Mastering Jujitsu

by Renzo Gracie

In recent years, the grappling arts have proven to be the most effective form of combat in mixed martial arts (MMA) and no-holds-barred (NHB) competitions. Above all others, the Gracie brand of Brazilian jujitsu has become recognized as the preeminent fighting style in unarmed combat. Now Renzo Gracie—instructor; competitor; and champion of numerous grappling, MMA, and NHB events—reveals the inner workings of the art in his latest book, Mastering Jujitsu.From the origins of the art to personal techniques, you will experience the impact the Gracies have had on jujitsu and learn the strategies they have developed to dominate their opponents. Gracie shares the subtleties of the techniques necessary for mastering the art, and he clearly demonstrates the flow of movement with more than 250 high-quality photos. Not only will Mastering Jujitsu help you progress from isolated skill development techniques to a full set of tactics and fight plans, but it will also introduce you to the concept of combat phases and teach you to attack from any phase. You will learn how to react to your opponent in any situation. Whether you're caught in a bottom position or attacking from the top, Gracie reveals the key strategies designed to give you the upper hand.The depth and breadth of topics covered in Mastering Jujitsu will aid even the most experienced black belts in their understanding and execution of Brazilian jujitsu. With detailed coverage on advanced principles, you will get all the tactics, strategies, techniques, and drills you need for close combat fighting.

Genres: Martial Arts, Sports, Nonfiction, Fitness, Mixed Martial Arts, Health, Self Help

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2003

About the author

Renzo Gracie is a world-famous and championship-winning MMA fighter and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner.

Reviews

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best BJJ book I have read so far. Not only does it contain plenty of basic techniques for the beginner, they are laid out in an easy to follow format. The best thing about the book for me is the research. The books delves heavily into Jiu Jitsu history, and by default the history of all martial arts. I found this section fascinating. It presents the reader with detailed explanations into the different theories of martial art origins in a logical and reasonable way. I then follows the development of mainly japanese martial arts through the different social and political Japanese time periods arriving at the start of the Bjj era. It then gives a fair representation of the gentle art and its influence on modern society, self defense and the rise of mixed martial arts. I highly recommend this book if you want to learn more about Jiu Jitsu, as well as martial art history in general.

[Liam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an essential read for anyone who practices Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).

Writen by two legends of the BJJ world, this book genuinely surprised me with the content and depth it delved into. I expected a book explaining the basics of BJJ, fundamentals for the martial art and stuff to practice. And while this stuff is in there, it makes up only half the book.

The book starts off with a in depth history of the origins of BJJ, where it came from, how it became what it is today, before breaking down general combat theory and delving into the fundamentals of the three phases of combat. The book then finishes off on training and how BJJ is applicable in self defense. However one thing to keep in mind, is that much of this book focuses on BJJ and how its applicable to MMA.

Ive gotten so much more out of this book than i thought i would, and i believe that its important for anyone involved with the sport to read too. To understand the history, learn the fundamentals and to come to grips with the reality of how BJJ can be used in self defense.

This book has helped me improve my BJJ and is something i will keep coming back to.

[Mark Laugisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book mainly for the wisdom of the co-author, the great coaching practitioner of BJJ, John Danaher. That’s not to say that I didn’t learn from the primary author and very accomplished Renzo Gracie, but I could tell that there was an academic approach to this book that only a Columbia University professor (Danaher)was able to apply. Additionally, it was written (early 2000’s) when BJJ was taking MMA competitions by storm and I wanted to get some perspective on its popularity. Overall, its usefulness lies in the details of why certain positions are used and when to use them…quite frankly, I am thoroughly enjoying my BJJ journey but as a newbie there hasn’t been a whole lot of strategic discussion as to why I need to be in certain positions such as closed guard or the turtle position. This book has sort of filled in those gaps for me.

[Sebastian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title may be a bit deceptive here – Introduction to Applied Jujutsu might be more apt – since the book mainly focuses on the why and how submission grappling can be applied in an MMA or general-purpose fight scenario (with a neat introduction going over the history of BJJ in considerable detail). Most of the techniques shown focus on no-gi applications, mainly, again, focused on an MMA context, so if you are looking for a detailed introduction to how a submission-based grappler would approach a fight, this is the right book for you, but if you are looking to learn more about the trickier techniques of BJJ, including information about gi-based techniques (grips, collar chokes and the likes), this will most definitely not be the right resource.

[Bruno Rio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not meant to be a Studying manual for belt ranking tests
Nevertheless it does provide a solid backgroung on Jujitsu history (and all fighting arts) while giving truly useful guidance on fighting strategy and concepts. Found it very interesting and trustworthy. No bullshido. Very recommended.

[David Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely has a strong Danaher presence, and does a good job of breaking down his philosophy of jiu jitsu as a complete martial art, rather than just the modern sport applications.

The title is misleading, it should be called “introduction to mma”

I wouldn’t read this if Looking for instruction on a wide variety of techniques.

[Andrew Wyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The theory and history section make this book worth it alone. Very underrated book, especially since most people don’t realize that John Danaher wrote most of the book and is now considered the best coach in the field.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole book was great but what I loved the most was the initial 2 chapters. I really enjoyed the history and origin of both jujitsu and brazilianjiujitsu.

[Devin Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great review of principles

[José · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice intro, although quite superficial

[Rob Jacobs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Should be called, "The Beginners Guide to MMA" with a short history on Jiu-Jitsu. Outdated

[Harry Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this more to understand the background and context of BJJ, especially the context of BJJ as self-defence and MMA, not just as a sport on its own.

[Ahdom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mastering Jujitsu by Renzo Gracie offers an in-depth exploration of Brazilian jujitsu from one of its most renowned practitioners. This book traces the art’s origins, while also providing invaluable insight into the Gracie family’s strategies for dominance in grappling and mixed martial arts competitions. Gracie breaks down the essential techniques and principles through clear explanations and over 250 photos, making complex movements accessible for all skill levels. Whether you're learning the fundamentals or refining advanced strategies, this book covers everything from fight tactics to phase transitions, ensuring you can handle any situation on the mat. A must-read for those serious about mastering Brazilian jujitsu!

[Joseph Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I train in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu or BJJ. I spent time training in other martial arts before, Chinese Kung Fu styles for the most part. They were great. But BJJ is the truth. My first day of training consisted of getting thrown around and dominated by everybody. My mind blew wide open. It wasn't just strength and power. It was technique and pressure and position. I knew I needed to learn, so I hit the books. Mastering Jujitsu was where I started.

Now you can’t learn jiu-jitsu from a book, you have to put the time in on the mat. But books can help. Mastering Jujitsu works as an intro because it doesn’t have hundreds of techniques. It focuses on the different aspects of the fight. From free-movement, to the clinch and then to the ground. Working from top position and from bottom, to competition and self-defence. And it has an excellent overview of the history of the art.

Read more at http://hardertodestroy.com/mastering-...

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This might be better titled as 'how to approach your BJJ training', although it has wider applicability than that.

It's probably worth reading by those who haven't trained but intend to start, who will get a lot out of it, and by those do train but aren't particularly reflective about their experiences and could do with help understanding what they're doing and why. There's not really much here otherwise. It's still interesting for the history even then, but in no way an essential read.

[Dan Sarkozi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read if you are new to Brazilian Jujitsu.

This book is a fantastic all round explanation of the art. It touches on history, basic techniques, competition rules, and even basic advice on conditioning and fitness drills.

Everything a beginner needs is touched upon. It is also a great source for referencing beginner techniques.

[Me0not0you · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot. Come here and let me show you; it's nappy time...

The history of Judo and Jiu Jitsu was very interesting, as was the phases of combat theory. I also like how Renzo broke down positional strategy.

[Jerome Lim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone want to work on the ground game, I especially recommend this book to kickers and punchers would find themselves lost when taken to the ground.

[Mike Slominsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very informative book about jujitsu. I especially liked the historical context and commentary.

[sh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is there to say! It's written by Renzo Gracie... Just pick it up you BJJ/GJJ fighters!

[José Ricardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice intro, although quite superficial

[Noah Gift · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stealth great BJJ and MMA book. Co-author is John Danaher, which alone makes it work reading.

[Martin Madridejos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un manual de lucha con una buena aportación histórica del maestro Danaher

[Tyler Gahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

MMA focused. Useful theory and history sections.