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Jiu-Jitsu University
Saulo Ribeiro—six-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion—is world-renowned for his functional Jiu-Jitsu knowledge and flawless technique. In Jiu-Jitsu University, Ribeiro shares with the public for the first time his revolutionary system of grappling, mapping out more than 200 techniques that carry you from white to black belt. Illuminating common Jiu-Jitsu errors and then illustrating practical remedies, this book is a must for all who train in Jiu-Jitsu. Not your run-of-the-mill technique book, Jiu-Jitsu University is a detailed training manual that will ultimately change the way Jiu-Jitsu is taught around the globe.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 12, 2009
Jiu-Jitsu University is a must-read for any serious judo, jiu-jitsu, or Brazilian jiu-jitsu enthusiast: if you're a neophyte, the book serves as an excellent supplement to your live jiu-jitsu course; if you're a veteran, Jiu-Jitsu University will challenge many of your existing pre-conceptions and take your grappling to a new level. Ribeiro identifies the holes in many tricks and techniques that we old-timers hold in high regard as vital fundamentals, and he does so while outlining clever, competition-tested variations on those old stand-bys. He also outlines an alternative belt system to take the place of the one generally accepted in BJJ schools, and though this alternative belt system is a pretty bold move on Ribeiro's part, its underlying logic will quickly come to win you over. Once the reader overcomes the initial shock caused by the book's innovative approach to foundational jiu-jitsu, this weighty tome's value will be immediately apparent.
In terms of print quality, this is among the best books on the market: glossy pages, color photographs (the partners demonstrating the techniques are wearing uniforms of different colors, and the mats are a different color altogether, making the action very easy to follow), an eye-pleasing layout that employs multiple camera angles where needed...the simple fact is, this book could retail for literally double the price and still be worth every penny.
Aptly named, Jiu-Jitsu University is the first JJ/BJJ book I've encountered that actually passes muster as a bone fide textbook on the subject.
In terms of print quality, this is among the best books on the market: glossy pages, color photographs (the partners demonstrating the techniques are wearing uniforms of different colors, and the mats are a different color altogether, making the action very easy to follow), an eye-pleasing layout that employs multiple camera angles where needed...the simple fact is, this book could retail for literally double the price and still be worth every penny.
Aptly named, Jiu-Jitsu University is the first JJ/BJJ book I've encountered that actually passes muster as a bone fide textbook on the subject.
July 7, 2013
I read some martial arts books, and every once in a while there is a great one that comes along. This is one such. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a very complex art that takes a very long time to learn. I have been making half-hearted and sometimes more than half-hearted attempts to learn more of it since the 1990s and Royce Gracie's incredible performance in the first UFCs. Ribeiro takes a great organizing principle - giving each level a simple, achievable thing to focus on: white belts on survival, blue belts on escaping, and so on - and teaches techniques relevant to each priority and each level. At home, between practices, I study the white belt techniques and peek at the blue belt ones (sometimes I peek even further ahead). The explanations are clear, the photos are great, it is like having a great teacher explain things to you. I enjoy Rener and Ryron's videos, and I love this book. They are some of the best training tools for Jiu-Jitsu around. I also like the physical design of the book, nice big color photos, and a nice feel - good choices for a tactile art.
October 15, 2025
Incredible. I just started my (Japanese) jiu jitsu journey, and my coach recommended this to me. so happy I read it. It not only explains how to escape guards, mounts, and submissions, but also gives a counter attack/advance. Would recommend to any person doing Brazilian or Japanese jiu jitsu, regardless of belt.
update! I used some of the advice this book provided me with during a match. I'm happy to say I won!
even further update, I got my first stripe!!! And I fought a yellow belt. neither of us got a submission, but at least I lived
update! I used some of the advice this book provided me with during a match. I'm happy to say I won!
even further update, I got my first stripe!!! And I fought a yellow belt. neither of us got a submission, but at least I lived
November 15, 2013
Personally I think Jiu-Jitsu University is the first book any new jiu-jitseiro should get. Saulo Ribeiro lays out what he would expect from a student at each belt level. He gives direction and instruction as to what you should be working and focusing on.
It's not a manual that you have to follow step by step. Let's say you are a blue belt and you do want to see what Ribeiro has to say about the blue belt level. He will give you what aspect of your game to work on as well as ideas and bjj concepts to look ahead at.
I think there are really only a handful of bjj books I would recommend but Jiu-Jitsu University is for sure one of them.
I borrowed my 1st copy from my gym. I took it home and left it on the coffee table. Each night as I would sit there, I'd go over a little bit more. If anything caught my eye in the book like a technique or certain aspect, I would note it down. Then right before class I would look over my short notes (1-3 max per class) and use the book if needed to get a refresher.
Otherwise I would just go to the gym and like focus on survival techniques.
Again, Jiu-Jitsu University I would consider a must have for anybody really looking to take their bjj game to the next level. Even if it doesn't give you some fancy technique to use, it will give you a foundation to build with. And in grappling, the foundation is maybe the most important aspect.
Am I allowed to link to my own site on here? Well that makes no sense. If you do want to up your bjj game or have something for your bjj friends to read when they come over, click to read my review of Jiu-Jitsu University over at my site.
Peace and hope to see you over there. If not, keep training and rolling. Have fun!
It's not a manual that you have to follow step by step. Let's say you are a blue belt and you do want to see what Ribeiro has to say about the blue belt level. He will give you what aspect of your game to work on as well as ideas and bjj concepts to look ahead at.
I think there are really only a handful of bjj books I would recommend but Jiu-Jitsu University is for sure one of them.
I borrowed my 1st copy from my gym. I took it home and left it on the coffee table. Each night as I would sit there, I'd go over a little bit more. If anything caught my eye in the book like a technique or certain aspect, I would note it down. Then right before class I would look over my short notes (1-3 max per class) and use the book if needed to get a refresher.
Otherwise I would just go to the gym and like focus on survival techniques.
Again, Jiu-Jitsu University I would consider a must have for anybody really looking to take their bjj game to the next level. Even if it doesn't give you some fancy technique to use, it will give you a foundation to build with. And in grappling, the foundation is maybe the most important aspect.
Am I allowed to link to my own site on here? Well that makes no sense. If you do want to up your bjj game or have something for your bjj friends to read when they come over, click to read my review of Jiu-Jitsu University over at my site.
Peace and hope to see you over there. If not, keep training and rolling. Have fun!
March 6, 2021
One of the biggest problems for people interested in learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu is the lack of structure and direction in most classes. Many gyms even fail to inform new white belts about basics like hierarchy of positions, the importance of learning survival and escapes first, or how to formulate a game plan. While this book is not perfect, it is an accessible and gives some basic structure sorely lacking from many introductions to the sport. Organized by hierarchically pairing a specific set of skills (survival/escapes/guard/guard passing/submissions) with a belt level (white/blue/purple/brown/black), this can be both read by people brand new to jiu-jitsu as well as serving as a useful reference for veterans.
While a print book may not be quite as useful or detailed as instructional dvds, this book's many color pictures and logical organization make it a wonderful reference. At its price point and fundamentals focus it is certainly a better buy for people just entering the sport. Obviously this is no substitute for classes and a real coach, but is a wonderful supplement.
This is by no means a complete encyclopedia for jiu-jitsu, but with one exception it is more than adequate for all fundamentals, especially in the gi. That exception is the perennial one for BJJ: absolutely no discussion of the standup game. Please do not have floor-exclusive jiu-jitsu!!
Lastly, this is primarily a gi resource. Much of it is applicable to no-gi, but just keep that in mind.
While a print book may not be quite as useful or detailed as instructional dvds, this book's many color pictures and logical organization make it a wonderful reference. At its price point and fundamentals focus it is certainly a better buy for people just entering the sport. Obviously this is no substitute for classes and a real coach, but is a wonderful supplement.
This is by no means a complete encyclopedia for jiu-jitsu, but with one exception it is more than adequate for all fundamentals, especially in the gi. That exception is the perennial one for BJJ: absolutely no discussion of the standup game. Please do not have floor-exclusive jiu-jitsu!!
Lastly, this is primarily a gi resource. Much of it is applicable to no-gi, but just keep that in mind.
March 5, 2020
I love that this book explains basic fundamentals. It's pretty hard to compete with all the youtube videos out there, and there are so many ways to explain the logic of jiu-jitsu. When I drill with friends outside of school, I'll use this as a quick one-stop-shop for references on what the conventional options are.
Natch, I've been a white belt whose access to in-person instruction has unfortunately been spotty, and so I've had to learn mostly through trial-and-error, internalizing what "feels" right and what "feels" dangerous. I'll use Youtube videos to remind me of names of techniques and defenses. This book provides a decent skeleton of concepts to work off of.
Natch, I've been a white belt whose access to in-person instruction has unfortunately been spotty, and so I've had to learn mostly through trial-and-error, internalizing what "feels" right and what "feels" dangerous. I'll use Youtube videos to remind me of names of techniques and defenses. This book provides a decent skeleton of concepts to work off of.
October 8, 2012
This book has been a great supplement for my training. More then just a book of techniques it's a great reminder on the proper mind set for each stage of my Jiu Jitsu journey.
October 25, 2020
I should absolutely disclose here that I am a white belt that's been training for over a month, so you have to bear that in mind when you read my review. Straight away, I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking who's just started BJJ. What I think this book really succeeds is in giving you exposure and increased understanding to the various techniques your partners have probably been destroying you with. It generally gives you a better understanding and awareness of what's actually happening, while you'll retain little pieces here and there which you'll apply to your training. In addition to this I think there's a great deal to be learnt here in regards to mindset and how to approach the martial art in a psychological point of view. It's certainly given me some great perspectives to consider. So, why 3 stars with all of this considered. Honestly, I just think video is a better medium in which to learn moves from, seeing the actual movement and transitions that take place. Unfortunately, as much as the book does a really good job within its limitations to explain and show positions I do believe it doesn't compare to mediums such as video for understanding techniques. If you're slightly further ahead of the journey (this is more from my coach than from me), you may be better investing in a resource such as Grapplers Guide for your BJJ. Of course it's a lot pricier, but I consider that we'll worth the investment. However, this book wouldn't go wrong in your learning either. Hopefully I've given you enough information to make your next investment in your BJJ.
July 29, 2021
Quite enjoyed it, a few points to consider.
- It's a book written in 2009 and its content reflects that. The only leg lock mentioned is the straight ankle lock and even then it's brief, so just be aware if you train more no gi than gi. Also, no wrestling/judo which is fine but just factor it in.
- Some excellent concepts in here. I would say that the book format is not great for learning moves (instructionals probably work better) but the concepts discussed are interesting and it also forces you to visualise how a submission or pass works which I found beneficial.
- I'm going to reemphasise that this is primarily focused on Gi BJJ (I understand that the author won ADCC twice but again, the sport has changed a lot since then) and also it's the GI BJJ of 2009 (no bermimbolos, worm guard etc). While I don't train in the Gi personally, from reading this I can see the moves discussed are fundamentally sound and and excellent base which you can add the more fancy stuff onto if you would like. A lot of references to grips you can't take without the Gi, so you either have to imagine a different grip or skip the move.
I would probably have enjoyed a book more centred on concepts instead of moves but it's a great reference text and I think I got some great nuggets of information from it. Would reccomend to any beginners starting Gi training.
- It's a book written in 2009 and its content reflects that. The only leg lock mentioned is the straight ankle lock and even then it's brief, so just be aware if you train more no gi than gi. Also, no wrestling/judo which is fine but just factor it in.
- Some excellent concepts in here. I would say that the book format is not great for learning moves (instructionals probably work better) but the concepts discussed are interesting and it also forces you to visualise how a submission or pass works which I found beneficial.
- I'm going to reemphasise that this is primarily focused on Gi BJJ (I understand that the author won ADCC twice but again, the sport has changed a lot since then) and also it's the GI BJJ of 2009 (no bermimbolos, worm guard etc). While I don't train in the Gi personally, from reading this I can see the moves discussed are fundamentally sound and and excellent base which you can add the more fancy stuff onto if you would like. A lot of references to grips you can't take without the Gi, so you either have to imagine a different grip or skip the move.
I would probably have enjoyed a book more centred on concepts instead of moves but it's a great reference text and I think I got some great nuggets of information from it. Would reccomend to any beginners starting Gi training.
June 5, 2021
An amazing book, very good to have always in your possession to check some technical aspects and a reference to go read again as you keep progressing. A supplement to training classes.
Saulo gives a very very good pathway, about directions and instructionals that we should be focusing on.
We can bring that path not only for Jiu-Jitsu but for life:
- understand the basics (surviving fundamentals, pin escapes). Why go learn a berimbolo if you can't perform a decent and strong side control?
- Hard work and apply logic to your training and life
- Understand the hierarchy of positions.
Oss
Saulo gives a very very good pathway, about directions and instructionals that we should be focusing on.
We can bring that path not only for Jiu-Jitsu but for life:
- understand the basics (surviving fundamentals, pin escapes). Why go learn a berimbolo if you can't perform a decent and strong side control?
- Hard work and apply logic to your training and life
- Understand the hierarchy of positions.
Oss
June 28, 2021
Sooo it’s a good book, has a good amount of detail with pictures for each action he speaks about. Pero, it’s catered a lot toward the sport aspect and is an overwhelming amount of detail for a white belt. A lot for the techniques have different names you gotta memorize and they’re just slight variations of the last one. Good reference, but I guess I was looking for sth more No-Gi or MMA focused. Also there are some typos which can cause confusion when matching it to the picture (“grab his left lapel”, but the guy grabs the right in pic) though not too many.
May 6, 2019
Yes, amazing book. Detailed instructions are easy to follow. Great illustrations where the images are taken at two different camera angles for many techniques. Well organized, and comprehensive list of jiu-jitsu techniques provided.
Am I allowed to link to another blog on here? I also learned about jiu-jitsu from fightfourhealth.com. helps for a beginner like me.
Am I allowed to link to another blog on here? I also learned about jiu-jitsu from fightfourhealth.com. helps for a beginner like me.
August 1, 2020
The great thing about this book is that it breaks down positions that you should be familiar with at each belt level (for those who practice in the gi). Saulo Ribeiro’s approach and focus is on Gracie jiu jitsu fundamentals, so this is a good supplement to what you may learn in class. Directions for each position are easy to follow, and accompanying pictures help practitioners understand each position.
December 15, 2023
This book is top notch of the notch when it comes to techniques from white belt all the way to black belt. Ribeiro explains it well and the pictures do it justice. On top of that his well keen advice on each move is precise. The stories of the "old tiger." The old man in the gym and how he couldn't defeat him left me surprise. Overall an excellent purchase that I did not regret. This is the type of content that we need more of. Would recommend.
October 18, 2018
Definitely a great book ! Although it is not crucial of course, I would recommend it to all BJJ practicioners nevertheless. Many great tips and advices that you can go back to at any time. Book has great pictures in color and explanations, I would suggest to buy a "hard copy", not the Kindle edition. A solid 5 stars, thumbs up.
July 1, 2020
5 x World Jiu Jitsu Champion Saulo Ribeiro talks the prospective student through levels of jiu jitsu stressing fundementals and what the student should focus on at each stage of development from White Belt (Survive) to Black Belt (Submit) you'll learn the basics of what to do in each position, how to escape and what to do when you do.
July 2, 2023
As a BJJ newcomer I’ve found this book really useful for fitting new techniques into an overall roadmap/bigger picture. The division of key techniques by belt helps to guide my focus and ensure I’m working on the essentials rather than getting distracted by higher level techniques that I’ll be unlikely to execute at my level in live sparring!
February 15, 2019
Best book for newcomers interested in deepening their understanding of the fundamentals of jiujitsu. White or blue belt You must buy. Any skill and expertise level can benefit from this well put together amazing book.
October 12, 2019
This is a valuable resource for any white belt just starting in jiu-jitsu. While pictures of the moves are not as helpful as videos would be, the descriptions and the reasoning behind certain moves really helped me better understand WHY what I am doing works.
April 29, 2020
Complete martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu book. it shows you all that you should know about Brazilian jiu jitsu discipline. in this book you find some main BJJ principles and techniques. Enjoy reading this precious BJJ BOOk!
December 26, 2020
Ojo que 2 stars no quiere decir 40%. Quiere decir que "It was ok". Es un buen libro para alguien que este interesado en bjj. No creo que la intención sea reemplazar a un profesor, las horas de práctica, ni remplazar a video tutoriales, sino a complementar todos estos.
March 28, 2022
White Belt Beginner
A beginner’s guide to my BJJ journey. A great read and guide to the expectations of the journey. Recommend to print version of book and have a willing partner to drill with.
A beginner’s guide to my BJJ journey. A great read and guide to the expectations of the journey. Recommend to print version of book and have a willing partner to drill with.
May 5, 2023
This book is excellent. It covers almost all positions that a classic jiu-jitsu academy teaches, but you can't learn jiu-jitsu by reading books. So I gave it four stars. I use it more as an index book.
February 17, 2025
This is more of a reference book than a novel, so I didn't sit down and read every page, but quite a bit. Ribeiro stresses surviving in gi - which I completely appreciate as a white belt.
I'll refer to this well in to the future.
I'll refer to this well in to the future.
February 21, 2025
An essential reference for any serious jiujiteiro. Ribeiro delivers not only a comprehensive manual of technique to study, but a framework in which to properly understand them and a philosophy for the practitioner to assimilate them into one's game. First class.
June 20, 2025
A dense book that focuses on the concepts of old-school/traditional BJJ. If you're expecting flashy techniques you'll be disappointed, but if you want to build a good foundational base then this is invaluable.
September 10, 2017
If you are into BJJ and a beginner, this is a great book to own.
June 19, 2018
Best jiu jitsu book out there. I've read it multiple times and gifted it to a half dozen or so people.
October 31, 2018
Very helpful and a great resource
December 7, 2018
A great reference book for bjj concepts and movements.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews