(Part 3) 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.

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.

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.

No one can answer that for you. $75 dollars would be cheap relatively.. but your instructor is also only a blue... better be the best blue belt in your state lol.

I just got this gi today and rolled in it... it's damn comfortable and light weight and cheap (and looks awesome): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VIKD418?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Also www.gr1ps.com is having 50% off with "gr1ps xmas" code at checkout. Waiting to receive that one.

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.

For entertainment value I recommend Don't Wear Your Gi To The Bar - interesting real world accounts & anecdotes especially good for the overzealous white belt

I never had any complaints about the Twisters - the plastic is super soft (so maybe a newer design?).

Thanks for the reco on the the Matmans. They look pretty decent.

These are the Grapplearts: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DAYRA0U/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2B9GFDHNL8DMK

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 had an issue with my right knee last year. I used one of these for a couple weeks. Nice and cheap. It's thin enough where it doesn't impeed mobility, but still padded enough to help protect.

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

The Sanabul Essentials Gi is only $70 and they're pretty nice for that price point.

Depending on the size and location I put bandaid (liquid if necessary) on it then wear a hand sleeve like this: https://www.amazon.com/Grappz-Finger-Alternative-Compression-Gloves/dp/B07CG5CJ1F

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.

YOU'RE WELCOME

​

https://www.amazon.com/Grapplearts-Wrestling-Cauliflower-Construction-Protection/dp/B01DAYRA0U/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1479448166&sr=8-1&keywords=Ear+Guards+for+BJJ&refinements=p_72:2661619011&linkCode=li3&tag=mmawar-20&linkId=180b273b06ad1d3b87280665d9c199a1

I dislocated my knee cap in December and while I'm not rolling full speed just yet I've been wearing this Mcdavid one for now. I might move to a sleeve later

Edit: if it helps I started rolling harder and asked my PT if I can switch to a lighter brace and was told not for a couple more months. I assumed it would have been fine so you may want to seek advice from a professional rather than strangers on the internet.

I was going to post this. ZMA is almost a requirement for me now that I roll late on weekdays. If you care at all, this is the one that I use: http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/opt/zma.html. Or if you prefer Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-ZMA-180-Capsules/dp/B000GIQS02. Non-habit forming.

Here's some writeups:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/the-benefits-of-zma-more-than-a-sleep-supplement.html
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/top-reasons-why-you-need-zma.htm

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

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

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

Marcello Garcia is one of the master's of X-guard. I would highly recommend his book "The X-Guard."

I highly recommend Choque.

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.

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

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GIHVQES/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1427579270

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

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

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GIHVQES/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1427579270

[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)

Kindle Edition is $9.99

https://www.amazon.com/Choque-Untold-Jiu-Jitsu-1856-1949-History-ebook/dp/B00JL3L44S

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

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/0977731502/ref=olp_tab_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

$92 is the cheapest

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GIHVQES/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I ordered the white one from that page

Defense Soap Wipes - Amazon

nowadays I use these religiously after training - Defense Wipes

https://www.amazon.com/Grappz-Finger-Alternative-Compression-Gloves/dp/B07CG5CJ1F

​

maybe these might work

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

Not a permanent solution but this might help

https://www.amazon.com/Grappz-Finger-Alternative-Compression-Gloves/dp/B07CG5CJ1F

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.

I've used different kinds and found that the Asics wrestling knee pads for me works the best.

If your bursitis is bad (like mine) the padding will still somewhat irritate it, but with other kneepads I can't even put my knee down.

https://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Unisex-Wrestling-White-Black/dp/B000PGDXX0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480447861&sr=8-1&keywords=asics+wrestling+knee+pad

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 wish the host had followed up but apparently only I think about this stuff.

Read Choque, that has looooong lists of which academy fought which at many, many comps. Including plenty that had zero connection to the Gracies in terms of lineage (e.g., the Ono brothers).

The X-Guard: Gi & No Gi Jiu-Jitsu

Tore my ACL in March doing a Judo throw. I've been wearing this to class:

http://www.amazon.com/McDavid-Ligament-Support-Black-Medium/dp/B000UVXVMS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1335500371&sr=8-3

I can drill technique without problems. When it comes time to roll I explicitly tell my partners I'm injured and can only flow from bottom positions. Don't want to tear even more soft tissue! Now to man up and get that ACL surgery.

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.

I bought a flex bar on Amazon. Simple and works surprisingly well. I thought it was going to take a while to work but found out that it mitigated the pain quickly.

https://www.amazon.com/Thera-Band-Resistance-Improving-Strength-Tendonitis/dp/B00067E4YU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1474728408&sr=8-3&keywords=flex+bar

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

I'm going through it right now. Still very new (white belt sans stripes) but after a few months of training it got to the point I was losing grip strength during rolls and my arm would be shot half the day after a morning class. I went to the Orthopedic and he did x-rays and an MRI and found some minor tendon damage but nothing extreme and I've started rehab and haven't rolled in about 2 months.

I've been using a Thera Band Flexbar (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00067E4YU/ref=twister_B07C2HPZ36?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) routinely, a basic stress ball for just squeezing, stretching and icing and my elbow is feeling stronger. I'm going to get back on the mats next week, focus on technique and ease back in to rolling and go from there. It sucks because it is one of those things where there is no quick fix.

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.

I had pretty bad outer elbow pain (tennis elbow?) that wouldn't go away for over a month. I tried to take time off, limit sparring, stretches, etc.. Nothing made a bit of difference. I started to think about getting a shot, or just having my arm taken off, and I bought one of these on amazon and used it like this. Pain was less in about 2 days and mostly gone in about 4. After a week I had no pain. Been painless ever since.

Please do your training partners a favor and buy a second gi then.

Save up $65 and go here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VIKD418/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A14TJKA4FS5CS1

Dude, I'm not trying to be a dick, but that shit is gross. Hygiene is so important in this sport. I can't imagine I'm in the minority on Team "wash after every class"...

Wear headgear when you train so you can avoid wearing it when you compete. I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/Grapplearts-Wrestling-Cauliflower-Construction-Protection/dp/B01DAYRA0U/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1479406882&sr=1-1&keywords=grapplearts+ear+guard

Started having sore ears from triangle drilling about a month ago, and it was painful when I had a haircut (the barber would bend my ear). Since I started wearing this, the pain has gone away.

Edit: the strap broke on this one last night. Don't buy it.

There's nothing wrong with wearing headgear, as long as your headgear doesn't interfere with your training or your classmates' training.


I trained for 2+ years with no problem, but developed a case of cauli after one particularly rough tournament match. I started using headgear afterwards to protect it from getting worse and let it heal (which it did, mostly).


I had rolled with other guys who used headgear, so before buying a pair I already had an idea of what kinds impacted jiu-jitsu training the most/least. After trying a couple of brands myself, I ended on the Cliff Keen E58 because (a) they have no hard plastic or hard edges on the outside that can hurt your partners, (b) they're relatively small and low profile, and (c) they stay on my head and don't come off all the time.


http://amzn.com/B001GKZSSM