Somehow you got exposed to BJJ and now you want to know all about it. You could never watch all of the YouTube videos in a lifetime.
Where do you start? What are considered the essential reading / viewing materials for BJJ addicts?
Allow me to make a few suggestions.
“Gracies In Action”
The world outside of Brazil didn’t know about BJJ, but the Gracie’s had a long history of no holds barred fights both in stadiums in Brazil and private dojo challenge matches.
The Gracie family understood a strategy and philosophy for fighting that is beautifully (and sometimes brutally) displayed in the two-part “Gracie’s In Action” videos.
This is a must watch and is available on Amazon.
“Mastering Jujitsu” by Renzo Gracie and John Danaher
This book is one of the lesser known books as far as techniques go, but it excels in one area: explaining the concepts of jiu-jitsu. What are the three different phases of combat? Why is the positional hierarchy of jiu-jitsu so important to the effectiveness?
Those questions are answered here.
“The Gracie Way” by Kid Peligro
No one is responsible for the growth and evolution of jiu-jitsu more than the Gracie family.
Who are the most influential members and what have been their contributions to the art of BJJ? This book isn’t about techniques. This is a book full of history, story, and the mythology behind the world’s biggest fighting family.
You can get your copy on Amazon.
“Jiu-jitsu University” by Saulo Ribeiro
As far as techniques go, this is the #1 book. The techniques are awesome and filled with both beginner and advanced tips, but the strength of the book is the structure and concepts underlying the progression.
The chapters are divided according to the BJJ belts with Saulo’s interpretation of what is most important at each progressive level.
It’s absolutely brilliant and you can buy it here.
“A Roadmap For BJJ” by Stephan Kesting
This last suggestion is a free PDF offered by Grapplearts. It is both simple and yet nothing explains and organizes an overview of jiu-jitsu as well as this gem.
Do you know what the positional hierarchy is and why it’s important? Jiu-jitsu is not just a collection of random techniques. For the thinking man’s approach to BJJ this is the reference I suggest to anyone who asks for my recommendation of what to read to get started in BJJ.
You have some homework to do!
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