjj practitioners will get the most out of it.



4. This is a great book. Sequence of pictures are taken from two different angles to capture all the details. Tim Cartmell does a great job describing each step of the technique in simple words.
   It covers most of the situations encounter when passing the guard. Will definitely boost you BJJ game.



5. I really like this book. It's hundreds of color pics. break down each move 1/2 step by 1/2 step and from multiple angles. You don't even need to know how to read. Just follow the pics & arrows highlighting the important grips and positioning. I use volume 2 ("the guard") a little more, but both are really great.

5 comments about Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na, 2nd Edition: Instructors Manual for All Martial Styles.

1. Great manual for kung Fu masters and practioners. A lot of different tecniques inside.



2. This book gave me a greater understanding of the fundamentals. It would make a good read for any discipline.



3. Its a very helpful book for those who are interested in the combat aspect of Tai chi chuan



4. I have found all of the material from Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming to be very helpful as a reference. It has been invaluable when I have not been able to get to class for long stretches and need some clarification when practicing at home. The descriptions and drawings make it easy to understand the movements and he covers a lot of material in each publication. There isn't a true substitute for in-class training, but this is a fantastic supplement, regardless of the art one is studying.



5. THE REAL Ju-Jitsu!! Chin Na (Qin Na) means to Seize an CONTROL~ I have taught a lot of people self defense and martial arts techniques with this style of training. (Thanks to Dr. Yang and everyone @ his Boston HQ!) This was originally designed for INSTRUCTOR's USE which allows even the beginner a very deep look into the physiology of WHY each move works with the body. Anyone can do this style. Great for FEMALEs who can learn to use leverage and angles rather than just strength to overcome an opponent. The techniques in here are very real and are designed to STOP an attacker. When the ancient arts say stop, they mean S T O P~ you must practice safely with your friends. Pain and INJURY are different. Pain is a indicator flag, Bend knees and TAP. Injury can easily be avoided with proper respect. In a real situation, don't hold back. Also good with this is the book: Comprehensive Applications of Shaolin Chin Na, and Tai Chi Chin Na along with their newly available DVD's!

1 comments about Groundfighting Pins and Breakdowns: Effective Pins and Breakdowns for Judo, Jujitsu, Submission Grappling and Mixed Martial Arts.

1. I just got my copy this week and I just finished reading through it. I have come to expect nothing but the best from Mr. Scott and his latest offering is no different. His technically meticulous yet practically worded text serves as an excellent supplement to my training. While I think it would be tough o learn exclusively from any book; I believe someone could grab a training partner and learn a great deal from Mr. Scott's books.

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 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 Solo Training 2: The Martial Artist's Guide to Building the Core for Stronger, Faster and More Effective Grappling, Kicking and Punching.

1. I think this second book on solo training by Christensen picks up where the first one left off and adds a whole new dimension to training alone. The hottest thing in the martial arts and in fitness in general is training the core. All kicks, punches and grappling can only be improved by having a stronger midsection, lower back and legs.
   
   I bought this book in April and after putting together an easy to do program I found in the book, I noticed a big improvement by June, roughly eight weeks later. My kicks and punches were landing with a bigger bang on the heavy bag and my launch speed was greater than ever before.
   
   There are lots of solo exercises in here for the core and to improve your foundation moves from which all other techniques come. I still use the first Solo Training for inspiration and to get techniques, and I use Solo Training 2 to get even more drills and techniques plus the core exercises.
   
   Excellent.
   
   Ann P



2. Returning to the martial arts world after many "stop"-years, i bought several books and dvd on the subject. Clearly and by far, Christensen "Solo Training" 1 & 2 are the best and most valuable ones.
   From athletic preparation, strenght training, speed and flexibility developement, up to advanced fighting combination on a mannequin, both books covers all aspects. Everything is covered in depth, with clear explanations, sufficient pictures and also humour.
   I tried the excercises and drills described for a month and my phisical condition improved significantly, even after years on non practice.
   I highly suggest to buy this book to anyone practicing martial arts of every kind and evey level, you will not be disappointed.



3. It's not a book for people who trains alone, but for teachers that want the best for their students. Both volumes are very complete!



4. I have the whole Solo Training Series and the DVD and all of them have been jam-packed with great information and practical advice. I wouldn't hesitate to buy anything Loren Christensen has written, it's all first rate. He has a great sense of humor and an easy writing style. But content is king and there's plenty of it in here. I was concerned that the classic Solo Training title had already said everything there was to say on this subject, but I actually like Solo Training 2 much better. It's full of great exercises, practical advice and a huge range of extra topics like coping with stress and injuries. He also handles the mental game better than anyone I have seen so far, probably because he's actually fought for his life using these techniques as an MP and Portland police officer and not just in the dojo or in competition. Buy it now, you won't be disappointed.



5. I am 29 y.o., 2nd degree black belt in shotokan karate and have been involved in martial arts since I was 18. I'm sure many martial artists are faced with the same problem -- you reach a point in your training where progress slows down or stops altogether and you need a new source of motivation.
   
   This book was a good helper in re-designing my training routine and schedule. I added a whole bunch of new exercises recommended by the author as well as employed a number of mind conditioning techniques (these are indeed very important).
   
   After just a couple of months, I'm noticing improvement. My body is much stronger and I am able to perform many techniques and kata better than before.
   
   Sometimes I'd overtrain and have problem sleeping afterwards. I picked up a few relaxation/meditation techniques from this book that help me to calm down after training and rest comfortably.
   
   "Solo Training 2" is the great source of information that will help you improve your physical and mental fitness. I cannot really find any faults with this book, hence the 5 stars.

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 Mastering the Rubber Guard: Jiu-jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Competition.

1. I've been practicing jiu jitsu for a year. We have worked a lot on Oomoplatas and Gogoplatas, that's where I learned about the rubber guard. There is also a large focus on MMA at my dojo, so I picked this book up and started reading it. A couple pages in I knew this was a great book, and it really is. One of the first series of techniques you learn is the Lockdown, Whip up and the subsequent sweeps from Half Guard. Let me tell you, I train with 2 Colorado amateur MMA title holders and I have got them with these moves every time. I am very impressed with the style and the thought that was put into this book, truly genius. I wouldn't say this book is the end all be all, but it is a great addition to anyone's game. I continually roll with people of all different skills, sizes and abilities and I utilize the techniques in this book very often. Another book I've checked out is BJ Penn - Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge, again another solid addition to anyone's game.



2. I can't get enough of this book. I have learned so much from following it's flow charts and it has really upped my guard game. I highly recommend it. I have enjoyed this book so much I'm going to drop the 120.00 on the rubber guard DVD by Eddie Bravo.



3. This is the first of two books. I actually broke down and bought this book, after buying his second book "Mastering the Twister" and seeing how good the book is and how it revolutionized my game.
   
   Eddie's bottom game, with the rubber guard is sick. You need to have some flexibility to pull off a lot of these moves. If you don't, follow his stretches and the DO work! Trust me! I could never get my foot anywhere close to my head, but its now nearly behind my head, thanks to doing Eddie's stretches everyday.
   You need to have basic jits to understand a lot of these moves and transitions. But, you will love it. There is so much information in here that you brain will hurt from trying to absorb it!
   Excellent book and system!



4. I stopped reading this book because the moves are too hard to master and I have since learned many counters to the rubber guard. (sorry I can't tell you) Just like Eddie says.. you better dedicate 2 years to this or forget it. Good pics. I would toke a bowl and roll with him though...he seems like a cool guy.



5. Eddie Bravo may be the most eccentric BJJ teacher and practitioner on the planet, but his system is fascinating.
   
   The book starts with an introduction unlike anything you are likely to find in a martial arts book. Eddie is passionate about three things: Music, BJJ and weed. The rather long introduction to this book is a true believers bible on why everyone should smoke dope in which he ends the intro with: "Be smart, smoke weed", and references his beloved Mary Jane as the "Green brain food". Eddie peppers the intro with stories of his sex life, music career and a little about Jiu Jitsu and how it was all enhanced by toking gonja. All this colorfully described with the liberal use of the F-bomb and interesting, creative slang terms for female reproductive anatomy.
   
   If you don't take yourself (or Eddie) too seriously this is just a kick...sort of a "Tommy Chong does submissions" sort of intro. I found it refreshingly honest and goofy. What does all of the dope smoking have to do with BJJ? Not a lot on it's surface. It's my view that Eddie Bravo has found a way to get his ego out of the way (by lighting up)and reach a "flow state" during practice. Marijuana is his tool, but there are many other paths and Ways that can bring a martial artist and athlete to the same place. If you look at the intro as a description of one man's journey, than there is no need to take it personally and get your undies in a bunch about his pro-marijuana stance.
   
   Now on to the technical aspects of the teaching. Eddie's rubber guard is not for everyone and requires a tremendous amount of hip flexibility which some body types will just never develop. However if you have decent flexiblity and are willing and patient enough to deepen your flexibility into something really special, than Eddie's system is a good one for your to play with. The book's technical quality is outstanding as are he descriptions of the transitions (in my view transitioning is 90% of the game). In the beginning of the book is a Flow Chart for Ground work; I think this is a great idea and have not seen it used in an instructional book before.
   
   A couple of other reviewers have mentioned the difficulty in following the technical aspects of this book; that the instruction is too difficult. I would counter that view with the idea that as in mastering any skill one cannot "dabble"; rather a martial artist must be willing to practice slowly without being focused on the end product. In this way the Journey is the destination and personal insights can be developed from the practice. In other words, There is no short way to developing skill; a willingness to fail and fail again must be cultivated until success is eventually reached. This is a book that is (to use an overused Bruce Lee Cliche') "a finger pointing it's way to the moon".

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 Training for Warriors: The Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts Workout.

1. Martin has once again out done himself. Training for warriors is a must have. This book is not only for MMA athletes and coaches it is for all professionals in the field of strength and conditioning. The quallity of information is second to none. Having over ten years of experience in the field of strength and conditioning and over twenty years in martial arts I can honestly say you are not going to find a more comprehensive and practical book. I consider this book, as absolutely essential for anybody serious about strength training. I use this book as a resource daily and strongly recommend it.



2. I must say that Training For Warriors is a fantastic book. The photography is great and the exercise program is simple to follow since it maps back to the book. The nutritional section really helped out and made adjustments to my diet. I started the workouts and the hurricane is challenging, but a great change from what I have done in the gym.



3. Martin Rooney's "Training for Warriors, The Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts Workout" is just that! Only those who truly understand training can lay it out in such a simplistic fashion. From the ease of the read, to the cornucopia of pictures, it is legible for all to understand, apply, and then reap the benefits from. I strongly encourage anyone interested in the arts or those who just desire to "train like warriors" to invest in the purchase. I promise, you will not be disappointed!
   Tom Myslinski, MS, CSCS
   Head S&C Coach
   The Cleveland Browns Football Club



4. Martin Rooney has once again demonstrated that he is the leading expert in the field when it comes to the training of combat athletes. His book, "Training For Warriors", is the most complete and thorough book ever written on the training of MMA athletes. I highly recomend it to any athlete who aspires to be a "Warrior" and consider it a must read for all professionals in the field of Strength and Conditioning.
   
   Ben Hilgart
   Head Coach- Sports Performance
   Arizona State University



5. I personally want to thank Martin Rooney for putting together such an outstanding and phenomenal book. The attention to detail for this type of training is long overdue and Martin went above and beyond the call of duty in that aspect. This book can be used for Warriors of all types and skill sets which is what sets it apart from the pretenders out there. The training program and content will not only challenge you physically but also mentally. Thanks again to Martin for creating such an awesome tool.