Top products from r/bjj

Like you, when I find something that interests me, I try and just soak up knowledge about it, which is how I ended up here actually. Anyway, on to the things I've found.

Youtube:

Ask a black belt:

It's what it sounds like. Guy asks various black belts questions, paired with some cool Jiu-jitsu footage. Episode 1 is where I became a Dave Camarillo fan. Also on this channel is one of my favorite highlight videos: Why I Train Jiu-Jitsu.

Roy Dean's Channel:

Roy Dean puts out some very artistic videos. If I'm ever trying to show someone what Jiu-Jitsu is, I'll probably pull up a Roy Dean video. Here are my favorites from the channel:

White to Black: Shift in Perspective

What Makes a Purple Belt

Spirals of Jiu-Jitsu

Dave Camarillo Black Belt Test

Roy Dean also films "demonstrations" done by his students who are advancing in belt rank. From what I understand, these demonstrations are optional, but most students go through with them. They're very much like a belt test you'd see in more traditional arts, but applied to Jiu-Jitsu. Here is the one done by the man himself. Cool to see Roy Harris roll in this one.

The Gracie Way:

The Gracie Way reminds of the travel channel, but with Jiu-Jitsu. I think there's like 15 episodes now. They're usually pretty entertaining if you're not put off by the Gracie Academie's marketing. I personally don't mind it too much, but they do lay it on a little thick at times.

Rolled Up:

I'm reminded of the travel channel again, but this a different flavor than the Gracie Way. The Gracie Way is more lifestyle focused, and Rolled Up is much more focused on Jiu-Jitsu. Basically, Budo Jake goes and trains with all kinds of coaches in the sport. It's a good way to get to know the celebrities of Jiu-Jitsu. You probably saw the recent Kurt Osiander episode, which in my opinion, is the best Rolled Up I've seen.

Stuart Cooper Films:

All these videos are great. Stuart Cooper is the man. Watch them all. As far as artistic BJJ videos, I have found no one better.

Also check out All Things BJJ, Want V.S Need, and Metamoris.

Books:

Don't Wear Your Gi to the Bar:

Get it free here. It'd be worth the money to pay for it though. It's a hilarious Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle book. Really embodies the culture of Jiu-Jitsu.

The Cauliflower Chronicles:

I admit, I haven't read this one yet. But Marshal D. Carper wrote some of Don't Wear Your Gi to the Bar and the writing in that book was top notch, and funny as well. I'm willing to bet that this book has the same kind of vibe to it, at least stylistically.

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Globetrotter:

Okay, I haven't read this one either, but I hear great things about it and it sounds awesome. I'll get around to it, but I have a backlog of books to read first. (Fucking George R.R. Martin)

Jiu-Jitsu on the Brain:

This one I have read. It's short, but sweet. Perfect for beginners. I say that because there's very little (if any) technical discussion. It's all about the broad concepts of Jiu-Jitsu, which, at this point, I find more helpful than techniques anyway. Mark Johnson is also an English teacher, which means he writes well, and like Marshal D. Carper, he's a funny guy who captures the spirit of the sport perfectly. Highly recommend this book.

Borrowing the Master's Bicycle:

This is Mark Johnson's second book. This one is slightly more technical than Jiu-Jitsu on the brain, but mainly, it delves deeper into Jiu-Jitsu philosophy. If you like Jiu-Jitsu on the Brain, and you want to see Mark delve deeper into some things he touches on in that book, pick this one up. Again, Mark writes well and he's got a great sense of humor. There's a chapter in this book where he talks about how badass Darth Vader would be at Jiu-Jitsu, which, for a Star Wars fan like me, was awesome.

Anyway, that's about all I've got. The other answers on here are good as well. Especially the Stephan Kesting recommendations. For technique videos, I watch his almost exclusively.

Check out the Cauliflower Chronicles by Marshal Caper. It's a memoir of a guy who decides to go off to Hawaii for school but primarily to train with BJ Penn and what he learns throughout the process.

Edit: More books.

Related to that is A Fighter's Heart by Sam Sheridan. Sam is a pretty interesting character in his own right - he was a rich kid who went to Harvard and after graduation, instead of getting a job on Wall Street or in a lab he worked on a cruise boat, ended up in Thailand and started training Muay Thai. From there he gets into the world of MMA and the important figures in the world. Also check out his followup - A Fighter's Mind.

Here's one that isn't about BJJ or fighting but about learning. The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin - a BJJ blackbelt under Marcelo Garcia and the designer of MG in Action. Waitzkin as a kid was a high level chessmaster - touted as the next Bobby Fischer but fell away from the world of competitive chess as a teenager and switched to martial arts instead. He fell in love with the Chinese grappling art of push hands - a form of wrestling, mastered it and eventually won the championships at the highest level of competition despite only starting his training in his mid 20's. His journey to being a BJJ black belt is also as incredible - he picked up the art in his late 20's and earned his black belt before turning 35.

The book goes into his thought processes on learning new skills and how to approach it. It is an immensely helpful book for your general life - not just BJJ journey. It has been infinitely helpful for my poker game for instance.

Two books to buy:

1. The Supple Leopard. It is the best thing anybody involved in physical activity can own. You will get your money's worth x10. He says 10 minutes a day of mobility work is what you need.
   
   One of the best things you could probably do for yourself is start increasing your motor control and mobility. It helps tremendously to learn how to brace your spine and position your shoulders into a stable position. Once you learn that you will understand how to create the most force off your movements through torque and maintaining tension in your body.
   
   A lot of "good technique" in bjj or lifting or any sport starts with good bone/joint/spinal/body positioning. When you start practicing these proper body position and maintaining them through a full range of movement (i.e. the basic squat), you learn where your joints/muscles/spine need better range of motion and how to train that--your bjj technique will probably improve. An understanding of basic human movements translates into any physical activity through better performance.
   
   
2. Jiu Jitsu University Saulo Ribeiro breaks down the foundations of learning bjj in steps. Aka, learn how to survive first.
   
   That being said...I would say you don't really need weights or kettlebell swings until you've built a good base of physical strength/conditioning. Start with some general physical preparedness (GPP), bodyweight squats, pushups, situps, planks, chinups and pullups + add a little bit of good form running.

I have been lucky enough to not have a broken anything yet but I would recommend that you sit in on some classes as a spectator. I think it will help to keep you in the habit of showing up and to keep your mind in the game more than watching videos.

Good luck with your recovery.

JiuJitsu University is the best book. I would also recommend the bjj globetrotter and The Cauliflower Chronicles They are both books that outline personal journeys in BJJ. Good reads.

The first rule of being a jiujitsu beginner- and make no mistake, I am still very much a beginner- is to make your parameter for success showing up to class.

I cannot emphasize this enough. If you make it to class, great! Everything else is gravy. I would probably try to keep this outlook through to your blue belt, although it will definitely be a difficult attitude to maintain (but hey, you're in this to learn discipline, in my best Eric Cartman voice, right?).

Part of the reason for this is because you've got a long, frustrating road ahead of you, and you want to make the long haul. On the wall of my gym are HUGE letters spelling out, "a black belt is a white belt who never quit." At first I thought that was kind of cheeky, because, like any gym, my not quitting is lining someone's pocket... but now I get it; training is always frustrating, at any level. You think the frustration ends at blue belt? Well, now you have purple belts kicking your ass in ways you don't even understand yet. You think after purple the road is clear? A black belt will LOL at you. Part of what makes the experience and the journey so incredible is learning to deal with the frustration.

You'll have great classes, where you walk out with a goofy smile on your facing thinking, "I'm finally getting it!" ... and then the next class you feel like it's your first day again. You'll have to endure long periods of stagnation, or seeing people who joined after you progressing faster. But did you make it to class? Mission accomplished.

Even in the short time I've been at my school I've seen guys come and go within the amount of time you've been training (three to four weeks). I totally understand this; one month is just about the honeymoon period where you've picked up the basics, feel a little shine, and then see the long road ahead of you and say FUCK IT.

This will not be you. Why? Because your parameter for success is getting to class.

Try to find value in your shitty moments. You get thrown around for a half hour by a college wrestler (cheating bastards, that's NO FAIR lol), and a judoka who started BJJ to kick even more ass- which was my Friday night- embrace it. In the very least, getting your ass kicked makes you a tougher son of a bitch in the long run. Can't get a new technique down? I'm just starting to feel confident in my arm-bar/triangle/omoplata skills and it's been six months and 5-6 classes where we covered it. Very few people learn a new technique once and can implement it in rolling, much less remember it the next day.

Here are a few odds and ends off the top of my head:

• Rolling for you right now is learning survival and feeling comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Learn how to survive in mount/side-control, and even if you can't get out, you're developing a comfort in being under someone and having their weight on you.
  
  
• Buttttt, if you want to get out, start by learning one go-to escape for each position: mount, side-control, half-guard, and guard. Not that you shouldn't know more, but be sure to have HAVE really solid escape for each position in your arsenal.
  
  
• A good, highly regarded book for this is jujitsu university, but there are also countless YouTube channels like Chewjitsu (I happen to like his style).
  
  
• Tap often and early, which is a kind of meme on this subreddit for a good reason. At this stage in the game, the most you can do is defend, so you'll feel inclined to tap only when it's your VERY LAST OPTION- or, you know, rolling will be all of 30 second spurts of brutalization. I felt the exact same way, and kind of wanted to "earn the respect" of my partners by toughing certain grey area submissions out. This is stupid- for one, you earn their respect by showing up to class, and two, you will get injured that way. Whomever said this is "the injury free martial art" is clearly unfamiliar with BJJ, and since injuries are going to happen anyway, you don't want to encourage them. I usually tried to make my partner earn their choke on me, and if it wasn't under the chin, sunk in deep, I'd tough it out, and now there's this weird click when I open my mouth wide. Is that a huge deal? No. But it was my own damn fault, and totally avoidable.
  
  
• Get to class early and drill with your classmates. BJJ is all muscle memory, and being diligent with your submission/escape drills will pay off huge in the long run.
  
  
• Keep a journal. Seriously. Write down how your class went, what you did well with, what you struggled with, questions you may have, and the techniques you did that night (if you can, a step-by-step "how to" for each). I'll admit, I don't do this as much as I should because when I get home from class I'm usually wiped, but it really will pay off big time.
  
  I hope this helped! Good luck, and feel deep, horrifying shame if you quit! :)
  

Different braces have different purposes. I blew my ACL and my PT recommended the Bauerfiend GenuTrain. It's a little pricey but my knee feels very secure and protected, it's meant for ACL issues. But my knee feels amazing in it, it doesn't move, it's very comfortable, and very well made.

Nah man, just get the tap if you can get it. Just don't over think it. As a white I also tapped a lot of people who, as a blue now, I can't tap anymore. They lowered their game to allow me to develop my own. No more playing now, however.

When I started out, the first 3 months were hell while rolling. If you are doing better, that's good for you man! I just remember from my own experience that I had to survive against everyone but the higher belts gave me advice to get better. You should not give up on offence but you should also built a great foundation of defence. http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434 Is a great book. The white belt chapter is completely about surviving. I like it a lot. I believe Slideyfoot (look at the faq) has a complete review.

Depending on what she means by "slight idea of what's going on", that can be completely normal. Unless your academy has a special beginners program, it can often feel like you are being thrown in the deep end of the pool. With blinders on.

How do you keep going? Well, if you find it fun, that's a son enough, even if you have no clue what's going on. However, it might also help if you treat it a bit like a mystery where you slowly uncover clues and piece the big picture together in your head. Each little revelation can be a little reward in itself.

It may also help to pick up a book like Jiu Jitsu University so you can do a bit of study at home.

I tested out several and settled on the Cliff Keen fusion headgear https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JUS3T4Q They are a nice balance between good ear protection and a soft outer layer which is helpful for your teammates.

I also tried, and still have, the Cliff Keen Tornado, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KEFWUE/ . Excellent protection, but the hard outer shell sticks out far and is somewhat like a cheese grater on your partner. Wrestling great, bjj not so much.

I also bought and immediately returned the matman, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006SBMZ9Y/ . The attached chin strap was a deal breaker. Not only did it not fit my big melon the attached chin strap means if it breaks it's tough to replace.

I have no problems hearing instruction or my partner when wearing them, but they are a PIA to wear and this is coming from someone who wrestled for many years. I put them on after warm ups or sometimes not until sparring depending on what we are working on. They have kept my cauliflower ear from coming back over the past year.

Best of luck.

Saulo Ribiero and Kevin Howell's Jiu Jitsu University is almost required reading. Click on "Search inside this book" under the book's cover pic to check out the contents.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Theory and Technique (by lots of big names) is also very well done.

Online, Stephan Kesting's Grapple Arts BJJ Techniques are very diverse and broken down incredibly well.

Cane Prevost's 20 week curriculum is some of the best fundamentals instruction I've seen. The focus on and details about posture alone are worth it for people of any rank.

In the end though, ask your instructor. He/she can explain it and then hopefully tell you how to drill a technique to integrate it into your game.

Side Note:

>Ari Bolden is a proven fraud

His early videos were a source of controversy. His newer videos feature big names (Keith Owen, Piet Wilhelm, others) and good technique breakdowns. I'm not defending his earlier actions in the least (I do not like people who misrepresent themselves either intentionally or through a smoke-screen), but I'm also willing to give him a some credit if his recent material is honest and productive for the community as a whole. The BJJ community never forgets, but that shouldn't get in the way of Keith Owen sharing his immense knowledge to a large existing audience. I'll defer to Keith if he has made the decision to give Ari some leeway.

/Side Note

Side Note 2: I just had a delicious sandwich.

That's a good recommendation. I’ve liked all of Beneville’s work, but his first book, “Passing the Guard,” remains my favorite. It was impossible to get until he came out with the second edition reprint.

While putting together this list, I was surprised by how many BJJ books from the past 10 years are out of print. Half of Kid Peligro’s books are unavailable, and you’ve probably seen used copies of “The Gracie Way” going for $50-100 on Amazon. Talking with Marshal Carper, a writer for Victory Belt who did Marcelo’s new book, he talked about how little longevity martial arts books get and how rare reprints are.

I am putting together a similar list of recommendations for DVDs, but there are so many advertising “from white to blue belt” that it’s going to take me a while to sort through them and make my final decisions. Roy Dean’s set is good though, and what I’ve seen of Kesting’s Roadmap DVDs is good too, but they are out of stock now.

haha. welcome to the grind my friend. there is so much to learn. yes, your experience is totally normal. get a copy of BJJ University.

it's a great book to help you get started.

I have this badboy. I will admit that it is expensive and I use it sparingly but as for grappling knee braces it's most likely the best one out there and as a bonus most sparring partner friendly. I have it due to ACL reconstruction and three meniscus tears that have been repaired surgically.

Just take up another hobby and try not to obsess about mat time you're missing out on. I started playing DnD, that is a great time. I read BJJ University. I've been back about 2 months now. Just being patient and diligent about physical therapy is tough. I've since transitioned to more of a overall strength and conditioning focus. There is this magical time after you get going at physical therapy where you'll feel really good. You'll be back to drilling and it'll be going great, you'll have all your range of motion back and you'll probably feel like you can do a light round. Just take it slow dawg.

PS. The time off actually I think has helped my game. Time off isn't so terrible.

I’ve got this one:

Sanabul Essentials v.2 Ultra Light Pre Shrunk BJJ Jiu Jitsu Gi (A1, White) See Special Sizing Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P9W4GD6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_o-4wCbPVGM096

I’ve been rolling with it twice a week for about 8 months. Still feels pretty new. I’m in Texas so the lightweight is nice during the long summer.

Probably not top quality, but seems like a great value given my experience with it.

From what I gather the Standard Issue and Hooks are basically the same with the exception the Hooks has outer labeling whereas the Stardard Issue has no identifiable markings, like how gis used to be, this also leaves room for more patches if that's your thing.

Another option you may consider that is inexpensive and good quality is Sanabul. https://www.amazon.com/Sanabul-Essentials-Version-Preshrunk-Fabric/dp/B00P9W4GD6/ref=sr_1_8?m=A14TJKA4FS5CS1&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1479691941&sr=1-8&th=1&psc=1

Prices basically increase for color of gi, which seems to be a standard industry practice for "flagship" mass produced gi of a company. I own one, but it's a gi they don't make anymore, but it's my favorite gi. A lot of guys at my gi have them as well, they've held up nicely.

Whatever you decide to buy, I think sizing is most important regardless. You don't want to be swimming in you gi, but you also don't want a gi that is too small. Generally, you can shrink a gi, you can't make them bigger.

Came here to make sure this was mentioned. Derp, of course it is. It's a nice big book, textbook size with clear photos and great techniques.

Good deal on Amazon, 22 bucks and change. https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434

Meniscus tear from 2016 here. DO ALL THE PT YOU CAN TOLERATE. Its super imptant to minimizing pain and restoring range of motion. Also, if you have the cash? When you're ready to get back on the mat, invest in one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053VE1E2

Make sure you use their sizing chart. They are fantastic.


Your illustrations are beautiful! I found myself going to class to watch just to keep my head in the game.

Get ready to feel like you've been dropped in molasses. But once you get over the initial frustration you'll hopefully start enjoying the technical gripping game, and the chokes of course. Gi training is also helpful if you train with self defense in mind.

Book wise, Saulo Ribeiro's Jiu-Jitsu University is a really good blueprint.

Yes, buy a foam roller.

Also, doing jiu jitsu specific drills will certainly help in live rolling. Consider picking up

Andrew Galvao: Drill to Win: 12 Months to better Jiu Jitsu

Two resources that helped me, and continue to help me are:

Jiu Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro: When I started out, I read this a few times a week to make sure that my defensive posture was right, and it's helped prolong a lot of my rolls. Even as a blue belt my sub game is still pretty dire, but I feel confident in my ability to defend against people at my level.

Blue Belt Requirements by Roy Dean: This probably won't be of much help for someone starting out, but this helped supplement what I had learned in class in an easy-to-digest video. I bought this as a rough guide for training after my first comp at white belt, and it helped me realise some holes in my game to work on.

> What YouTube channels/books do your recommend/trust?

The holy bible of Jiu Jitsu

/u/StephanKesting has run GrappleArts and is a /r/bjj fan favourite around here - his blog and videos are very beginner-friendly.

Just be careful about devouring new stuff at the beginning. It's not easy to filter the good and the bad stuff at first.

> Would it be better to go bottom and work on my guard?

Honestly, when you're training with upper belts, you won't get much of a choice haha. Focus on learning proper movement, how to survive and control each position, and transition between them. Saulo's book has a phenomenal preamble to the white belt chapter that talks about how it's all about learning survival, and it rings very true.

Sanabul is pretty cheap (for a gi, still kind of expensive in general) and is well regarded. I think it runs big though. Based on what I know, which is not much (I haven't been training long enough), we're at the point where even budget Gis like this should hold up for a while:

https://www.amazon.com/Sanabul-Essentials-Version-Preshrunk-Fabric/dp/B00P9W4GD6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485367574&sr=8-1&keywords=Sanabul

Edit: It looks like your jiu jitsu gear is a bit cheaper and comes with a free belt.

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Jitsu-Brazilian-Uniform-White/dp/B005OS6JYE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1485367843&sr=8-2&keywords=your%2Bjiu%2Bjitsu%2Bgear&th=1&psc=1

How early are we talking? Helio wrote a book, but it's incredibly expensive.

http://www.amazon.com/Gracie-Jiu-Jitsu-Helio/dp/0975941119

I like Renzo and Royler's book. It's the first BJJ book I bought, and while I think it's poorly organized, the details are solid, but not overwhelming. My favorite part about the book is John Danaher's preface. Worth getting.

http://www.amazon.com/Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-Theory-Technique/dp/1931229082

Not written by a Gracie, late or early, but the best intro to BJJ I have found:

http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434

2. Ceck out u/ragnar_deerslayer post on Danaher's ENTER THE SYSTEM on the cheap
   
   
3. Best Deal I've seen I don't personally own one, but we have a guy that wears one and it seems pretty nice. Otherwise, check out BJJHQ for good deals on gear.

Oh I’m sorry. I wasn’t clear I was referencing Drill to Win by Andre Galvao

Drill to Win: 12 Months to Better Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu https://www.amazon.com/dp/0981504485/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_d62GDbCB9BCB3

1)

• class is practice, not fighting. your primary goal should be to not get injured and not injure your training partners.
  
  
• be respectful.
  
  
• wash your Gi after every class
  
  
• never step off the mat barefoot
  
  

• Yes. Higher the belt the better.
  
  
• IMO you shouldn't even be rolling with white belts unless you're both 3+ stripe.
  
  3)
  
  >Mobility:
  
  
• All things Kelly Starrett
  
  
• https://www.youtube.com/user/sanfranciscocrossfit
  
  
• Limber 11
  
  
• http://www.defrancostraining.com/ask-joe/44-flexibilitymobility/302-joe-ds-qlimber-11q-flexibility-routine.html
  
  
• Ginastica Natural
  
  
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO-cTKL52Rk
  
  
• Yoga for MMA
  
  
• http://www.doyogawithme.com/yoga_programs
  
  >Conditioning:
  
  
• http://www.grapplearts.com/Blog/2012/03/conditioning-for-the-bjj-fighter/
  
  
• Anything Joel Jamieson
  
  
• http://www.8weeksout.com/
  
  >Study
  
  
• Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro
  
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395885167&sr=8-1&keywords=jiu+jitsu+university
  
  
• The Path to the Black Belt by Rodrigo Gracie
  
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395885167&sr=8-1&keywords=jiu+jitsu+university

The techniques behind Lachlan and Danaher's insanely tight triangles definitely have some universal principles. Ryan Hall also popularized the hamstring curl method. However I think Neil Melanson's book Mastering Triangle Chokes covers their variations in really great detail. It won't break the bank like Danaher's dvd. It also came out in 2013 so it goes to show that this information has been out for a while now.

Everyone always recommends Jiu Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro http://www.amazon.com/dp/0981504434/
I don't have it myself but I was able to get it from my local library once (people always have it on hold), and it's pretty great.

Humble white belt here, going more by recommendations I've heard/read than by personal experience.

> what exercises would you recommend people to do to make bjj training more accessible on a physical level?

The general consensus seems to be that the best preparation for BJJ is BJJ, if that makes sense.

So, ideally, you'd start attending BJJ as soon as possible - maybe there's a class today? tomorrow? this weekend? - and everything will flow from there if you keep showing up (and if you don't, it won't).

Come as you are, warts and all.

If you're uncomfortable with that, and absolutely insist on preparing in solitude beforehand, it seems the general consensus seems to be that your basic BJJ solo drills - bridging, shrimping, etc. - would help far more than any type of weightlifting exercise. There are plenty of good tutorials on YouTube.

> any tips on how to deal with mat burns? I don't want to be the weird guy that tries to wear socks...

So far I'm trying to just tough it out! My hope is that I'll develop callouses / welts / whatever-that-stuff-is-called-in-English sometime before the constant mat burn pain fucks up my sleeping patterns completely.

But hey, I also hear good things about New-Skin Liquid Bandage - you might wanna check into that.

> am I right in feeling that with adequate training previous to starting bjj my chances of sticking to it are better? I just feel like I was a drag to roll with because I lost breath so easily and felt guilty about it...

I honestly don't think so.

I think - and I apologise in advance if I'm being too forward or too presumptuous - this is a primarily a mental issue on your part.

Your pride is getting in the way of your development.

The feeling of embarrassing oneself, of making a fool of oneself, of having one's shortcomings stripped naked and revealed - all of this is extremely hurtful to one's pride.

If I had to guess, this, more than anything else, is what's currently holding you back.

I'd suggest trying to laugh about it. Laugh at your own incompetence, laugh at your own pride making a big deal out of this, laugh at the weirdness and utter silliness of this sport of ours.

I did so just the other day, when a pimple-faced little teenage lad tapped me out a dozen or so times in a row, all while looking positively distracted - I mean, he literally kept looking around the room, studying the other rolls while calmly tying me up like a pretzel, again and again and again. Others might have found this embarrassing - I found it both hilarious and highly informative.

Getting long-winded here, but finally, about the overweight thing: We have an overweight guy in our beginner's group - after warm-ups, you'll find him lying in a pool of sweat panting like he's having a heart attack. No one thinks any less of him for that - quite the opposite. Nothing but admiration to any and all who strive towards improvement.

TL;DR - If you want to do BJJ, do BJJ.

Sanabul gi's are like $55 on Amazon. they are perfectly fine and just as good as gi's Ive bought that were 100% more $. The only knock I have is they come with twill pants and not ripstop. They make a "pro" gi too that is cheap, its liek $85 i think.

cheap one
https://www.amazon.com/Sanabul-Essentials-Version-Preshrunk-Special/dp/B00P9W4GAE

pro comp one which i think has ripstop pants
https://www.amazon.com/Sanabul-Highlights-Professional-Competition-Special/dp/B00I6YAANY

The first thing I think of when I hear about people getting nauseous is dehydration. If you are not drinking in the 6-7 hours before class then you are certainly going to be dehydrated. Try drinking a lot more water during the day (I keep a glass next to me at work). And yeah, eat closer to class.

For reading: the go-to recommendation is always Saulo Ribero's Jiu Jitsu University: http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434

Best of luck!

There's a book out there called Passing the Guard. It's excellent and is absolutely worth the money. The authors talk a lot about theory and the finer points of technique, and there are some obscure techniques in there that most people probably haven't seen.

I think that like everything else, the best choice is going to depend on your build and style and what he's used to defending against. Also, is this gi or no gi?

Good resources for white belts:

Free Books:
Stephan Kesting's A Roadmap for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Free Videos:
Learning Strategies for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Stephan Kesting's 16 Most Important Techniques for the BJJ Beginner
John B. Will's 36 Core Techniques
Matt Serra's four-volume BJJ Basics

For Pay Books:
Saulo Ribeiro's Jiu-Jitsu University

For Pay Videos:
Jason Scully's Grapplers Guide
Rener and Ryron Gracie's Gracie Combatives
Roy Dean's Blue Belt Requirements, Samples Here

I started BJJ a few months ago and recently discovered this sub. This is the first I'd heard of this book, so thank you for sharing, /u/Khulo! A quick search for it revealed a lot of praise, so I ventured over to Amazon and ordered it immediately. For others interested, the paperback version is currently at its lowest price ever on Amazon ($20.27). Figured that was worth mentioning!

Jiu Jitsu University not written by a Gracie but a fantastic "first BJJ book", pretty much a must have

Basically, injuries have a higher probability of occurring during periods of physical and mental fatigue (when not warmed up as well). Once you've reached a certain level of athletic development, most of us know where our limits are in terms of ''how many rounds of rolling'' you can do on a good, normal and bad day.

Injuries in BJJ generally only happen during rolling or competition - and usually only happen when fatiguedv- even when rolling with assholes. So If you must roll with a dangerous guy at your club that isn't careful - take him on fresh.

When it comes to recovery - well there is no better way to say it then to say this: buy or pirate this book:https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Supple-Leopard-2nd-Performance/dp/1628600837/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525712354&sr=8-1&keywords=supple+leopard

The book goes into detail on proper body mechanics, mobility exercises and active recovery exercises and plans -using easy to understand pictures. It was introduced to me at the judo national training center in montreal by a physio. Firas (Tristar head coach) swears by it too and claims he used to to rehab a chronic lower back injury that plagued him over the last couple years.

ex. I always do 1-2 rounds less than I know I can accomplish before I see a huge decline in my ability.

ex. I stop 1-2 reps before I reach failure on my deadlifts or muscle ups.

ex. If I know trainer partner x is dangerous to roll with i'll make sure I never roll with him even when remotely fatigued because I'll never give that guy a chance to sub me because of fatigue since I know he's an asshole who has never subbed me and he'l likely go ham on any single opportunity I present to him - so this means smash this guy when I'm fresh then move on to partners I trust more.

ex. If I'm really tired but still really want to roll, i'll roll with someone I trust not to injure me and i'll work on something very specific - like reguarding from side control.

what is your budget range?

personally i have tried:

Habrok

Gr1ps


So far I have the most mat time with the Gr1ps gi that I own and have been super happy with the fit/weight/durability of it, and just got a new one for Black Friday. I just got the Habrok but so far I like it.


Quite a few people that I have trained with have had the Sanabul gi and they seem to hold up well. The people I know that have them like them.

Hello new convert, have you read the good book? It's a great place to start when you want to save your sweet neck from being strangled by sweaty strangers.

Keep your arms close to your body and learn to shrimp like a mofucka. Also, take tips/advice from other whitebelts with a grain of salt, except for me of course.

Mentions Danaher has a PhD from Columbia
http://fightland.vice.com/blog/in-the-racket-the-mystery-of-danaher

Book bio on Amazon mentioned Danaher has a PhD from Columbia
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Jujitsu-Martial-Arts-Series/dp/0736044043

My instructor received his black belt with Danaher and constantly speaks of his philosophies on strategy and branching in Jiu Jitsu. My instructor still trains with Danaher, GSP, and other Renzo team members and was a coach for GSP and Danaher during season 10 of TUF.

Yes, I agree with OP in a sense that you are learning how to solve puzzles and through drilling and muscle memory making decisions under duress that are inline with the strategy you have planned and are attempting to implement while changing and adjusting tactics. Is Nick Diaz a scholar? No, but he does have a high fight IQ and understanding of his sport, just like an illiterate person could be a very talented musician. Just like how a chess master may have a high IQ, but low emotional or social IQ.

There's no definitive source of fundamentals, b/c you'll never get a variety of people to agree on what constitutes fundamentals.

That said, Jiu Jitsu University is a good place to start.

Also, you can do searches on youtube for things like "jiu jitsu mount basics", "jiu jitsu guard basics", etc.

The best answer is to ask your instructor what he/she thinks are the fundamentals.

Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro

Almost a must read for any new student imo. The focus on positional postures and whys is especially under taught imo.

Also you can take it to the mats and look at it while drilling. Also it's pretty cheap compared to DVD series.

If I had to recommend one DVD series it would be Demian Maia's Science of JiuJitsu. (Saulo also had a really amazing gi series, whose name I forget.)

Wheres slideyfoot?

I read "Jiu Jitsu on the Brain" by Mark Johnon before I started. It will give you great framing for the mindset you will need in the world of bjj. Its also a short read that you can surely finish over holiday (probably on the plane).

https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-Brain-Mark-Johnson-ebook/dp/B006V5AFYE

When I first started I bought this book to help me get past the awkwardness of being a noob.

A few key points I took away, that have really helped me:

Each belt has a purpose, white you learn to be invincible. You focus on learning out to defend each position. Then you learn to escape those positions. So you should be focused on survival.

Learn to get comfortable in uncomfortable positions.

Learn to tap early, and tap often. There's no sense hurting yourself.

And outside of sparing, never be afraid to ask questions. Even during sparing you can say, "hey that was awesome, can you show me that after class?"

https://www.amazon.com/Bauerfeind-Knee-Support-GenuTrain/dp/B0053VE7VY

I wear this every time I train. It’s an awesome brace, little pricey but it’s the best.

Focus on the basics, you won't be able to get the advances fancy stuff until you master the basics.
Pick up Jiu Jitsu Univeristy by Saulo Riberio. It's $25, and will the best thing to ever happen to your BJJ game. The white and blue belt section will be helpful RN and will save frustration. It'll tell you how to position your body so that you can survive (bc you will be on bottom a lot), tells you common mistakes to avoid, and then goes into escapes. http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434

Drill a lot, drill what you learn in class, (hopefully your school has a beginner program, so you'll be learning relevant stuff to your skill level) Ask for feedback after every roll, anything you could work on, or ask them watt they felt that you did good.
Roll with higher belts, ask for help. They've been doing this for a while, pry their knowledge and maybe ask what some basic escapes are from a certain position that you keep getting stuck in.
Go to Open Mat. Open mat is the best time of the week, you get to roll for 2 hours straight. You can drill, roll, or just hang out for a couple hours, working on some part of your game. This is probably where the most improvement will happen as you are putting in some solid mat time here.
For Gis? Don't go all out and buy the $420 Lucky Hemp Gi. http://luckygi.miiduu.com/lucky-gi-hemp-tzar
Hell, don't ever but that actually.
Stay cheap, if the academy has an affiliate or a school GI, ex. Gracie Barra, then you should buy that, if not then I can recommend Killer Bee GIs. They are cheap, high quality, great customer service.
http://www.killerbeegi.com/
I recommend the Scutellata GI Top, and the Drill Cotton Gi Pants. For a total that will be $125. That's a steal considering the quality of the GI, also Jessi usually has some sort of promotion going on, so you can find a coupon code for some even extra cash off.
Overall, just keep showing up to class, more mat time equals more improvement RN. Don't be a spaz, and slam someone in guard..

I've had good experience with the bauerfeind and I've seen someone recommend a super heavy duty shock doctor

Check out the Jiu-Jitsu University book, it has a whole section on survival and what to do (and what not to do) in situations

EDIT: Link to book https://www.amazon.com.au/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434

Woo the price has certainly increased, it used to be like $25

It's called Gracie University. Sounds like a reasonable plan.

Alternatively, you could get a great video or book and follow the lesson plan in that. Something like Jiu Jitsu University or the Gracie Barra Fundamentals video ($50 for a 16 week curriculum on 4 DVDs).

Galvao has a book which includes both solo and partner drills - http://www.amazon.com/Drill-Win-Months-Brazillian-Jiu-Jitsu/dp/0981504485

Jiu-Jitsu Brotherhood has a video of solo "animal" movements that I love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNJk_OEO5MU

The other thing I do when I'm off the mat for awhile is to keep watching videos of the basics/fundamentals while I'm out so at least I have rehearsed in my mind what all the details are for the stuff I already know how to do. I really like the videos by Saulo Ribeiro, Xande Ribeiro, and Ze Mario for this purpose, but there's plenty of free stuff on YouTube if you're not looking to invest in a DVD set.

I'm in the same boat with my knees. After about a dozen full and partial dislocations I had a lateral release on my right knee (and a second quasi-release due to scar tissue reconnecting it). The left knee is also mis-shapen, bur I have been lucky with it..save a few scopes here and there.


The truth of it is that you have to know your limits. It sucks when you can only get a couple of rolls in after class and have to sit on the side and watch everyone else. But if you can treat it more like a marathon and less like a sprint, you should be good.


I recommend Bauerfiend knee braces (I use the GenuTrain) and learn how to sweep from side-control as you'll spend a lot of time there because It sucks not being able to shoot for a takedown with any sort of explosiveness or sprawl super-effectively...but not nearly as bad as being crushed in side control.

Everyone who is new to bjj hates Side Control. My instructor gets asked how to escape that position more than anything else lol.

Best piece of advice I can give you is to buy this:

Jiu-Jitsu University

It's like the bjj bible man.

Could I get one or two more recommendations? I'm still on the fence...



Just kidding. I'm buying the book today. It sounds awesome. Link for anyone else interested: The book

This article has photocopies of some of the relevant pages I was thinking of (the book itself is well with it, I'd recommend buying it not just for this kind of stuff but also for good form for exercises and for physical therapy/rehab/maintenance)

https://www.pkfitness.com/201722the-trick-to-good-posture/

Link to the book on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Supple-Leopard-2nd-Performance/dp/1628600837

I've been happy with Sanabul. Seems like a lot of value for what you pay: http://www.amazon.com/RELEASE-Sanabul-Essentials-Version-Preshrunk/dp/B00P9W4GD6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1464976339&sr=8-2&keywords=sanabul

I re-read your original comment -- "zero grappling experience" and "I don't always know what I'm looking at or what it means."

You should buy Jiu-Jitsu University.

You start with survival. Get through your training rounds without tapping (i.e., without getting caught; if you get caught, tap of course!). Keep your elbows tight, protect your collar, keep your back to the mat.

But that book -- Jiu-Jitsu University -- will really help you.

I just got Jiu-Jitsu University and absolutely love it. And you are correct, the white belt section is just survival positions.

I don't really know what the other sections are focused on as I am not going to read them until I have the corresponding belt.

Like what do you mean by angles? It might have been evident to you but the description you provided is hard to offer advice.


A book since you asked
https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434

It's awesome imo

I in a similar situation as you, I am pretty new to BJJ so I have a cheap 50$ gi my gym sells. But I have been eyeing https://www.amazon.com/Fuji-BJJ-Uniform-White-A3/dp/B00GIHVQBG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1510337995&sr=8-3&keywords=fuji%2Bbjj%2Bgi&th=1&psc=1 for Christmas. I don't think it comes with a belt though.

Keto is great too, I have been a bit off the wagon recently but still loosing weight and feeling good so I am just going with it. I have been having 100 or less carbs a day and just lowering my fat a bit and its working for me, I think doing BJJ 3 times a week is what is driving that though.

• Jiu Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro
  
• Drill to Win: 12 months to better BJJ by Andre Galvao
  
• Mastering Jujitsu by Renzo Gracie and John Donaher
  
• Passing the Guard by Ed Beneville
  
• Marcelo Garcia video clips

I've only been doing bjj for a few months, but there are students who use headgear at our gym. No one bats an eye at it. It's about what makes you comfortable as you train. Anyone who would give you shit for it can go fuck themselves. It's YOUR journey and YOUR training. Not theirs.

That said, the best partner friendly headgear you can likely get is Cliff Keen E58: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009A5GRI/ref=s9_hps_bw_g200_i3

It's a really good brand of grappler's headgear. I have a pair. They will protect your ears. They aren't bulky. Best of all, they are soft and partner friendly. I've rolled with a guy who using this plastic hard tornado-some such headgear and I hate him for it. It's unpleasant when he digs his headgear into me.

Practice makes perfect. As you said you only have 2 lessons behind you, upper belts having their way with you is par for the course. If you keep going you will get better. In the meantime order this book, it'll point you in the right direction.

This is what you need. It is like a miracle! New Skin: http://www.amazon.com/New-Skin-Liquid-Bandage-Antiseptic-Bottle/dp/B0017JOF86/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451769203&sr=8-1&keywords=new+skin

They just did a new printing and it's like 27 bucks now. I grabbed it just because I know at some point I'm going to want to get dope with it, and this is the cheapest it's gonna get. Did finish my first triangle in ages though, so thumbs up.

https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Triangle-Chokes-Submission-Grappling/dp/193660809X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496117512&sr=8-1&keywords=mastering+the+triangle

The whole asshole thing is possible. I'm super friendly, but I'm sure there's a handful of people who only took away negative impressions of me from short interactions, and if I was famous they'd remember "Oh yeah so and so is a dick," whenever I was mentioned.

hmmm. Not sure about videos for beginners, but this is what I give all of my friends I convince to start BJJ https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434

http://www.amazon.com/Bauerfeind-Knee-Support-GenuTrain/dp/B0053VE7VY

I had at least 4 pairs and their are great. Highly recommended!

Books could be cool.
Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro is relatively cheap and a great resource.
http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434

http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Immutable-Principles-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu/dp/1514109328

Great read with several metaphors to consider (IE rolling as a chess match) as well as breakdowns of different core principles (position, posture, pressure)

Jiu Jitsu University is a great starter book as many have suggested, then i'd highly recommend going on to the Guard series by Ed Beneville and Joe Moreira. They are comprehensive and incredibly detailed, the only trouble is finding them on sale at a decent price.

http://www.amazon.com/Passing-Guard-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-Techniques/dp/0972109765/ref=pd_sim_b_2

Check out Neil Melanson’s book “Mastering Triangle Chokes”.

His setups are awesome, but the biggest take away for me - and this applies to all sub setups, not just triangles - is his philosophy of giving your opponent a problem to solve. Their reaction to solving that problem will have them give you the setup.

Here’s Neil demoing this - hand choke setup for the triangle.

Ryan Hall calls this “your money or your life”. The hip bump triangle is an example of this. The hip bump forces them to post, to prevent getting swept. Posting puts their arm a long way from their body, giving you the leg-through triangle setup.

Anyone who has been doing bjj for more ham a few months will recognize undisguised and unforced setups a mile away, and shut them down.

I think Fuji gis are great and cheap. Available on Amazon for around $85 (http://smile.amazon.com/Fuji-BJJ-Uniform-White-A3/dp/B00GIHVQBG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464968568&sr=8-1&keywords=fuji+gi). They go on sale for $70 on bjjhq.com if you are not in a rush.

Knee pads or a knee sleeve?

The best knee sleeve is the Bauerfiend Genutrain (we just had another thread about this brace last week).

http://www.amazon.com/Bauerfeind-GenuTrain-Knee-Support-Titanium/dp/B0053VE1E2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427327987&sr=8-1&keywords=bauerfeind+genutrain

But a knee PAD is designed to have impact protection for your actual knee cap against impact.

http://www.amazon.com/Brute-Torq-Wrestling-Knee-Pad/dp/B0027LBBEO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1427328026&sr=8-2&keywords=wrestling+knee+pad

So there you go.

I highly recommend this book - Becoming A Supple Leopard. It's a shit title, but the book is well worth the investment.

​

Every single time I've had pain anywhere in conjunction with training, or just life in general, I've used this book. It hasn't cured everything, but it's always helped - and most of the time I can work through what I would normally have to fix through therapy / doctor's appointments / physio etc.

​

It goes through all the major areas of the body, focuses on where the pain is and what it might be, and helps you fix it. All you need is a roller, a lacrosse ball and a voodoo band. I've recommended it to everyone I've ever trained with, and everyone I know who's bought it, loved it.

I highly recommend Galvao's book on movement and strength drills. http://www.amazon.com/Drill-Win-Months-Brazillian-Jiu-Jitsu/dp/0981504485

While you'll need some coaching from upper-belts at your school to critique your movement (it's hard to see/feel if you're doing them right), you'll be able to design a script of drills for yourself to fix all of your jiu jitsu shortcomings.

This is a good read for first timers humorous and informative
http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-Brain-Mark-Johnson-ebook/dp/B006V5AFYE/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

A couple ideas:

Jiu-Jitsu University ~$25 ( http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434 ) One of the best overall BJJ books around. Very detailed, and useful at a number of levels of the game.

If you know what size your person is, you could go the mystery rashguard route: ( http://www.budovideos.com/shop/customer/product.php?productid=32101&cat=417&page=1 )

You can also keep an eye on bjjhq.com - sometimes they have sick deals on rashguards or other bjj related accessories.

I have a lot of knee problems and despite BJJ's reputation I find it to be easier on my knees than either weightlifting or running, believe it or not. Just take it slow, listen to your body, and take days off when you need them.

For stability or previously injured knees I recommend Bauerfeind Genutrain. Really good support and a great donut, but they're expensive and I worry about its durability. I use it for my surgically reconstructed knee.

For a regular wrestling style kneepad to absorb impact I recommend a Brute Exo. I use that one for my right knee.

http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367553325&sr=8-1&keywords=saulo+ribeiro

It's a great book, although it's entirely gi-focused (I do no-gi roughly three to five times as much as I do gi). Chapters are broken down into belts, and each belt is themed.

White Belt is survival.
Blue Belt is the guard.
Purple Belt is sweeps.
Brown Belt is top game or something.
Black Belt is submissions.

Obviously Jiujistu isn't really taught like that in class (if you don't learn sweeps until purple belt, you are probably not at a good gym), but I think that the way the book is organized nicely outlines Saulo Ribeiro's philosophy on what to prioritize in each skill level.

Wow, I didn't expect this much hype over a web page. From "poptartdiet's" excerpt above, there seems to be confusion and misinterpretation about our Jiu-Jitsu program. Like the Gracie Academy Combative's curriculum, our white-blue belt program has 20 core classes that have to be repeated, plus additional lessons that include tactical classes. On average it takes a minimum of 120 classes and 12-18 months to earn a blue belt in our program. To earn a black belt under Relson, the minimum time is 10 years; in reality the average is around 14 years with him. All Relson black belts must know his father's self-defense curriculum. This book has some, but not all of the curriculum.

http://www.amazon.com/Gracie-Jiu-Jitsu-Helio/dp/0975941119

If anyone is in the area, feel free to stop in and train with us.

He wrote "Becoming a Supple Leopard," a best seller and highly rated book. I'm reading through it now.

http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Supple-Leopard-Preventing-Performance/dp/1936608588

I wear them all the time, mostly preventatively. Bauerfiend = the best.

What I find helpful:

http://www.bjjlegends.com/maps/whitebeltmindmap_files/whitebeltmindmap.html

https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434

http://secure.gracieacademy.com/categories/dvds/GSD-GCDVD.html (they catch a lot of flak for various reasons, but I like this a whole lot to supplement class).

Saulo Ribiero's Jiu Jitsu University is a great resource for all things BJJ. It goes through many many individual moves, and also covers the general theory so you can adapt to whatever situation arrises.

There's the Carlos Gracie one

https://www.budovideos.com/products/carlos-gracie-sr-biography-book-by-reila-gracie

The Cauliflower Chronicles is a good read as well

http://www.amazon.com/The-Cauliflower-Chronicles-Grapplers-Self-Discovery/dp/0982565879

new skin or super glue on the abrasions.

https://www.amazon.com/New-Skin-Liquid-Bandage-Ounce-Cover/dp/B0017JOF86

Can't vouch for it personally, but i've heard good things about this

http://www.amazon.ca/Becoming-Supple-Leopard-Preventing-Performance/dp/1936608588/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398263888&sr=8-1&keywords=supple+leopard

I recommend as well. Here it is on Amazon

Free: Stephan Kesting's Roadmap to BJJ e-book (requires newsletter sign-up)

For monies: Jiu-jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro

consider asking the parents of the other 50% to make some donation. to buy 2 gis for their kid from like amazon, the Sanabul is real cheap, and donate one.

Got this one last week, very good product

Matman Ultrasoft Wrestling Headgear Quick Adjusting, One Size Fits All, Ear and Head Guard Adult https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006SBMZ9Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DeUOCbGP4DWRA

Read the book: Jiu-Jitsu on the Brain by Mark Johnson. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006V5AFYE.

I got my copy on kindle. Inexpensive and insightful. It explains a lot of what to expect when you start training, including some really good etiquette advice.

Here's another short one that makes for good beach/vacation reading and slow mental marination: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Immutable-Principles-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu/dp/1514109328/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=D0DXFH28CDMJWW032VEG

That White Belt to Blue Belt book helped me form some good training habits (like keeping a journal); this one articulates core principles in BJJ. For me this was important, because it's hard for me to remember all the details of every move and technique that the prof. teaches in class, and this book provided the skeleton on which all these techniques hang. Often before, I wouldn't understand the point of certain details of techniques and sequences, but after reading this, I had a much more solid conceptual framework that helped me "fill in the blanks" on things that I didn't understand before or details that I straight up forgot from other techniques.

So it's helped me make more sense of a lot of stuff that I've seen, specific, actionable areas in which I was/am weak, and understand new stuff much faster.

Any recommendations? I've tried a few and these are my favorite so far:

http://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-E58-Headgear/dp/B0009A5GRI

You need to buy Saulos book:
http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434

It will explain a lot. It is a go to encyclopedia of bjj. I really wish I had bought it sooner. You should just study the first and second chapter for now.

Buy this book!

http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434

It seriously should be issued to all new white belts. It'll teach you techniques to survive when you first start. I found it extremely helpful!

Checking it out now, thanks.

http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434

For concepts, I liked Paulo Guillobel's
Mastering The 21 Immutable Principles Of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu


http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1514109328/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

It's a short book all based on concepts

Yes, each technique is presented as a sequence of pictures, sometimes from two different angles. Take a look here. You can click on 'LOOK INSIDE' to see some sample pages.

I just checked out some on Amazon and wanted to know if this $40k one is worth it....

https://www.amazon.com/Fuji-BJJ-Uniform-White-A3/dp/B00GIHVQBG/ref=sr_1_5?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1527085997&sr=1-5&keywords=bjj+gi

I have and throughly recommend the following:

Jiu-Jitsu University

Drill to Win

Advanced Brazilian Jiujitsu Techniques

People have been grappling since the beginning of time. This would be the intro volume. I recommend BJJ University

edit: grammar

Jiu-Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro

It's like the Jiu-Jitsu bible.

Cliff Keen E58

https://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-E58-Headgear/dp/B0009A5GRI

If you don't mind me piggybacking off your post, u/UncleSkippy, I also have a A1 white gi, like new (wife wore it twice, threw out her back, and said "Welp I'm done with BJJ").

Same rule applies: if you only have 1 other gi, first come / first serve. It says A1, but it's much closer to an A2. Please look at the size chart in the link!!

I highly recommend Jiu Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro. Practice what your instructors show you, but focus on the white belt stuff in the book daily. At this point, you're basically just wanting to learn to survive.
Focus on the [positional hierarchy] (http://www.beginningbjj.com/BJJ%20Roadmap%201.3.pdf) for strategy (thanks awesome redditor Stephen Kesting for the ebook,) hip escapes, re-guarding, and threatening basic submissions for like the first year, and you'll lose 80% of the anxiety

i almost pains me to say it, because i hate their marketing, but Shoyoroll are legit. if you buy a "comp standard" it will be about the same price as any quality gi. they actually have one that you can pre-order now.
since it is your first one i would recommend Sanabul. you can get one for $70 or less and they are not bad quality. i bought one for my wife, because i half way thought she would quit. now a handful of guys i train with own one because they saw hers and wanted a cheap gi. https://www.amazon.com/Sanabul-Essentials-Version-Preshrunk-Fabric/dp/B00P9W4GD6/

those aren't cheap... I'd rather get this Flow or Fuji from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Triangle-Chokes-Submission-Grappling/dp/193660809X

Ask, and ye shall receive. It was out of print when i first looked for it, but last week, this appeared in my Amazon feed. New editions, ~$26.

There's a chance that it is this: http://smile.amazon.com/Gracie-Jiu-Jitsu-Helio/dp/0975941119/

Keep in mind that "testing" for Black Belt, especially based on specific techniques, is way outside of the norm and is looked upon with distaste for the most part.

Sitting beside me while I'm in work today;

x1 Blue Belt.

x1 Ankle brace/sock thing.

x1 Manto Shorts.

x1 Grey Lidl (or maybe Aldi) Rashguard/Compression top.

x1 Black Lidl (or Aldi) Spats/Compression leggings.

x1 Red T-shirt.

x1 Black tracksuit pants

x1 Red Flipflops

x1 Gumshield

x2 Grip tape

x1 Padlock and key

x1 1L bottle of water

x1 Mastering Triangle Chokes

x1 Bag of Jelly babies.

x? Multiple plasters of various sizes

x1 Pair of runners

Only difference is if it's gi or (tonight) no-gi.

https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Immutable-Principles-Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu/dp/1514109328/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502287280&sr=8-2&keywords=Jiu+jitsu+book


Mastering The 21 Immutable Principles Of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Handbook for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Students

was a good read. Kinda quick but has a lot of decent info in there for us white belts.

https://www.amazon.com/Sanabul-Essentials-Version-Preshrunk-Fabric/dp/B00P9W4GD6/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1519152927&sr=1-3&keywords=sanabul+gi


Even cheaper, I've rolled with people who have these and they aren't bad

Link to Sanabul gi on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sanabul-Essentials-Version-Preshrunk-Fabric/dp/B00P9W4GAE/

Neil Melanson's Mastering Triangle Chokes

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Hopefullly its cheaper somewhere else then Amazon: https://imgur.com/a/5UExkq9

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For those who dont want to hit the link:

Amazon has it listed for: 3,214.79

Several people word hardshells, like Cliff Keen, at our gym and I found them somewhat annoying as a partner. It's not fun to bumb your head against the shell and locking the head up is trickier.

When I had my cauliflower ear drained last month, I picked up the softer Matman and so far my experience is good. I've asked my partners if it messes with them and nobody seems to mind.

Don't forget the timer! This one is the most commonly used model I believe, but there are other cheaper options (including apps on tablets)

If you don't want to risk cauliflower, wear ear guards. https://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-E58-Headgear/dp/B0009A5GRI

Ohhh, the actual bone growth does make sense.

After every class, the spot right below the knee ball is always really large and painful. I've tried a pateller band and that helped a bit, but didn't stop it.

If you don't use one, I've heard this is great for OS and bursitis - https://www.amazon.com/Bauerfeind-Knee-Support-GenuTrain/dp/B0053VE7VY

I have one of these, and I will be buying another. My knees get contusions rather easily, this has a padding around the patella that helps prevent that. One thing I didn't really like was that there doesn't seem to be much 'support', but it has been stellar at relieving pain for me.

http://www.bauerfeindusa.com/en/products/supports-orthoses/knee-hip-thigh/genutrain.html

http://www.amazon.com/Bauerfeind-GenuTrain-Knee-Support-Titanium/dp/B0053VE1E2/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1404834495&sr=1-1&keywords=Bauerfeind+knee+brace

If you have the Helio book, just take the first 15 or so in order.

http://www.grapplearts.com/the-16-most-important-techniques-for-the-bjj-beginner/

http://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452780727&sr=8-1&keywords=university+of+jiu+jitsu

Get this book: Jiu-Jitsu University

https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434/ref=sr_1_1?crid=A2PG8M8L4R5C

And practice everything in the white belt chapter. It is appropriately titled "Survival". The blue belt chapter is "Escapes".

The only thing I can think of to explain this at multiple levels is the intro in the book Jiu Jitsu University.

In before Saulo Ribeiro's Jiujitsu University

...I don't think it is - I just checked:

https://www.amazon.com/Jiu-Jitsu-University-Saulo-Ribeiro/dp/0981504434/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SS7TAS1J1XCS&keywords=bjj+university&qid=1568894251&sprefix=bjj+un%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-1

as of posting, its $22.83

http://www.amazon.com/Drill-Win-Months-Brazillian-Jiu-Jitsu/dp/0981504485

The Cauliflower Chronicles: A Grappler's Tale of Self-Discovery and Island Living
http://www.amazon.com/The-Cauliflower-Chronicles-Grapplers-Self-Discovery/dp/0982565879

https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Triangle-Chokes-Submission-Grappling/dp/193660809X?crid=291V4UUD7YK9K&keywords=neil+melanson+mastering+triangle+chokes&qid=1540698197&sprefix=neil+melan%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-1&ref=sr_1_1