Cass's Review

Initally I was cautious about learning tech from a book but as the author clearly states,this is no substitue for a competent instructor.I flicked through the first few pages and was immediately impressed with the layout and the clear,open and most importantly honest introduction.It begins by telling us the history of brazilain or gracie jiu jitsu and illustrates the family tree.Next we move onto a brief description on belt ranks and their meaning and then swiftly onto the arts various applications.The points awarded for sport jiu jitsu are clearly described and shown and the rules of the game explained.

Next and rather sensibly we move onto breakfalls and what are generally considered the most effective and relevant throws and takedowns.Each move is explained beautifully and in clear, concise steps, helping cement them to memory,there is also a nifty counter to one of the more common attacks.

We then move to the general theories of position and submission and some strategies involved in movement and flows featuring the open and closed guard,again,all clearly demonstrated and carefully explained.The next chapter particuarly impressed me and featured the major sweeps and reversals i see on the mat day in and day out. All the steps were expertly illustrated and some helpful details, all too often forgotten, were included. Anybody learning the sport will find this chapter most beneficial and it definitely helped me sort out my pre blue belt game.

The book then moves on to cover a frightening amount of effective submissions from the guard featuring a wonderful assortment of chokes and locks, all substance and things I see working all the time.There is no fluff or material simply included to look fancy or impress your friends, just good, honest jiu jitsu. The passing guard section is superbly broken down into steps and I found this incredibly helpful as I headed off to class,the details still clear in my mind and thankfully effectively carried out on the mat! It spends time explaining the proper use of grip and the importance of correct posture and was a pleasure to read.

There is a huge amount of substance here,nothing vital has been left out and everything is presented in such a clear and practical manner that you will find it almost impossible not to absorb the information contained within. Flows,counters,all the major pins and holddowns, strategies, transitions from major postions and lock flows are all included and the chapter featuring common injuries and treatments was certainly something I could relate to! The author includes his opinion on self defence (along with some practical uses of major Jiu jitsu techniques), classical ju jutsu and some vital info on health, diet and training should you decide to take your skills to the next level of competition.

I was highly impressed with his ability to explain key points that stuck with me as I hit the mat and for any bjj student, to come home after a hard night rolling and pick up this book will certainly improve your game and help piece together the parts of your jiu jitsu puzzle.

Take care, Cass :)

Mauricio Gomes Blue Belt

Paul's Review

I recieved my copy of the BJJ Handbook last week and it is a good read.......so I'd thought I'd post my views. First of all the presentation in both the text and the photographs was first class, the explainations of the techniques were simple and straight to the point explaining the precise movements and positioning to execute the technique without using strenght etc.

The photo's were also made simple pointing out the relevent points of the technique making easy to put the photo to technique is the easiest possible way.

The BJJ Handbook is ideal for the beginner as well as the established BJJ practioner, is a knowledge of information, this combined with regular BJJ training provides all that you need. On a personal level, the Handbook has shown me techniques that I have not seen before and also variations of the one's that I have which has helped me about a great deal in my BJJ Training.....(thanks Gene).

Paul ( Forum member waikru)

Torrance GJJ Blue Belt