Best martial arts books according to redditors
We found 633 Reddit comments discussing the best martial arts books. We ranked the 240 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 633 Reddit comments discussing the best martial arts books. We ranked the 240 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Putin co-authored a book on the subject. Judo: History, Theory, Practice
Haha, I recognize one of these guys. Phil Elmore. He actually wrote a loltastic book about carrying a katana for self defence.
www.amazon.com/Street-Sword-Practical-Blade-Self-Defense/dp/1581605986
He literally wrote the book on Judo
Good resources for white belts:
Free Books:
Stephan Kesting's A Roadmap for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Free Videos:
Learning Strategies for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Stephan Kesting's 16 Most Important Techniques for the BJJ Beginner
John B. Will's 36 Core Techniques
Matt Serra's four-volume BJJ Basics
For Pay Books:
Saulo Ribeiro's Jiu-Jitsu University
For Pay Videos:
Jason Scully's Grapplers Guide
Rener and Ryron Gracie's Gracie Combatives
Roy Dean's Blue Belt Requirements, Samples Here
He literally wrote a book on judo. One of the instructors at a dojo I used to attend helped translate it.
Literally wrote the book on Judo.
Most journalists can't put together an article.
This isn't worth a whole post, but since you guys are combat sports enthusiasts I wanted to introduce you to the greatest martial artist alive today. His name is Phil Elmore, who I learned about from r/mallninjashit.
He has written several books on self defence, including classics such as Shorthand Empty Hand Expedient Stylized Fighting, another one about using every day carrying a Katana for self defense called Street Sword: Practical Use of the Long Blade for Self-Defense available on Amazon for 86 dollars. A third notable publication is one for a problem I'm sure we all faced before, How to use physical violence to defend yourself from homeless people.
his "shorthand empty hand" book is worth a gander because it reads like he made it up as he went along and has clearly never fought another human being, but he's thought about it a lot and he's undefeated in his own mind. It also has some hilarious picture references of his fighting styles.
He has a section on Ground Fighting that boils down to "don't do it ever because you can't fight multiple people at once." Which is a recurring theme with this guy, everywhere he go he seems to run into hordes of attackers (all armed, of course).
Another thing that grabbed my attention was the section of the book titled "I'll Make an Exception: Guidelines for Challenging Me To a Fight." For the low low price of $9,999 he will give you the honor of fighting him. Here's the catch:
>Once the fee has been accepted, I (as the challenged party) set any and all conditions. I may bring whatever weapons I wish. I may drive my car and use it as a weapon, if it suits me to do so. I may place on the opponent any restrictions I choose.
He also has an article on his website about how MMA isn't real self defense.
Phil Elmore is a martial arts savant and I think everyone here could learn a lot from him. I only learned about him today but I feel smarter and more enlightened about the martial arts than I was yesterday.
I found Jiu Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro to be very helpful when I first started.
I highly recommend Jiu Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro. Practice what your instructors show you, but focus on the white belt stuff in the book daily. At this point, you're basically just wanting to learn to survive.
Focus on the [positional hierarchy] (http://www.beginningbjj.com/BJJ%20Roadmap%201.3.pdf) for strategy (thanks awesome redditor Stephen Kesting for the ebook,) hip escapes, re-guarding, and threatening basic submissions for like the first year, and you'll lose 80% of the anxiety
So which one of those dudes wrote this?
Street Sword: Practical Use of the Long Blade for Self-Defense
We already know how to boomstick. Gotta catch em by surprise with the practical long blade
In before Saulo Ribeiro's Jiujitsu University
bruce lee mentions this in his book. to truly achieve mastery of something you need to reach a point where there is no longer conscious thought of the action
Everyone who is new to bjj hates Side Control. My instructor gets asked how to escape that position more than anything else lol.
Best piece of advice I can give you is to buy this:
Jiu-Jitsu University
It's like the bjj bible man.
Good news everyone! It's on Amazon!
By the same author:
Flashlight Fighting: How to Make Your Pocket Flashlight a Take-Anywhere Self-Defense Weapon
Duke Manfist: Bullets, Babes & Bacon
spoiler alert... this book is a great reference but won't give you that boost that you're looking for.
This book impacted my judo more so than the Kodokan Judo book: https://www.amazon.com/Judo-Unleashed-Essential-Techniques-Intermediate/dp/0071475346/ref=pd_day0_b_14_4/147-9403292-3359160?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0071475346&pd_rd_r=74bde955-5aee-11e9-93ae-4b1193112941&pd_rd_w=lgbd7&pd_rd_wg=Ydmns&pf_rd_p=b21f843a-654c-40f8-899e-282283dbe728&pf_rd_r=Y9GJ0NH6EDCV7XJ73F1T&psc=1&refRID=Y9GJ0NH6EDCV7XJ73F1T
Street Sword: Practical Use of the Long Blade for Self-Defense
Everyone always recommends Jiu Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro http://www.amazon.com/dp/0981504434/
I don't have it myself but I was able to get it from my local library once (people always have it on hold), and it's pretty great.
This is the same guy who wrote Street Sword: Practical Use of the Long Blade for Self-Defense. A true mall ninja through and through.
https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
> Could you give a simple checklist of things to remember in order to survive in each position for as long as possible.
Dude, you need Jiu Jitsu University. The entire white belt section is exactly what you're asking.
" 1 Used from $923.901 New from $390.99 "
r/holdmycreditcard
I re-read your original comment -- "zero grappling experience" and "I don't always know what I'm looking at or what it means."
You should buy Jiu-Jitsu University.
You start with survival. Get through your training rounds without tapping (i.e., without getting caught; if you get caught, tap of course!). Keep your elbows tight, protect your collar, keep your back to the mat.
But that book -- Jiu-Jitsu University -- will really help you.
Buy this book!
http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
It seriously should be issued to all new white belts. It'll teach you techniques to survive when you first start. I found it extremely helpful!
http://www.grapplearts.com/the-16-most-important-techniques-for-the-bjj-beginner/
http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452780727&sr=8-1&keywords=university+of+jiu+jitsu
Buy two and I'll throw in one of those
You would happen to have a link to where I could buy it online do you? This would make a hilarious graduation gift for a friend of mine.
Edit: found a link. Way too expensive for me. http://www.amazon.com/Street-Sword-Practical-Blade-Self-Defense/dp/1581605986/ref=la_B001JRTNQU_1_13?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1463259299&sr=1-13&refinements=p_82%3AB001JRTNQU
Please, please, do not try to teach yourself martial arts. Much of martial arts are about training a movement over and over again so that it becomes muscle memory. There are lot of subtle things going on in even simple techniques that you will miss by trying to teach yourself from watching a video, or reading text/looking at pictures. If you start to teach yourself to do the wrong thing, you'll only have to spend more time unlearning it when you start getting proper instruction.
If you're interested in things like history, and such then by all means plow forward. There are two books I can recommend: A Killing Art, and also Korean Martial Arts Handbook which contains a wealth of information on Korean arts in general, and a whole lot on the history and creation of Tae Kwon Do.
Hello new convert, have you read the good book? It's a great place to start when you want to save your sweet neck from being strangled by sweaty strangers.
Keep your arms close to your body and learn to shrimp like a mofucka. Also, take tips/advice from other whitebelts with a grain of salt, except for me of course.
Free: Stephan Kesting's Roadmap to BJJ e-book (requires newsletter sign-up)
For monies: Jiu-jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro
Is this you?
[Street Sword: Practical Use of the Long Blade for Self-Defense] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1581605986/)
Completely agree with what /u/campbeln has to say above.
I would just add that if you are interested in the history of TKD,then there is a superb book on the subject, A Killing Art: The Untold History of Tae Kwon Do (which can be found here http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Art-Untold-History-Kwon/dp/1770410228 )
Like you, when I find something that interests me, I try and just soak up knowledge about it, which is how I ended up here actually. Anyway, on to the things I've found.
Youtube:
Ask a black belt:
It's what it sounds like. Guy asks various black belts questions, paired with some cool Jiu-jitsu footage. Episode 1 is where I became a Dave Camarillo fan. Also on this channel is one of my favorite highlight videos: Why I Train Jiu-Jitsu.
Roy Dean's Channel:
Roy Dean puts out some very artistic videos. If I'm ever trying to show someone what Jiu-Jitsu is, I'll probably pull up a Roy Dean video. Here are my favorites from the channel:
White to Black: Shift in Perspective
What Makes a Purple Belt
Spirals of Jiu-Jitsu
Dave Camarillo Black Belt Test
Roy Dean also films "demonstrations" done by his students who are advancing in belt rank. From what I understand, these demonstrations are optional, but most students go through with them. They're very much like a belt test you'd see in more traditional arts, but applied to Jiu-Jitsu. Here is the one done by the man himself. Cool to see Roy Harris roll in this one.
The Gracie Way:
The Gracie Way reminds of the travel channel, but with Jiu-Jitsu. I think there's like 15 episodes now. They're usually pretty entertaining if you're not put off by the Gracie Academie's marketing. I personally don't mind it too much, but they do lay it on a little thick at times.
Rolled Up:
I'm reminded of the travel channel again, but this a different flavor than the Gracie Way. The Gracie Way is more lifestyle focused, and Rolled Up is much more focused on Jiu-Jitsu. Basically, Budo Jake goes and trains with all kinds of coaches in the sport. It's a good way to get to know the celebrities of Jiu-Jitsu. You probably saw the recent Kurt Osiander episode, which in my opinion, is the best Rolled Up I've seen.
Stuart Cooper Films:
All these videos are great. Stuart Cooper is the man. Watch them all. As far as artistic BJJ videos, I have found no one better.
Also check out All Things BJJ, Want V.S Need, and Metamoris.
Books:
Don't Wear Your Gi to the Bar:
Get it free here. It'd be worth the money to pay for it though. It's a hilarious Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle book. Really embodies the culture of Jiu-Jitsu.
The Cauliflower Chronicles:
I admit, I haven't read this one yet. But Marshal D. Carper wrote some of Don't Wear Your Gi to the Bar and the writing in that book was top notch, and funny as well. I'm willing to bet that this book has the same kind of vibe to it, at least stylistically.
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Globetrotter:
Okay, I haven't read this one either, but I hear great things about it and it sounds awesome. I'll get around to it, but I have a backlog of books to read first. (Fucking George R.R. Martin)
Jiu-Jitsu on the Brain:
This one I have read. It's short, but sweet. Perfect for beginners. I say that because there's very little (if any) technical discussion. It's all about the broad concepts of Jiu-Jitsu, which, at this point, I find more helpful than techniques anyway. Mark Johnson is also an English teacher, which means he writes well, and like Marshal D. Carper, he's a funny guy who captures the spirit of the sport perfectly. Highly recommend this book.
Borrowing the Master's Bicycle:
This is Mark Johnson's second book. This one is slightly more technical than Jiu-Jitsu on the brain, but mainly, it delves deeper into Jiu-Jitsu philosophy. If you like Jiu-Jitsu on the Brain, and you want to see Mark delve deeper into some things he touches on in that book, pick this one up. Again, Mark writes well and he's got a great sense of humor. There's a chapter in this book where he talks about how badass Darth Vader would be at Jiu-Jitsu, which, for a Star Wars fan like me, was awesome.
Anyway, that's about all I've got. The other answers on here are good as well. Especially the Stephan Kesting recommendations. For technique videos, I watch his almost exclusively.
A couple ideas:
Jiu-Jitsu University ~$25 ( http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434 ) One of the best overall BJJ books around. Very detailed, and useful at a number of levels of the game.
If you know what size your person is, you could go the mystery rashguard route: ( http://www.budovideos.com/shop/customer/product.php?productid=32101&cat=417&page=1 )
You can also keep an eye on bjjhq.com - sometimes they have sick deals on rashguards or other bjj related accessories.
Nah man, just get the tap if you can get it. Just don't over think it. As a white I also tapped a lot of people who, as a blue now, I can't tap anymore. They lowered their game to allow me to develop my own. No more playing now, however.
When I started out, the first 3 months were hell while rolling. If you are doing better, that's good for you man! I just remember from my own experience that I had to survive against everyone but the higher belts gave me advice to get better. You should not give up on offence but you should also built a great foundation of defence. http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434 Is a great book. The white belt chapter is completely about surviving. I like it a lot. I believe Slideyfoot (look at the faq) has a complete review.
Saulo Ribiero and Kevin Howell's Jiu Jitsu University is almost required reading. Click on "Search inside this book" under the book's cover pic to check out the contents.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Theory and Technique (by lots of big names) is also very well done.
Online, Stephan Kesting's Grapple Arts BJJ Techniques are very diverse and broken down incredibly well.
Cane Prevost's 20 week curriculum is some of the best fundamentals instruction I've seen. The focus on and details about posture alone are worth it for people of any rank.
In the end though, ask your instructor. He/she can explain it and then hopefully tell you how to drill a technique to integrate it into your game.
Side Note:
>Ari Bolden is a proven fraud
His early videos were a source of controversy. His newer videos feature big names (Keith Owen, Piet Wilhelm, others) and good technique breakdowns. I'm not defending his earlier actions in the least (I do not like people who misrepresent themselves either intentionally or through a smoke-screen), but I'm also willing to give him a some credit if his recent material is honest and productive for the community as a whole. The BJJ community never forgets, but that shouldn't get in the way of Keith Owen sharing his immense knowledge to a large existing audience. I'll defer to Keith if he has made the decision to give Ari some leeway.
/Side Note
Side Note 2: I just had a delicious sandwich.
Jiu Jitsu University is a really good reference book, it helped me pickup some terminology and make some improvements in my noobie defensive game so I didn't get crushed nearly as much.
https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
It walks the reader through many different BJJ Terms, escapes, guard types, and submissions a lot of people assume everyone know about. It seems to be a pretty good supplement to actually seeing the days/weeks moves, drilling and in general hitting the mat in my opinion.
I have definitely had a few items worth sharing with other newbies that no one ever brought up to us. The most basic but never discussed tip I've found so far was, "look at the elbow of your attacker when someone has you in a cross choke". Everyone always talks about how effective a cross choke is to get someone to relieve pressure, but this simple adjustment negates a huge amount of discomfort, gives you their arm, and blocks the second lapel grip.
Slow down. When you train, challenge yourself to move smoothly, instead of quickly. You'll train a faster response by learning to move smoothly through your techniques than by rushing through the individual strikes and then having to pause and reset between each component. Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Internalize that. Learn to slow things down.
Read. Pick up some Krav books if you haven't already; they're invaluable for reference. I use Complete Krav Maga and Black Belt Krav Maga by Worldwide, but there are several variations out there. Pick up Meditations on Violence by Rory Miller, as well. His insights are sobering and will help you learn to be a better fighter. It'll also strip away some of the ego you will inevitably start to develop a few months in.
Train with people who are better than you are, regardless of size or gender, as frequently as you can. You probably already know who these people are. Train also with people who are bigger and stronger than you are. Understand the difference between the two, and learn how it changes the dynamic.
And take care of your body. We don't talk about this enough, but your technique means nothing if your body is too weak from overtraining or undertraining or poor diet or lack of sleep to keep going to class. Make sure you're fueling your body so you're not getting injured.
And welcome to Krav.
Wait, you mean it's a real book?
...Holy shit, it is.
edit: This guy has a lot of shitty books like this. There is one on how to fight wielding a flashlight. Seriously.
Perhaps this will help cement what a tool he is:
https://www.amazon.com/Street-Sword-Practical-Blade-Self-Defense/dp/1581605986/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=674SC3EBQJQR&keywords=phil+elmore&qid=1556396170&s=gateway&sprefix=phil+elm&sr=8-3
> http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Art-Untold-History-Kwon/dp/1770410228
The Facebook page of the author of A Killing Art says he's in the process of publishing an updated edition...so if you do opt to buy the book (which I recommend, it is a good read) you might want to make sure you get the new 2016 edition...I'm looking forward to it!
Some other random thoughts:
Check out Mastering Jujitsu
https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Jujitsu-Renzo-Gracie/dp/0736044043
It's more of a treatise on fighting/MMA than it is an instructional book. It bears Renzo's name but the real author was John Danaher. It's rumoured that a lot of the writing for the book was originally meant for Danaher's PhD studies at Columbia University.
The focus is BJJ, but the book is actually a pretty comprehensive overview of what combat sports have shown us about fighting over the past century. For example, there is a chapter about Jigoro Kano - the founder of judo. The book argues Kano's genius realization was that a "safe" technique that can be trained with 100% resistance will be more effective than a "killing" technique that is impossible to train.
There's a lot of insightful historical stuff like that and it continues into the present day with MMA. Since the book was published in 2003, the modern examples tend to be a little dated: Chuck Liddell is presented as the archetype of the sprawl & brawl strategy. But it's still very cogent material. The breakdown of fighting ranges is more astute than anything that was ever published in the era of mall karate and kung fu movies.
Really solid read and yeah I mostly agree.
I'm just interested in what's effective. I think personally if you want to incorporate TMA into your style you should train, mma, Boxing, Muay Thai, BJJ, judo etc first then just pick out the nuggets of TMA you want later. Or you could find a fighter/trainer that has already mixed them like Duke Rufous or Rafael Cordeiro.
Like I don't need to be a 3rd degree TKD black belt to have a solid side kick or spinning heel hook kick.
Theres also the issue that not all TMA are created equal, like you're probably gonna have an easier time incorporating Kyokushin into your actual fighting than say Wing Chun because it's just more realistic.
Also would reccomend this and really anything written by Erich Krauss. Specifically his books covering Eddie Bravo.
Two books to buy:
One of the best things you could probably do for yourself is start increasing your motor control and mobility. It helps tremendously to learn how to brace your spine and position your shoulders into a stable position. Once you learn that you will understand how to create the most force off your movements through torque and maintaining tension in your body.
A lot of "good technique" in bjj or lifting or any sport starts with good bone/joint/spinal/body positioning. When you start practicing these proper body position and maintaining them through a full range of movement (i.e. the basic squat), you learn where your joints/muscles/spine need better range of motion and how to train that--your bjj technique will probably improve. An understanding of basic human movements translates into any physical activity through better performance.
That being said...I would say you don't really need weights or kettlebell swings until you've built a good base of physical strength/conditioning. Start with some general physical preparedness (GPP), bodyweight squats, pushups, situps, planks, chinups and pullups + add a little bit of good form running.
haha. welcome to the grind my friend. there is so much to learn. yes, your experience is totally normal. get a copy of BJJ University.
it's a great book to help you get started.
For strength training, Easy Strength by Pavel and Dan John. There is something in there for anybody.
For cardio training, it's not a book, but Lyle McDonald's series on methods of endurance training, also pretty much anything by Joe Friel.
For diet, Ruhlman's Twenty. It's not about nutrition, but it can teach you all the techniques you need to cook your own healthy (and on occasion not so healthy) foods so that you won't be tempted to go off the reservation and order a double deluxe pizza and chili fries when you don't know what else to eat.
Edit: For something very sport specific, there's also Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribiero and Kevin Howell. It's pretty much the beginning BJJ bible.
Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro
It's an excellent resource for beginners and advanced students that shows a progression of techniques from novice to expert. Even though it is centered on sport (gi) BJJ, I highly recommend it for developing BJJ or any ground game.
Like /u/farkoman noted, high dans are about politics and general "life achievement", probably. Putin is a very visible character and widely known of practicing judo, so that alone probably would count. I think he also has written a few books about self-defense, amongst them at least this book about judo. (Yes - he's not the only author, so there is a chance he's the first author for celebrity power.)
I see he read this...self defense manual
You're fucking shitting me, it's real.
My go to books other than Kodokan Judo are the Canon of Judo by Kuyozo Mifune and Judo Unleashed by Neil Ohlenkamp.
The techniques behind Lachlan and Danaher's insanely tight triangles definitely have some universal principles. Ryan Hall also popularized the hamstring curl method. However I think Neil Melanson's book Mastering Triangle Chokes covers their variations in really great detail. It won't break the bank like Danaher's dvd. It also came out in 2013 so it goes to show that this information has been out for a while now.
Nothing wrong in wanting to be recognized for the hard work you put in. That being said, however, most National Judo organizations have a set minimum time frame you must be in Judo before you can grade for a black belt. I believe the minimum is 3 years, at least that's what it is in Canada. As well, although there are many similarities between judo and wrestling, there are also many many more differences. Posture, how to use strength, etc. But I have known many wrestlers who transitioned to judo very nicely.
As far as books go, the #1 book I always recommend is "Kodokan Judo: The Essential Guide to Judo" https://www.amazon.ca/Kodokan-Judo-Essential-Guide-Founder/dp/156836539X
I also bought this book when I first started judo and I found it very helpful:
https://www.amazon.ca/Mastering-Judo-Masao-Takahashi/dp/073605099X
Hopefully this helps! Judo is really fun and after I stopped wrestling I went to Judo and never looked back! Enjoy the journey my friend :)
Here is most of my library, broken down, with links and some thoughts on each.
Karate Specific
Kobujutsu Specific
Other Martial Arts
Health and Anatomy
EDIT: I can't believe I forgot this one...
I started BJJ a few months ago and recently discovered this sub. This is the first I'd heard of this book, so thank you for sharing, /u/Khulo! A quick search for it revealed a lot of praise, so I ventured over to Amazon and ordered it immediately. For others interested, the paperback version is currently at its lowest price ever on Amazon ($20.27). Figured that was worth mentioning!
Jiu Jitsu University not written by a Gracie but a fantastic "first BJJ book", pretty much a must have
...I don't think it is - I just checked:
https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SS7TAS1J1XCS&keywords=bjj+university&qid=1568894251&sprefix=bjj+un%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-1
as of posting, its $22.83
I really hate the whole "just show up to class" argument.
If you're struggling with something like escaping the armbar, it could be months before the professor does a lesson on it.
For now, buy jiujitsu university (https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=jiu+jitsu+university&qid=1571404783&sr=8-1) and watch YouTube videos from trusted resources.
After a few months and you realize you're committed, look into grappler's guide.
Get ready to feel like you've been dropped in molasses. But once you get over the initial frustration you'll hopefully start enjoying the technical gripping game, and the chokes of course. Gi training is also helpful if you train with self defense in mind.
Book wise, Saulo Ribeiro's Jiu-Jitsu University is a really good blueprint.
It's called Gracie University. Sounds like a reasonable plan.
Alternatively, you could get a great video or book and follow the lesson plan in that. Something like Jiu Jitsu University or the Gracie Barra Fundamentals video ($50 for a 16 week curriculum on 4 DVDs).
Oh I’m sorry. I wasn’t clear I was referencing Drill to Win by Andre Galvao
Drill to Win: 12 Months to Better Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu https://www.amazon.com/dp/0981504485/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_d62GDbCB9BCB3
judo
Well, I'm just a beginner, so take what I say with a grain of salt...
That said, this book is what my instructor recommends. He's trained with the authors, and they use that book at my studio (the instructors do). I bought it, and it's quite well laid out. Shouldn't be too complicated to follow.
Also, there are a lot of good videos here to go along with the book so you see it it action.
Really you're going to want a partner if possible. If you can find one buy a couple pairs of gloves, a tombstone and a kickshield (my studio uses all revgear products, rebranded as krav maga worldwide) and practice. I actually have bought a tombstone and kickshield and I do some practice on weekends when I can convince my girlfriend to stop doing forms (she's a TKD BlackBelt) and hit or hold things.
The studio instruction helps immensely, but you could progress significantly without it.
Alex Gillis' A Killing Art covers this topic to a limited degree as part of a larger discussion around the spread of Choi's students around the world during the 50's and 60's (particularly focusing on Jhoon Rhee).
Two resources that helped me, and continue to help me are:
Jiu Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro: When I started out, I read this a few times a week to make sure that my defensive posture was right, and it's helped prolong a lot of my rolls. Even as a blue belt my sub game is still pretty dire, but I feel confident in my ability to defend against people at my level.
Blue Belt Requirements by Roy Dean: This probably won't be of much help for someone starting out, but this helped supplement what I had learned in class in an easy-to-digest video. I bought this as a rough guide for training after my first comp at white belt, and it helped me realise some holes in my game to work on.
How early are we talking? Helio wrote a book, but it's incredibly expensive.
http://www.amazon.com/Gracie-Jiu-Jitsu-Helio/dp/0975941119
I like Renzo and Royler's book. It's the first BJJ book I bought, and while I think it's poorly organized, the details are solid, but not overwhelming. My favorite part about the book is John Danaher's preface. Worth getting.
http://www.amazon.com/Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-Theory-Technique/dp/1931229082
Not written by a Gracie, late or early, but the best intro to BJJ I have found:
http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
1)
3)
>Mobility:
>Conditioning:
>Study
Jiu-Jitsu University By Saulo Ribiero has a very in depth guide to escapes and survival positions this book is a MUST for beginners
https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
There's no definitive source of fundamentals, b/c you'll never get a variety of people to agree on what constitutes fundamentals.
That said, Jiu Jitsu University is a good place to start.
Also, you can do searches on youtube for things like "jiu jitsu mount basics", "jiu jitsu guard basics", etc.
The best answer is to ask your instructor what he/she thinks are the fundamentals.
Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro
Almost a must read for any new student imo. The focus on positional postures and whys is especially under taught imo.
Also you can take it to the mats and look at it while drilling. Also it's cheap.
(But for dvd series Saulo's early series and Demian Maia's Science of JiuJitsu are both amazing.)
https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
some of the pictures aren't the greatest but the really cool part is they go over a lot of common mistakes in the beginning chapters, more so than anything offensive.
Saulo Ribiero's Jiu Jitsu University is a great resource for all things BJJ. It goes through many many individual moves, and also covers the general theory so you can adapt to whatever situation arrises.
Check out the Jiu-Jitsu University book, it has a whole section on survival and what to do (and what not to do) in situations
EDIT: Link to book https://www.amazon.com.au/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
Woo the price has certainly increased, it used to be like $25
http://www.amazon.com/Drill-Win-Months-Brazillian-Jiu-Jitsu/dp/0981504485
Some books:
Fairly sure that Qi Magazine can now be accessed online for free, and the Journal of Baguazhang.
In case any of yall want to pickup a copy
Street Sword: Practical Use of the Long Blade for Self-Defense https://www.amazon.com/dp/1581605986/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_guwEDb4ZK9B13
I mean yes. But, would it really?
IF you have a chance, grab a copy of Neil Melanson's Mastering Triangle Chokes.
It is literally the triangle bible....it must have 600 triangle setups from every possible position
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Triangle-Chokes-Submission-Grappling/dp/193660809X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1405011348&sr=1-1&keywords=mastering+triangle+chokes.
As an aside, if Jiu-Jitsu University is a must have book for BJJ folks, then The Canon of Judo by Mifune is a must for judokas.
kimura, americana, omoplata are in judo. no leg locks. not sure about darce or anaconda. there's also a ton of gi strangles that i dont know the japanese name of.
also some places are more traditional and teach a wide array of techniques and other focus specifically on competition stuff.
darce, anaconda, all exist in judo. i guess they just aren't that prevalent in competition judo https://www.reddit.com/r/judo/comments/9649sb/is_there_a_name_for_the_guillotine_choke_in_judo/
it's all documented too https://www.amazon.com/Canon-Judo-Teachings-Principles-Techniques/dp/4770029799
so bjj just popularized some less known moves of judo and gave them different names. that and a different ruleset + sport guards.
>That is a whole lot of stuff that's unrelated to the video.
Again, I put it out there because it's going to come up. It's the discussion that comes up every time "ninjutsu" is mentioned.
>Do you think Takamatsu is demonstrating good taijutsu in the video?
Answering your question before I babble on, I don't feel that Takamatsu's taijutsu in the video is the greatest, but he's also very old when they film it. And it's clearly meant to be some type of promotion video to show off. It's like when I watch this Mifune video. I know Mifune was a badass. I own a copy of own his book. But the video is clearly people trying to half-ass throw an old man who is essentially an honorable teacher. I also believe Morihei Ueshiba's videos show crap live technique, but having used wrist locks in a live situation, I do not doubt the ability of Aikido tehniques. I just heavily question the way they train in them, and feel that when it comes to self defense, Aikido is a terrible first art for a person.
>What do you think of taijutsu when it's trained "properly"?
About two years ago, my old instructor talked about the proper stuff looking much tighter, almost like krav maga, and he hated that "traditionalists" had gotten their hands on the Bujinkan. Hayes actually talked about this a couple of years back at a seminar. Where ichimonji movements weren't some huge movement, bu was basically a very quick foot and hand movemenet from jumonji. That is, you don't fight from ichimonji. I went to a seminar under Bud Malmstrom, and he also hated the traditional stuff, and was talking about the difference between the kata type training vs how the stuff actually manifests. Also, I learned that Bud hated belts, especially all the extra colors that have been added by various x-kan derevitaves.
Good taijutsu under the bujinkan really doesn't look like much. That is, it looks like so many other arts that it's not really distinct. This plays into my last comment where I broke down the techniques. Takagi Yoshin Ryu is not going to look a lot different from Judo or other Jujutsu techniques. In fact, aside from a couple of principles, you really won't find too much in taijutsu from the Bujinkan you wouldn't see in a number of other martial arts schools. I mean, I know the wrist loks alone I've seen in 3 or 4 other arts that were not aikijujutsu based.
Taijutsu, as a term, can be any unarmed fighting art. It literally means "Body techniques." From a strict standpoint, Krav maga and muay thai are taijutsu when you use the word. Technically, a tenet of ninjutsu is that the individual learn taijutsu, so you could learn any fighting art that you wanted. It wouldn't have to be something under the Bujinkan or similar.
The stuff that I personally learned while under the Bujinkan was very helpful. It translated well to the boxing and combatives classes that I had to take at the Military Academy, and in my day to day duties during that time of my life. I have trained in a number of different arts since (KM, DZR, BJJ, Judo), and each of those was chosen on a basis of needing things that were real. Looking back on my treining under the Bujinkan, it wasn't training that wasn't real. However, looking at it today, I would not go back to it because what they train isn't so real 99% of the time. When I was at Fort Benning, I found an old school guy that was retired and at Ranger Training Batallion that I was fine with training under.
Additional aside: For all the guff we give the Bujinkan, off the top of my head I know two things. Takamatsu received menkyo kaiden in Kukishin ryu, but because of the way stuff was passed on, and because he didn't receive main lineage, the "den" was added on to show that it's a branch ryu. Also that the chain techinques come from Masaaki Ryu manrikigusari (no relation to Hatsumi), which Hatsumi did train in and then brought the techniques into the Bujinkan.
Wheres slideyfoot?
I read "Jiu Jitsu on the Brain" by Mark Johnon before I started. It will give you great framing for the mindset you will need in the world of bjj. Its also a short read that you can surely finish over holiday (probably on the plane).
https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-Brain-Mark-Johnson-ebook/dp/B006V5AFYE
This is a good read for first timers humorous and informative
http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-Brain-Mark-Johnson-ebook/dp/B006V5AFYE/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
https://superstarjudo.com
https://www.reddit.com/r/judo/comments/5j5tbk/judo_sask_one_of_my_favourite_instructionals/
https://www.amazon.com/Judo-Unleashed-Essential-Techniques-Intermediate/dp/0071475346
http://www.bestjudo.com/review/26165/vital-judo-throwing-techniques
This is a wonderful book to have around. Very detailed information and pictures with nearly every throw, choke and armlock; as well as philosophical information, a brief history and some tips on solo training.
Mastering Judo (Mastering Martial Arts Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/073605099X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3YjwCb6FREKSY
This is one of my favourite judo books. Of course Kodokan Judo by Jigoro Kano is a staple in most dojos.
Kodokan Judo is a great book.
I can personally highly recommend Mastering Judo by the Takahashi Family.
https://www.amazon.ca/Mastering-Judo-Masao-Takahashi/dp/073605099X
You're going to have a hard time finding good information in one place. The best thing I can think of is more of an encyclopedia that I bought for my coffee table: The Way of the Warrior by Chris Crudelli (of Mind, Body, and Kick Ass moves documentary series). http://www.amazon.com/Way-Warrior-Martial-Fighting-Styles/dp/0756639751
It is a huge list of many kinds of martial arts and has at least a paragraph or two about each. For the bigger ones there are several page spreads that talk about technique, training, and other unique aspects of that martial art. It's pretty basic info though.
I wouldn't mind is contributing to said guidebook if someone is interested in spearheading the initiative but aside from that, the best way is to ask us here on r/martialarts.
So yeah, I'm down for writing some stuff.
Put 'Em Down, Take 'Em Out: Knife Fighting Techniques From San Quentin is a masterwork on dirty knife fighting that is out of print.
Also, Rory Miller gets mentioned plenty on this sub, but I don't think there is a way to understate how important a book like Scaling Force is to a martial artist.
俺は最近これ読みました。レビューにある通り内容はパンフレットレベルだけど、ナイフの握り、ファイティングポーズ、ナイフを振る時の動作などひと通りの事は学べて、すぐに頭に入るのが良い。これでナイフ格闘の達人になるのは無理だけど、厄介な素人には一晩でなれるという感じ。素人を10人とか100人くらい集めて指導する時などに最適な本だと思う。オススメです。
http://www.amazon.com/Put-Down-Take-Out-Techniques/dp/0873644840
Sorry for the long post, I didn't realize it was going to be this big as I started writing. Hopefully it's not too rambling as it's now 1am and I'm tired. I am not going to put a TL:DR because I think the information is good. :)
Krav Maga would be a great foundation for a self defense course. It's practical in its usage. You remove the threat. I am unsure if there are any decent instructors of that in the area, others may have input on that.
The absolute best self defense is being aware. I helped teach a self defense class a few times back home. It was a pretty informal deal (like something you expressed no interest in), but the thing we stressed the most was being aware of...EVERYTHING.
A couple of things to consider while taking input from everyone:
My guess for the cost would probably be anywhere from 5-15 dollars a class, or 100 bucks per month-ish.
I just retook the CCDW class (carry concealed deadly weapons) class here in Kentucky. The class cost 75 dollars at TG&G. The class only allows you to apply for your concealed weapons license. It was very boring for the most part because they play a video of a lawyer reading you the actual law for a good portion of it. You also need to "qualify" by hitting a human sized target 11 times out of 20 at seven yards. They cover some basic gun maintenance and other stuff, but in no way does it prepare you for actually carrying a weapon. Once you get the documentation back from the state that says you took the class, you can apply for the license for another 66 dollars or so.
It is a crazy world that we live in. It is very sad that we need to go through such means to protect ourselves, our family, our friends, and even our possessions. The stuff you see in movies and on tv shows over dramatizes how things could go in your favor because you studied karate or kung fu.
A final note, that if you do take a martial art for a long time, but stop training, you will lose the quickness of it over time. I used to train 3-5 days a week with a group of friends and local cops. I have since gained some weight since I no longer train like I used to. I take this into account every time I even consider a situation that could occur.
I do think it would be fun to get a group to meet up once or twice a month and share knowledge and possibly some training. Boxing/karate/bjj/wrestling/self defense/etc. Everyone can have something they can input.
Could I get one or two more recommendations? I'm still on the fence...
Just kidding. I'm buying the book today. It sounds awesome. Link for anyone else interested: The book
Just take up another hobby and try not to obsess about mat time you're missing out on. I started playing DnD, that is a great time. I read BJJ University. I've been back about 2 months now. Just being patient and diligent about physical therapy is tough. I've since transitioned to more of a overall strength and conditioning focus. There is this magical time after you get going at physical therapy where you'll feel really good. You'll be back to drilling and it'll be going great, you'll have all your range of motion back and you'll probably feel like you can do a light round. Just take it slow dawg.
PS. The time off actually I think has helped my game. Time off isn't so terrible.
People have been grappling since the beginning of time. This would be the intro volume. I recommend BJJ University
edit: grammar
Boy, do I have a surprise for you.
The Jiu-Jitsu University is the most comprehensive book to date on BJJ.
Touching many topics of Newaza along the way.
Books could be cool.
Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro is relatively cheap and a great resource.
http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
The only thing I can think of to explain this at multiple levels is the intro in the book Jiu Jitsu University.
I recommend getting Saulo Ribeiro's Jiu Jitsu University.
When I first started I bought this book to help me get past the awkwardness of being a noob.
A few key points I took away, that have really helped me:
Each belt has a purpose, white you learn to be invincible. You focus on learning out to defend each position. Then you learn to escape those positions. So you should be focused on survival.
Learn to get comfortable in uncomfortable positions.
Learn to tap early, and tap often. There's no sense hurting yourself.
And outside of sparing, never be afraid to ask questions. Even during sparing you can say, "hey that was awesome, can you show me that after class?"
Galvao has a book which includes both solo and partner drills - http://www.amazon.com/Drill-Win-Months-Brazillian-Jiu-Jitsu/dp/0981504485
Jiu-Jitsu Brotherhood has a video of solo "animal" movements that I love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNJk_OEO5MU
The other thing I do when I'm off the mat for awhile is to keep watching videos of the basics/fundamentals while I'm out so at least I have rehearsed in my mind what all the details are for the stuff I already know how to do. I really like the videos by Saulo Ribeiro, Xande Ribeiro, and Ze Mario for this purpose, but there's plenty of free stuff on YouTube if you're not looking to invest in a DVD set.
Jonathan Bluestein put together Research of the Martial Arts a few years ago, which looks pretty interesting:
https://www.amazon.com/Research-Martial-Jonathan-Bluestein-Shifu/dp/1499122519/
He's quite well-known for judo- he has been a black belt since 1970, is a former champion and has co-authored a judo manual.
https://www.amazon.com/Judo-History-Practice-Vladimir-Putin/dp/1556434456
Complete Krav Maga is the book that I have, and very good it is too.
Holy shit i thought this was a joke
http://www.amazon.com/Street-Sword-Practical-Blade-Self-Defense/dp/1581605986
Try and get your hands on this classic https://www.amazon.ca/Street-Sword-Practical-Blade-Self-defense/dp/1581605986
While you were making fun of us, I studied the blade. Don't mess with me.
https://www.amazon.com/Street-Sword-Practical-Blade-Self-Defense/dp/1581605986
Someone mentioned a book by Neil Ohlencamp as being really good for improving one's Judo/Sambo game and being an all-around great read in regards to technique with principle.
​
https://www.amazon.com/Judo-Unleashed-Essential-Techniques-Intermediate/dp/0071475346
​
Also the Judo Master Series many have said are very Good Books for Judo/Sambo/Grappling.
​
https://www.amazon.com/Pick-Ups-Masterclass-Techniques-Robert-Walle/dp/1874572100/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=judo+pick+ups&qid=1556987181&s=books&sr=1-1-spell
My favourite is The Way of the Warrior by Chris Crudelli, that British guy from Mind, Body and Kick Ass Moves. It's an encyclopaedia of different fighting styles from around the world, and not a lame one where half the book is Japan and half is China. It includes the largest amount of martial arts I've seen in one place, including on the internet, and has a lot of European and African styles that most of us have never heard of.
It's a beautifully illustrated Dorling Kindersley affair, the only negative point is that he put his own made up art in it, which is neither famous nor probably good. Also try not to be put off by all the pedantic bitchers and moaners on the Amazon reviews hassling him for not correctly including every esoteric detail of their tiny, niche art's history.
There are some golden rules here
https://www.amazon.com/Tao-Jeet-Kune-Do-Expanded/dp/0897502027
You did say each of my wishlists, right?
Here I go:
Thank you for this discussion. It's helped me get a bit off my chest. I hope you don't mind.
https://smile.amazon.com/Tao-Jeet-Kune-Do-Expanded/dp/0897502027
Bruce Lee said it. Why? Because when he beat up Wong Jack Man, he realized Wing Chun by itself sucked, because it probably turned into a slap match.
So he went and sought out how to create a method of fighting that worked for him.
It's why his most famous student has a black belt in BJJ, is a certified Muay Thai instructor and a fuck ton more credentials, and doesn't teach Wing Chun.
A great book on martial art is http://www.amazon.com/Living-Martial-Way-Manual-Warrior/dp/0942637763
It is a book that gives you a military man's perspective on martial arts in general. It doesn't teach you moves it teaches you how to think like a warrior. It also helps you pick the right style.
here's a good one for grapplers
The first thing I think of when I hear about people getting nauseous is dehydration. If you are not drinking in the 6-7 hours before class then you are certainly going to be dehydrated. Try drinking a lot more water during the day (I keep a glass next to me at work). And yeah, eat closer to class.
For reading: the go-to recommendation is always Saulo Ribero's Jiu Jitsu University: http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
Best of luck!
The first rule of being a jiujitsu beginner- and make no mistake, I am still very much a beginner- is to make your parameter for success showing up to class.
I cannot emphasize this enough. If you make it to class, great! Everything else is gravy. I would probably try to keep this outlook through to your blue belt, although it will definitely be a difficult attitude to maintain (but hey, you're in this to learn discipline, in my best Eric Cartman voice, right?).
Part of the reason for this is because you've got a long, frustrating road ahead of you, and you want to make the long haul. On the wall of my gym are HUGE letters spelling out, "a black belt is a white belt who never quit." At first I thought that was kind of cheeky, because, like any gym, my not quitting is lining someone's pocket... but now I get it; training is always frustrating, at any level. You think the frustration ends at blue belt? Well, now you have purple belts kicking your ass in ways you don't even understand yet. You think after purple the road is clear? A black belt will LOL at you. Part of what makes the experience and the journey so incredible is learning to deal with the frustration.
You'll have great classes, where you walk out with a goofy smile on your facing thinking, "I'm finally getting it!" ... and then the next class you feel like it's your first day again. You'll have to endure long periods of stagnation, or seeing people who joined after you progressing faster. But did you make it to class? Mission accomplished.
Even in the short time I've been at my school I've seen guys come and go within the amount of time you've been training (three to four weeks). I totally understand this; one month is just about the honeymoon period where you've picked up the basics, feel a little shine, and then see the long road ahead of you and say FUCK IT.
This will not be you. Why? Because your parameter for success is getting to class.
Try to find value in your shitty moments. You get thrown around for a half hour by a college wrestler (cheating bastards, that's NO FAIR lol), and a judoka who started BJJ to kick even more ass- which was my Friday night- embrace it. In the very least, getting your ass kicked makes you a tougher son of a bitch in the long run. Can't get a new technique down? I'm just starting to feel confident in my arm-bar/triangle/omoplata skills and it's been six months and 5-6 classes where we covered it. Very few people learn a new technique once and can implement it in rolling, much less remember it the next day.
Here are a few odds and ends off the top of my head:
I hope this helped! Good luck, and feel deep, horrifying shame if you quit! :)
Focus on the basics, you won't be able to get the advances fancy stuff until you master the basics.
Pick up Jiu Jitsu Univeristy by Saulo Riberio. It's $25, and will the best thing to ever happen to your BJJ game. The white and blue belt section will be helpful RN and will save frustration. It'll tell you how to position your body so that you can survive (bc you will be on bottom a lot), tells you common mistakes to avoid, and then goes into escapes. http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
Drill a lot, drill what you learn in class, (hopefully your school has a beginner program, so you'll be learning relevant stuff to your skill level) Ask for feedback after every roll, anything you could work on, or ask them watt they felt that you did good.
Roll with higher belts, ask for help. They've been doing this for a while, pry their knowledge and maybe ask what some basic escapes are from a certain position that you keep getting stuck in.
Go to Open Mat. Open mat is the best time of the week, you get to roll for 2 hours straight. You can drill, roll, or just hang out for a couple hours, working on some part of your game. This is probably where the most improvement will happen as you are putting in some solid mat time here.
For Gis? Don't go all out and buy the $420 Lucky Hemp Gi. http://luckygi.miiduu.com/lucky-gi-hemp-tzar
Hell, don't ever but that actually.
Stay cheap, if the academy has an affiliate or a school GI, ex. Gracie Barra, then you should buy that, if not then I can recommend Killer Bee GIs. They are cheap, high quality, great customer service.
http://www.killerbeegi.com/
I recommend the Scutellata GI Top, and the Drill Cotton Gi Pants. For a total that will be $125. That's a steal considering the quality of the GI, also Jessi usually has some sort of promotion going on, so you can find a coupon code for some even extra cash off.
Overall, just keep showing up to class, more mat time equals more improvement RN. Don't be a spaz, and slam someone in guard..
Jiu-jitsu University
by Saulo Ribeiro might be helpful if it's not a bit too stylistically specific.
http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367553325&sr=8-1&keywords=saulo+ribeiro
It's a great book, although it's entirely gi-focused (I do no-gi roughly three to five times as much as I do gi). Chapters are broken down into belts, and each belt is themed.
White Belt is survival.
Blue Belt is the guard.
Purple Belt is sweeps.
Brown Belt is top game or something.
Black Belt is submissions.
Obviously Jiujistu isn't really taught like that in class (if you don't learn sweeps until purple belt, you are probably not at a good gym), but I think that the way the book is organized nicely outlines Saulo Ribeiro's philosophy on what to prioritize in each skill level.
I highly recommend Galvao's book on movement and strength drills. http://www.amazon.com/Drill-Win-Months-Brazillian-Jiu-Jitsu/dp/0981504485
While you'll need some coaching from upper-belts at your school to critique your movement (it's hard to see/feel if you're doing them right), you'll be able to design a script of drills for yourself to fix all of your jiu jitsu shortcomings.
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Immutable-Principles-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu/dp/1514109328
Great read with several metaphors to consider (IE rolling as a chess match) as well as breakdowns of different core principles (position, posture, pressure)
https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Immutable-Principles-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu/dp/1514109328/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502287280&sr=8-2&keywords=Jiu+jitsu+book
Mastering The 21 Immutable Principles Of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Handbook for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Students
was a good read. Kinda quick but has a lot of decent info in there for us white belts.
For concepts, I liked Paulo Guillobel's
Mastering The 21 Immutable Principles Of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1514109328/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8
It's a short book all based on concepts
Seriously. He even knows Judo
Try to get a curriculum list, which you can then use to look up youtube videos that demonstrate each listed technique. Sometimes you'll find a video from a different federation which will offer a variation on how your federation does a particular defense, which is always cool.
For KMW there is a book. The curriculum was heavily updated recently, so I would expect to see a new edition soon with all the updates. Still most everything KMW tests on is in it.
I'll sometimes browse through it at night to recap a technique we did that day, or to look up something I haven't done in awhile.
Not much else though. The best stuff is on Youtube, like AJ Draven's series he does for KMW.
Because he wrote these books.
This may be a joke or you may be into it, but the Phil Elmore books are worth a look for the covers alone, Flashlight Fighting: How to Make Your Pocket Flashlight a Take-Anywhere Self-Defense Weapon, Street Sword: Practical Use of the Long Blade for Self-Defense, Short Hand Empty Hand, etc.
It's up there with the likes of Phil Elmore's Street Sword
Shit, I thought this was a shop or some shit, maybe a blog.
It's an actual book.
://www.amazon.com/Street-Sword-Practical-Blade-Self-Defense/dp/1581605986
It's a steal at only $86!
The reviews for it are genius, or the first one is at least
If you are in to reading, "A killing art" is a good read.
http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Art-Untold-History-Kwon/dp/1770410228
There are a lot of people/schools out there that learn and teach a very mythological view of TKD. I once had someone try to tell me TKD was a thousand years old. I laughed at him. The short of it is that TKD's age is measured in decades, not centuries. It is a modified version of karate developed in the years following Japan's occupation of Korea. It has changed over the years - it was originally much closer to Karate than it is now, but the common roots are there. Essentially after the occupation, and having Korean culture subverted, they wanted to make something their own. Adapting Karate was really the simplest and easiest way to do so when you see all the factors that came into play.
I would recommend this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Art-Untold-History-Kwon/dp/1770410228/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346867883&sr=8-1&keywords=a+killing+art
As a good and interesting read. It doesn't have all of the answers, and some of it might be a little sensationalist (it's hard to say for sure), but it will change your perception in a big way!
I was lucky in a sense - I began with Tang Soo Do for many years as a child. Then when I started TKD, it was with ITF TKD in Australia. The standards were ridiculously high. Then when I came to the states, I could only find WTF TKD schools. That's where I ended up getting my 2nd dan (about to test for 3rd in 2 months). So I've seen a lot, heard a lot, and pieced together a pretty good idea of things along the way.
Stylistically ITF is more focused on real-life applications and I would consider the deadlier of the two. That's not to say all ITF schools are 'better' or 'deadlier' than all WTF schools, but that's the general trend. The roundhouse kick (what ITF calls turning kick) are different. In WTF you strike with the top of the foot with both foot and toes pointed. In ITF you strike with the ball of the foot. The blocking preparations are different too, but really in real life nobody does a full block anyway so it's kind of irrelevant.
In ITF you don't see people bouncing around much with their arms by their sides - punches to the head are perfectly legal (although honestly you won't see that at my school either and we're technically WTF because I train them for real life not sport). That changes the sparring dynamic a lot - the ITF you'll see more varied attacks and more frequent attacks. One of the things I hate about WTF is the rules have made it so there is a very narrow band of kicks that score and that's all everyone uses.
They have different poomsae - I like some of the WTF ones better, some of the ITF ones better. But then everyone has their favorites in any style. I dunno if that's more along the lines of what you're looking for?
Read the book: Jiu-Jitsu on the Brain by Mark Johnson. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006V5AFYE.
I got my copy on kindle. Inexpensive and insightful. It explains a lot of what to expect when you start training, including some really good etiquette advice.
https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Triangle-Chokes-Submission-Grappling/dp/193660809X?crid=291V4UUD7YK9K&keywords=neil+melanson+mastering+triangle+chokes&qid=1540698197&sprefix=neil+melan%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-1&ref=sr_1_1
Sitting beside me while I'm in work today;
x1 Blue Belt.
x1 Ankle brace/sock thing.
x1 Manto Shorts.
x1 Grey Lidl (or maybe Aldi) Rashguard/Compression top.
x1 Black Lidl (or Aldi) Spats/Compression leggings.
x1 Red T-shirt.
x1 Black tracksuit pants
x1 Red Flipflops
x1 Gumshield
x2 Grip tape
x1 Padlock and key
x1 1L bottle of water
x1 Mastering Triangle Chokes
x1 Bag of Jelly babies.
x? Multiple plasters of various sizes
x1 Pair of runners
Only difference is if it's gi or (tonight) no-gi.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/193660809X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520313950&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=neil+triangles&dpPl=1&dpID=51nbY6G%2BgmL&ref=plSrch
Check out Neil Melanson’s book “Mastering Triangle Chokes”.
His setups are awesome, but the biggest take away for me - and this applies to all sub setups, not just triangles - is his philosophy of giving your opponent a problem to solve. Their reaction to solving that problem will have them give you the setup.
Here’s Neil demoing this - hand choke setup for the triangle.
Ryan Hall calls this “your money or your life”. The hip bump triangle is an example of this. The hip bump forces them to post, to prevent getting swept. Posting puts their arm a long way from their body, giving you the leg-through triangle setup.
Anyone who has been doing bjj for more ham a few months will recognize undisguised and unforced setups a mile away, and shut them down.
This book?
https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Triangle-Chokes-Submission-Grappling/dp/193660809X
Neil Melanson's Mastering Triangle Chokes
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Hopefullly its cheaper somewhere else then Amazon: https://imgur.com/a/5UExkq9
​
For those who dont want to hit the link:
Amazon has it listed for: 3,214.79
https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Triangle-Chokes-Submission-Grappling/dp/193660809X
Ask, and ye shall receive. It was out of print when i first looked for it, but last week, this appeared in my Amazon feed. New editions, ~$26.
They just did a new printing and it's like 27 bucks now. I grabbed it just because I know at some point I'm going to want to get dope with it, and this is the cheapest it's gonna get. Did finish my first triangle in ages though, so thumbs up.
https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Triangle-Chokes-Submission-Grappling/dp/193660809X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496117512&sr=8-1&keywords=mastering+the+triangle
The whole asshole thing is possible. I'm super friendly, but I'm sure there's a handful of people who only took away negative impressions of me from short interactions, and if I was famous they'd remember "Oh yeah so and so is a dick," whenever I was mentioned.
I think it was the intro to this:
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Jujitsu-Martial-Arts-Series/dp/0736044043
Mentions Danaher has a PhD from Columbia
http://fightland.vice.com/blog/in-the-racket-the-mystery-of-danaher
Book bio on Amazon mentioned Danaher has a PhD from Columbia
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Jujitsu-Martial-Arts-Series/dp/0736044043
My instructor received his black belt with Danaher and constantly speaks of his philosophies on strategy and branching in Jiu Jitsu. My instructor still trains with Danaher, GSP, and other Renzo team members and was a coach for GSP and Danaher during season 10 of TUF.
Yes, I agree with OP in a sense that you are learning how to solve puzzles and through drilling and muscle memory making decisions under duress that are inline with the strategy you have planned and are attempting to implement while changing and adjusting tactics. Is Nick Diaz a scholar? No, but he does have a high fight IQ and understanding of his sport, just like an illiterate person could be a very talented musician. Just like how a chess master may have a high IQ, but low emotional or social IQ.
I've heard of people recommending the Masterclass series, although they're damn expensive.
Myself, I'm debating buying these books because people around me seem to hold them in high esteem. Also, they're Canadian.
This book was mentioned a couple of days ago:
http://www.amazon.com/Way-Warrior-Martial-Fighting-Styles/dp/0756639751/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1310027174&sr=1-4
Also wikipeida:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_martial_arts
How about a coffee table book that combines martial arts and photography:
http://www.amazon.com/Way-Warrior-Martial-Fighting-Styles/dp/0756639751/ref=la_B001NWTJSI_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1418652802&sr=1-1
and some supplies for his calligraphy hobby like a book of different techniques: http://www.amazon.com/Calligraphers-Bible-Complete-Alphabets-Draw/dp/0764156152/ref=la_B000APU7TO_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1418652881&sr=1-1
and some pens: http://www.amazon.com/Zig-Memory-Calligraphy-Markers-Multicolor/dp/B0050JKNFI/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1418652914&sr=1-1&pebp=1418652916253
There's also a great section on knives in Meditations on Violence by Rory Miller. The point he makes is that the idea of a kali/escrima/whatever knife fight, two opponents squaring off armed equally is very rare, and often a kind of "monkey dance" social ritual rather than a real attempt to kill. The person who wants to kill you with a knife won't let you see it until it is inside you. I'd also recommend you check out Knife Fighting Lessons From Folsom Prison for a study on actual knife violence.
Really good book on knife fighting written by the masters of knife fighting.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0873644840?pc_redir=1404797546&robot_redir=1
Here is the mobile version of your link
Bruce Lee pretty much invented MMA. His style was called Jeet Kune Do. He took the best parts about each form of fighting and incorporated it into one style. https://www.amazon.com/Tao-Jeet-Kune-Do-Expanded/dp/0897502027
Semi-related, another great but underrated book on martial arts is Living the Martial Way by Forrest Morgan.
A book about martial arts would work if they are into that sort of thing. Two books I can think of:
A Killing Art: The Untold History of Tae Kwon Do A history of taekwondo and its unfortunate association with Korean politics.
Living the Martial Way About eastern philosophy and the martial arts. Taekwondo was Forest E. Morgan's first art.
Jiu Jitsu University is a great starter book as many have suggested, then i'd highly recommend going on to the Guard series by Ed Beneville and Joe Moreira. They are comprehensive and incredibly detailed, the only trouble is finding them on sale at a decent price.
http://www.amazon.com/Passing-Guard-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-Techniques/dp/0972109765/ref=pd_sim_b_2
There's a book out there called Passing the Guard. It's excellent and is absolutely worth the money. The authors talk a lot about theory and the finer points of technique, and there are some obscure techniques in there that most people probably haven't seen.
I think that like everything else, the best choice is going to depend on your build and style and what he's used to defending against. Also, is this gi or no gi?
That's a good recommendation. I’ve liked all of Beneville’s work, but his first book, “Passing the Guard,” remains my favorite. It was impossible to get until he came out with the second edition reprint.
While putting together this list, I was surprised by how many BJJ books from the past 10 years are out of print. Half of Kid Peligro’s books are unavailable, and you’ve probably seen used copies of “The Gracie Way” going for $50-100 on Amazon. Talking with Marshal Carper, a writer for Victory Belt who did Marcelo’s new book, he talked about how little longevity martial arts books get and how rare reprints are.
I am putting together a similar list of recommendations for DVDs, but there are so many advertising “from white to blue belt” that it’s going to take me a while to sort through them and make my final decisions. Roy Dean’s set is good though, and what I’ve seen of Kesting’s Roadmap DVDs is good too, but they are out of stock now.
Here.
As far as these things go, it's a pretty good book. He breaks down virtually all of the tangibles in his fighting system with decent written description together with exhaustive photos. What you won't get, and what I think you can't really get from a book, are the intangibles that allowed him to link it all together into a seamless whole. But take it for what it's worth. I feel like I definitely gained from it.
fedor's is actually good.
fedor
Yoink.
hmmm. Not sure about videos for beginners, but this is what I give all of my friends I convince to start BJJ https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
Pick up a book called BJJ university. Its fantastic and will give you all the essentials you need to survive on the ground.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jiu-jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
Came here to make sure this was mentioned. Derp, of course it is. It's a nice big book, textbook size with clear photos and great techniques.
Good deal on Amazon, 22 bucks and change. https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
What I find helpful:
http://www.bjjlegends.com/maps/whitebeltmindmap_files/whitebeltmindmap.html
https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
http://secure.gracieacademy.com/categories/dvds/GSD-GCDVD.html (they catch a lot of flak for various reasons, but I like this a whole lot to supplement class).
I just got Jiu-Jitsu University and absolutely love it. And you are correct, the white belt section is just survival positions.
I don't really know what the other sections are focused on as I am not going to read them until I have the corresponding belt.
https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
You need to buy Saulos book:
http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
It will explain a lot. It is a go to encyclopedia of bjj. I really wish I had bought it sooner. You should just study the first and second chapter for now.
I have and throughly recommend the following:
Jiu-Jitsu University
Drill to Win
Advanced Brazilian Jiujitsu Techniques
Yes, each technique is presented as a sequence of pictures, sometimes from two different angles. Take a look here. You can click on 'LOOK INSIDE' to see some sample pages.
Get this book: Jiu-Jitsu University
https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434/ref=sr_1_1?crid=A2PG8M8L4R5C
And practice everything in the white belt chapter. It is appropriately titled "Survival". The blue belt chapter is "Escapes".
Practice makes perfect. As you said you only have 2 lessons behind you, upper belts having their way with you is par for the course. If you keep going you will get better. In the meantime order this book, it'll point you in the right direction.
Check out this book.
http://www.amazon.com/Drill-Win-Months-Brazillian-Jiu-Jitsu/dp/0981504485/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345999434&sr=1-1
i hope you get back into it in some way. The Martial Arts subreddits here are quite helpful.
A book also recently came out which you might find interesting.
> There's a book of which I read one or two sample chapters -- one being theory, the other IIRC Neil Ripski being interviewed about Drunken style
https://www.amazon.com/Research-Martial-Jonathan-Bluestein-Shifu/dp/1499122519
Here's another short one that makes for good beach/vacation reading and slow mental marination: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Immutable-Principles-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu/dp/1514109328/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=D0DXFH28CDMJWW032VEG
That White Belt to Blue Belt book helped me form some good training habits (like keeping a journal); this one articulates core principles in BJJ. For me this was important, because it's hard for me to remember all the details of every move and technique that the prof. teaches in class, and this book provided the skeleton on which all these techniques hang. Often before, I wouldn't understand the point of certain details of techniques and sequences, but after reading this, I had a much more solid conceptual framework that helped me "fill in the blanks" on things that I didn't understand before or details that I straight up forgot from other techniques.
So it's helped me make more sense of a lot of stuff that I've seen, specific, actionable areas in which I was/am weak, and understand new stuff much faster.
Paulo Guillobel book is awesome! Paulo Guillobel
You're right that Putin didn't force anyone to do anything - he encouraged it. Putin is a devoted follower of judo, the art of adding to your enemy's own momentum in order to defeat him. He wrote a book about it. So when Bush does something that makes people distrust us, Putin does everything he can to maximize the effect.
>the unpopularity for the war came from very different political and social parties.
That's how you know an external force was behind it. When you're trying to destabilize your enemy, you don't fund only his right wing, or his left wing - because your goal isn't to make him right-wing or left-wing - you fund extremists on both right and left. The goal of destabilization is to divide and paralyze your enemies, so they can't stop you from doing something like invading Ukraine, for example. Russia does that in the US too - in 2016 they supported not only right-wingers like Trump, but also extreme leftists like Jill Stein. Anything to encourage our instability.
No, I wasn't in Europe at that time, but it's still true.
Edit: quote from Putin's book:
>This decisive victory gave judo's creator the chance to confirm that he was right about the importance of a set of techniques - like kuzushi - for putting an opponent off-balance in preparation for a throw. Any novice judoka knows that today. But at the time, for many people, the technique was a revelation. Jigoro Kano himself maintained that kuzushi was an important stage of a throw, since an opponent, even a more powerful one, can be overcome without too much effort after being properly off-balanced.
https://www.amazon.com/Judo-History-Practice-Vladimir-Putin/dp/1556434456
Putin literally wrote the book on Judo
I really doubt it, Victory Belt was/is a pretty small publisher- for a while it was a hard enough to find an English version of some their books. Is there any Russian BJJ books? I am sure there is a shitload of good and bad Judo books in Russian written or not written by Putin.
https://amzn.com/1556434456
I second corduroyblack's advice. If you want some reading material to review techniques between classes, I recommend Complete Krav Maga and Black Belt Krav Maga.
Again, nothing beats practice, and you won't learn by reading alone.
Complete Krav Maga - Darren Levine
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Krav-Maga-Self-defense-Techniques/dp/1569755736/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312127017&sr=8-1
And my instructors are a part of Krav Maga Global, but their website doesn't give too much info:
http://krav-maga.com/exclusive-krav-maga-training/grading-system
Are there any Krav Maga books that you would recommend?
I used to do Tae Kwon Do (for fitness, flexibility etc not self defense) I am looking to get back into something but with more of a focus on self defense.
How about:
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/1569755736?tag=kramagtorfigf-20&camp=213385&creative=390985&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1569755736&adid=0FEAABCS2DVJZEMH21MH&
Thanks for the advice, and as for learning Krav on your own-- There is a book available written by Darren Levine, called Complete Krav Maga that I have have, which is great; especially for review. Darren does a great job thoroughly going through the curriculum, but like anything else, could never match having an instructor. I'm sure teaching yourself some of the level 1 techniques, such as basic combatives and proper fight stance correctly is possible. However, any of the more advanced techniques such as ground fighting and especially weapon defenses/combatives, having a teacher's supervision is crucial.
Probably this
He trained with the author of this.
Don't you just feel awfully silly now
https://www.amazon.com/Street-Sword-Practical-Blade-Self-Defense/dp/1581605986
The link to this masterpiece
Holy Shit ! Your New Sword Book.
Checking it out now, thanks.
http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434
As a Christian, I am obligated to mention the Bible.
Complete Krav Maga is very good as well: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Krav-Maga-Self-Defense-Techniques/dp/1569755736/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334774982&sr=8-1
Can't pass up this beauty of a book.
https://www.amazon.com/Street-Sword-Practical-Blade-Self-Defense/dp/1581605986