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MMA Training Book: Mastering The Twister by Eddie Bravo

For those who don’t know, the Twister is a neck crank or spine crank that look similar to the abdominal stretch in pro-wrestling shows. Although it appears to be too complicated, Eddie Bravo makes it look easy and actually used it several times during many tournaments.

MMA/ BJJ training book: Mastering The Twister by Eddie Bravo (cover)

Mastering The Twister is part of a set of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt Eddie Bravo’s instructional books. Mastering The Rubber Guard was his first full color book that covered his bottom and guard game. This book for review on the other hand, tackles Eddie Bravo’s just-as-unique top game.

One thing that is taught in basic bjj is not to give up one’s back. Eddie’s twister side control however, is a side mount wherein one turns his back to his opponent, facing the legs instead. From there, Eddie Bravo presents so many options that are likely not taught outside his academy, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu.

Eddie also teaches his variant on the mount and back mount. For example, Eddie may step on an opponent’s hips during the mount or figure four his legs around his partner’s waist during back mount. Several nonconventional submissions and transitions then follow that one can use on unsuspecting opponents.

Some may say that Eddie positions are unlikely to be encountered during live sparring. I say though that by adapting his gameplay, one’s partners can be forced into those positions at least some of the time. Twister transitions for example may seem too exotic for some training in bjj or mma. But one can do some of these off a basic position like back control by locking one of the partner’s legs with one’s own legs in a figure four. The Twister is then easily obtained via rolling from the previously described position.

As usual for a Victory Belt publication, full color photos, meticulous details and alternate angles (when necessary) are present.

Mastering The Twister is not for grappling newbies. Whether you’re new at jiu-jitsu or have only begun training groundfighting for mma, knowledge of the basics is required in order to properly use this book. Proper leg positions for armbars and triangles are not explained so it is best that the reader has had at least a few months of jiu-jitsu classes before reading Eddie Bravo’s instructional.

Because Eddie Bravo advocates no gi training for bjj, this instructional book will be very useful for those training mma in order to improve their grappling skills, specifically from the top.

The only negative aspect I found in a training book this thick and expensive is that there are no passes. To completely cover the top game during bjj or mma training, positions and transitions should be accompanied by effective guard passing. Even Eddie Bravo’s black-and-white book, Jiu-jitsu Unleashed had a few guard passes.

MMA Training Gear: Adidas Clima Cool

Among the big sporting goods brands out there, Adidas is one of the very few to offer martial arts-related products. Sure Adidas is currently the official outfitter for the National Basketball Association, but they also have judo gis, karate gis, taekwondo gis and of course, jiu-jitsu gis. At one time, the most prestigious Adidas bjj gi was a Jean Jacques Machado Signature gi).

Let’s go for the not-so-obvious this time. Here’s a top one can wear during mixed martial arts training or submission wrestling class. During no gi class, I wear an Adidas Clima Cool shirt. It’s comfortable and it keeps me cool with those pores that are usually seen jerseys in basketball or futbol (i.e. what Americans call “soccer”). Actually, these types of shirts were probably made for running or playing futbol. Other than bjj, I also use them for basketball. They can also easily be used in mma training or bjj class. But because it’s not as tight a fit as a rashguard, hands and feet may get caught in the sleeves or wherever. But that hardly happens and tucking the Clima Cool shirt in helps a lot.

This one's a cool design. There are simpler designs as well. These aren't too expensive for performance shirts. Between $20 to $40 a piece.

At my peak weight, I could fight mma rules in BJ Penn’s weight class (and subsequently lose in short order to the likes of Clay Guida or Joe Stevenson). However, due to the demands of work and studying, I’m more than 10 pounds over. Where is this going and what does this anecdote have to do with Adidas Clima Cool? I don’t always have the physique to wear a rashguard on the mat or in the Octagon (or half of one for training purposes). It would take guts on my part to wear a rashguard. Actually I can’t wear only a rashguard in mma training as a top because of my gut. The Adidas Clima Cool, already light, comfortable and cool, additionally hides my gut. So for the weekend warriors out there who don’t feel comfortable showing off their guts during training, a Clima Cool or similarly functioning shirt is for you. Furthermore, Adidas is a good brand and easily available at most malls.

As a reminder, shirts like the Clima Cool are not legal in actual competitions of North America like the UFC. They are however, more hygienic than rolling shirtless during bjj or mma training plus the advantages of Clima Cool previously described.

MMA Gear: Melee FightGear Ranked No-Gi Shorts

This site has previously given a favorable review to another brand of mixed martial arts board shorts with belt rank over here. There are many others out there, likely influenced by UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn’s custom fight shorts with a black belt. One such brand is Melee Fightgear Ranked No-Gi Shorts.

According to the Melee Fightgear website which also sells other mma gear and clothing, their Ranked No-Gi shorts are double stiched, have “stretch microfiber crotch and side panels” (as opposed to spandex), dual split sides. velcro fasteners and elastic waistband with drawstring. The dual split sides and elastic waistband make these shorts easy to put on or remove. The shorts are comfortable and appear to be made of material that is lighter than other brands. Following multiple training sessions, the pair of shorts this reviewer purchased proved durable and breathable.

mma gear: Melee Fightgear 10th Planet Shorts

The design on the fight shorts is embroidered. This makes this piece of mma clothing look great. The design includes the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu logo on the lower portion of the right pant leg, “Melee” spelled down the left side and “10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu” on the right side. (For those who may not know, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu is Eddie Bravo’s bjj academy in Hollywood, California.) Custom designs will also be embroidered although pricing may be different.

Speaking of price, that seems to be where Melee does not have an advantage. At a whopping US $53, their Ranked No-Gi Shorts are competitive with the other top brands in the market, but are much more expensive than those from Ouano or OTM (On The Mat). With recent economic news such as the one about subprime mortgages tends to make consumers think more about cost rather than quality.

Melee shorts are a lot better as grappling or mma gear than other brands out there. But more than $50 for a pair? I could have purchased a slightly inferior but still great brand at a far less expensive cost. Admittedly however, their mma shorts are very, very cool and are really eyecatching.

MMA Training Book: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Submission Grappling Techniques by Royler Gracie

Here’s another review of a grappling-oriented instructional, “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Submission Grappling Techniques” by Royler Gracie. Gracie is of course, one of the best grapplers in the world from one of, if not the most well-known family in martial arts. (Speaking of the Gracies, North American mixed martial arts fans are likely very familiar with Royler’s brother Royce, winner of the inaugural UFC events back in the 1990’s.) He is a World Jiu-Jitsu Champion as well as winner of the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship for three straight years. He has also competed in the ring at K-1 events.

BJJ: Submission Grappling Techniques by Royler Gracie

Submission Grappling book is an instructional best used by experienced practitioners of traditional bjj practitioners, i.e. with the gi or uniform, who would like to utilize their grappling techniques in a no gi environment. This makes the book relevant for the ring or Octagon in training for mixed martial arts competition. Royler begins his instructional by helping traditional bjj practitioners transition from gi to no-gi, speaking much on the differences between the two forms of grappling. Gracie shows the grips for no-gi submission wrestling such as where to cup one’s hands, where to hold the legs, wrist control, etc. Wresters already know this part but may be foreign to those training bjj only who are used to lapel and sleeve grips. His introduction also includes passing the guard, defending the pass, the importance of practicing techniques from both left and right sides.

Royler’s techniques section starts with more than 40 pages of 23 Standing Techniques showing various methods to take the fight to the ground. Gracie displays his takes on the single leg, double leg, takedowns off the clinch, among others. BJJ practitioners with no background in takedowns, i.e. judo, sambo, wrestling, will have their stand-up greatly improved by this section.

Afterwards is the main section of the book, the 75 Ground Techniques on 150 pages. Here Gracie shows what brought him the numerous championships in the world of jiu-jitsu and submissions. Royler’s techniques are mostly basic but it is how he flows from one position to another or one submission to another that makes this submission wrestling training manual worthwhile.

Pictures are well-photographed and techniques are have more than adequately described. Organization is very good too, e.g. techniques from guard, techniques from mount, etc.

MMA Gear Review: Windy Training Gloves

This is a review of Windy training gloves for training punches. It was submitted by a reviewer who is primarily a colored belt Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner training Muay Thai for a few months now. This is of course, for future mixed martial arts training. Typical routine at the mma gym involves bag work, mitts and sparring. A cheapskate, the reviewer wanted to use only one pair of gloves for training kickboxing.

The reviewer uses a pair of 16 oz. Windy training gloves with a velcro wrap and is similar (or probably exactly the same as) the product pictured above. It was purchased from an online mma gear store. Here is his review below.

“Windy training gloves have a comfortable fit with wraps. Also I feel like wrists are supported more with my Windys that when I tried other gloves before. The velcro is quite strong as well. I guess thats good when you don’t want them getting thrown off your hands during muay thai sparring. But plenty of times, I’ve needed a friend to take the velcro off when I’m done for the day. When I go for the thai clinch on my training partner, his neck is protected from the velcro on my Windys. Unlike my neck which occasionally gets a few scratches from his [brand name deleted] gloves which sucks big time.

“After a lot of use [about 3 months] with the gloves in mma training, the pair is still comfortable in fit and does not look like it will be falling apart anytime soon. So I will say the gloves are durable.

“One thing though, when I just bought the WIndys, they were a little hard so my partner asked me to lighten up during training so he doesn’t get roughed up too much. They got much softer around the 2nd or 3rd week of use.”

To summarize, the Windy 16 oz training gloves have a great fit, are durable and have excellent Velcro straps.

MMA Training Book - Wrestling For Fighting: The Natural Way by Randy Couture

Every mixed martial arts practitioner (or Ultimate Fighter, if you will) in North America knows Randy “the Natural” Couture. At more than 40 years of age, Randy is a former light heavyweight and the current world heavyweight champion of the UFC. Though he began his mma career in the mid-90’s, he is still active in the sport and has proved his doubters wrong time and again. These doubters thought that Vitor Belfort’s hands would too fast for Randy. That Chuck Liddell would easily knock him out (in their first match). That Tito Ortiz would be too strong a wrestler. That Tim Sylvia would kill him. That Gabriel Gonzaga would either KO or submit him. The common basis for these predictions was Couture’s age. Winning those matches with the odds against him allowed Randy Couture, along with other fighters, to increase the popularity of mma to what it is today.

Wrestling For Fighting: The Natural Way by Randy Couture

The foundation for Randy Couture’s mma training is Greco-Roman wrestling. An Olympic alternate in that sport, he is highly qualified to author a book on how to use wrestling effectively inside the Octagon. He shows his expertise in “Wrestling For Fighting: The Natural Way,” another masterful martial arts instructional from Erich Krauss and Glen Cordoza from Victory Belt. In what is now synonymous with Victory Belt publications, complete, step-by step, color photos and multiple angles allow readers to appreciate minute details of Randy executing his techniques.

Randy Couture’s mma training instructional has three sections namely basic wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling and wrestling for fighting.

The first section on basic wrestling covers the low single leg, high single leg, double leg and high crotch takedowns. Next are fundamental tie-ups such as wrist control, underhooks and collar-and-elbow ties.  The section ends with takedown defenses like sprawling.

The second section is one of Randy Couture’s strengths, Greco-Roman wrestling. For those not familiar with this Olympic sport, Greco-Roman wrestling involves upper body control. As such this section of the book covers pummeling for underhooks and armdrags in order to get the takedown. Takedowns covered include bodylocks, headlock throws and suplexes. Couture also displays defensive techniques in the clinch.

It is in the third section of the book wherein Randy Couture applies the wrestling techniques shown in the first two sections in mma. He shows stances and then how to use strikes to set up the takedown or to get in the clinch. Takedowns modified for use in the cage are included such as using the bounce off the Octagon to secure a double leg. In addition, this section is where Randy shows his expertise in mma, dirty boxing or strikes from the clinch. Another Randy Couture specialty follows showing how Randy won most of his fights: ground-and-pound into a TKO victory. Surprising for some practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Couture may opt to sit on an opponent’s leg, immobilizing him for strikes rather than pass the half guard. This section ends with two submissions, the anaconda choke and the guillotine. For those not familiar with the anaconda choke, it is a head-and-arm choke variant done when sprawled on top of an opponent.

“Wrestling For Fighting” is another great instructional book for mma training as takedowns are needed in order to begin ground-and-pound sequences or submission attempts, as Matt Hughes, Georges St-Pierre and of course, Randy Couture are accustomed to do. On the other hand, takedown defense is just as important in keeping the fight a kickboxing match. This “wrestling in reverse” is done most often by Chuck Liddell and Dan Henderson. The techniques shown in this book are just as useful in jiu-jitsu or submission wrestling matches so that grapplers need not rely solely on pulling or jumping to guard in order to take the fight to the ground. Wrestling-based fighters, with this instructional, will get ideas on how to apply the skills they already have in the Octagon.

By the way, Randy Couture’s book is focused on wrestling only. Basic kickboxing strikes are not taught and neither are submissions (with the exception of the two chokes at the end). But then, the book is not intended to be a complete mma training instructional.

MMA Training DVD: Mastering the Rubber Guard by Eddie Bravo

MMAGearNews.com has previously given a good review to another instructional from Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and mixed martial arts trainer, Eddie Bravo, over here. That book, Mastering The Rubber Guard was eventually released in DVD format on 3 discs. The wacky names used in the book return in this DVD. Watch out for “Night of the Living Dead” and “The Carni.” Bravo is a BJJ instructor who teaches without the gi. As such, his book and this DVD all include moves that do not require a judo or bjj uniform. Subsequently, this DVD set is very useful for no gi submission wrestling and mma training.

mma training: Mastering the Rubber Guard DVD cover

I have not seen too many martial arts instructionals but Mastering The Rubber Guard is the first one I’ve seen with the ubiquitous “Parental Advisory: Explicit Content” warning label. This is very likely due to the comedy segments accompanying the instructionals. It could also be present because Eddie Bravo is a known advocate for marijuana use. Nonetheless, serious audiences who are after the jiu-jitsu material only, can make use of an option in menu to play the instructional with no comedy segments. The skits which also involve Joe Rogan, a stand-up comic, host of Fear Factor, BJJ brown belt and friend to Eddie Bravo. Hilarity of this material is subjective.

Just like Mastering The Rubber Guard in still picture and text format, the DVD begins with Eddie going over the basics of his variant of the half guard. This would be the lockdown (figure four entrapment of the top player’s leg) as well as the double underhooks. Techniques from that position such as sweeps and getting back control are found on disc 1. In addition, the first disc also has Bravo going over his butterfly guard and open guard. 

Disc 2 contains the actual titular techniques. Eddie Bravo goes through the basics of his rubber guard. The rubber guard Eddie pulling his leg over the top player’s head to increase his control over his partner’s upper body which is “Mission Control.” Submissions such as armbars, triangles and shoulderlocks proceed from there.

Disc 3 completes the set with Bravo’s attacks from the mount and escapes. He includes the jailbreak which he famously used to escape Royler Gracie’s control at the ADCC. This is all material covered in the book.

Mastering The Rubber Guard is great material for those who wish to add more moves into their bjj or mma training. For those who bought the book, the DVD gives the movements that cannot be captured on still photographs. Unlike the book, Eddie can be seen using pumping movements, generating momentum as well as other intricate details. The only negative review is the price of the DVD set, which is more or less about US $120.

MMA Training Book Review - FEDOR: the Fighting System of the World’s Undisputed King of MMA

Fedor Emelianenko is probably the greatest mixed martial artist who has never set foot inside the Octagon (i.e. the UFC). Fedor’s wins through the years reads like a who’s who of the whole world’s heavyweight division. He has wins over former UFC heavyweight champions Mark Coleman (twice), Kevin Randleman, and Tim Sylvia as well as two victories over current UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. He has defeated Pride 2006 Grand Prix winner Mirko Cro Cop.  He beat multiple-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion and former King of Pancrase Semmy Schilt. His only loss came from Tsuyoshi Kohsaka which Emelianenko brutally avenged. This impressive record is the reason Fedor is often mentioned as number one when ranking mma fighters pound-for-pound.

Fedor’s mma training secrets are now revealed in what may be the most complete instructional ever in the sport, “FEDOR: the Fighting System of the World’s Undisputed King of MMA.” Training found in the book does not exactly dwell on Fedor hitting a tire with a sledgehammer but It includes basic strikes, clinching and the ground game.

MMA training - FEDOR: the Fighting System of the World's Undisputed King of MMA

Striking in Fedor’s Fighting System includes punches, knees, kicks and counters as well. The format is well done here. Fedor does his technique while shadowboxing and then with a partner. Key concepts are noted at the last page of each move to ease learning.

Fedor discusses clinch fighting for mma training very well too. Those who are into dirty boxing tactics will definitely get a lot from Fedor’s Fighting System. Takedowns are good but it seems as if there were not as many pages as can be expected from Fedor, a practitioner of sambo. Perhaps judo or wrestling-based mma training instructionals can be more help there.

The emphasis in the section on ground fighting appears to be on guard passing. As one may guess from watching Fedor’s matches in Pride, Emelianenko sets up most of his passes with ground and pound. He shows how his fists would bounce off the head of an opponent who insists on playing guard. Slick submissions such as armbars (the kind that work even on giants) are also presented as well as transitioning between positions (e.g. using a kimura attempt to kick off and stand up).

As can now be expected from a book bearing the names Victory Belt, Glen Cordoza and Erick Krauss, the images are clear and full-colored with alternate angles as necessary. No steps are missed when it comes to instruction. Explanations are very detailed for easy comprehension.

Personally, I think Fedor’s mma instructional material is perfect for training, even more so than BJ Penn’s own fantastic book. It includes all domains of the fight game and has a lot of effective techniques in each aspect of mma. The only things not shown are how Fedor managed to choke Kazuyuki Fujita despite getting wobbled by a huge right and how he survived Kevin Randleman’s belly-to-back suplex. Those and a DVD. Those training in mma will need a DVD of this one.

MMA Training DVD: Position Brabo

Position Brabo is an instructional DVD from Björn Friedrich, European Submission Grappling champion in 2003 and Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt under Roy Harris. This video set teaches the brabo choke or D’Arce choke,  which is a currently popular variant of the arm triangle or head-and-arm choke. The DVD is meant for intermediate to advanced grapplers who have adequate training with the basic submission wrestling positions (e.g. guard, side mount, full mount, back mount) and attacks (e.g. kimura, omoplata). This video set is definitely good for mixed martial arts training considering Kendall Grove successfully choked out Alan Belcher with the brabo back in UFC 69.

No Gi/ MMA Training: Position Brabo DVD from Björn Friedrich

Here is a sample of Björn Friedrich’s teaching style below:

Brabo Choke Instructional

As can be heard from that youtube clip, his English can be understood through his accent. Though the above video is not from the DVD, that’s pretty much how he talks in Position Brabo. His method of instruction however, is even more detailed in the DVD likely because he’s gotten months more of experience after shooting those youtube videos. That is good enough reason to spend around US $44.95 for the DVD though he has free instructionals available on youtube.

Friedrich keeps his intructional simple. Each technique takes only a few steps and are well-organized showing the basic concepts of the brabo choke to performing the move off an omoplata attempt. (”Huh?” you say? That will be explained later.) He shows the choke from one position then goes through a partner’s likely defenses such as grabbing the shorts or straightening the trapped arm.

Friedrich shows the brabo choke when sprawled on an opponent (head-to-head), from side control, then from halfguard. He also present defenses to the brabo choke and lastly, transitions from unconventional positions. The transitions Friedrich uses to get the brabo choke are among the reaons to get this instructional DVD. For example, he shows how to get the choke when an opponent escapes from an omoplata by getting an underhook as his partner attempts to extricate the trapped arm.

Overall this is a great instructional. It will offer the athlete training mma or bjj, at least one more submission move in several positions. Teaching style is excellent and moves are presented in an organized manner. At the very least, a grappler who watches this DVD will be much less likely to get choked by the brabo due to the additional knowledge offered.

NOTE: Instruction is given in no-gi attire. All techniques are are therefore applicable when in no-gi classes or when training mma.

MMA Training Book: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship Techniques by Jean Jacques Machado

Championship Techniques is ADCC champion Jean Jacques Machado’s follow-up to his previous work, Black Belt Techniques. Black Belt Techniques was meant for intended for intermediate to advanced practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Championship Techniques, on the other hand, is meant for all practitioners of bjj and is therefore useful for those training or intending to train in mixed martial arts.

mma/ bjj training book: BJJ Championship Techniques by Jean Jacques Machado

Championship Techniques includes Machado’s tournament preparation and strategies as well as IBJJF competition rules (at the time). These include what to do in the weeks leading to a competition, at the start of the match, when behind on points, when leading, etc. He even uses two pages to show the scoring positions in bjj competitions such as taking the back, mounting, guard passing and the like.

A significant portion is dedicated to showing readers the basics. This will be very useful for those into bjj or those training mma and need knowledge of the ground game. There are 12 single person drills to inculcate basic body movements into the beginner’s muscle memory. This is followed by 7 two-person drills to develop instincts for armlocks, replacing the guard and escaping mounts. Performing these drills will really get one started in either bjj or mma training.

The majority of this instructional material has Jean Jacques and his brother, John Machado, showing various submissions, guard passes and sweeps. The basic version of a move precedes alternative set-ups as well as counters. There are also a few basic wrestling positions including the wrestler’s escape when both fighters are on all fours, head-to-head, one on top of the other.

There are no specific sections on no gi submission wrestling or mma. Most techniques can be translated for use in those sports and the drills are extremley important as well.

Material is presented on glossy paper with full color photographs and alternate viewing angles when necessary. As many images are needed to display the teaching techniques properly.

A good way to read Machado’s work is to start with Championship Techniques for the basics then to go onto Black Belt Techniques for advanced moves. The latter incorporates basic moves from the former book. Championship Techniques is a great book for beginning training in bjj or mma.