Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Techniques (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series)

Rating:
Summary: Best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu book available.
Review: This book has everything a jiu jitsu book should have - Lots of techniques, clear pictures, easy-to-understand descriptions and more. Not only does it show very sneaky ways to enter into the submission holds, it also shows the relationship between each of the positions and how to flow from one to the next, depending on how your opponent reacts. The techniques are advanced 'sport' jiu jitsu and submission grappling. If you're looking for more basic stuff, go with the Renzo/Royler book or the Royce/Charles book if you want self-defense. Overall, though, this book is a gem. It's flawless from start to finish. If you've been around the grappling game for a year or two, this book will take you to the next level. I was tapping people out with new moves the day after I got it (I read it all that night).

Rating:
Summary: Best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu book available.
Review: This book has everything a jiu jitsu book should have - Lots of techniques, clear pictures, easy-to-understand descriptions and more. Not only does it show very sneaky ways to enter into the submission holds, it also shows the relationship between each of the positions and how to flow from one to the next, depending on how your opponent reacts. The techniques are advanced 'sport' jiu jitsu and submission grappling. If you're looking for more basic stuff, go with the Renzo/Royler book or the Royce/Charles book if you want self-defense. Overall, though, this book is a gem. It's flawless from start to finish. If you've been around the grappling game for a year or two, this book will take you to the next level. I was tapping people out with new moves the day after I got it (I read it all that night).

Rating:
Summary: No katas????
Review: This book is like a reference for Jean Jacques Machado's class. Almost every technique in the book is one that he teaches in class. It is not a book for beginners but you also do not have to be Jean Jacques to do the moves. You should have some training under your (blue or higher) belt. As with all of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there are many details that effect the outcome and execution of your technique as well as the reaction of your partner in defending the move. Not all of the details and variables are (or can) be covered in the book. It is a very good reference especially if you are training under a black or high belt that can help you refine your techniques. As anyone in jiu-jitsu should know, there are no prescribed movements. Everything is dependent on "action-reaction" because the guy you're fighting is going to be fighting back for real! There are no katas to practice.

Rating:
Summary: Great great book
Review: This is simply the best grappling/BJJ book I've ever seen. First of all this book is not for begginers, it's for intermediate and above level grapplers. This book isn't an encyclopedia of techniques, it's more like a general strategy guide. The main idea is to open up your mind so you will think of some of your own combinations and variations of moves and setups taught. I'd like to use quote from the book to explain:

"One thing I've noticed is that often instruction is too rigid. Students often are taught to commit moves to memory and to repeat them the same way every time. You can get by with this at the beginning levels, but by the time you reach the advanced levels-the focus of this book-you will find yourself at a serious disadvantage if your moves don't flex to deal with the dynamics of each individual situation. That's why in this book I've tried to give you lots of options, and encouraged you to think for yourself. Because in the real world things don't always go down like they do in a textbook, and if you are the one who can create on the spur of the moment, you are going to win."

This is EXACTLY what happens by reading and practicing the things in this book. I've never seen this idea conveyed in any books before, which is one of the main reasons I rated it so high.
The book has techniques for both gi and no-gi, although most of the gi techniques will work for no gi too. This is because, if you didn't already know, Jean Jacques Machado was born with no fingers on one of his hands. With that said it is truely amazing how skilled he is with such a serious handicap. Since he has no fingers he can't grip the gi obviously, so he uses his legs alot more than usual. JJM simply thinks differently than most people because of this and it shows in his matches.
My only complain with the book is the actual detail given to the moves, but it is only a minor complaint and I still easily give this book 5 starts, and recommened that every grappler needs to buy this book.

Rating:
Summary: Best BJJ Book Yet.
Review: This is truly a master Piece. JJ Machado has found a way to explain HIS techniques in a easy to learn kind of way. In this book i was amazed at how well organized it was. I do jj, Wrestling and Sub Wrestling and i must say this is unbelievable. The knowledge that you can get from this book is truly amazing. I have a couple of Gracie books including the Best Sellr Renzo And Royler, but none of those came close to this one. JJ Machado teaches you techniques with and WITHOUT GI. He finds ways to trick your opponent and fake him. He teaches 2 blocks away from me, but if i only had the money. Without hesitating i would tell you to go and get this book, you can't go wrong. This book does require you to have some knowledge though. Jean Jacques you are the greatest BJJ teacher and competitor. If any of you have Questions about this or any other beek involving BJJ please let me know, my aol handle is RideOnMaEnemiez. Always glad to help.