(Part 2) Top products from r/bjj

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.

Had a grade 2 to both shoulders, one from surfing, one from Jiu Jitsu (a beautiful but vicious spider guard sweep).

The advice sounds about right. Good news is, two other guys (that I know of) in the same situation at my gym and all of us are still training. One is an active MMA fighter, the other won black belt worlds masters in 2014.

I went to a physiotherapist for massage and rehab exercise. This was good, but not cheap. It was OK to roll after six weeks, but took a few months to totally settle down. Or maybe I learned to move around it better.

One of my collarbones sticks up further than it should at the shoulder. Slight hunchback of Notre Dame effect. If I sleep on that side, I get pins and needles in that hand after a few hours.

Occasionally get mild tweaks when rolling, especially on my side in half guard with a big guy trying to crush me, but they usually go away after some icing and a day or two's rest.

I found this book useful once I had recovered, as recommended by Steve Maxwell:

https://www.amazon.com/Shoulder-Solution-Prevention-Revised-Expanded/dp/1589096428

You might be able to find a free digital copy somewhere.

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.

Dude, a guy a hundred pounds heavier than you punches you and falls down? Nike-jitsu is better than Jujitsu. Get the fuck outta there.

There's no need to prove how big your pee-pee is. You said yourself, be careful who you surround yourself with. While you are putting on a BJJ clinic, some asshole can come kick you in the head for beating up his buddy.

BJJ is great, but having a good head on your shoulders is even better. Having good BJJ AND common sense is best.

Glad things came out OK. Look into reading Rory Miller's Meditations On Violence. It'll give you some self defense perspective. Keep on training.

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.

I get bursitis in my knees pretty often and have gone through more than a few pairs of knee pads. My favorite are the Asics Super Sleeves. They stay in place, feel good, and are the least bulky that have worked for me. They get pretty hot though. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LG668I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Personally I love "Optimum Nutrition" and "NOW Foods"... I like them because they're relatively cheap, easy to access all over the world, and they put ONLY the supplement you're buying in their products (usually)... some companies will sneak in weird ingredients that don't really need to be in the supplement. Oftentimes preservatives... If you buy supplements from the grocery store, that's often what you'll find.

I use Optimum Nutrition (ON) for BCAAs... for me, I like just taking BCAAs in pill form. You can buy a powder and put it in a shake if you'd like but the pills are easier for me... I take them at least 3-4 times per day. From what I've heard, the more the better when it comes to BCAAs.

NOW Foods is where I get all my vitamins and mineral or herbal type supplements. Also, I live in Germany and I can find lots of cheap and quality products at the supermarket... in the States, it was much more difficult. Fortunately, Europe is a bit ahead of the power curve.

https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Capsules-1000mg-Count/dp/B000SOXALE/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1487775411&sr=1-1&keywords=ON%2BBCAA&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Capsules-1000mg-Count/dp/B000SOXALE/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1487775411&sr=1-1&keywords=ON%2BBCAA&th=1

Personally, I don't like Whey protein. It upsets my stomach too much. I use Hemp protein whenever I want a protein shake. Of course, it's much easier to get here in Germany so I understand if you go with Whey... honestly though, you can get the same effect from BCAAs (others might tell you differently... just my opinion).

EDIT: Whenever possible, DO NOT buy from GNC or some random store... Amazon is almost always cheaper.

Fuji indeed. $70's a deal, but is that including shipping?

Amazon has a new $69 gi with free shipping, I think, that's actually decent according to the reviews. I now own one, and while the fabric seems a little light, it didn't shrink in the dryer (I shrink all my gis and hot wash/dry them) nearly as much as I thought it might and has held up well so far.

http://www.amazon.com/Brazilian-Jitsu-Uniform-Premium-Blank/dp/B005ECP4TG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1406319226&sr=8-2&keywords=your+gear+gi

It doesn't feel quite as nice as the Fuji intuitively, but neither has gone bad on me. Actually, I got a Fuji that had only been used twice on CL right after getting it, so I can compare the two and see which falls apart first.

I'll get back to you in a couple years and let you know.

BCAA and water right after, banana or other light snack after drive home. Super hot then super cold shower. Read/watch show for a little bit. Zinc/Magnesium/B6 supplement 15 minutes before sleep time. Bedroom is super quiet and I installed blackout curtains which make a huge difference.
https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Capsules-1000mg-Count/dp/B000SOXALE/ref=zg_bs_6939949011_1?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=VNZ5NETWXJVAWQSQY74C&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GIQS02/ref=sr_ph_1_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1487811737&sr=sr-1&keywords=zma&th=1
IF all that isn't working, slap on the headphones and listen to this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SmAqaCrCpU&list=PLp5q1GrVm5zUJyx-5kSQKIhjhCN3AoLsQ&index=2

your trainer is not informed and i doubt he wrestled for any length of time.

headgear is specifically suited to protect your ears. however, you do NEED to adjust it to fit your head correctly.

i wore headgear religiously for 10 years of competitive wrestling and i have zero cauliflower. (ok i have some but it's from bjj)

i recommend getting some CK headgear. it's simple and effective. this was the only kind i liked while wrestling.

also, if a wrestler has cauli, it's because he practiced without headgear or competed freestyle/greco and opted not to wear it. headgear does NOT cause cauli.

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

Do both. You'll see which you like. Then when you're further along, try the one you haven't gravitated towards again.

A foam roller like this is good. Something with a non-compressible core. If you're feeling up to it, just get a section of thick wall PVC pipe, you can get it from an irrigation supply store.

I started with Gracie Combatives and felt like it was the best DVD set to start with.

https://www.amazon.com/Gracie-Lifestyle-Combatives-Standard-Package/dp/B002SUVCFW

• 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.

So, I heard about this from Joe Rogan's Podcast after experiencing the same thing. i put a pullup bar in my office just a few inches from the ceiling so at full extension my feet do not touch the floor. Twice a day i hang from the bar. try to disengage your shoulder muscles as much as possible. This is the clip from the podcast. Good luck!

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

I wear this:

http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Super-Sleeve-Black-Medium/dp/B000PGFV4Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374755075&sr=8-1&keywords=asic+super+sleeve

Its pretty comfortable, and has never fallen off. When I roll I practically forget its there.

I have the older version of this and it's pretty OK for my work/BJJ stuff. Don't think it would have fit all my college stuff and my gear, though.

It's ripping around the corners at this point. My next bag won't be specifically for BJJ, but something like this has no reason it wouldn't work for BJJ and school.

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

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

I wear Asics Super Sleeves.

I have a Grid(tm) foam roller. It's super stiff, but it's not real wide. My physical therapist recommends it because you have to isolate sides.

Grid: http://www.amazon.com/The-Grid-Revolutionary-Foam-Roller/dp/B0040EGNIU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323967531&sr=8-1

Wider roller: http://www.amazon.com/Fit-36-Inch-Hi-Density-Foam-Roller/dp/B0028KDC82/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1323967531&sr=8-4

If you're feeling manly: http://www.amazon.com/Rumble-Roller-Round-31-OPTP/dp/B000FDB7CW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323967570&sr=8-2

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

get these. i've had tibial bruising 3 times now (aka a bone bruise, not just a normal skin wah wah bruise) and the first time it took me off the mats for 7 weeks, b/c the doctor told me, 'bone bruising is one step before an actual break. stay off it.' the next time it happened, i had these. i don't really like training with them on, but i was able to train, and stay on the mats. it healed up i'd say in a couple weeks where i wouldn't feel it at all.

it's not the same knee issues you're describing, but could be helpful.

You should check this book out if you haven't already. It should provide some inspiration if nothing else. www.amazon.co.uk/Brazilian-Jitsu-Globetrotter-around---world/dp/1479104523/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405666394&sr=8-1&keywords=bjj+globetrotter

Putting KenSheild on before class can really help prevent ringworm

https://www.amazon.com/Kennedy-Industries-Creme-Original-Wrestlers/dp/B000KZOI9O

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

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

I never went back to my chiro after I bought a foam roller. Plus, I can use it anytime I feel the need. Well worth the $ I spent on it.
I use one similar to this: http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Performance-Revolutionary-Roller/dp/B0040EGNIU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1398485672&sr=8-2&keywords=foam+roller

I stopped at Thanksgiving. It is better but not great. I don't want to go back and go back to square 1. I went to one doctor and he didn't do shit! Basically told me that I have tendinitis and have a good day. Nothing to help. I got one of these. It seemed to irritate it then help. I forgot about it actually. I am going to get a second opinion. Some people train through it. I don't think that is wise since you don't know exactly what is going on and you may be out longer than if you just sucked it up and stopped.

My school suspended my account. I get videos every morning and people getting stripes and belts and it eats me up inside.

Good luck!!!!!!

Cliff Keen E58

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

Agree on JNJ. And there is a four pack for only a dollar more: http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Coach-Sports-Tape-1-5-Inch/dp/B000RPSZ50/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_img_y

i use these. i swear by them. never roll without 'em. i have joint and easily bruising knees.

http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Super-Sleeve-Black-Large/dp/B000LG668I/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1404835699&sr=8-4&keywords=asics+knee+pads

I have. I had to stop doing any kind of horizontal pressing. This guy makes a pretty compelling case for hanging as a treatment:




Shoulder Pain? The Solution & Prevention, Revised & Expanded https://www.amazon.com/dp/1589096428/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1TJfAb14CXZ3M

The Johnson & Johnson sports tape is what I hear recommended most often.

This is the BCAA mix I use, I practice IF (intermittent fasting) as well so it's great for an empty stomach when I'm fasted and about to train or lift at the gym.

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

If you want something preventative, try Kenshield. I used to use it for wrestling, haven't thought about it since I started BJJ but I might pick up a bottle of that.

Gracie Combatives?
https://www.amazon.com/Gracie-Lifestyle-Combatives-Standard-Package/dp/B002SUVCFW

V is for vale tudo

Or... Blaine Lavigne's book A is for Armbar has some ideas

this one helped me the most

The first book i'm going to read to my son come July.

https://www.amazon.com/Armbar-Blaine-Lavigne/dp/1541126416/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524667918&sr=8-1&keywords=A+is+for+armbar

THIS;
https://www.amazon.com/Brazilian-Jitsu-Globetrotter-around-world/dp/1479104523

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

Has anyone tried one of these?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ECP4TG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_WYEHAbNMRTJYC

Wear head gear please!!!!!!

https://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-E58-Headgear-Color/dp/B001GKZSSM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FFZ7Y7L08SSD&dchild=1&keywords=head+gear+for+wrestlers&psc=1&qid=1571261505&sprefix=head+gear%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1

I got this for my 2 year old daughter.

[I used these] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001G7Z0RO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519064549&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=bjj+wipes&dpPl=1&dpID=41%2B6O8HQs8L&ref=plSrch)

nowadays I use these religiously after training - Defense Wipes

Defense Soap Wipes - Amazon

TAPE YOUR FINGERS

I use these

http://www.amazon.com/Mil-Tec-Military-Tactical-Rucksack-Backpack/dp/B005KDBHWM/ref=zg_bs_3222113011_20/184-1906331-3403901

I too bike to and from job /training. Have had it for a year, and it has served me perfect. No signs of ware and tear so far. So I can really recommend it, and it's fairly cheap.

The one negative I have to say about it is that its not waterproof in the zippers, so in heavy rain the content can get a little wet. But it's by no means a deal breaker.

Used to use the below product at locations notorious for hygiene issues. I've never gotten ring worm while using that stuff.

Kennedy Industries KS Skin Creme-The Original Skin Creme for Wrestlers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KZOI9O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_HeeLAbD2FRCJW

I'm just getting started, so I cheeped out figuring it would be worth the risk if it turned out terrible, and I bought this Gi from "Your Jiu Jitsu Gear" on Amazon.

It has worked out fantastically so far.

You need one of these I had the same problem and bought the green one after advice from my coach. just look at videos online on how to use it. Seems to have worked for me so far.

Inside or outside?

If inside, then the theraband stick, along with several wrist stretches, has helped me:

https://www.amazon.com/TheraBand-Resistance-Epicondylitis-Tendonitis-Intermediate/dp/B000KGOMBC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498654157&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=theraband&psc=1

No elbow pain anymore for me.

Edit: mine was never quite as bad as you described but I would be unable to roll after two or three rounds.

If you don't want to spend Datsusara prices you might want to check out the Mil-Tec Military Army Patrol Assault Pack.

If you've ever read Meditations on Violence, it talks about the genetic, instinctual reaction we humans have to social violence: you puff up your chest, get way too close to the the other guy, talk trash to each other, then someone throws a wild swing. (although in this case they skipped to the punch.) In the book he talks about trained martial artists falling into this pattern because they can't help it... a million years of evolution overriding their training.

I don't know if there's any science to back that up but it makes sense. We've all seen this scenario a hundred times in bars with young men fighting.

I highly recommend you check out this book. It goes into good detail about how martial arts training is not like actual violence and how to approach that problem philosophically. Unfortunately for you, most of it is about men and the "monkey dance" you see (most often) men do before they initiate violence. But it compares that with other kinds of violence. It said a lot of stuff I already knew but had difficulty expressing and was very eye opening.