Standard DVD Package

Wow! This is an excellent DVD set. It covers the basic self defense curriculum for Gracie Jiu Jitsu (known in the sport/competitive world as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) up to blue belt level. The level of detail in the instruction is incredible. The structure of the curriculum that is presented is outstanding. You are presented with 36 individual lessons dealing with individual techniques and variations within them that, per the Gracie brothers, are the most commonly needed for self defense (not necessarily for competition). Then these are blended into relatively simple reflex drills that help reinforce the techniques as well as transitions between the techniques. The techniques are then further blended into slightly more complex fight simulation drills that provide the opportunity to practice combinations of techniques in a more complete type of self defense situation. Knowing technique is not enough. Being able to transition from one technique to another quickly and smoothly is a critical skill. Indicators are provided to help you know when you should transition to which technique to give the maximum probability of success. This complete combination of information is something I haven't seen in other similar DVD sets. For those who wish to test for a blue belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu, there are complete instructions on how to present your test in video format to the Gracie Jiu Jitsu headquarters for evaluation. I expect that a lot of people will object to the idea that you can do such a test by video. But there are stringent requirements for how you must set up the test (no multiple takes on an individual technique, or technique combination, within the test for example; it must all be one continuous video). The test you must present on video is exactly the same test that would be conducted if you were testing in person at the Gracie headquarters. Even for the video testing you must have a training partner providing adequate resistance and who is also trained enough in the system to convincingly play the role of the "bad guy" for the different techniques. It's not easy or a sure thing that you would pass. The Gracie brothers point out that there is a 50 percent fail rate on the testing. Bottom line, I have never seen a DVD training curriculum as complete and thorough as this one. It also very well produced and the presentation quality is excellent. The Gracie brothers are clearly experts on the material they are presenting. Having trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu myself at a sport/competitive school to blue belt level, and having purchased Brazilian Jiu Jitsu DVDs in the past to supplement my in-person training, I was doubtful of the value of these kind of DVDs when I came across them. But I read a lot of reviews, mostly positive (some not so much), and decided to take a chance on them. I am so glad that I did. They greatly exceeded my expectations. I am using them actively now as a supplement to in person training. These are the best DVDs of their kind that I have ever come across.

I have a big martial arts dvd library and I can say that this BJJ dvd package contains the the best instructional video series I have ever come across. The quality and presentation of videos are excellent, navigation is also excellent. The series are broken into a lesson format, each lesson explains a new BJJ technique with several variations from the blue belt curriculum starting from zero level and progressing to more advanced techniques. The instructors have a passion for teaching, they provide very good explanations for someone brand new to BJJ world and then demonstrate each BJJ technique on themselves, the videos were filmed in Gracie BJJ club. They said that there is no bad student only bad teachers, I liked that phrase a lot. They also advise the training schedule in order to progress to the blue belt. I do not have time to go to BJJ club since I am doing a lot of other sports, however I felt that I need to at least understand what BJJ is all about for self-defence purposes. After just watching lesson one I knew how to escape if someone for example decides to throw me on the floor, sit on top of me and punch me in the face. I highly recommend this to all BJJ students as a home study and also as an additional material for students of BJJ club or to someone who wants to start training at home before joining BJJ club. You don't want to come to the club as a complete novice because you will constantly be underneath of a more senior student who will be trying to chock you. You can become blue belt if you train at home provided you follow the schedule and have a training partner, no doubt about that. The blue belt test can be done online and sent to Gracie University for assessment after which you will be on their belt register, all details provided on gracieuniversity.com website. I read some negative comments on the net about online belt assessments, those grumpy people do not understand that for some students this is the only option available to learn from the BJJ experts. Also I don't want to do BJJ with some big sweaty guys I don't know, I prefer training at home with my husband. This package is also available from Gracie University website as online subscription, they also sell Gracie BJJ uniform etc.

This is a great program, and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in practical self-defense, especially if they are unable to attend classes in person. The discs are not a grab-bag of techniques like so many others, which you are supposed to absorb in passing. Instead, this is a full BJJ course of the 36 most important techniques, with a program of learning, practice, and review. Each lesson is designed to be done 3 times before completing the course, which is recommended to be run again. Thereafter, the practitioner can use the related web-site to begin application for belts and promotions. As regards the material covered, it is a street self-defense version of BJJ. This is not the sport version, nor is it the MMA version. They would both cover different material. Rather, these techniques are most effective against any opponent who is not familiar with BJJ. Even if they have experience with another martial art, these moves will confound them, especially if they rely on striking (as so many do). Also, as my wife and I have found out, these techniques are truly geared towards the smaller fighter. I am 6'2", while my wife is 5'2", and she cackles with glee when she ties me in knots, unable to even struggle free. For any woman who is concerned about personal safety, and has a training partner at the ready, this is a highly worthwhile course. BJJ moves are very unconventional, and sometimes defy logic. But they work. It seems they are specifically designed to prevent sexual assault. I hope many women are able to take advantage of this course.