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Cheat Codes: The Secret Guide to Winning on the Mats
The practical and accessible guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for everyday grapplers. Cheat Codes explores mindset, learning frameworks, training longevity, gym culture, and personal growth. Blending clear concepts with real-world insight, Cheat Codes helps practitioners train smarter, progress faster, and stay on the mats. Coach Wayne Tomsett's goal is to take you on a from the early days of just trying to move your limbs the right way, to finding genuine meaning and flow in the infinite depths of this incredible martial art.
Wayne Tomsett is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with over a decade of coaching on the mats and a lifelong fascination with learning, teaching, and the mindset behind skill development. Drawing on thirteen years of training and ten years of coaching, he’s seen hundreds of students fall in love with Jiu-Jitsu, and just as many struggle, plateau, or drift away.
Cheat Codes was born from that experience. Cheat Codes is NOT a technique manual. Instead, it’s a guide to understanding the art beneath the techniques. Written for the everyday grappler - the hobbyist, the parent, the professional with limited time, it explores how to train smarter, not harder, and how to find meaning in the long grind of Jiu-Jitsu.
Blending practical coaching insight with psychology, philosophy, and humour, Wayne decodes the hidden mechanics of progress. From surviving the chaos of your first six months to understanding how to manage ego, failure, and progress, Cheat Codes gives you the tools to build a sustainable, lifelong game.
Wayne Tomsett is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with over a decade of coaching on the mats and a lifelong fascination with learning, teaching, and the mindset behind skill development. Drawing on thirteen years of training and ten years of coaching, he’s seen hundreds of students fall in love with Jiu-Jitsu, and just as many struggle, plateau, or drift away.
Cheat Codes was born from that experience. Cheat Codes is NOT a technique manual. Instead, it’s a guide to understanding the art beneath the techniques. Written for the everyday grappler - the hobbyist, the parent, the professional with limited time, it explores how to train smarter, not harder, and how to find meaning in the long grind of Jiu-Jitsu.
Blending practical coaching insight with psychology, philosophy, and humour, Wayne decodes the hidden mechanics of progress. From surviving the chaos of your first six months to understanding how to manage ego, failure, and progress, Cheat Codes gives you the tools to build a sustainable, lifelong game.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 20, 2025
I’ve read quite a few BJJ books where only certain parts of the content felt worthwhile, Cheat Codes has engaging content without unnecessary filler. It kept me genuinely engaged throughout, and I came away feeling that my time with it was well spent.
January 8, 2026
I really enjoyed Cheat Codes.
What stood out straight away is how much this book resonated with me, not just technically, but mentally. A lot of what Wayne talks about are things I’ve felt or noticed in BJJ for years, but that don’t really get said out loud. Stuff you pick up through mat time, frustration, plateaus, and trial and error – but rarely see written down or explained so clearly.
It gave me answers to questions I didn’t even realise I was asking, especially around progress, efficiency, and why some people seem to improve faster with less effort.
If you train regularly and have ever thought there must be a more intelligent way to approach this, this book will land. Definitely one I’ll re-read and recommend to other BJJ people. It would also suit people who are thinking about starting BJJ, as it gives a really honest picture of what the journey actually looks like.
What stood out straight away is how much this book resonated with me, not just technically, but mentally. A lot of what Wayne talks about are things I’ve felt or noticed in BJJ for years, but that don’t really get said out loud. Stuff you pick up through mat time, frustration, plateaus, and trial and error – but rarely see written down or explained so clearly.
It gave me answers to questions I didn’t even realise I was asking, especially around progress, efficiency, and why some people seem to improve faster with less effort.
If you train regularly and have ever thought there must be a more intelligent way to approach this, this book will land. Definitely one I’ll re-read and recommend to other BJJ people. It would also suit people who are thinking about starting BJJ, as it gives a really honest picture of what the journey actually looks like.
December 26, 2025
This was an awesome read, especially for someone new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, like me. The writing is easy to follow, and it explains concepts in a way that’s simple to understand without feeling overwhelming. What I really loved is how the book breaks down a lot of the feelings you have when you first start out, like frustration or self-doubt and makes it clear that you're not alone in thinking them. It’s also really motivating, with some great humor thrown in that makes the whole reading experience a lot of fun. It’s definitely a book you can read cover to cover, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone interested in BJJ.
December 22, 2025
Is this book for you? Do you, or have you ever practised BJJ? If not, do you have any interest in the sport?
If your answer to any of the above is 'yes', then you will get something out of this book you won't be able to get anywhere else.
There is a seemingly endless amount of information on the sport out there, but Cheat Codes is something different and very valuable.
For those who don't know, BJJ initially requires you to abandon your natural impulses and think about high stress situations in way you wouldn't usually.
This crucial part of the sport doesn't receive the focus needed and often takes years to discover this mindset on your own. Cheat Codes focuses on developing your mental game in a way that takes an unnatural way of thinking and makes it seem obvious in a way that will have you saying, "well of course I should be thinking that way, so why haven't I been?".
This book is beautifully written, where the words easily flow off the page. At no point did I feel like there was an information overload, yet, I came away feeling like I had advanced in my own BJJ journey more in the few days it took to read than the years I had spent muddling through on the mats.
This book was just what I needed to get me back into the gym after a too long break from the sport.
If your answer to any of the above is 'yes', then you will get something out of this book you won't be able to get anywhere else.
There is a seemingly endless amount of information on the sport out there, but Cheat Codes is something different and very valuable.
For those who don't know, BJJ initially requires you to abandon your natural impulses and think about high stress situations in way you wouldn't usually.
This crucial part of the sport doesn't receive the focus needed and often takes years to discover this mindset on your own. Cheat Codes focuses on developing your mental game in a way that takes an unnatural way of thinking and makes it seem obvious in a way that will have you saying, "well of course I should be thinking that way, so why haven't I been?".
This book is beautifully written, where the words easily flow off the page. At no point did I feel like there was an information overload, yet, I came away feeling like I had advanced in my own BJJ journey more in the few days it took to read than the years I had spent muddling through on the mats.
This book was just what I needed to get me back into the gym after a too long break from the sport.
December 19, 2025
As a white belt training at Centre Line Jiu Jitsu in Worthing, this book landed at exactly the right time for me. Cheat Codes doesn’t try to overwhelm you with techniques.. instead it speaks directly to the early-stage experience of BJJ, when you’re still figuring out how to move your body, manage frustration, and stay consistent on the mats.
What really stood out was the focus on mindset, learning, longevity, and gym culture. It helped me make sense of the chaos of training and gave language to things I’ve already felt but couldn’t articulate yet,.. ego, doubt, progress, and finding meaning in the long grind. The writing is clear, honest, and easy to read, with just the right balance of practical coaching insight and reflection.
This feels especially valuable for everyday grapplers.... people with jobs, families, and limited training time.. who want to train smarter and stay in the game long term. I’d highly recommend this to any beginner, particularly white belts, and honestly anyone who wants a deeper, healthier relationship with Jiu-Jitsu.
What really stood out was the focus on mindset, learning, longevity, and gym culture. It helped me make sense of the chaos of training and gave language to things I’ve already felt but couldn’t articulate yet,.. ego, doubt, progress, and finding meaning in the long grind. The writing is clear, honest, and easy to read, with just the right balance of practical coaching insight and reflection.
This feels especially valuable for everyday grapplers.... people with jobs, families, and limited training time.. who want to train smarter and stay in the game long term. I’d highly recommend this to any beginner, particularly white belts, and honestly anyone who wants a deeper, healthier relationship with Jiu-Jitsu.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Cheat Codes, seasoned instructor Wayne Tomsett shines an insightful light over the often overwhelming, unforgiving, and confusing journey into Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Rather than function as a technical manual, the book acts as a revealing window (and challenge) into establishing and maintaining a healthy mindset and attitude on the mats and within the BJJ community. The themes are accessible, the style evenly paced, and the tone is refreshingly honest. I consider myself fortunate to have read this at the beginning of my journey, as I know it will help me through the relentless doubts and anxieties I shall face. A highly recommended read for all beginners and those looking for a deep and fulfilling connection to the world of BJJ and its personal rewards.
December 9, 2025
An absolute must read for anyone who trains BJJ. Well thought out and structured, elegantly worded and a great resource. If you're just starting out in BJJ this book will serve you better than any instructionals you could read or watch. If you've been training for a while, it has some excellent insight into how to get the most out of your training.
Can't recommend this book enough
Can't recommend this book enough
Review of advance copy received from Author
Very Well written book which made it such an enjoyable read. Cheat Codes gives so much on the physical and mental aspect of the game and then so much more. Being a blue belt in BJJ the book was just what i needed as it gives direction and cause to my training. Couldn’t recommend this book any more to anyone involved in BJJ or thinking about getting involved. A MUST READ.
January 15, 2026
Very insightful book. As someone in their first year of JJ training I have found a lot of use from this book and the chapters I have read so far. I have even managed to apply some of it (sometimes sucessfully) to my actual game
Really do recommend this, its a great read and I think most important its transferable from the pages to your game.
Really do recommend this, its a great read and I think most important its transferable from the pages to your game.
December 22, 2025
Not a technical manual on how to do different manoeuvres or guards but more conceptual - when to keep distance, when to close, using pressure etc. Also covers topics like gym culture, coaching, preventing injuries, being a good training partner.
Great read 💪
Great read 💪
February 9, 2026
excellent book for jiu jitsu practitioners with plenty of useful stuff for the coaches as well. Slightly clickbaity title perhaps, but the content is absolutely top notch
January 15, 2026
What a book. Everyone that trains Jiu Jitsu, especially if they are in their first couple of years, needs to read this. I am in my 40s, I have a full time job, a family, other responsibilities and it's so hard to balance the difficulty of life with training.
Dealing with that difficulty is beautifully explained and outlined in this book, which eloquently describes the challenges that Jiu Jitsu gives you and frames them in a way that makes you understand why the sport is the way it is, and why you feel the way you feel.
It casts no aspersions or judgement, and gives incredible advice on how to structure your training, on how to learn, on how to manage your intensity, and takes you an a journey from not being able to breathe under pressure, to finding joy and meaning in the hidden depths of the sport.
I loved it.
Dealing with that difficulty is beautifully explained and outlined in this book, which eloquently describes the challenges that Jiu Jitsu gives you and frames them in a way that makes you understand why the sport is the way it is, and why you feel the way you feel.
It casts no aspersions or judgement, and gives incredible advice on how to structure your training, on how to learn, on how to manage your intensity, and takes you an a journey from not being able to breathe under pressure, to finding joy and meaning in the hidden depths of the sport.
I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews