7 New Jiu-Jitsu Books Reshaping the Sport in 2025

Discover new Jiu-Jitsu books recommended by Rickson Gracie, Bernardo Faria, and Helio Damiani Jr. offering fresh 2025 insights.

Updated on June 25, 2025
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The Jiu-Jitsu landscape changed dramatically in 2024 as practitioners and thinkers alike pushed beyond traditional boundaries. This last year alone has seen a surge in books that don't just teach technique but explore the mental, historical, and philosophical depths of the art. Staying current with these developments isn't just about keeping pace; it’s about immersing yourself in the evolving culture and mindset that defines Jiu-Jitsu today.

Forward-thinking experts like Rickson Gracie, whose reflections on the spiritual side of combat have inspired many, and Bernardo Faria, a five-time Black Belt World Champion known for his strategic approach, have lent their perspectives to these recent works. Meanwhile, Helio Damiani Jr. introduces psychological elements like flow state, enriching how practitioners connect mind and body. These voices mark a clear shift toward a more holistic understanding of Jiu-Jitsu.

While these cutting-edge books provide the latest insights, readers seeking the newest content tailored to their specific Jiu-Jitsu goals might consider creating a personalized Jiu-Jitsu book that builds on these emerging trends, ensuring your training evolves with your ambitions and challenges.

Best for exploring Jiu-Jitsu philosophy
Rickson Gracie, renowned as a foundational figure in modern Mixed Martial Arts, offers a unique perspective with "Comfort in Darkness." This book transcends traditional Jiu-Jitsu instruction by presenting combat as a pathway to spiritual and mental harmony. Gracie’s reflections, written after his Parkinson’s diagnosis, share emerging insights into the invisible forces within martial arts, helping practitioners and seekers alike to harness inner strength and face life’s battles with serenity and clarity.
2024·208 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Martial Arts, Combat Philosophy, Mental Balance, Spiritual Practice

Rickson Gracie’s decades of mastery in Jiu Jitsu culminate in this deeply personal exploration of combat as a spiritual practice. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, Gracie shares his philosophy of "invisible Jiu Jitsu," emphasizing mental balance and inner power beyond physical technique. You’ll find insights into aligning mind, body, and spirit, transforming Jiu Jitsu from mere sport to a life strategy. Chapters reveal how Gracie’s approach helps manage adversity, making the book valuable not just for fighters but anyone facing life's toughest challenges.

New York Times Bestseller
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Best for building solid BJJ fundamentals
Foundations of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by Bernardo Faria offers a distinctive approach by adapting the teaching style of a five-time Black Belt World Champion into a format tailored for readers. This book brings the latest instructional insights directly from Bernardo’s best-selling video series, focusing on fundamentals that anyone can grasp regardless of age or fitness. It emphasizes technique and small positional tweaks over raw power, making it accessible and effective for a diverse set of learners. Whether you're new to Jiu-Jitsu or looking to shore up your basics, this book presents clear strategies and practical examples that address the core challenges in developing a solid BJJ foundation.
2024·272 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Martial Arts, Strategy, Technique, Positioning

When Bernardo Faria transformed his championship-winning instructional videos into this book, he created a resource that suits learners who prefer reading over watching or listening. You’ll explore fundamental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques with precise guidance on moves like the scissor sweep and arm bar, emphasizing subtle position adjustments rather than brute strength. This approach makes the book especially useful for practitioners of any age or fitness level who want to focus on strategy and efficiency. If you’re building your foundation in BJJ, Bernardo’s personal anecdotes and methodical breakdowns help you develop smart habits that pay off in both training and competition.

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Best for tailored training plans
This custom AI book on Jiu-Jitsu training is created based on your specific skill level, interests, and goals for 2025. By sharing what you want to focus on, whether it’s new techniques, competition tactics, or mental preparation, you receive a book crafted just for you. This approach helps you explore the latest developments in a way that truly fits your journey, making your training more effective and engaging.
2025·50-300 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu Basics, Advanced Techniques, Training Innovation, Competition Tactics

This tailored book explores the latest developments in Jiu-Jitsu training as of 2025, offering a focused journey through emerging techniques, innovations, and insights. It reveals how recent discoveries are reshaping training practices and competitive approaches, emphasizing content that matches your background and specific goals. Through a personalized lens, it examines the cutting-edge of Jiu-Jitsu, from new tactical nuances to advances in physical conditioning and mental preparation. By centering on your interests and skill level, this book makes the evolving landscape accessible and relevant, providing a unique opportunity to stay ahead in the sport. It blends technical exploration with strategic foresight, inviting you into the future of Jiu-Jitsu training tailored just for you.

Tailored Content
Training Innovation
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for deepening BJJ historical knowledge
Discover the Ultimate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Trivia Challenge, a unique book that invites you to dive into the depths of BJJ knowledge. This book covers everything from historical milestones and legendary fighters to detailed profiles of top academies, making it a rich resource for anyone passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you practice the art or follow it as a fan, this trivia challenge offers an engaging way to deepen your understanding and celebrate the sport’s vibrant culture.
2024·176 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Martial Arts, Sports, History, Fighters

Griffin Saito-Hardie crafted this trivia challenge to spotlight the rich history and culture embedded in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You’ll explore detailed profiles of legendary fighters like Helio Gracie and Marcelo Garcia, while testing your knowledge on key matches and influential academies such as Gracie Barra and Alliance. With varied question formats, the book sharpens your understanding of BJJ’s evolution and its global impact. Whether you’re deepening your practice or simply curious about the sport’s heritage, this book offers a focused, engaging way to connect with BJJ’s story and community.

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Best for reflective training and progress tracking
Jiu Jitsu: A Journal to Mastery stands out by focusing on the evolving journey of jiu-jitsu through detailed journaling rather than traditional instruction. It captures the latest thinking on how self-reflection and progress tracking can deepen skill development. Designed with ample space and prompts for techniques, sketches, insights, and goals, it helps practitioners of all levels chart their own path and maintain motivation. This journal meets the growing demand for tools that support mindful practice and personal growth in martial arts, making it a practical companion for anyone seeking to master jiu-jitsu over time.
2024·121 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Training Logs, Goal Setting, Technique Analysis, Progress Tracking

This journal offers a fresh approach to mastering jiu-jitsu by focusing on personal reflection and detailed tracking rather than technique instruction. Rolling Sage, the author, provides ample space to document your training sessions, techniques, sketches, insights, and goals, helping you build a comprehensive record of your progress. By encouraging you to actively engage with your journey, it sharpens your self-awareness and motivation, making it valuable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. The book’s design prompts thoughtful consideration of how each session contributes to your growth, turning practice into a purposeful progression rather than routine repetition.

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Best for structured skill development
The "BJJ Fanatics Jiu-Jitsu Training Journal" stands out as a unique tool in the Jiu-Jitsu world, offering more than just a place to jot notes. This 308-page journal, influenced by Bernardo Faria's championship experience, provides comprehensive sections for logging detailed training data, sparring results, and strategic mind mapping. It’s designed to help practitioners at all levels bring structure, focus, and clarity to their training regimen, encouraging deeper reflection and smarter progression. By combining goal setting with analytical notes, it addresses the need for a disciplined, thoughtful approach to mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
2024·306 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Training, Goal Setting, Sparring, Technique Analysis

Unlike most Jiu-Jitsu books that focus primarily on techniques and theory, this training journal from BJJ Fanatics integrates a structured approach to skill progression through detailed logging and reflection. Crafted with input from Bernardo Faria, a 5x Black Belt World Champion, it guides you in tracking session goals, sparring outcomes, and technique insights to sharpen your practice systematically. For example, the mind mapping section lets you visualize connections between moves and strategies, helping you plan your growth thoughtfully. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned enthusiast, this journal supports deliberate practice and continuous improvement in your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

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Best for future skill mastery
This AI-created book on Jiu-Jitsu trends is crafted based on your background, skill level, and the specific areas of the sport you want to explore. You share which emerging techniques and challenges interest you most, and the book is written to match those goals precisely. This personalized approach makes it easier to focus on the latest developments that matter to you, cutting through the noise of general information. It’s like having a training partner who knows exactly what you need to master tomorrow’s Jiu-Jitsu challenges.
2025·50-300 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu Evolution, Emerging Techniques, Training Innovations, Competitive Trends

This tailored book explores the evolving world of Jiu-Jitsu with a focus on upcoming trends and innovative methods projected for 2025 and beyond. It examines new techniques, training philosophies, and discoveries that are shaping the future of the discipline. By addressing your unique interests and background, the content zeroes in on the areas you most want to develop, ensuring learning is both relevant and inspiring. This tailored approach reveals how emerging knowledge intersects with practical application, allowing you to stay ahead in a rapidly advancing sport. Designed to match your specific goals, the book provides a personalized exploration of cutting-edge insights, helping you anticipate future challenges and master new skills with confidence and clarity.

Tailored Content
Trend Analysis
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for mastering flow state in practice
Helio Damiani Jr.'s "FLOW JIU JITSU – Awakening the Inner Martial Artist" offers a fresh perspective on martial arts by linking Jiu-Jitsu practice with achieving flow, a heightened state of focus and immersion. Published in 2024, this work dives into how flow can transform your experience on the mat, blending physical technique with mental and spiritual development. It addresses both the practical steps to induce flow and the deeper exploration of ego and self beyond competition. If you seek to elevate your practice beyond mechanics into a mindful journey, this book guides you through that evolving path.
2024·264 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Martial Arts, Sports Psychology, Flow State, Mindfulness

What makes Helio Damiani Jr.'s approach unique is his fusion of Jiu-Jitsu technique with the psychological concept of flow, a state of deep focus that elevates both skill and self-awareness. This book guides you through recognizing and cultivating flow during practice, showing how the flow roll reflects your mental state and uncovers hidden blocks. Damiani’s personal insights and exercises invite you to harmonize body and mind, challenging you to move beyond ego and tap into a deeper martial artist within. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your grappling or explore martial arts as a path to inner growth, this book offers a thoughtful blend of physical and spiritual development.

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Best for understanding Kano Jiu-Jitsu roots
H. Irving Hancock was a prominent author and martial arts expert known for shaping modern Jiu-Jitsu and Judo practices. His dedication to martial arts education and collaboration with subject expert Katsukama Higashi underpin this extensive manual. Hancock's background in sports therapy and psychology informs the unique inclusion of resuscitation and healing arts alongside physical techniques, connecting you with both the practical and cultural dimensions of Kano Jiu-Jitsu.
The Complete Kano Jiu-Jitsu book cover

by H Irving Hancock, Katsukama Higashi··You?

2025·558 pages·Jiu-Jitsu, Martial Arts, Physical Culture, Leverage Techniques, Attack Strategies

H. Irving Hancock's decades of experience as a sports therapist and martial arts expert led to this detailed exploration of Kano Jiu-Jitsu, also known as Judo. Collaborating with Katsukama Higashi, Hancock presents over 500 image plates and diagrams, providing you with a thorough understanding of leverage, attack, defence, and the healing art of Kuatsu. You'll gain insights into the transitional period of Judo and the Japanese martial mindset, making it more than just a physical manual. This book suits martial artists and historians eager to grasp foundational techniques and the cultural context behind them.

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Forward-thinking experts and thought leaders are at the forefront of this field

The 2025 Jiu-Jitsu Revolution
Tomorrow’s Jiu-Jitsu Blueprint
Jiu-Jitsu’s Hidden 2025 Trends
The Flow Mastery System

Conclusion

Across this collection, three clear themes emerge: a deeper philosophical engagement with Jiu-Jitsu as a mind-body discipline, a renewed focus on foundational techniques combined with strategic nuance, and innovative tools for tracking and enhancing personal progress. Together, these books highlight how the art is maturing beyond physical combat into a comprehensive practice.

If you want to stay ahead of trends or the latest research, start with "Comfort in Darkness" for a spiritual perspective and "Foundations of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by Bernardo Faria" for essential techniques. For cutting-edge implementation, combine "BJJ Fanatics Jiu-Jitsu Training Journal" and "FLOW JIU JITSU" to integrate mental focus with disciplined practice.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Jiu-Jitsu book to apply the newest strategies and latest research to your specific situation. These books offer the most current 2025 insights and can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Foundations of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by Bernardo Faria" if you want solid fundamentals. For a philosophical angle, "Comfort in Darkness" offers deep insights. These give a balanced entry into technique and mindset.

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

Not at all. Many books, like Bernardo Faria’s, are designed for learners at all levels, focusing on efficient technique over brute strength. Journals like "Jiu Jitsu" support progression regardless of experience.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Comfort in Darkness" and "FLOW JIU JITSU" explore theory and mindset, while "Foundations of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu" and the training journals emphasize practical technique and skill development.

How long will it take me to get through these books?

It varies: "Ultimate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Trivia Challenge" is a quick, engaging read, while "The Complete Kano Jiu-Jitsu" is more extensive. Journals are ongoing tools you use alongside training.

Are these cutting-edge approaches proven or just experimental?

These books reflect seasoned experts’ experience and evolving practices. For instance, Rickson Gracie’s philosophy and Bernardo Faria’s techniques come from decades of tested mastery, blending tradition with forward-thinking.

Can personalized Jiu-Jitsu books complement these expert recommendations?

Yes! While these expert books provide foundational knowledge, personalized Jiu-Jitsu books adapt insights to your unique goals and skill level, keeping your learning current and focused. Explore more here.

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