No comments about Grapplers Quest - 5th West Coast Submission Grappling and Wrestling Championships 2004.

No comments about Fedor Emelianenko MMA Seminar In Slovakia 2007 DVD.

1 comments about Advanced Practical Chin Na In Depth (YMAA grappling) Dr. Yang.

1. As the title suggests, this is advanced work that is very practical. Dr. Yang repeats often that the distance between learning a technique and having it be practical in application is a very long road. There are no shortcuts. The techniques must be practiced diligently. These traps and seals can be practiced with a branch, so that you understand the sequence of the moves, however, they must also be practiced with a partner so that you will understand what happens when there is no cooperation.
   
   Dr. Yang very clearly shows how to trap and seal joints and how to avoid dealing with the loose hand or foot. It does no good to trap and seal an opponents hand if he can still punch or kick from the opposite side. Much care is given to the angle of the trap. Dr. Yang demonstrated the proper way and then the errors that can occur if the angle is not correct. He then lets two men try the moves on each other. You get to see what happens if one is taller, faster, or more advanced in technique. After the technique misses, for any reason, he moves in and shows how to make the correction. For example, if one person is taller, you must bring him down to your height with an elbow or wrist trap before you can wrap around the neck and choke out.
   
   Which brings me to the next thought. Young kids or over eager adults viewing this video might be tempted to choke out, or use the pressure points and take the drills too far. This is extremely dangerous and care should be take to understand these moves and do them slowly.
   
   I also like how Dr. Yang adapts some of the chin na for weaker people, older, women, people with less strength or small hands. He shows how one move where you lock around three fingers of the opponents hand and pull might not be possible if any of the previous conditions exist. The camera moves in closely and he demonstrates how to drop two of the fingers and lock and trap on only one.
   
   This video is to be used after learning the basic techniques of chin na from Dr. Yang's previous books, videos and workshops. It is not to be used by the uninformed player, as it is powerful stuff. I would hate to see any broken fingers, elbows or worse yet, necks!
   A great teaching tool, if used with care under the proper supervision.

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

5 comments about JEET KUNE DO THE SYSTEM WITHOUT A SYSTEM(r).

1. Once again George has done an outstanding job on this version to say the least! This Edition is a revised version which still carrys his fire, passion , and enthusiasm for Jeet Kune Do!! He has also made it easy to follow along with professional quality DVD's for anyone to follow to increase their knowledge and skill of JKD'! Great job on a job well done!! Larry Milam



2. As a female practioner of JKD for the past three years, I have found this set of instructional DVD's to be of the utmost quality. Mr. Hajnasr's detailed, step-by-step instruction has helped me to develop a deeper understanding of the original art of Jeet Kune Do. I highly recommend this set for the excellent quality and extensive knowledge Mr. Hajnasr demonstrates. His passion for the art is contagious.



3. Like many people I reviewed the many favorable reviews with a certain skepticism. But upon reviewing the DVD I know why it received such favorable ratings. It a very complete representation of JKD. Which is what I wanted an overview of the many facets of JKD. I'm now taking classes but our instuctor is jumping around on so many different aspects that its tough to learn. I wanted some supplemental instruction and have received it in these DVD's. Dont be afraid to purchase if you want a good overall view of JKD. However if your really interested in becoming good at JKD you should take classes from a qualified instructor also.



4. this guy is a master and you will want this dvd because it's easy to follow and his teachings is that clear so i recommend this to all beginners and intermediates.



5. First of all I am a former Marine who is currently a student of Shun Hsin Dao (Heart, Mind, and Body's Way). This form of self defense was developed by my instructor who is the founder. He is also a former Marine who served in Vietnam as a sniper and is highy skilled in several types of self-defense including a black belt in Karate and weapons training which implements many Jeet Kune Do principles as well as his own. Yet my instructor's teachings are far more advanced than the instructor's teachings on his video by far. Such as, how to properly take the effectiveness out of a side kick and how certain hits will affect the internal organs in such a way that death is a probability. My personal feelings is that George Hajnasr's video is a marketing tool for his school and it shows he is full of himself. His techniques and teaching are repititous such as that of Karate. Anyone highly skilled will know that the body will not remain in the same position after being struck. Therefore, repititous drills are a waste of time. Bruce Lee planted a seed such as, "The attacker always gives himself away". In George's video he mainly demonstrates his skills as an attack and not as a "Good defense is the best offense" He lacks explanation in his demonstrations except for the Chinese names of certain techniques he managed to memorize so he could show off. There is no explanation about awareness, sensitivity, or forward progression following a block. I personally could counter several of George's attacks with my level of skill that would be quite damaging physically. There are many unwise techniques taught by George that invites very damaging counters. George also used a segment of this video to show off his 7 year old son which was a bunch of BS. This was not instructional at all. Another thing is that his movement in showing techniques is not that of instructor who is trying to teach. Many of his movements were so quick you have to make sure to press slow play to view his technique. Once viewed there are so many flaws that I am confident my training is far more advanced than his students. I personally hated how much time George wasted on his music videos showing techniques or drills in motion throughout the video. Now another thing is his instruction on taking an opponent to the ground is ridiculous. You may be able to pull these techniques on a drunk or someone who is physically dominated by your power but I do not recommend these. If you go to the ground with your opponent you are defenseless to attacks from bystanders who may be in defense of the opponent. Therefore, you should never go to the ground and if so you should do whatever it takes to get back to your feet such as biting, scratching, breaking fingers, gouging eyes, etc.... My instructor has written a book which is available on line which tells of his own background, concepts and training in regard to self defense. I assure you this book is a must which will definitely give anyone studying Jeet Kune Do a different point of view and will definitely take their level of skill to a more advanced level. The name of the book is Natural Martial Arts by Thomas Purtell. I am located in Tucson, AZ and if anyone is interested in contacting my instructor please feel free to contact me at spadude17@yahoo.com and I will forward your email to him.

1 comments about Small-Circle Jujitsu Vol. 3: Grappling Techniques by Wally Jay.

1. Small Circle Jujitsu, Volume 3
   
   Grappling Techniques
   
   By Wally Jay
   
   
   This volume starts with Wally Jay reviewing his small circle techniques as applied to Jujitsu. The small circle technique is followed by a demonstration on how to fall.
   
   Demonstrations of seven throws and a variable number of variations of each throw as they might be applied to actual scenarios of self defense are demonstrated three times each followed by demonstrations of other grappling techniques and procedures including knee locks, hook sweep, Leg block, double and single leg take downs, various arm bars, arm locks, and leg holds and locks.
   
   Wally Jay demonstrates a few choke revival techniques before concluding this volume with demonstrations of several choke holds.
   
   Wally Jay's Small Circle Jujitsu is available on VHS or DVD. He has also authored a book by the same title name, which can be used to reinforce the video lesson. The book and the DVD or VHS lessons complement each other well and contain a great deal of information for beginning thru intermediate level students.
   
   I have all the volumes of videos and his Small Circle Jujitsu book. I never get tired or bored of watching them. Rather, the more I examine the work in them, the more I appreciate having them. I think that you might enjoy them as much as I if you enjoy demonstrations of intelligent fighting systems.
   
   Small-Circle Jujitsu
   
   Small-Circle Jujitsu, Vol 1 - Foundations
   
   Small-Circle Jujitsu, Vol 4 - Tendon, Tricep, Armbars and Armlocks
   
   Nihon Jujitsu by Norm Belsterling Volume 1
   
   Nihon Jujitsu by Norm Belsterling Volume 2
   
   Nihon Jujitsu by Norm Belsterling Volume 5
   
   Chin Na In Depth - Courses 1 - 4 (YMAA grappling)
   
   Chin Na In Depth - Courses 5 - 8
   
   Chin Na In Depth - Courses 9 - 12
   
   Comprehensive Applications of Shaolin Chin Na: The Practical Defense of Chinese Seizing Arts for All Styles (Qin Na : the Practical Defense of Chinese Seizing Arts for All Martial Arts Styles)

5 comments about Kung Fu Wrestling - Shuai Jiao DVD (YMAA grappling).

1. In one of his newest DVDs, Dr. Yang and his students give a great introduction to Shuai Jiao, or Chinese wrestling. Of the four main categories of traditional Chinese martial arts, shuai jiao is probably one of the most practiced in Chinese schools, yet most poorly explored and understood in the western hemisphere. Kung Fu practitioners who are not versed in some throwing techniques are missing a key component of their art as shuai jiao techniques were developed as a response to strikes. Here Dr. Yang gives a brief historical introduction of the art, as well as demonstrations of over two dozen effective throwing techniques including common mistakes.
   
   As another reviewer mentioned, this DVD provides just an overview of shuai jiao and demonstration of many of possibly hundreds of techniques. It is not an in-depth analysis of the fine details required to make the viewer an "expert" in the techniques presented. However, any practitioner of other throwing arts such as judo may gain some insight and deeper understanding of the techniques presented or find some analogy to techniques already in their repertoire.
   
   Viewers who enjoy this DVD should also enjoy other YMAA publications: Chinese Fast Wrestling by Liang, Shou-Yu, Taiji Wrestling by Yang, Jwing-Ming, and Advanced Practical Chin-Na In Depth, by Yang, Jwing-Ming.



2. I concur with the majority of reviewers here--this IS a 5 Star video! And while I can't add much to what has already been said about the content and production quality, I CAN say that I enjoyed it immensely and learned a lot about Shuai Jiao as well. Think about it--you get approximately three hours of great information and instruction from Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming--one of the best martial arts teachers in the world--for less than $40.00. What are you waiting for? Buy this DVD!



3. Dr. Yang has made a good introductory DVD to the art of Shuai Jiao. Yang starts the DVD with an brief lecture on the continuum of martial arts and how the throwing art of Shuai Jiao fits in. (the other parts of the continuum include striking, kicking and locking).
   From there Yang proceeds to demonstrate some of the many types of throws found in Chinese martial arts such as White Crane and Tai Chi. One of the more interesting aspects of the DVD is the decision to demonstrate the throws and then turn more demonstrations over to his students. It is interesting because his students can do the throws but not to the degree of power that Dr. Yang shows. After the students demonstrate then Yang offers corrective comments.
   A previous reviewer did not care for this, feeling that it was a waste of time and money. I understand this thought and agree on one hand. However, once I started working through some of the techniques I realized that knowing some of the correctives allowed me to proceed faster in practice. So there is value in seeing how others do and then learn to do better.
   One more aspect to be aware of is that this is an introductory DVD. An experienced grappler and/or throwing martial artist can still pick up different techniques or insights. But I think this is really geared toward people who are looking for information as to what certain empty hand techniques mean and then how those same techniques can be applied. I believe this is a worthwhile DVD for any Chinese martial artists as well as others interested in grappling and throwing.



4. Shuai Jiao is the Chinese martial art of throwing, grappling and takedowns, and is very similar to Japanese Judo. However, unlike Judo, Shuai Jiao does not make an effort to throw their opponent onto their back in order for them to land with some semblance of control. Instead, Shuai Jiao practitioners simply throw their opponent in order to hurt them and end the confrontation then and there. You gotta love that! This makes it very applicable to those of us that study the self-defense and combative styles, such as; Krav Maga.
   
   Dr. Yang continues his impeccable teaching method in this DVD and try as I might, I simply can't really find anything negative at all in his presentation or technique. Not that I expect him to, nor am I looking for the negative, I am just so impressed with Dr. Yang's books and DVD's that I have found myself trying to find something to complain about just to stir things up a bit, but alas, I am unable to.
   
   KUDO's to Dr. Yang and YMAA for once again making an excellent product.
   
   Shawn Kovacich
   Martial Artist/Krav Maga Instructor
   Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence book and DVD series.



5. "Shuai Jiao Kung Fu Wrestling" with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming is described on the cover as Fundamental Defense Techniques and Throws, takedowns and grappling skills for short-range fighting. This disk is that, but so much more. Like many YMAA titles from Dr. Yang, this program provides a tremendous wealth of information. It is over three hours of explanation and instruction, covering 27 different Shuai Jiao techniques. The DVD is an excellent resource for any martial artist wanting to better understand and learn Shuai Jiao, Kung Fu Wrestling.
   
   The program begins with Dr. Yang in front of a white board where he explains basic concepts needed to better understand the material on this DVD. He explains the Shuai Jiao is primarily used for defense and is used to take down your opponent. He explains the relationship between Shai Jiao and kicking, punching, and chin na techniques. From there he goes into a short history of Shai Jiao, and where the techniques from this program come from. He then covers basic concepts such as left and right, high and low, and so forth. Good explanation of leverage and its use. He does bring in a student to help illustrate these concepts. I'd encourage a viewer to watch this "lecture" section of the program more than once. These principles are very important and I applaud Dr. Yang for putting them on the DVD before jumping into the technique instruction.
   
   This first part only takes 15 minutes. Next come Basic Drills. In this section, Dr. Yang introduces a few basic drills to help your learning and training. He brings out students to help demonstrate these drills. They include the leg bump, hook backward, hook forward, carry backward, pull carry, sweep, hand intercept. These are important to safely intercept, repel, and neutralize incoming strikes. The end of this second section is around the forty-three minute mark.
   
   Part three of the DVD is the basic Shuai Jiao Techniques. As I stated above, there are twenty-seven techniques presented. What I really like about Dr. Yang's DVD is that he does not just show the technique and go on to the next. He provides detailed instruction, and has his students perform each movement. He then steps in and points out details and corrects mistakes. If takes him over two hours to cover these twenty-seven techniques because of the detailed instruction. The only thing better would be to attend a live class or seminar.
   
   The techniques themselves are primarily throws and takedowns. They are stand up techniques to put your opponent on the ground with you still standing. This is not a program of ground grappling like many think of with wrestling. It is not wrestling with both people grappling on the ground. It was very similar to my primary style Hapkido, where we put people to the ground while remaining standing.
   
   While the techniques are from a Chinese art, martial artists from other styles will be able to incorporate the techniques into their training as well. I noticed a number of techniques similar to those in my Hapkido curriculum. I enjoyed seeing how Dr. Yang performed and explained them.
   
   Overall, this is another outstanding program from Dr. Yang and YMAA. If you are looking for detailed explanation on putting a person to the ground with sweeps, throws, and joint-locks, this is a DVD that contains that and much more. It's an excellent addition to anyone's martial art library.
   
   Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks and the dvds: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer. Alain Also wrote a series of articles called Lessons From The Apprentice.

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.

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 Eskrimadors.

1. I couldn't help but be inspired by the skill the old grandmasters featured in the movie possess. Overall the documentary was informative and quite entertaining. highly recommended.



2. Stylistically, Eskrimadors feels like "Riding Giants" for Eskrima, which I mean as a compliment. It's a got a great mix of interview and demo footage, archival photos and video, and re-enactments which work well together. It works as both entertainment and education.



3. A good introduction to the world of Eskrima/Kali/Arnis. From tribal origins to modern civilization. A must have for any martial artist seeking a MULTITUDE of PATHS...



4. The Eskrimadors DVD is Awsome! Anyone who practice the filipino martial arts should get this. And they sould get from Amazon for the best prices!!



5. This DVD about the history is Eskrima is a great documentary on the start and progress of filipino martial arts.