Mastering Jujitsu (Mastering Martial Arts)

This product contains a vast wealth of knowledge regarding BJJs history, its practical use in fighting and self defense and has large sections devoted to both. It is very much so more focused on old school classic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu such as in clinching a striking opponent and how to mitigate the impact of strikes or use them while restraining someone. It is not that relevant to modern sports BJJ and does not contain any new or revolationary moves in that regard but I do not personally consider this a bad thing as the older school of BJJ is often overlooked or forgotten about in most clubs now. I would definitely reccomend this book if you started Jiu Jitsu for self defense or if you are interested in MMA as this is what the book revolves around. It comes from Renzo's perspective and he is one of the best Gracie's to ask about this subject as he was a very active fighter in his day. If you are looking for an understanding of modern techniques such as inversions and berimbolo then you would be better off with another recent competitors DVD. Over all this is a great product for the basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and it is those basics that we should spend most of our time concentrating on.

Written in cooperation with John Danaher, of Danaher death squad fame. A good read for any BJJ fan

Although the history of jujitsu is very well documented in this book, the rest of it is written with MMA in mind. If you're looking for a book specifically about jujitsu then you'll frequently find irrelevant and excessive information e.g. pages about punching/kicking technique. You may find the extra info useful so don't let that put you off (and even when it isn't useful, it's always interesting). For a more jujitsu/BJJ orientated book, I highly recommend The Essential Guard - Kid Peligro if you're a beginner/intermediate practitioner.

The title lets this book down, no Mastery here but something much more real. Great intro into MMA and its constituent arts, interesting historical overview of JuiJitsu and a delve into the methods of determining the 'roots' of Martial Arts are just icing on an already very tasty cake. Some illustrated techniques are shown, these are chosen to illustrate the various 'stages' and 'ranges' covered in MMA as well as for there relative simplicity and effectiveness. If you are studying MMA this book is an interesting and enjoyable read. If you are thinking of studying and want a painless intro to the subject get this book then go join a club.

Rather other a technical book, not so enjoyed to read frankly.

Arrived within 24 hours of purchase. The book opens up with a very in-depth look into the art of Jiu Jitsu, and the paths which it has taken on the journey to modern day Jiu Jitsu and BJJ. A quarter of the book is focused on stand up fighting, covering punches, defence, takedowns, and takedown defence. The remaining half of the book covers a range of jiu jitsu movements which are a list of instructions accompanied by images to show you step by step movements. The only problem with the book is something the image can leave you thinking "HOW DID HE GET FROM 2 to 3?" but that's a problem no book can beat. A little bit of patience and you'll really benefit from this book! Highly recommend to anyone who is practising Jiu Jitsu and looking to improve their knowledge of advanced and basic movements. Would also recommend to anyone who is interested in learning basic stand-up fighting!

Unputdownable. Does what it says on the tin.

A great book and a great buy. Stating off with a bit of history and some solid research into the beginings of the modern art of Jujitsu, the authors then move on to cover, in great detail, techniques, and just as important, stratagies, for the various types and stages of combat. Thoroughly enjoying it and I am already putting things into practice.

To many, this book was "Renzo's long awaited No-Gi book" If you're looking for a list of a 200 gi-less technqiues, you'll be disappointed - that book is coming later. But this book is much much more... The book starts with a history of ju jitsu. It places Brazilian jiu jitsu in the context of Judo, Japanese JuJitsu and other martial arts. It then covers the theory of jujitsu, including the various phases of fighting. This background provides a great context or framework to understand techniques. (This is analogous to the economic framework behind financial technqiues) After providing the broad context, the book delves into deeper theory on each general position, along with a few specific techniques. Again, the focus is on frameworks and how to think about positions more than a listing of techniques. The book also contains case studies on various fighters who have learned certain aspects of fighting. Although the book has a jujitsu focus, fighters from other arts such as Mark Coleman and Vanderlei Silva are highlighted. This demonstrates the broad landscape of ideas covered. In summary, this has proven to be a uniquely informative book. The authors use the medium (book versus the common tape format) to convey history and theory that is more difficult to convey in class or on a tape. It's about time that someone wrote it!

Love the historical bits.Danaher is an evil genius

Muito bom!

Heel goed en leuk boek over de oorsprong en geschiedenis van BJJ ik had wat meer technieken verwacht.

My husband who does BJJ really enjoys the book. And the shipping was fast! Thanks!