Level up your game and learn about the concepts and history of Brazilian jiu jitsu with these books
When you’re not on the mat, there are still plenty of ways to improve your jiu jitsu. one way is through a good book. There are many books on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu written by members of the Gracie family and other notable BJJ athletes and teachers. some of the following books are even free!
browse our list by category:
- Brazilian jiu jitsu general and/or concept-focused books
- mindset, motivation and journey books
- technique books
- mental performance
- bjj books for kids
- other
general and/or concept-focused books on Brazilian jiu jitsu
the black belt project: a smart approach to brazilian jiu-jitsu
The Black Belt Blueprint was written by Nic Gregoriades, Roger Gracie’s first Black Belt and a well-known BJJ teacher and podcaster. is a holistic guide to bjj and includes information on most aspects of the art, including a full chapter on concepts like breath control, using angles, and how to target joints effectively.
You are reading: Books on jiu jitsu
There are also chapters that cover techniques such as essential movements, defenses and attacks; “Invisible” jiu jitsu, how to improve your jiu jitsu off the mat, and the jiu jitsu lifestyle. there is something for everyone in this book.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu: theory and technique
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique was co-written by BJJ royalty, including Renzo and Gracie Royler, John Danaher, and Kid Danger. It is a general written guide to the art, including theory, history, the role of BJJ in MMA, and the belt system. most of the book is devoted to techniques structured according to the belt system.
Mastering the 21 Immutable Principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Manual for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Students
Mastering the 21 Immutable Principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a concise guide covering the fundamental principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Some principles are simple, like the 7 P’s of guard step and energy management, and others are analogies, like the “wet carpet” analogy and the “big rock” analogy.
At just over 100 pages, this is not a long book. it’s a great weekend read that will teach you bjj lessons you’ll cherish forever.
a roadmap for bjj
This free e-book is invaluable to beginners confused by the many positions and principles of Brazilian jiu jitsu. it’s basically a manual for your first few months of bjj and includes a summary of the six main positions in bjj, as well as a hierarchy to help you put them into perspective.
then reviews some sample concepts and illustrations showing what a possible game strategy might look like. it ends with more detailed information on each of the six main positions. Overall, this book is great for newbies and those looking for some clarity on the basics of bjj.
jiu jitsu training secrets: 101 tips & tricks every bjj player should know
this is another free but excellent ebook for those who really want to improve their jiu jitsu. It includes tips and tricks for all aspects of bjj, including various topics such as guard passes, leg locks, gym etiquette, fitness, and wellness. all advice is presented concisely so there is no padding or padding.
clash: the untold story of jiu-jitsu in brazil volumes 1, 2 and 3
if you are looking for a complete and unbiased history of brazilian jiu jitsu, roberto pedreira’s clash series is an excellent choice. The three extensive books cover the history of BJJ from its adaptation of Judo in Brazil, to its inclusion in live wrestling matches against Capoeira and Luta Livre practitioners, and its worldwide rise after Royce Gracie won the first UFC. it’s a deep dive into the historical side of art, making it more of a resource than an entertaining novel.
close guard opening: the origins of jiu-jitsu in brazil
If you’re interested in learning more about the founding myths and true history of Brazilian jiu jitsu, Opening Closed Guard will be an interesting read for you. Includes research and interviews that author and bjj legend robert drysdale conducted in brazil to respectfully explore the history of jiu jitsu.
It should also be noted that this book serves as a companion to Robert Drysdale’s soon to be released documentary “Closed Guard”.
5 rules for white belts by chris matakas
this book explores five key concepts useful for those starting to practice bjj. It is written by Chris Matakas, a black belt jiu jitsu instructor with Ricardo Almeida, and the author of five other books on BJJ. the book is short at just over 100 pages, and the rules include:
- remember you are a work in progress
- learn to learn
- jiu jitsu is the vehicle for something more
mindset, motivation and journey
breathe: a life in flow
there are few pioneers of bjj and mma as well known and respected as rickson gracie, son of helio gracie.
Breathe: A Life In Flow is Rickson’s memoir, covering not only his early family life and heritage, but also his career and life in MMA in the United States and Japan. also covers the birth of Brazilian jiu jitsu.
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Includes numerous photographs of Rickson and the Gracie family, and even has a foreword written by Jocko Willink, one of the other authors featured in this article.
on jiu jitsu
on jiu jitsu is another book by black belt and author chris matakas. explores how and why jiu jitsu enhances and shapes an individual. It’s a concise read at just over 100 pages, making it another great book to wrap up over a weekend.
jiu-jitsu on the brain
jiu jitsu on the brain is a collection of musings on jiu jitsu written by mark “west side” johnson, a black belt under the legendary pedro sauer. The book is quite short, less than 80 pages, and is divided into five sections that represent the five stages of learning jiu jitsu. it’s irreverent, entertaining, and covers all the real non-technique aspects of jiu jitsu.
Reflection topics are incredibly diverse and realistic, including farting while training, ringworm, gi selection, jiu jitsu daydreaming, jiu jitsu as a lover, and much more. this is a great book for someone just starting out in jiu jitsu.
motivation: life and success stories of Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts
Ever wonder what drives and motivates someone to earn a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu? author, trainer, and former police officer chuck rylant did it, so he interviewed 12 black belts to find out:
- what motivates them
- what lessons did they learn on their journey
- if their sacrifices were worth the reward
As with many of the books on this list, it’s short, barely over 100 pages, but it’s a great read. Get into the various stories, challenges, and rewards associated with earning a black belt.
becoming a black belt: a bjj journey by roy dean
roy dean is a well known master black belt in the bjj community with a great online training platform. Becoming a Black Belt is his second book after The Martial Apprentice, and details his journey learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The book is not only a description of Roy’s lifelong journey as a martial artist, but also describes the lessons he learned along the way.
master jiu-jitsu master life: how to create an extraordinary life through jiu-jitsu
Master Jiu-Jitsu Master Life discusses the journeys of many of the biggest names in BJJ, including Roger Gracie, Marcelo Garcia, and John Danaher through the lens of self-improvement. is divided into 22 chapters, each exploring a different success principle, with examples including visualization, ego, and discipline.
the fighter’s mind: inside the mental game
the fighter’s mind explores the mindset and mental performance of modern martial artists. The book is a collection of interviews with great fighters and thinkers like Ricardo Liborio, Marcelo Garcia, Josh Waitzkin, Renzo Gracie, Dan Gable, and more.
techniques
While technique books are still very useful, many of bjj’s elite athletes and instructors now post video technique content on various websites. you can read a full comparison of these sites in our guide to online bjj training platforms.
jiu-jitsu university
College Jiu-Jitsu is a comprehensive technical manual showing the key positions and techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is broken down into five key sections covering survivability, escapes, guarding, guard passing, and submissions.
Each section has a wealth of individual techniques demonstrated with numerous photos and written instructions. jiu jitsu university was created by the great competitor and master saulo ribeiro. It also features respected teacher John Danaher as technical editor. saulo’s online training library bjj library features much of the same content in video form.
jiu-jitsu unleashed: a complete guide to the world’s hottest martial arts discipline by eddie bravo
eddie bravo is one of the great innovators within bjj, famous for his tenth planet jiu jitsu system and techniques, and his innovation in bjj competition rule sets. his no gi jiu jitsu style is detailed in this book, including his “rubber protection” system. The techniques are illustrated with photos of Eddie demonstrating with famed UFC podcaster and commentator Joe Rogan.
the essence of brazilian jiu-jitsu by rigan machado
rigan machado is one of the pioneers of brazilian jiu jitsu and has contributed to the development and popularity of bjj around the world. His book The Essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a short book that begins with Rigan answering some frequently asked questions, such as the difference between gi and no gi. He then goes on to show images of techniques divided into arm locks, leg locks, chokes, and no gi.
master jujitsu
Mastering Jujitsu by Renzo Gracie and John Danaher is a comprehensive theoretical and practical guide to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) perspective. It begins with the history of bjj and a brief history of japan and martial arts.
It then goes on to explain the core concepts of BJJ during the various stages of a fight including the free movement phase, the clinch, ground fighting, the bottom position and the top position. The concepts are explained and illustrated with core BJJ techniques and positions. These techniques are explained with instructions and photos.
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The book also includes chapters on competition and self-defense. there’s something for everyone in this book, and if you’re looking for the reasoning behind the various aspects of bjj, you’ll enjoy it.
the fighter’s manual gi and no-gi techniques
The Fighter’s Manual is an extensive technical book written by Jean Jacques Machado, a pioneer of BJJ. the book mainly includes techniques with high quality photos and instructions. It is divided into chapters that include:
- attack from guard
- pass guard
- attack from above
- takedowns
- pull guard
- li>
- mma
the fighter’s handbook vol. 2: defense tactics
after the first manual of the fighter, the second volume of jean jacques focuses on defensive techniques. It is divided into the following chapters:
- fundamental concepts and moves
- defensive concepts and principles
- defending from below
- defending from above
- defending against back control
- defend from and against the guard
mental performance
bjj competitions are intense. In addition to refining their physical skills before they compete, successful competitors must also refine their mental skills. The books below are not specifically for bjj practitioners, but are still very helpful for those looking to up their mental game.
thinking about winning
Thinking About Winning was written by lanny bassham, an olympic gold medalist sports shooter. It focuses on helping you perform under pressure through Lanny’s Mind Management System. the system is based on growing three parts of his mind: his conscious mind, his subconscious mind, and his own image. some of the strategies include affirmations and rehearsal (mental practice).
sports psychology for dummies
Sport Psychology For Dummies is a clearly written and highly actionable book for those interested in doing their best jiu jitsu under the pressure of competition. introduces sports psychology and then focuses on the most important areas for competitors to improve. this includes mental toughness, motivation, focus, confidence, imagination, self-talk, and much more. you can also listen to dr. Leif H. smith, one of the authors, talking about some of the book’s concepts on bjj teacher stephen kesting’s podcast.
10 minute endurance: the mental training program to win before the game starts
If you’re looking for a simple way to increase your mental performance, 10 Minutes Hard is a good book to consider. It guides you through creating your own personalized mental and performance training routine that only takes a total of 10 minutes each time you train or compete.
bjj books for kids
the shih tzu who knew jiu-jitsu
This is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of Leo, a shih tzu, who learns jiu jitsu in an effort to combat bullying. It not only touches bjj and bullying, but also confidence.
jiu-jitsu and me
jiu jitsu and me tells the story of bobby, a boy who learns jiu jitsu after hearing stories from his school teacher. Like the other children’s books on this list, it tells a story of not just jiu jitsu, but trying new things, facing fears, and overcoming obstacles.
the path of the warrior boy: from weakling to warrior the path of the navy seal: a novel
way of the warrior kid is a children’s book about positive transformation through hard work. tells the story of marc, a fifth-grade student who is not having his best time at school because some subjects are costing him and he is bullied. This all changes when his uncle Jake, a Navy SEAL, comes to visit and introduces Marc to fitness, healthy eating, and jiu jitsu.
other
the globetrotter of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
the brazilian jiu jitsu globetrotter is the true story of christian graugart, the founder of bjj globetrotters, a bjj travel community. This free eBook is Christian’s account of his journey around the world and training BJJ, meeting interesting people, overcoming injuries and adversity, and much more.
kodokan judo: the essential guide to judo by its founder jigoro kano
Brazilian jiu jitsu was adapted in part from kodokan judo. this book is a deep dive into kodokan judo, including judo basics, techniques, forms, and health and fitness that may be of interest to some bjj practitioners.
honorable mentions
The books below relate to Brazilian jiu jitsu, but were not included in the list above because they did not fit neatly into the sections above, were too hard to find, or were prohibitively expensive at the time of writing:
- The Gracie Way: An Illustrated History of the World’s Greatest Martial Arts Family
- Marcelo Garcia Advanced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Gracie Submission Essentials : grandmaster and master secrets to finish a fight
- gracie jiu-jitsu
- exercise to win by andre galvao
- jiu jitsu – teaching children: sharing art with the next generation
did we miss a great bjj book? let us know below!