7 Jiu-Jitsu Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Richard Bresler's decades of firsthand experience as the first American student of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu shape this memoir into a vivid account of the martial art's rise in the United States. You get an insider's view of the Gracie family's influence, from training with legendary figures like Rorion and Hélio Gracie to witnessing the birth of the UFC firsthand. The book dives into how Jiu-Jitsu served as a lifeline for Bresler, helping him overcome addiction and depression, while also exploring his contributions to Krav Maga and alternative health practices. If you're seeking a personal yet detailed history intertwined with practical insights into martial arts culture, this book offers that unique perspective.

Drawing from her extensive work in trauma therapy and mindfulness, Jamie Marich, PhD, alongside Anna Pirkl LMFT, presents an approach that integrates Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into trauma recovery. You’ll explore how trauma imprints on the body and how embodied practices like Jiu-Jitsu can help survivors regain safety, grounding, and agency. The book offers 10 grounding practices, self-defense techniques, and guidance for therapists and martial arts instructors to create trauma-sensitive environments. Whether you’re a survivor seeking new ways to heal or a practitioner aiming to support trauma-informed care, this book bridges martial arts and mental health in a practical, embodied way.

This tailored book explores the art and science of mastering Jiu-Jitsu techniques and mindset, crafted specifically to match your background and goals. It guides you through essential positions, submissions, and transitions, while examining mental approaches that foster resilience and focus on the mats. By integrating key concepts with your personal interests, it reveals a pathway to refine your skills efficiently and deepen your understanding of Jiu-Jitsu’s strategic complexity. This personalized guide encourages a learning experience designed just for you, addressing your unique challenges and aspirations within this dynamic martial art.

When Robert Drysdale, a rare dual IBJJF and ADCC World Champion with a history degree, embarked on exploring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's roots, he uncovered a story more nuanced than the usual origin myths. This book walks you through the contested beginnings of BJJ, questioning the roles of Mitsuyo Maeda and the Gracie family while weaving in historical research and interviews that deepen your understanding of the art's evolution. You'll gain insights into the blend of Judo, Maeda's unique style, and Brazil's cultural context that shaped BJJ into a global phenomenon. If you're serious about the art’s history and its modern implications, this book offers both context and fresh perspectives that challenge common narratives.

Drawing from decades as the architect of a self-defense revolution, Helio Gracie presents a deeply detailed exploration of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu that goes beyond mere technique. You learn precise moves through over 1,100 photographs that break down each position and hold, enriched by his personal philosophy emphasizing empowerment and courage. The inclusion of the Gracie Diet chapter reveals how lifestyle ties into martial mastery, offering a holistic approach seldom found in martial arts manuals. If you're serious about mastering effective, size-neutral self-defense or want to understand the mindset behind the art, this book serves as both a technical compendium and a philosophical guide.

After years of teaching and competing, Travis Tooke crafted this book to reveal the gritty realities behind mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and applying its lessons beyond the mat. You dive into his journey from a troubled youth to a respected instructor, gaining insights on discipline, resilience, and leadership that shaped his success. Chapters detail not only technique but also the mindset shifts essential for both martial artists and entrepreneurs. If you're drawn to personal growth through Jiu-Jitsu's challenges, this book offers a candid perspective on balancing passion with perseverance in both sport and life.

This tailored book offers a focused 30-day action plan designed to enhance your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills efficiently and effectively. It explores key techniques, training routines, and mindset adjustments that align with your current experience and goals. By concentrating on your individual interests and background, the book provides a personalized pathway through essential concepts and practical drills, helping you make measurable progress in a short time. By examining critical skill areas and integrating tailored practice plans, this resource reveals how targeted effort can accelerate your development on the mats. The content is crafted to match your specific objectives, ensuring your learning journey stays relevant and engaging throughout the transformation.

Chris Matakas draws from his extensive experience as a High Performance Psychology Coach and founder of a Jiu Jitsu academy to explore how the sport transcends physical technique. This book articulates how Jiu Jitsu cultivates character traits like discipline, resilience, and self-mastery essential both on the mat and in life. You’ll learn to view your training environment as a deliberate challenge that shapes your mental and moral strength, not just your physical ability. Chapters focus on how Jiu Jitsu acts as a medium for personal growth, offering insights into the intersection of sport and human development. This is a thoughtful read for practitioners seeking depth beyond technique, though those focused solely on competition strategy might find it less relevant.

Robert Drysdale's decades of experience as a multiple-time World Champion and MMA fighter culminate in this thorough exploration of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's history and evolution. You learn how key figures like Carlson Gracie shaped modern BJJ through competition focus and how family rivalries fueled technical innovation across distinct eras. The book divides BJJ's development into four waves, detailing the transition from vale-tudo roots to global democratization, and examines the IBJJF's role in professionalizing the sport. If you're serious about understanding not just techniques but the cultural and historical forces behind BJJ's worldwide rise, this book offers a rich, chronological narrative grounded in insider expertise.