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

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



2. As the third installment it does wonders with teaching you things to overcome. nice little hints and secrets. Has improved my game. With this whole series you would be promoted.



3. A BRILLIANTLY organised and depicted book,with an in depth focus on the theory.
   After purchasing the book i was a little overwhelmed by the amount of technique involved, but with the bigger picture review at he end of each chapter everything flowed beautifully to memory and application on the mat.
   I cannot even begin to explain the impact this series of books(i bought all three)has had on my technical knowledge and application on the mat, and has left me with the question of, if only i had known earlier.
   ESSENTIAL



4. The trilogy of BJJ books by Ed Beneville is by far the best series of BJJ books on the market, which includes the Strategic Guard.
   
   Unlike many other BJJ books, you can ACTUALLY learn BJJ from these books; of course, I'm assuming you are practicing the moves with a partner and not merely reading it like a textbook. The photos are very detailed and presented from multiple angles. Key points are highlighted both visually and in the text. The author made sure that the participants used different gi colors so that the reader could tell what each person was doing and how his partner was reacting.
   
   There are certainly other good BJJ books on the market, but the Guard series (Passing the Guard, The Guard, and Strategic Guard) differs in many important respects. While the Kid Peligro books are visually appealing, they tend to lack detail and subtle nuances. Thus, a reader gets a glimpse of many techniques but larger conceptual ideas are often missing. Beneville's books are rich in both photos and concepts. Moreover, he often shows a few variations on a technique and how to deal with common opponent counters or reactions to an initial technique. He also includes useful drills in his books.
   
   There is easily something for every BJJ level, from beginner to advanced. There is years worth of material here all the way to black belt. No joke! I highly recommend his Guard series. It helped my Guard tremendously (but yes... you do have to actually attempt and practice the moves in class. Sorry to disappoint but kata just won't get you very far in BJJ).



5. As a smaller and weaker practitioner this book was particularly helpful. All of the books in this series are very good, but this one covers the detail of how to use proper technique at any size to be lethal when your opponent thinks he has you. Large full color photos show multiple angles and variations on each technique. The first half of this book deals with escapes and the second half deals with submission counters and how to keep from needing an escape in the first place. As a lower belt I felt the first part of the book was very applicable to me, but the second part more advanced than the other books and I would come back to the second half as I get better. This book has really helped me get out of dangerous situations and get back to attacking instead of surviving. All of the techniques are presented in the same way your teacher would show and provides multiple angles with basic applicable note. I think all of these books are far more helpful than a video or other books because of their level of detail and book lay out that builds one technique upon the other and factors in the typical areas a practitioner might lose position. There are usually three sets of photos for one technique and the subtle details that make them effective is clearly highlighted either in words or in the picture. Check out their website for an idea of how the books are laid out and a technique of the week. www.grapplingarts.net

4 comments about Passing the Guard: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Details and Techniques (Revised and Expanded Second Edition).

1. Utilizing the guard position in Brazilian JiuJitsu is a dynamic attack posture, whereby, the player is continually attempting to either offensively dominate the opponent who is within the guard, or where the guard-player is attempting to sweep his opponent who is in the guard for an even more dominate mounted position. Due to this dynamic environment of the guard, passing the guard is, likewise, a proactive proposition for the passer. Enter the necessity of: Passing the Guard!
   
   This second updated edition of Passing the Guard has addressed this situationally active position with the same, superior photographically enriched directness that Ed Beneville revolutionized when the Grappling Arts Publications LLC, released the first edition of this book in 2002.
   
   Utilizing multi-camera angles to capture both the technical nuance of the application and the full action sequence of the movement, the reader is provided a detailed analysis of the technique, akin to watching a frame-by-frame video revelation. Nothing is left to speculation with the way the photos unfold and unwrap the technique with the accompanying text. The pages are oversized, glossy and of the highest quality. The photographs themselves are clear and well-taken. With my aging eyes, this is a plus.
   
   With over one-hundred additional pages, encompassing over seventy different methods of passing the guard, ranging from the most fundamental to the more elaborately mastered passing methods, the manual diligently demonstrates and explains just what the guard is and what one must master in order to actively defeat this highly offensive position.
   
   Divided into eight color-coded chapters, the author stresses that this book is primarily for those who will engage in Brazilian JiuJitsu-type sports competition. The reader must then understand that in such competitions, the idea is for one adversary to defeat another adversary with a submission or choke. There are no strikes permitted, and actions are very strictly controlled. One who is the guard is constantly seeking to reposition in order to gain a submission while the one who is generating the guard is highly offensive, attempting to also engage a submission. There is very little NON-movement in such competitions, where movement, counter-movement, and recounter-movements are chronic in their applications on both sides.
   
   The first chapter reveals the importance of fully understanding the basics--both the basics of the various guard positions (this book states seven possibilities of the guard position) and the fundamental requirements needed for establishing a solid, yet active, balanced base within a guard, explicating proper body alignment, hand and head placement, gripping and breaking the closed guard.
   
   I am fanatical about mastering the basics, and this first chapter, alone, details specifics about both guard and passing the guard I have not found in other pictorially-rich manuals addressing the same topic. If we do not have a firm grasp of the fundamentals, then we cannot hope to master anything more advanced. This chapter thoroughly dissects the essentials for passing the guard into its most important common denominators, upon which the rest of the book's passing the guard problems are resolved.
   
   The second chapter specifies how to pass the guard from attacking the knees while both players are grounded. This is an elaborately composed chapter with numerous ways and means of passing the guard are included.
   
   Chapter three provides many safe and viable options for a player who is standing in one's guard posture, attempting to get around this guard to gain control over the player for submission.
   
   Defense and counters to offensive guard actions are covered in chapter four. This chapter, as all the chapters of this book, stresses the importance of maintaining a solid base and adjusting one's balance in order to assist off-setting an attack before the attack is completed. Several of the common attacks addressed, with the appropriate counters, include: the Triangle, the Kimura, the Guillotine, Cross Choke, Armbars, Omo Plata, keylock, and various sweeping actions, to name just a few.
   
   Chapter five covers the half-guard in detail along with the attacks one can implement while in the half-guard. I personally see the half guard as the half mount, so the importance of this chapter must not be taken for granted.
   
   Attacks from inside the guard are explicated in chapter six, which are quite diverse in their applications, but always stressing the need for a strong position before that submission is attempted. We will find numerous attacks to the articulations of one's leg (knee, ankle, foot) here, as well as the Sode Jime.
   
   I found chapter seven quite interesting in that in BJJ competition, as in Judo competition, a competitor will slip into a "turtle posture" so as not to be scored upon. This often occurs when a strong counter-fighter is getting the better of an opponent. Interestingly, this chapter demonstrates what a player can do to negate this protective posture--in effect--to crack the turtle's shell most abruptly and soundly. If one's opponent decides to slip into this default turtle posture, the information and illustrations found in this chapter will offer an aggressive player the how-to for dispatching the passive opponent.
   
   Drills--simple, basic, and challenging drills are located in chapter eight, and all good skills become superior skills through proper and persistent drilling. The material here helps one integrate basic skills through drilling paradigms in order to improve proficiency of one's specific skill set.
   
   At the end of all chapters are what I call an after action summary. What is covered in that chapter is amalgamated into a type of unique flow chart that makes sense of each independent action. This summary creates a unified chaining of the independent parts into a functional whole that extrapolates from the training experience into actual experience. This helps the player to shore up any technical loose ends and offers correct application for said player when he or she attempts movements within diverse situations.
   
   Passing the Guard: Volume One: Revised and Expanded (2009) stands alone in its presentation of the technical expertise, both in its visual instruction format and the wisdom found in the written text pertaining to this subject matter. This text, as well as the other two manuals: The Guard: Volume Two (also Revised and Expanded) and Strategic Guard: Volume Three are required reading and recommended text books for those students who frequent the Hikaze Learning Corner's, Diversified Combat Arts and Sciences Curriculum.
   
   
   Rev. Arthur Bodhi Chenevey, RM, DD
   Hikaze Learning Corner
   Wooster, Ohio



2. Now in a newly revised and expanded second edition, "Passing the Guard: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Details and Techniques" by martial arts experts Ed Beneville (a student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 1996 and studied under 7th Degree Black Belt holder Joe Moreira for the past eight years) and Tim Cartmell (Shen Wu Academy of Martial Arts in Southern California) continues to be an ideal instructional introduction and reference with this new edition including more than sixty guard passing techniques, submissions and submission counters, as numerous drills. Of special note is how the showcased techniques are viewed from different angles with each key point fully illustrated, including photo sequences demonstrating such relevant factors as application, timing and strategy. Expertly organized and superbly presented, "Passing the Guard" is a fundamental and strongly recommended instruction guide and reference for students and practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.



3. No book is a substitute for solid instruction. But this book can make every time you step on the mat more effective. The biggest difference between this book and others is the abundance of pictures and the words are presented in such a way that you could adapt the move to slightly different situations. Another thing that makes this book so effective is acknowledging what your opponent is likely to do and how to combat that. As a white belt just seeing what an upper belt might do when faced with these passes is also helpful. Each section is relatively short and comes with a big flow chart type of map that summarizes what you can do from just about ever position you find yourself in and what page to refer back to for more detailed instruction on how to get out. As the title suggests the content is mostly about how to pass the guard and a secondary focus is given to submissions,but other positions are covered to a lesser degree in this book as well. If you want the same great format and instruction level but are looking for submissions I would suggest their second book "The Guard"



4. This book is sort of the basic 101 of jiu jitsu. It's a very easy book to go through. Lots of pictures and examples from different angles on how to do the move and then counter the move. I am a purple belt and I still use this book as reference once in a while. Had it for about 5 years.

5 comments about Mastering the Twister: Jiu Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Competition.

1. This is Eddie Bravo's follow-up to his "Mastering the Rubber Guard" book, explaining the top game of his unorthodox 10th Planet BJJ system. For those who don't know, the "Twister" is Eddie's signature hold. It involves hooking both legs around one leg of your opponent, reaching across his back and under the opposite arm, and wrapping up the head for a neck crank; a similar move is seen in professional (show) wrestling called the "abdominal stretch", and it's known in amateur wrestling as the guillotine.
   
   Like "Mastering the Rubber Guard", Eddie's introduction offers no real insight into martial arts or grappling, he's simply on his soapbox about his personal epiphanies about life. This may interest some people, but I'm not one of them.
   
   Once we get into the actual techniques, the good stuff begins. The majority of the book focuses on the Twister and the set-ups, transisions, trouble-shooting, and finishes from it. Chapter 1 is on "Twister Side Control", which is basically a reverse scarf hold position. Eddie uses this position as his primary means to set up and transition to the Twister. However, in this chapter he also includes other holds and transitions, including a variety of chokes, arm locks, and leg locks. The following chapter is on "The Truck", which is essentially a leg ride that creates easy transitions to the Twister and a few different leg locks. This flows together well with his first chapter. It's here where he starts troubleshooting the Twister. The next three chapters are on the Mount, Back Control, and the Sprawl position. Here, Bravo goes over basic controls and finishes. Some are very basic while some are unconventional. I feel that these chapters are where the easiest-to-learn material comes in. Finally, the sixth chapter shows how to transition to the Twister from a number of positions, including guard passes, mount, and back control.
   
   The book uses color photos, multiple camera angles, and color-coded chapter headings, like all Victory Belt books. The production is excellent, as always.
   
   So why only four stars? I'm a firm believer in knowing the basics before moving on to more advanced stuff. For the most part, this book is for intermediate and advanced students. Simply put, if you've never submitted someone with a Kumura from side control or an arm bar from mount, you shouldn't be reading this book yet. If you can't pass guard, the top game here will be useless to you. Also, many of the maneuvers related to the Twister involved taking rolls, which takes a degree of agility that not everyone possesses. So this book is definitely not for everyone.
   
   Still, overall, due to the production and unique techniques it contains, I must recommend this book to those with a year or more of grappling training. These techniques are becoming more and more common on the competition circuit, so if you don't have at least a familiarity with them, you're behind the curve.



2. I'VE TRAINED IN BJJ FOR YEARS I FOUND THE LITTLE TIPS GIVEN IN THIS BOOK HELPED ME OUT MORE THEN ANYOTHER BOOK ON JUJITSU .. THERE ARE ALOT OF VIDEO FROM EDDIE [...]



3. This book is awsome. It is very detailed and gives you submissions, passes and control positions for every move or counter move your opponent can throw at you. So no matter what your catching them in something. It is a very great Jiu Jitsu system and would be a great wepon to add to your arsenal.



4. good book, I got more from the first book mastering the rubber guard.
   
   flexibility is a must.



5. My title expalins it. If your a serious grappler and take the time to learn the techniques in this book, your bound to have some serious fun, especially in competitions and surprising your classmates. That aside, your being learning a lot of moves that tie well together and anyone you train with will benefit as well from this, by learning to defend against the moves and possibly learning to use them as well.
   
   If your going to use it, it's great, if not. Don't waste money on something you don't intend to use or have discipline and plan to use.

5 comments about Jiu-jitsu Unleashed: A Comprehensive Guide to the Worlds Hottest Martial Arts Discipline.

1. Great book. I loved it. I have been able to use most of the techniques in the book to obtain submissions during my roll time.



2. This book is awesome. I have many Jiu-jitsu books. This book is revolutionary. The thing I love the most about it is how the thought process of each move was explained. Like why you move from one step to the next. It is not simply writen explinations of what you are doing. It is definatly not for the beginner but it will take any other level of player to the next level up. I recomend this book to anyone who has atleast more than 6 months of BJJ. Anyone who is trying to train for reality self-defense or nogi BJJ NEEDS this book. I disagree with the person who says that training with a gi is good for street fighting because "someone on the street will probably have a shirt on." That is b.s. When you train for a fight you don't train for "probably" or "most of the time". You train for worst case scenarios which would be fighting nogi. Anyone with BJJ experience can be taught to perform a collar choke in about half a minute. So skip the gi and go with nogi. You will thank yourself later when you choke someone out who's shirt ripped off in the fight!



3. good book. lots of good storyline and technique instructions. Needs better angle for the pictures of the techniques.



4. i was impressed with the book and illustrations. I practice with a Gi but enjoy using the "lock up" and moves that dont use grabbing the uniform. I will buy the other books soon. the only drawback I can see is if you are not flexible some of the moves will be impossible to pull off.



5. Not much to say. He's one of the greatest BJJ practitioner and instructor out there, the only minor flaws in this book are just:
   1) need a lot of flexibelity and basic understanding of BJJ moves
   2) not as great detail as Victory Belt Publisher in MA books
   
   but the person himself and the technics are awesome and also he's very "generous" in his teaching. Good job, Bravo, I really wish he still competing, though, againts the best in the worlds, such as Marcello Garcia, etc, so once again he proves that he's still great in the nowadays super tough competition , not just in teaching.
   Thanks
   Andy

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

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



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



3. I was hoping it would be more exhaustive / detailed, since it deals with one particular -- albeit very important -- aspect of BJJ. One example is in the posture-breaking section: how hard would it have been to show options when your opponent's hands are on your biceps, or else if he's postured up with both hands on your belt? Instead, all of only several posture-breaking techniques assume your opponent is using a staggered grip on your belt and lapel. It's a little thing, but BJJ is all little things.
   
   What this book had going for it, potentially, was to provide a really inclusive roadmap of the closed guard, and I think it's lazy in that regard. You can find all the stuff in this book plenty of other places.



4. This book not only is full of great techniques but the detail and the photos illistrating the techniques are great. I highly recommend this book.



5. This book will help you improve your close guard regardless of your rank and experience. I like the idea of just covering one aspect of the art of jiu-jitsu (Close Guard in this case) and really covering it from learning the basics to advance moves and putting combinations together. The book delivers on its promise.

5 comments about Mastering the Rubber Guard: Jiu Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Competition.

1. Eddie Bravo is the man. His Jiu Jitsu system is very innovative and this book clearly outlines it in a way that a a jiu jitsuist at the blue belt level or higher will be able to replicate on the mat.



2. The techniques and the logical flow of this book are nothing less than spectacular. The intro and the move names are nothing short of dreadful. But then, we bought this book for the moves, right? Focus on that, and this book is an easy 5-star book.
   
   Although, I must admit, it is VERY hard to ignore someone of Eddies prominence using this forum to advocate illegal behavior. What was he thinking? Oh yeah, he wasn't, he was stoned.



3. Yes, Eddie smokes pot and advocates it quite a bit in the beginning of the book. Just skip it. Yes, Eddie has names for his moves that are rather moronic. Ignore them.
   
   Neither of these points detract from the quality of the content. There are plenty of reviews discussing the legitimacy of the techniques. I'll skip that and simply say that, with proper training the Rubber Guard can be a very effective tool in a ground game (although those with the long limbs might have some trouble). It is no gimmick.
   
   What impressed me most about this book was the layout. It has one of the most intuitive layouts I've seen. It is certainly the best progression of the Victory Belt family (and that is saying something). While some books feel like a catalog of moves this one actually builds off of each previous move. The sections build off of the previous sections. And it does it in a way that is very natural. Some books you could just skip around learning a technique here or there. In this book you simply start at the beginning and drill your way through the whole thing. You will have learned the fundamentals of the system in a very clear, concise, and logical way. In some of the previous VB books on grappling I've found myself wondering why certain moves were put next to each other-perhaps just because they originate from the same position despite being appropriate in very different situations.
   
   In MtRG, everything flows because the system is about achieving a goal using a set pattern. You simply work your way through the pattern. If you find yourself blocked you try the next technique and move on to the next segment of the list. It's a very cool and very simple way to get a grasp on a ground game. It isn't just a collection of techniques but an overall strategy that allows one to efficiently fight off their back and win. While much of it may seem quite unorthodox to traditional grapplers it is absolutely worth the try. Chances are it will only make you better. For beginners, I'd recommend something more basic, perhaps one of the Gracie books (Theory and Technique is a good start) or Jiu Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro. Because Eddie is unorthodox and bases much of what he does off of existing Jiu Jitsu structure it's good to have a solid base before jumping in to Rubber Guard.



4. !! NEEDLESS / GRATUITOUS OFFENSIVE MATERIAL ADVISORY !! Talk about a lack of full disclosure... Be advised this DVD's segments are intro'd by some deranged, psychotic, shirtless, overweight, 60+ year old slob hood-cussing an F-word/G.D.-word blue streak with sticky spit on his lips(complete with close-ups[one disk starts off with him shouting at the viewer, "Hey F###-O!"]), interspersed with the featured fighter blowing cannabis smoke into the camera, & cuts of him with his shirtless & saggy-pants angry-rant wanna-be rap group. The DVD has a 20min diversions into some kind of MTv "Real World", a few music videos, some lengthy into-the-lens dope-induced brain-damaged wandering & pointless cosmic introspection, an episode of "Punked", & more of the F(oul)-mouthed fat slob, & in between all that utter garbage and trash, oh yea, you get some glimpses of ground game instruction.
   
   He might be the alpha & omega of the ground fight, but had I been aware of the tone/topic/theme of the surrounding material, I never would've bought it. I don't understand the modern fascination of attention-getting through offensiveness. It takes no talent, only a willingness.
   
   I have no respect for this guy, his athletic talents notwithstanding, which is probably the only thing keeping him from some crystal meth'-fueled armed robbery with a stolen car if not doing his fighting in the state penitentiary.



5. So everyone is correct about the first 25 pages or so of this book being mostly about Eddie's love of smoking. If you are into that, then great read it and get his viewpoint. If not, don't whine and complain, just skip it and hit the jiu jitsu section. Pictures are easy to see from multiple angles, and the captions clearly explain the action. This is a great book to use in addition to more standard jiu jitsu instruction. Eddie does give you a different way to execute attacks using his rubber guard, which in todays training means you might just know a little more than the next guy.

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

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



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



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



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



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

5 comments about Training for Warriors: The Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts Workout.

1. This book even if you use it only as a reference for ideas or as a stand alone is well done. It points out the importance of working and training every part of the body to eliminate weak points and prevent injuries. Everything from the neck all the way down to the ankles and feet, with everything in between. I only wish alittle more detail was giving for training the lower back but other then that this is a good buy.
   
   I have it myself and have used a few of the excercise and I have no regret at all. Even a few of my friends have taken some things from the book.
   
   And of course it has a nutrition section, but if you know your basic's then nothing out of the ordinary here.



2. Great book for someone serious about MMA training. For older martial artists like myself who train for fun and fitness, a lot of new things to try to incorporate into your workouts for variety and a new perspective.
   
   I didn't give the book 5 stars for a couple of reasons. One - it is a pretty large book, and not easily carried to the gym and referenced on the spot. There are loads of full page IFL action photos that add a lot of size to the book, and interrupt the flow of the training info. Two - the text actually started to get comical to me with the constant references to "Warriors". A random sentence; "Today's warrior knows leg training has to take precedence in a warrior's strength work". In that same paragraph I counted the word warrior 7 times! And that's just one paragraph....The book just seemed geared to a much younger "extreme" type audience.
   
   The exercises and exercise photos are great. I made my own flash notes, stuck them in my training binder and ended up selling the book back to the bookstore. It was just too big to carry around. I can get pretty much the same info from the Hatmaker conditioning book, Ultimate Fitness Through Martial Arts by Sang H. Kim, Combat Conditioning by Matt Furey, and my Kettlebell book, all of which are much smaller and faster to navigate.
   
   Overall, a great workout book, just needs some major condensing.



3. I bought this book because I wanted a full spectrum approach to getting fit for MMA, BJJ and just improving general overall fitness. This book gave me everything in one. Rooney is a world class conditioning coach, who goes into specific detail, giving many different exercises that can be done. Everything including following a proper MMA diet, mental aspects, cardio and muscle training are included, make no joke - this is one serious book.
   
   Bottom Line is if you are looking to improve your game and health, then you need to but this book as it will take you MMA conditioning to another level.



4. Many of these drills require a partner, most of the stuff in this book is common in most gyms, not worth the money. I did like the section of weight plate exercises, but that's all I got out of this book. Maybe others would like it and find this product useful, however, I did not.



5. I am a professional Mixed Martial Artist, as well as a certified personal and group trainer. This book is a comprehensive collection of exercises, stretches and nutritional information. I use the content from this book in every class I teach as well as in my personal fighter training. The hurricane workouts are amazing, and my clients, teammates and I are continually challenged. The training exercised and workout programs in this book have taken our strength and conditioning to new levels. I'm psyched for Martin's second Training for Warriors book. The first one will be tough to beat!

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

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



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



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



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



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

5 comments about Jiu-Jitsu University.

1. I really like this book. The first chapter alone is full concepts that I personally haven't been taught in classes. I have been training long enough to know that I wish Saulo's ideas about survival had been the first things I learned in jiu jitsu. I ordered his Jiu Jitsu Revolution dvd because of this book. Thank you, Saulo Ribeiro.



2. The way this book is organized is very helpful. The author leads the reader along an in-depth and comprehensive organization that takes advantage of the natural progression in learning this martial art. The photos and angles of the photos are good. I would recommend this book.



3. This book is fantastic, reccomended for any brazilian jiu jitsu practicioner... Saulo's knowledge and love of this amazing gentle art really shine through. Buy it.



4. I'm very happy with the book. I'm a Judoka and sometimes train with (and admire) BJJ fighters and wanted an overview of the moves, nomenclature and strategy/philosophy. this booked seemed comprehensive and has lived up to my expecations. a well done publication and very effective format - using 2 photos of each step taken from different angles. I recommened it.



5. I have many good jiu-jitsu videos and books, but this and the Demian Maia videos are the best.
   
   In this book, the first two chapters (white and blue belts) deal with survival and escapes. I'm a white belt, and with this book in only three months of training I could put a very good defense against very good purple and brown belts. This book is very dense and requires repetitive reading to absorb all the knowledge, like all good books.
   
   It's worth every penny.