Changing of the Guard

Jiu jitsu is constantly evolving. The new generation of bjj superstars that included the "holy trinity" Roger Gracie, Marcelo Garcia and Ronaldo Jacare, have now moved on to new things, either MMA or bring up new competitors onto the scene. Few others have been as dominant as these three during the first decade of the twenty first centuary but now it is time to see new legends emerge.

The biggest three that have now emerged in my view are Rafael Mendes, Rodolfo Viera and the ever improving Marcus Almeida "Buchecha" who looks like the new king of BJJ GI competition. The latter two are the two dominant monsters at absolute with few, save Braulio, who can stop their dangerous attacking game.

For many fans it would be a dream to see Roger back in the game meeting the young lions with the GI and of course it would also be interesting to see Roger back in ADCC as well. 

I believe there are a couple of tournaments that are drawing more and more attention and the biggest is the Abu Dhabi Pro Worlds. With cash prizes awarded to the elite competitors and great media coverage it is exciting to see the sport taking the next leap. 

It is now interesting to see the new breed of bjj fighters rising up. Keenan Cornelius and Mendes brothers are bringing a new style to bjj and it is interesting to see them compete against the old school fighters and what will come of it. 

Marcelo Garcia, Saulo, Roger Gracie, Lovato, Renzo and many others are bringing in their students to compete and it is exciting to see how they do against the mature crowd. It is amazing how the sport continues to evolve and many new guys are able to impress.

My Book Review – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Theory and Technique (Renzo & Royler Gracie, with Kid Peligro & John Danaher)

First published in 2001 this book was the first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu book published in Russia in 2005 by the publisher Boevoy Sport.

Royler and Renzo Gracie are absolute masters of their art. The book itself however I found has a number of drawbacks despite the very good illustrations. (it is a hard-cover)

This book firstly I think is a first look at brazilian jiu jitsu from a perspective of a beginner. All techniques included in the book are fundemental, however the order in which they are shown is somewhat sporadic, with a huge mix between different types of positions, sport vs. self-defense techniques. All this makes the book at the very least difficult to use as I actually have to flick through the book to actually find the technique that I need.

The techniques themselves are demostrated with photographs of the two Gracies in white gi's. I think in some techniques it is difficult to actually follow the smaller details.

My favourite Gi positional move which I picked up from the book has been the lift from north-south position into the back mount which I have since then been able to succesfully incorporate into my game during sparring.

I recommend this book for white belts in their first year of training. For higher grades I would still recommend something more advanced.

8 out of 10 a great book with quality foundation material, an excellent introduction into the art of brazilian jiu jitsu.