Gracie Combatives Dvd
The Gracie Combatives DVD is specifically designed for the "average Joe." It is perfect for:
It is not intended for the athlete who wants to win the IBJJF Worlds or compete in MMA. Those individuals need sport-specific training. For everyone else, Combatives is the gold standard.
The Gracie Combatives DVD is widely regarded as a benchmark for technical instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), particularly for self-defense. While highly praised for its production quality and pedagogical clarity, it has faced criticism over its historical "online blue belt" certification. Review Summary
Instruction Quality: The teaching by Rener and Ryron Gracie is described as superb, featuring an "unprecedented level of detail" that often spends 30 minutes on a single technique.
Curriculum Focus: The set focuses on 36 essential techniques designed for "street readiness" rather than sport competition. It includes movements often overlooked in sport-centric gyms, such as headlock escapes.
Production Value: Reviewers note the high-quality production, including smooth camera transitions, overhead shots, and multiple angles that make complex movements easier to follow.
Self-Defense Philosophy: The program is praised for building confidence in beginners by focusing on high-probability street scenarios. However, some experts disagree with the philosophy that one can ignore cross-training in striking.
Controversy: The "Technical Blue Belt" once offered via video submission remains a polarizing topic in the BJJ community, with many practitioners arguing that belts should only be awarded through live sparring and in-person evaluation. Pros and Cons
Crystal-clear instruction broken down into digestible parts.
Lack of live sparring feedback if training solely from home. High production value with multiple viewing angles. Controversial history regarding online belt testing.
Excellent reference for instructors teaching beginner classes.
Marketing claims (like no need for striking) are debated by some experts. Buying Advice
Gracie Combatives is a comprehensive self-defense program that goes beyond teaching physical techniques. It offers a holistic approach to personal safety, combining practical techniques with mental preparation and strategic thinking. The program aims to empower individuals with the skills and confidence needed to protect themselves and their loved ones in a variety of situations. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced martial artist, Gracie Combatives provides valuable insights and skills that can enhance your self-defense capabilities.
A standout feature of the Gracie Combatives DVD Package Dynamic Reflex Development teaching system
. This revolutionary method is designed to build muscle memory and "street ready" reflexes by breaking down complex techniques into three structured stages: Budovideos Technical Slices
: Each lesson begins by presenting a new technique through simplified drills to ensure you understand the fundamental mechanics. Reflex Development Drills
: The new technique is then combined with another previously learned move to start building fluid transitions. Fight Simulation Drills
: Each lesson concludes by placing the technique into the context of a real fight, combining it with several other moves to simulate a natural flow under pressure. Gracie University Additional Key Features The 36 Essential Techniques
: The curriculum focuses exclusively on the 36 techniques most frequently used by the Gracie family to successfully win real-world encounters. Blue Belt Qualification gracie combatives dvd
: The 13th DVD in the set provides a complete demonstration of the test required for promotion. You can actually test for your Gracie Blue Belt via video submission to Gracie University or at a certified academy. Comprehensive Material
: The complete set typically includes 13 DVDs (over 18 hours of instruction), a 65-page training handbook, and a 24"x36" poster-sized flowchart illustrating how all 36 techniques connect. Accessibility
: Unlike many other BJJ series that serve as supplements to gym training, this course is specifically produced for individuals with zero prior experience to learn effectively from home. Gracie University : The official DVD box sets have been discontinued
and are no longer being manufactured, making remaining physical copies collectible. They can still be found through resellers like included in the curriculum? Gracie Combatives 2.0 - Gracie University
The Gracie Combatives DVD series, led by Ryron and Rener Gracie, is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive foundational programs for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The course focuses on 36 essential techniques designed to take a beginner from "potential victim" to "street ready". Key Features & Content
Fundamental Focus: The program prioritizes high-percentage, street-applicable techniques rather than sport-specific moves.
Structured Curriculum: It follows a highly organized path, grouping moves into lessons that build on one another.
Dynamic Reflex Development: A unique training method used to help students develop instinctive reactions through repetitive, varied drills.
Promotion Path: Mastering these 36 techniques makes a practitioner eligible to test for their Gracie Combatives Blue Belt. Pros
Instructional Quality: Reviews frequently highlight the exceptional detail and clarity provided by the instructors.
Low Impact: The techniques emphasize leverage over athleticism, making them accessible to older students or those with physical limitations like arthritis.
Home-Friendly: Designed for "Gracie Garages," the program is manageable for those without local access to a formal academy. Cons
Lack of Live Rolling: Some critics argue that the program’s delayed introduction of live sparring (rolling) can slow down timing development compared to traditional gyms.
Online vs. DVD: While the DVD content is identical to the online version, it lacks interactive features like the "Ask the Gracies" forums and digital PDF notes. Final Verdict
The Gracie Combatives DVD is an excellent investment for beginners or those focused on self-defense. While sport-oriented practitioners might find it basic, its systematic approach to the "essential 36" provides a solid technical foundation that is often missing in standard, competition-focused schools.
If you are looking to purchase, you can find the Gracie Combatives DVD set on eBay or access the latest curriculum digitally via Gracie University.
If you'd like to dive deeper into specific parts of the program: List of the 36 techniques covered Differences between the DVD and online subscription Testing process for the Combatives Blue Belt
The Gracie Combatives DVD collection (and its updated online version, Gracie Combatives 2.0 The Gracie Combatives DVD is specifically designed for
) is the foundational beginner program for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) developed by the Gracie University. It is specifically designed to take individuals with no prior experience to a "street-ready" level of self-defense through the mastery of 36 core techniques. Core Curriculum: The 36 Techniques
The program identifies 36 techniques that were used more often and with greater success in real fights than all other BJJ moves combined. These are typically taught across 23 lessons, including:
Mount Techniques: Trap and Roll Escape, Americana Armlock, Positional Control, and Straight Armlock.
Guard Techniques: Punch Block Series (1–5), Triangle Choke, Elevator Sweep, and Kimura Armlock.
Side Mount Techniques: Positional Control, Headlock Escapes, and Shrimp Escape.
Standing Techniques: Leg Hook Takedown, Clinch (Aggressive and Conservative), Guillotine Defense, and Haymaker Punch Defense. Training Methodology: Dynamic Reflex Development
Unlike traditional BJJ classes that may start with competitive sparring, this program uses a linear, cooperative learning system:
Technical Slices: New techniques are broken down into simplified, manageable drills.
Reflex Development Drills: You learn to combine techniques to address common fight scenarios.
Fight Simulation Drills: At the end of each lesson, you practice the techniques in the context of a simulated real-world fight. The Road to the Gracie Combatives Belt
Completion of this DVD/online course qualifies students to test for the Gracie Combatives Belt (a white belt with a black stripe), which serves as a prerequisite for the more advanced "Master Cycle" program.
Testing Requirement: At a Certified Training Center (CTC), students are typically required to complete each of the 23 classes three times before testing.
Video Evaluation: If you do not live near a school, you can record yourself performing the five required Blue Belt Qualification Drills (BBQDs) and upload them to the Gracie University Testing Center for official evaluation by a senior instructor.
Passing Score: A score of 90 or higher is required to earn the belt. Purchasing Information The standard Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Combatives DVD Package Go to product viewer dialog for this item. typically includes: 13 DVDs: Totaling over 18 hours of instruction.
65-Page Handbook: Includes blue belt checklists and training schedules.
Gracie Combatives Flowchart: A poster-sized visual guide showing how techniques connect.
Current Availability: While original DVD sets are frequently found on retailers like eBay for roughly $189 $150–$180, the most updated "2.0" content is primarily accessed through a digital subscription at Gracie University. FAQ - Gracie University
The Gracie Combatives program is the foundational "intro" course for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, designed specifically for street self-defense. Whether you have the original 13-disc DVD set or the digital version, the curriculum is identical. 1. Program Structure It is not intended for the athlete who
The course focuses on the 36 essential techniques that were identified as being used more often and with greater success than all other techniques combined in real-life altercations.
23 One-Hour Classes: These 36 techniques are broken down into 23 lessons.
Linear Learning: You can complete these classes in any order, though following the numbered sequence is generally recommended for beginners.
The Goal: Mastering these moves makes you eligible for your Blue Belt. 2. The Training Process
The Gracies use a method called Dynamic Reflex Development to help you move from "knowing" a move to "reacting" with it.
Technical Study: Watch the lesson and practice the mechanics of the move with a partner.
Reflex Development: Once you know the move, you perform "drills" where your partner provides increasing resistance.
Fight Simulation: Combining multiple techniques into "flows" to simulate a real fight scenario. 3. How to Use the DVDs Effectively FAQ - Gracie University
The Gracie Combatives DVD collection is a foundational instructional series designed to take a complete beginner to a "street-ready" level of proficiency in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Originally developed for the U.S. Army, this curriculum focuses on the 36 most essential and high-percentage techniques identified through generations of Gracie family real-world combat experience. What is the Gracie Combatives DVD Set?
The original Gracie Combatives 13-DVD set contains over 18 hours of detailed instruction by Rener and Ryron Gracie. While the physical DVD sets have been officially discontinued to make way for digital streaming at Gracie University, they remain a highly sought-after "holy grail" for collectors and practitioners who prefer physical media. Core Philosophy: The 80/20 Rule of Jiu-Jitsu
The program is built on the principle that 80% of success in a real fight comes from just 20% of the possible techniques. Rather than overwhelming students with hundreds of complex sport-BJJ moves, the DVD focuses exclusively on 36 core techniques that work most often against a larger, more aggressive opponent in a street fight. Key Techniques Included
The curriculum is organized into 23 classes covering 36 essential techniques, including:
Escapes & Control: Trap and Roll escape from mount, elbow escapes from side mount, and positional control.
Submissions: The "big three"—Rear Naked Choke (RNC), Americana armlock, and the triangle choke.
Street Defense: Haymaker punch defense, standing headlock defense, and clinching to neutralize strikes.
Guards: Detailed instruction on the Punch Block Series (levels 1-5) to prevent being struck while on the bottom. The Dynamic Reflex Development System
Unlike standard instructional videos that simply show a move and move on, the Gracie Combatives DVD set uses a proprietary teaching method:
Technical Slices: The move is broken down into simplified drills.
Reflex Development Drills: The move is combined with one other technique to build instinctive reactions.
Fight Simulation Drills: You practice the technique in the context of a simulated real-world fight. Rank Advancement: The Combatives Belt What is the 80/20 rule in BJJ? | MPower Gym & Academy