Books are still legit and you can keep studying Jiu-Jitsu even when you’re off the mat. There are plenty of awesome Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) books written by the Gracie family and other BJJ athletes to help you reach your potential. While BJJ can’t actually be learned from books, you can certainly learn a lot. It isn’t a substitute for going to class but rather it is an incredible supplement that could be considered foolish not to acknowledge.
Even in the age of technology and everything modern, there is a reason why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu books are still being made. The first thing to know when learning BJJ from books is to manage expectations – especially for the younger generation who is more akin to technology. It is also a good idea to figure out what exactly it is you’re searching for in terms of learning from BJJ books:
- Are you focused more on technique?
- Are you focused on mindset?
- Are you looking for a whole book that is specific to just how to train your breathing better?
- How much about Brazilian Jiu-Jiu-Jitsu history do you really know?
Learning from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu books does not mean that you need to carry around a thick book for weeks on end and to be reading every time you’re not doing something. They want that you will really get a lot from any book and work it into your BJJ journey is to find one that is simple and aligns with what you are looking for in that specific moment.
The collection to choose from has tremendously increased over the last decade. With that, some of the quality has diluted as well. There are some phoney people out there, we’re not going to lie to you. That is one of the reasons why we have curated this list for you to help you decipher between what makes sense to add to your bookshelf and what does not. Remember, it is okay to download E-books, read PDFs or listen to audiobooks. As long as the format works for you before you hit the mat, it simply doesn’t matter. The perfect book doesn’t exist, but this list gets pretty close.
Our pick of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu books out there
Our pick of the best BJJ books goes over general BJJ related concepts, mindset / motivation, technique focus, mental performance and strength, as well as books designed for kids.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique
We’re not really sure what kind of book could be better than this, but co-written by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu royalty, this incredible book covers everything BJJ. It’s an overall written guide about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu art, history, BJJ in MMA and the belt system. This theory book also focuses on mastering techniques and increasing combat effectiveness.
Mastering The 21 Immutable Principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Handbook of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Students
This comprehensive yet concise guide covers the main principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You will learn in a straightforward manner and can be read in one weekend. Leave your excuses at the first page. With over 26 years of experience, Guillobel has studied BJJ thoroughly as well as trained, taught, and competed at the highest level. Vice President and Chief Editor of Gracie Magazine coined this book “by far the best Jiu-Jitsu book I’ve ever read”.
The Black Belt Blueprint: An Intelligent Approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Written by Roger Gracie’s first black belt, The Black Belt Blueprint: An Intelligent Approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a holistic guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Gregoriades focuses on the art of BJJ with specific concepts such as breath control, use of angles, and how to attack joints effectively. This book will also help teach you about what the jiu-jitsu lifestyle means.
Mindset
Jiu-Jitsu on the Brain
Mark “West Side” Johnson, a black belt under the legendary Pedro Sauer wrote a collection of Jiu-Jitsu musings. In just 80 pages, this entertaining book covers all the very real and non-technique based aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This book will remind you what it’s like to be brought back down to earth and includes how to handle certain (potentially embarrassing) BJJ only situations. It’s a great gift for those who are just starting their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey.
Motivation: Stories on Life and Success from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts
This may just be the book of all books when it comes to motivation. Take an adventure into what drives and motivates someone to become a black belt. Author, coach and former police officer, Chuck Rylant, interviewed 12 black belts to find out their motivational drive, lessons they learned on and off the mats, as well as the sacrifices that they had to make. Get ready to be inspired.
Technique
Jiu-Jitsu University
Dive into this book for the ultimate technical manual showing key and foundational positions / techniques. It is organized into five key sections covering: survival, escapes, the guard, guard passing and submissions. This guide has written and photo instructions. The great Saulo Ribeiro aka six-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion wrote this to unleash his wisdom for all.
The Essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Rigan Michado, one of the most knowledgeable and well-known Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the world made sure to contribute massive amounts to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. This book has answers to frequently asked questions about BJJ and includes images of techniques. It will quickly become your favorite how-to guide. Don’t underestimate.
Kids BJJ Books
BJJ is a wonderful sport for children to start early to build discipline, strength, and confidence. Why not get the BJJ bug early? What is there to lose?
The Shih Tzu Who Knew Jiu-Jitsu:
Leo, a Shih Tzu, learns Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as an effort to combat bullying. This beautifully illustrated and written book focuses on BJJ, bullying, and confidence. It is a great look into what BJJ can do for the mind, soul, and body – even when young.
Jiu Jitsu and Me
This is a story about a young boy named Bobby who learns Jiu-Jitsu after hearing stories about it from his school teacher. It’s all about trying new things, facing fears, overcoming obstacles and how to do that through the lens of BJJ.
Way of the Warrior Kid: From Wimpy to Warrior the Navy Seal Way
Marc had a tough year in 5th grade. He wasn’t great at gym class, Math was the end of him, and he ruined the class field trip because he didn’t know how to swim. The summer after 5th grade, Marc learns from his Uncle Jake about what it takes to be a Navy Seal and a black belt. This story is about perseverance and what can happen through learning combat arts.
Beginners
Zen Jiu Jitsu – White to Blue
This book is all about philosophies, ideas, and combinations in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If you’re feeling a little intimidated by this new journey, this book is good for white belts to become competent blue belts. You’ll find concepts rather than just techniques. It is simple and breaks things down in a way that is digestible. Don’t forget that every black belt started out as a white belt – just saying.
BJJ Techniques to Defeat Bigger and Stronger Opponents
In your BJJ journey, you will no doubt come across larger and stronger opponents. Well, lucky you – you’ve just found your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu bible. This book has been specifically designed for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters to learn how to defeat bigger and stronger opponents. It goes over concepts, philosophies, and mindset as well as revolutionary techniques that are designed for the smaller fighter. You will have to learn how to implement what is in this book, but you’ll be ready to take your training to the next level.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: The Master Text
This book is almost 300 pages of pure genius with over 1,300 photos. This book was created in a clear and easy-to-follow format from the grandmaster, Helio Gracie. It covers different aspects of BJJ. You’ll be hooked from the first to the last page. Gracie has left a worldwide legacy that you have the option to unlock. This master text is known to be one of the most sought after books in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and will most likely continue to be so for generations to come.
Ready to hit the mats?
At The Boxing Club, we pride ourselves on bringing the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in San Diego. We have crafted full programming based on power / stamina, flexibility, grappling, and advancing our mental strength. Our classes are designed to give newer belts a place to learn and those who are already invested, a place to keep on the learning. Learn from the best with our award-winning coaches who are intentional with the instruction they bring on and off the mats. Seasoned student or new student eager to learn, try a class with the best!
