In BJJ, you can always expand your knowledge beyond the ring by simply investing in the best BJ books. Compared to real time classes; BJJ books are a whole different experience in your journey of discovering and mastering the sport. Sure, you must know that you can’t learn everything about BJJ through reading books; after all, you learn sports by “doing”.
Practice and repetition is what makes someone perfect a particular skill; however, reading BJJ books can expose you to a whole array of information you would hardly learn otherwise. These books cover a wide selection of sub-ranges; whether you want to explore history, culture, current affairs, or even, supplement your training sessions to further equip yourself with the principles and skill.
The best part about these books is you are not limited to one at a time; after all, it’s up to you whether you want to buy one, five, or even ten books at the time. In the list below, we’ve selected our top picks for the best BJJ books, to help you find books that may be useful in your training.
1. Jiu-Jitsu University
In the Jiu-Jitsu University book, the author shares up to 200 techniques of grappling during different ranking stages.
In addition to the techniques, the author also points out common errors that can be made during the sport, and illustrates remedies for excelling. As a student of the sport, this bestseller comes in quite handy as a training manual; as it does an excellent job of covering all the essentials.
- Covers over 200 techniques
- Dividing to concentrate the techniques in each belt
- Large illustrated colored photos
- Thick printing to support the large book
- Not available in audiobook format
2. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique
If you are looking for the ultimate guide to the actual practice of BJJ, then Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique is the book you need.
Written by a two time World Champion (Renzo Gracie) and his brother, a black belt (Royler Gracie); the book carefully details how to improve combat effectiveness on the sport. With detailed step-by-step instructions and illustrated photographs; this book offers a foolproof guide to learning the sport.
- Written by two black belt champions with over 20 years experience in the rank
- Step by step instructions for each technique
- Illustrated photos to share the technique visually
- Covers key techniques for each belt rank
- The illustrated photos don’t cover all the minor moves
3. Mastering the 21 Immutable Principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Unlike other books on the art, the book Mastering the 21 Immutable Principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tackles the subject in a scholastic way; rather than just plainly looking at the techniques.
With over 26 years of practicing; Paulo Guillobel shares this book as a guide for training students, by sharing key knowledge to prepare them. The book digs deep into the foundation of the art and covers up to 21 principles to every BJJ technique.
- Covers the key 21 techniques of BJJ in a scholastic manner
- Designed to guide students sand beginners in the art
- Written by a BJJ scholar with over 26 years of practicing experience
- Prepares you to be a better BJJ scholar
- Not available in audiobook format
4. Mastering Jujitsu (Mastering Martial Arts)
From the original principles to his own personal techniques; Renzo Gracie shares the top skills to master BJJ in the book Mastering Jiu-Jitsu.
In the book, the champion turned trainer shares how they dominate their opponents, and the underlying techniques that are necessary to master the sport. In the book, you will also find up to 250 different photos that clearly illustrate each flow of movement.
- Designed to complement even the most advanced learner
- Includes detailed photos on each flow of movement
- Includes the classic techniques of BJJ and the author’s own evolved techniques
- Compares BJJ to other arts that use grappling such as MMA
- Maybe a little complex for beginners
5. Opening Closed-Guard: The Origins of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil: The Story Behind the Film
As humans, we always appreciate the knowledge of origin, no matter our pursuits. This is exactly what the Opening Closed Guard book offers.
The book doesn’t only cover the history of BJJ plainly; instead it examines and evaluates key components such as its rebellious trait, the culture behind its founding, and even the very first individuals to perform it. This documentary turned book covers the deep analysis, conclusion, and historical interpretations of the art. As a twist of events, it even covers the documentary’s own history.
- Deeply covers the history of BJJ and MMA in Brazil
- Takes on a journey about everything BJJ
- Includes interviews, research articles, and personal experiences
- Covers the origin and history of the documentary that turns into this book
- It doesn’t cover BJJ outside Brazil deeply
FAQs
1. Why buy BJJ books?
Books on Jiu-Jitsu don’t only share the knowledge on the sport but can help complement your training as you pick up on the key principles and techniques in each stage. Some people may even want to learn the sport but have limited access to classes. So training outside the gym or training center, one can supplement the training with solo drilling, online classes, and even visualization using the best BJJ books and other sources.
2. What BJJ book should I read?
There’s a wide selection of the best BJJ books to read. However, there’s no one key sub-genre to focus on. Simply opt for the book you wish to read at the time. This BJJ topic explores a wide range of sub-genres whether you want to complement your training by learning skills and techniques in a book, want to explore the history of the art, or even learn current affairs surrounding BJJ.
3. What is the best BJJ book for beginners?
As a beginner, you still have a cross section of options to choose from based on what you need. You can opt to read up on its history or its principles to examine why you really want to pursue the art and understand its origins. For other scholars, their goal may simply be to pick up on the principles and key skills as they train physically as well.
4. How much will I spend on a BJJ book?
Different books have different price tags – the range is quite wide. You can find a book on Jiu-Jitsu that is as low as $5 and one that is as high as $50. After all, different books carry different stories and genres –whether it’s history of the art or a guide to mastering its skills. It all depends on what you need and how much you are willing to pay.
5. How long does it take to get good at BJJ?
There’s no doubt that Jiu-Jitsu is a difficult art to learn, master, and adapt. Therefore to master the art and even reach the highest belt ranking, you should prepare yourself to take your time. Generally, it takes up to 10 years to be good in BJJ and even receive a black belt.
