Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Basics: Mastering the Essential Techniques

Its a very good explanatory book. Unfortunately the disk arrived broken into many pieces

I've been practicing the art of Jujutsu for 27 years in a variety of forms, including Judo and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. For 14 years of that time, I have been a professional martial artist. There are hundreds of books for beginners that I recommend to my students for the art of Judo and traditional martial arts, but until now, there was absolutely nothing on the market that I would consider useful for someone starting out in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Mr. Simco does a fantastic job of breaking down the essential basics of BJJ for a beginner by position, starting with standing techniques for self defense. In this chapter, everything is clear and sound, including his detailing of necessary 'ukemi' or breakfall techniques, of which he does a fine job describing. From there, he details the finer points of guard passing, hold downs from the top, guard work (sweeps and submissions) and escaping technques. For the beginner, there is no other book out there that will send a white belt on their way to blue belt better or describe the essential techniques of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu more clearly, because of this, there isn't a student in my school who does not own a copy.

Unlike a lot of other BJJ publications, Gene Simco is able to explain how to do Jiu-jitsu to normal everyday people like you and me. It seems as if most people writing books have been doing it their whole lives and don't even remember what its like to not know it. If you are naturally gifted, born into a martial arts clan or a champion, you don't understand or remember what its like to struggle with the learning process of martial arts and should stick to fighting, not writing! This book is the most helpful publication in the world of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to the student looking for a clear and solid foundation.

Every Martial Artist Knows that there is nothing more important than the Basics. Simco hits the nail right in the head with this book and really serves up a good deal with an included DVD. The book is exactly what all newcomers to BJJ should know and what all of us should be working on. Clear and detailed explainations, good photos, great DVD. This should be the first book in everyone's BJJ library.

When I first took lessons in BJJ I had no idea what I was trying to achieve. It all seemed a confusing mess of positions and unclear goals. My teacher was skilled but seemed to find explaining what he was doing hard. I wish Gene Simco had been my teacher! Simco gives clear step-by-step instructions and illustrates them accurately. He tells you exactly what you need to do and how. No fluff just right-to-the-point, crystal clear instructions. A student's dream. The DVD is a great bonus. Why has no other BJJ author thought of this? It brings the lessons to life and with Simco demonstrating and explaining, you know you are watching a great teacher who has taken the time not only to learn his art but to learn how to teach it too. Using this book and DVD can jump-start anybodys success and progress in BJJ. Buy it!

Having only recently started out in BJJ, I had many questions such as, 'what is BJJ all about?', 'how did it start?', 'how do I tie my belt?' etc etc - I'm sure you get the drift. This book answers them all and then some! Gene has a natural ability to explain in words exactly what is required, and covers all of the basics in very easy to digest chunks. The accompanying DVD is even better I have to say. Gene has the most relaxed approach to his instruction and it is almost like having the guy in your room rather than being viewed on the TV. For anyone wanting to get ahead in this wonderful grappling art - you have to buy this book....it's excellent!!!