8 Best-Selling Jiu-Jitsu Books Millions Trust

Endorsed by Alyson Stoner, founder of Movement Genius, and Rener Gracie, Gracie University co-owner, these Jiu-Jitsu books offer expert-backed, best-selling guidance.

Updated on June 26, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in a discipline as nuanced as Jiu-Jitsu. With millions of practitioners worldwide and growing interest in martial arts for fitness and self-defense, choosing the right guides can shape your journey profoundly. These eight best-selling Jiu-Jitsu books have stood the test of time and expert scrutiny, offering proven value for practitioners at every level.

Experts like Saulo Ribeiro, a six-time world champion and head instructor at the University of Jiu-Jitsu, and Rener Gracie, co-owner of Gracie University and fourth-degree black belt, have highlighted the importance of foundational knowledge paired with strategic insight. For instance, Alyson Stoner, founder of Movement Genius, praises Transforming Trauma with Jiu-Jitsu for its unique approach to healing through martial arts, reflecting the sport’s broader impact beyond competition.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks and detailed techniques, readers seeking content tailored specifically to their background, skill level, and goals might consider creating a personalized Jiu-Jitsu book that combines these validated approaches into a custom roadmap for success.

Best for comprehensive skill mastery
Saulo Ribeiro is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion, lawyer, and judge who leads the renowned University of Jiu-Jitsu in San Diego. His extensive competitive success and teaching expertise underpin this book, which distills his proven system into a guide accessible to practitioners at every level. Drawing on decades of experience, Ribeiro crafted this manual to share the techniques and principles that have shaped his career, making it a valuable resource for anyone serious about mastering the art.
Jiu-Jitsu University book cover

by Saulo Ribeiro··You?

2008·368 pages·Martial Arts, Jiu-Jitsu, Grappling Techniques, Positional Control, Submission Holds

The methods Saulo Ribeiro developed while dominating the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world unfold in this detailed manual, offering more than 200 techniques that guide you from white to black belt. As a six-time world champion and respected instructor, Ribeiro exposes common pitfalls and provides precise corrections, enhancing your grappling skills and tactical understanding. Chapters focus on practical drills, positional dominance, and escape strategies, making it clear this isn’t just a collection of moves but a system crafted through elite competition and teaching. Whether you’re a beginner or advancing practitioner, this book sharpens your technique and deepens your grasp of jiu-jitsu’s complexities.

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Best for trauma-informed practitioners
Alyson Stoner, founder of Movement Genius and a mental health advocate, has praised this book for its clear and practical approach to reconnecting with your body through movement. Having followed Dr. Jamie Marich’s work closely, she appreciates how the book opens new paths for trauma survivors to manage daily life with resilience and empowerment. "This book is a gateway to a full, expansive, and authentic life," she says, highlighting its impact on nervous system regulation and self-expression. Similarly, Rener Gracie, co-owner of Gracie University and a fourth-degree black belt, endorses the book’s mission to extend jiu-jitsu’s protective legacy into trauma healing, recommending it to instructors and practitioners committed to safe, empowering training environments.

Recommended by Alyson Stoner

Founder of Movement Genius and Mental Health Advocate

I’ve closely followed Dr. Jamie’s collection of movement work because of her unique ability to simplify critical concepts while providing clear and practical tools to reconnect with your body and heal. Jamie and collaborator Anna help trauma survivors like myself see new possibilities and options for managing daily life, which builds a sense of resilience and feeling empowered in our decisions. Together they give ideas for how people can sensitively and effectively access movement and the martial arts, which provide immediate short-term benefits as well as long-term shifts in our nervous system, overall posture, and self-expression. This book is a gateway to a full, expansive, and authentic life and I’m so thankful they’ve made this kind of deep transformation available for everyone.

2022·304 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, PTSD, Trauma Recovery, Self-Defense, Mindfulness

Jamie Marich, PhD, blends her extensive background in trauma therapy and mindfulness with martial arts expertise to offer an unconventional recovery path through jiu-jitsu. This book teaches you how trauma manifests physically and how embodied practices like jiu-jitsu can restore connection to your body and regulate your nervous system. Detailed chapters cover grounding techniques, self-defense moves tailored for trauma survivors, and guidance for therapists integrating these methods into treatment plans. Whether you're a survivor, a clinician, or a martial arts instructor, you'll find concrete tools to foster safety, empowerment, and healing in yourself or those you support.

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Best for personal grappling plans
This AI-created book on Jiu-Jitsu mastery is crafted based on your background, skill level, and specific interests in grappling techniques. You share which areas you want to develop and your goals, and the book focuses on those exact topics, giving you a personalized roadmap for improvement. Because Jiu-Jitsu blends physical skill with strategy, tailoring the content helps you learn more efficiently and deepen your understanding in ways that standard books can’t offer. This custom guide ensures you get the insights that matter most to your practice.
2025·50-300 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals, Positional Control, Submission Techniques, Guard Passing

This tailored Jiu-Jitsu book explores battle-tested techniques and personalized insights to help you build mastery in grappling. It covers core principles, positional control, submissions, and strategic transitions, all adapted to your experience level and specific goals. By focusing on your interests and background, the book reveals proven approaches that millions have found valuable, blending foundational skills with advanced tactics for competition and self-defense. This personalized guide enables a focused learning experience designed to deepen your understanding and enhance your performance on the mat.

Tailored Content
Grappling Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for advanced strategic training
Mastering Jujitsu offers a rigorous look into Brazilian jiu-jitsu, presented by Renzo Gracie, a prominent competitor and instructor in the field. This book has attracted a wide audience due to its clear breakdown of techniques paired with strategic insights, helping practitioners from beginners to experienced black belts. It methodically addresses the flow of combat, teaching you how to maintain control and exploit opportunities across different fight phases. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your competition skills or refine your understanding of close combat, this work serves as a solid foundation and guide in the world of jiu-jitsu.
Mastering Jujitsu (Mastering Martial Arts) book cover

by Renzo Gracie, John Danaher, Jr. Carlos Gracie·You?

2003·248 pages·Martial Arts, Jiu-Jitsu, Combat Strategy, Grappling Techniques, Fight Phases

Drawing from decades of competitive experience and family legacy, Renzo Gracie distills the essence of Brazilian jiu-jitsu in this detailed exploration. You’ll gain not only technical insights, such as transitioning smoothly between combat phases, but also strategic frameworks for countering opponents whether on top or bottom positions. The book includes over 250 photos that illustrate key movements, making complex techniques accessible and actionable. If you’re seeking to deepen your understanding beyond basics and develop comprehensive fight plans, this book offers a methodical progression suited for practitioners committed to mastering the art.

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Best for beginners building strong foundations
Zen Jiu Jitsu - White to Blue offers a clear approach to navigating the often confusing early stages of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This manual distills complex ideas into accessible concepts, helping white belts gain confidence and competence quickly. Its focus on both competition and self-defense applications makes it relevant for anyone starting in Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, or grappling. By addressing common questions about guard usage, posture, and mount control, it guides you through essential tactical considerations and includes motivational advice to keep you progressing toward your blue belt.
Zen Jiu Jitsu - White to Blue book cover

by Mr Oliver Staark·You?

2013·118 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Martial Arts, Grappling, Self Defense, Competition Strategy

While working closely with beginner martial artists, Mr Oliver Staark noticed how overwhelming the early stages of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be. His book breaks down core concepts like guard utilization, posture, and mount control in straightforward terms, focusing on conceptual understanding rather than just techniques. You learn to navigate the fundamental positions and tactical choices essential for progressing from white to blue belt, with practical drills and motivational strategies woven throughout. This book suits newcomers eager to build a solid conceptual foundation and overcome initial confusion in both sport and self-defense contexts.

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Best for practical self-defense skills
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Self-Defense Techniques offers a focused approach on real-world applications of jiu-jitsu beyond competitive sport. This guide reflects the practical lessons taught by Royce Gracie, a central figure in popularizing the art, emphasizing techniques that anyone can use to defend against common street threats. The book covers defenses against knives, guns, choke holds, and headlocks, making it relevant for those interested in personal safety and martial arts training alike. Its methods have found acceptance in military and police training, highlighting its practical value for broad audiences seeking effective self-defense solutions.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Self-Defense Techniques (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series) book cover

by Royce Gracie, Charles Gracie, Tom Page, Kid Peligro·You?

2002·272 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Self Defense, Martial Arts, Street Fighting, Physical Fitness

When Royce Gracie, a pivotal figure in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, shares his self-defense techniques, you get a direct line to practical skills that extend beyond sport. This book translates the art into effective moves anyone can apply to neutralize threats like knife or gun attacks and common street holds, emphasizing technique over brute strength. You learn how to fall, roll, and escape dangerous situations, mirroring the training used by military and police forces. If you're looking to build confidence and practical defense skills without athletic prerequisites, this book offers clear, grounded instruction that respects real-life scenarios.

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Best for personal skill acceleration
This AI-created book on Jiu-Jitsu is tailored to your skill level, background, and training goals. By sharing what aspects of Jiu-Jitsu you want to improve and your current experience, the book focuses on delivering exactly what you need to accelerate your progress. It’s designed to match your interests with proven knowledge, making your 30-day training journey both effective and engaging. This personalized approach ensures you skip generic advice and train smarter, not harder.
2025·50-300 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Skill Improvement, Training Plans, Submission Techniques, Positional Control

This tailored book explores rapid improvement strategies specifically designed for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners seeking focused skill advancement. It examines key techniques, training drills, and mindset adjustments that align precisely with your background and goals. By concentrating on what matters most to you, this personalized guide reveals pathways to accelerate your learning curve and enhance performance efficiently. The book blends widely appreciated insights with your unique interests, creating a tailored experience that maximizes your progress during a 30-day period. Whether aiming to refine submissions, improve positional control, or boost conditioning, this resource addresses your specific objectives and skill level, making every training session count.

Tailored Guide
Skill Progression
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for tactical mindset development
Jiu-Jitsu Unleashed offers a unique perspective on the sport through Eddie Bravo’s firsthand experience defeating a legendary opponent. This guide stands out for combining practical instruction with strategic insights, making it a definitive resource for those serious about mastering jiu-jitsu’s complex ground fighting techniques. The book’s inclusion of detailed photos and explanations ensures you grasp not only how to perform moves but why they work, benefiting practitioners aiming to elevate their competitive edge and deepen their understanding of this martial art.
2005·216 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Martial Arts, Strategy, Ground Fighting, Submissions

The breakthrough moment came when Eddie Bravo detailed the move that secured his historic win over Royler Gracie, marking a shift in how practitioners view ground fighting in jiu-jitsu. Unlike many martial arts guides that focus solely on technique, this book delves into the mindset and strategies behind training and competing at elite levels. You’ll learn not just the fundamental stances and submissions, but also the reasoning behind each move, illustrated through step-by-step photos featuring Joe Rogan. This makes it particularly suited for martial artists eager to understand the tactical depths of jiu-jitsu rather than just memorize physical maneuvers.

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Best for ground control specialists
Passing the Guard: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Details and Techniques, Vol. 1 offers a unique concentration on one of the most crucial yet intricate facets of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: passing the guard. This book’s thorough approach, featuring more than 50 passing techniques along with submissions and follow-up moves, addresses a core challenge for many grapplers. Its inclusion of solo and partner drills to develop power, flexibility, and coordination sets it apart as a resource that supports both skill acquisition and physical conditioning. Ideal for anyone looking to deepen their ground game, this guide fills a vital niche in martial arts literature by focusing exclusively on guard passing.
2003·200 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Ground Fighting, Guard Passing, Submissions, Grappling Drills

What started as a focused exploration by Ed Beneville and Tim Cartmell into one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's most pivotal elements—passing the guard—became an essential manual for grapplers seeking depth beyond basics. You discover over 50 detailed techniques to navigate and overcome an opponent's guard, along with submissions and follow-ups that elevate your ground strategy. The book also offers targeted drills to enhance your power and flexibility, essential for executing these maneuvers effectively. If your aim is to refine a critical, yet often underemphasized, aspect of your BJJ game, this volume offers both breadth and precision, making it especially beneficial for practitioners focused on ground dominance and technical mastery.

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Best for new white belts' growth mindset
Chris Matakas is a High Performance Psychology Coach and founder of the Matakas Jiu Jitsu Academy in New Jersey. With fifteen books integrating Jiu Jitsu and personal development, he specializes in guiding high performers who embrace the sport to shape their lives intentionally. His deep expertise and track record of coaching hundreds of students worldwide underpin this book’s approach to mastering foundational Jiu Jitsu principles for lasting success.
5 Rules for White Belts book cover

by Chris Matakas··You?

2021·116 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Martial Arts, Training Philosophy, Growth Mindset, Technical Development

Chris Matakas draws on his extensive experience as a High Performance Psychology Coach and founder of a Jiu Jitsu academy to address the confusion many beginners face when starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This book lays out a clear framework for white belts, focusing on foundational principles like growth mindset, efficient movement, and training philosophy applicable across positions. You'll gain concrete insights into measuring progress, balancing techniques with principles, and fostering strong teammate relationships. Whether you're new to the sport or seeking a structured path for steady improvement, this book helps you build a solid base to advance confidently.

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Trusted by thousands of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and endorsed by top experts

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Conclusion

Together, these eight books form a robust foundation for anyone serious about Jiu-Jitsu, blending established techniques with strategic thinking and personal growth principles. Whether you want to master the fundamentals with Jiu-Jitsu University or explore trauma recovery through Transforming Trauma with Jiu-Jitsu, these selections reflect widely adopted, expert-validated methods.

If you prefer proven methods, start with Jiu-Jitsu University or 5 Rules for White Belts to build solid basics. For validated tactical insights, combine Mastering Jujitsu and Passing the Guard for advanced ground control mastery. Practical self-defense enthusiasts will find Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Self-Defense Techniques invaluable.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Jiu-Jitsu book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed and can guide your training journey effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Jiu-Jitsu University or 5 Rules for White Belts. They offer clear fundamentals and mindset coaching to build your skills confidently from the ground up.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Jiu-Jitsu?

Not at all. Books like Zen Jiu Jitsu and 5 Rules for White Belts are designed especially for beginners, focusing on foundational concepts and practical drills.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with beginner-focused books, then progress to tactical guides like Mastering Jujitsu and Passing the Guard. Finally, explore specialized topics such as trauma recovery for deeper insight.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick one based on your goals, but combining foundational and strategic books provides a well-rounded understanding that benefits long-term progress.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Mastering Jujitsu and Jiu-Jitsu Unleashed blend theory and practice, while Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Self-Defense Techniques prioritizes real-world application for safety and confidence.

How can I tailor these expert insights to my unique Jiu-Jitsu goals?

Great question! While these expert books offer proven methods, creating a personalized Jiu-Jitsu book lets you combine popular strategies with your skill level and objectives for focused, efficient learning. Try creating your own custom guide to get started.

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