Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Practice

Great Technique and Detail, Poor Organization

I've been practicing submission grappling for just under 3 years so I wouldn't try to tell people of Renzo or Royler's stature that their techniques are less than effective, because they're not. I've gained a lot of skill using these techniques. But it is not organized in a logical, functional or sequential way. If your new and want to lean these skills quickly then I'd look elsewhere because at first you'll need to establish a fundamental base of skills before you could make sense of this book. If you're just looking at the book as a fan, it's great and has great illustrations, it is amazing the different ways you can stop an opponant.

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Strong literary effort from the Gracie Clan

The Inferior: Although this composition is coming from *the* source of BJJ, there is always room for improvement. Theory wanders back and forth between discussions of mat work and `the street¿. In an attempt to cover as much topical area as possible, Theory was confusing by constantly shifting from competition to self-defense and back again, sometimes in the same paragraph. A true separation between fighting, competing, and self-defense should be maintained. Unfortunately, the lines that divide are heavily blurred throughout this text. Small patches of brain fog form when techniques are spread out through the book without a strong connected flow. While one technique covers a good escape from a headlock on the ground, the next is defending a grab from behind while standing, followed immediately by a technique from the guard, only much later to return to more variations on headlock escapes. Finally, all lessons are demonstrated with a gi. This is excellent for competition training, but when 'self-defense techniques' are shown with a gi on it seems wrong somehow. The Superior: Each technique is presented with a paragraph or three of pertinent information followed with step by step instructions and matching full color photographs. Renzo and Royler are the only ones demonstrating techniques, so it¿s always easy to tell who is doing what. Special orange captions and close ups are included, highlighting key elements for proper execution. This attention to detail ensures that even an obtuse reader like myself can follow the action with little trouble. Closing the Gap: This book is well built and durable, presenting a solid supplementary reference for any grappling student. Despite being hazy while trying to cover two different training perspectives, it is truly a welcome addition to anyone's training library.

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Great book to learn on bjj

This is a very informative and completely structured guide. I highly recommend this book to the martial art community. It contains a variety of techniques, both defensive and offensive. If you are currently learning an artform or have mastered an artform, you'll easily comprehend this book and can apply it to your arsenal. Does not go into specific detail - therefore I do not recommend to a complete novice.

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Problems, problems.

There are some nice techniques in this book to be sure. However it isn't without its drawbacks. For instance, as with alot of Gracie material they are a bit apt to leave out important small details. For intstance, they demonstrate a heel hook (I think in the purple belt section) but if you follow their instructions then you will find yourself with some one mounted on you. The position is not tight, Royler is not controling the leg, or in good position to put the opponent back to the ground. Renzo would be mounted in an instant. You cannot tell me that they do not know that, can you? There are some nice sweeps and the photos are really clear and the presentation is great. But read it with a careful eye and with some one with a lot of time on the mat. That way you won't do something that will get you pounded into hamburger in the cage, tapped out or in some other way incapcitated.

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Excellent reference

BJJ is not something you can learn from a book so don't buy it for that. If you want an excellent reference to reinforce your training then this is it! Techniques by belt rank with lots of photo illustration and text to reinforce what you have already learned on the mat!

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a good book!

The techniques in this book are very good. the instruction is very easy to follow and understand. this is also of very high physical quality, defianlty worth the price.

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its about time Gracies write a book on BJJ!!!

This is perhaps the best Brazilian jiu jitsu book i have ever read. Published high quality paper and photos, this book has the theory, history and technique of the most popular and revolutionary martial art in the modern world.

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