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5 Rules for White Belts
Master the foundational strategies of Jiu Jitsu to maximize learning and technical development in this timeless book from the most prolific author in Jiu Jitsu.
The biggest problem that beginning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu students have is they don’t know what they don’t know. Every year, thousands upon thousands begin their journey in the gentle art as a white belt with no clear direction or understanding of how to plot the course ahead in a way that leads to meaningful progress.
5 Rules For White Belts was written to help you develop a clear understanding of what Jiu Jitsu is, how to learn the art in the most purposeful way, and maximize your progress long-term by building a strong foundation. We all can develop tremendous skill in this discipline, regardless of age, athleticism, or experience, if we build the proper conceptual framework through which to train. This book is that framework.
Among other things, you will
This book will help you get better at Jiu Jitsu faster. BJJ Black Belt Chris Matakas has used this framework with hundreds of students in his academy, as well as thousands of readers across the world. 5 Rules For White Belts continues to be the go-to book for Jiu Jitsu players in search of lasting success.
For more information about Chris Matakas, and his 1-on-1 Performance Coaching for off-the-mat success, www.chrismatakas.com/coaching
The biggest problem that beginning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu students have is they don’t know what they don’t know. Every year, thousands upon thousands begin their journey in the gentle art as a white belt with no clear direction or understanding of how to plot the course ahead in a way that leads to meaningful progress.
5 Rules For White Belts was written to help you develop a clear understanding of what Jiu Jitsu is, how to learn the art in the most purposeful way, and maximize your progress long-term by building a strong foundation. We all can develop tremendous skill in this discipline, regardless of age, athleticism, or experience, if we build the proper conceptual framework through which to train. This book is that framework.
Among other things, you will
This book will help you get better at Jiu Jitsu faster. BJJ Black Belt Chris Matakas has used this framework with hundreds of students in his academy, as well as thousands of readers across the world. 5 Rules For White Belts continues to be the go-to book for Jiu Jitsu players in search of lasting success.
For more information about Chris Matakas, and his 1-on-1 Performance Coaching for off-the-mat success, www.chrismatakas.com/coaching
118 pages, Paperback
Published January 31, 2020
69 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 17, 2019
Found this to be a quick worthwhile read. A lot of philosophy I want to share with students I teach. I do wish I had read this book when I was a white belt. I won't be too hard on myself, it didn't exist. I'm a fan of the author, having read two of his little gems now. I plan on reading more.
July 26, 2019
Hands down my favorite Jiu Jitsu read to date. Matakas boils down an ocean of experience, feeling, wisdom, and council in this little book. His approach and progress toward mastery in Jiu Jitsu itself and in humanity is well is perfectly reflected in the efficient nature of this presentation. Not a page is wasted. Anyone could enjoy and appreciate this read but practitioners of jiu jitsu will connect to it deeply, particularly those who have thoughtfully evaluated its rightful place and purpose in their life.
I've quickly come to appreciate the literary work of Chris Matakis. It would be an honor and pleasure t get to know his jiu jitsu work better and to meet him.
Highly recommend. This will be repeat and repeat read for me. Enjoy!!
I've quickly come to appreciate the literary work of Chris Matakis. It would be an honor and pleasure t get to know his jiu jitsu work better and to meet him.
Highly recommend. This will be repeat and repeat read for me. Enjoy!!
March 14, 2022
Totally Awesome!
As a new white belt this is exactly what I needed! I feel so lost at times desiring to get better almost overnight. I realize that this is just my ego. This book has given me the proper perspective I need to enjoy this beautiful art and become a better version of myself. Thank you for sharing!!!
As a new white belt this is exactly what I needed! I feel so lost at times desiring to get better almost overnight. I realize that this is just my ego. This book has given me the proper perspective I need to enjoy this beautiful art and become a better version of myself. Thank you for sharing!!!
August 1, 2018
Charming if brief and obvious.
A scant little walk through a few thing anyone should remember and consider repeatedly throughout their jiujitsu movements. Worth the few minutes to read, worth the hours of consideration.
A scant little walk through a few thing anyone should remember and consider repeatedly throughout their jiujitsu movements. Worth the few minutes to read, worth the hours of consideration.
October 24, 2025
This book may be short, but it’s lessons are timeless. This book may be written from a jiu jitsu perspective, but it perfectly fits every other martial art. This book may be written for white belts (beginners) but it’s equally important for every level of martial artist, and I think it makes for a fantastic instructors guide too!
I love the structure and layout of the book, diving in to each lesson and then having following chapters to further expound on the ideas. Some of the lessons feel SO obvious, but just like the author argues, it’s typically the most obvious lessons that we miss, overlook, or take for granted. This feels like a book that you have to read all the way through, then carry it around a while as you practice your martial art and take notes, reread sections to continue learning.
I’ve already recommended this book to a fellow black belt who instructs the practice nights at my old dojo. This is a book that I will add to my home library for sure. And it’s a book that I think would add great benefit to every single martial artist regardless of age or skill level.
I love the structure and layout of the book, diving in to each lesson and then having following chapters to further expound on the ideas. Some of the lessons feel SO obvious, but just like the author argues, it’s typically the most obvious lessons that we miss, overlook, or take for granted. This feels like a book that you have to read all the way through, then carry it around a while as you practice your martial art and take notes, reread sections to continue learning.
I’ve already recommended this book to a fellow black belt who instructs the practice nights at my old dojo. This is a book that I will add to my home library for sure. And it’s a book that I think would add great benefit to every single martial artist regardless of age or skill level.
January 22, 2019
A short but solid read. In my opinion this should be mandatory reading for everyone who is new to the art of Jiu-Jitsu, especially if you tether on the brink of quitting. This book gives you a clear fundamental concept, a perspective and a direction towards what your goals in this sport should be and how you would measure your success in the art. In my opinion, when you are a bit more progressed in the sport (even while still being a white belt) you discover some of the lessons contained in this book by yourself. It just takes longer and is more painful.
November 22, 2024
Absolutely life changing
I purchased this book to fill the void of time and requirements of my 75 Hard journey and to learn more about the sport that my husband and children play. I had not expected it to speak so completely and deeply into my heart. This is not just a book about rolling. It's a book about living a good and decent life without regrets, undefeated and accepting the struggles, and moving forever forward. Buy this book. Share this book. Truly read this book. It says so much more than you would ever think it could.
I purchased this book to fill the void of time and requirements of my 75 Hard journey and to learn more about the sport that my husband and children play. I had not expected it to speak so completely and deeply into my heart. This is not just a book about rolling. It's a book about living a good and decent life without regrets, undefeated and accepting the struggles, and moving forever forward. Buy this book. Share this book. Truly read this book. It says so much more than you would ever think it could.
September 10, 2018
The art of Martial arts in life
I read this book hoping to gain knowledge into the art of jiu jitsu. What I got was the understanding of how jiu jitsu shapes us as better people through 5 rules.
Read this book of you want to apply the art and teachings of jiu jitsu i to your life.
I read this book hoping to gain knowledge into the art of jiu jitsu. What I got was the understanding of how jiu jitsu shapes us as better people through 5 rules.
Read this book of you want to apply the art and teachings of jiu jitsu i to your life.
June 14, 2019
I like this author. This guy is obviously a bookworm (yet practicing Jiu Jitsu) and put a lot of thoughts on this martial 'arts.' Focusing on the fundamentals, he speaks what to focus as an ultimate learner - white belt. All rules are familiar based on what I already know but one thing stands out specifically - do not focus on the submission. Focus on the move.
June 15, 2019
The advice was great. I loved it. I've only just started martial arts and I instantly used Chris's advice in sparring and it was great. It also helped me understand the artform itself. It's great to have a book for beginners rather than the usual black belts success stories. I'm very grateful for this book.
September 19, 2019
As a beginner, I really appreciate the hierarchy of positions that Chris includes in the book. Beyond that, this was an inspirational read. One that got me thinking a lot about how jiu-jitsu relates to my life off the mat.
July 18, 2021
The Vehicule for Something More
I am a white belt in bjjj and on a path that is both confusing and continously expanding the more I tread it.
These 5 rules have clarified my journey and I cannot wait to put the advice into practice. Excellent book; highly advise reading it.
I am a white belt in bjjj and on a path that is both confusing and continously expanding the more I tread it.
These 5 rules have clarified my journey and I cannot wait to put the advice into practice. Excellent book; highly advise reading it.
September 8, 2021
A quick read with good wisdom. I was just turned off by all the footnotes that directed you to his website as well as the request for reviews. Too much of a funnel for me no matter how well intentioned.
October 20, 2022
Just some relevant information
This book is a bit helpful for absolute beginner, but the essence can be summarised on maximum 2 pages.
You can find on amazon books for the BJJ beginners with more concrete content, for 3 dollars.
This book is a bit helpful for absolute beginner, but the essence can be summarised on maximum 2 pages.
You can find on amazon books for the BJJ beginners with more concrete content, for 3 dollars.
April 3, 2024
New White Belt
I really enjoyed this book. It is very well written and will be very helpful to me and anyone who reads it. I will definitely be re reading. I will definetly be applying these 5 rules.
I really enjoyed this book. It is very well written and will be very helpful to me and anyone who reads it. I will definitely be re reading. I will definetly be applying these 5 rules.
September 5, 2018
Simple but good, a philosophy
Simple but good, a philosophy for BJJ and for life. Felt like this was a unique and healthy take on the art.
Simple but good, a philosophy for BJJ and for life. Felt like this was a unique and healthy take on the art.
September 8, 2019
Your journey
It’s a good book for building the foundation of BJJ enjoyed it very much. Would recommend for anyone trying to figure out where to begin.
It’s a good book for building the foundation of BJJ enjoyed it very much. Would recommend for anyone trying to figure out where to begin.
August 12, 2025
such a good book. Easy to read and a great way to manage all the New things when starting bjj.
April 4, 2020
Short and sweet
I’ve heard Chris Matakas speak on a YouTube video, and was not expecting the breadth and depth of knowledge he displays in “5 Rules for White Belts.” The advice is sound, practical, and thought provoking. The book is a super fast read and to the point. I’m glad to have read it on the start of my Jiu-Jitsu journey.
I’ve heard Chris Matakas speak on a YouTube video, and was not expecting the breadth and depth of knowledge he displays in “5 Rules for White Belts.” The advice is sound, practical, and thought provoking. The book is a super fast read and to the point. I’m glad to have read it on the start of my Jiu-Jitsu journey.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews