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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.

MMA Training Gear: Cliff Keen F5 Tornado Headgear

Let’s review this particular wrestling/ mixed martial arts gear: the Cliff Keen F5 Tornado Headgear. Headgear or earguards are of course, optional in training mma, wrestling or submission wrestling. However, it is recommended for those who tend to bang up their ear/s and especially for those who currently have a swollen ear or two. Wearing headgear can prevent cauliflower ear or at least protect inflamed ears from hurting even more during training.

According to online mma gear merchant websites, the Cliff Keen F5 Tornado Headgear comes in over 40 color combinations. This allows those who care for aesthetics to match the color of their ear guards to that of their gi, singlet, rashguard or board shorts. It also has a PowerTab™ strapping system for a better fit. The design of these straps are quick to adjust system for convenient tightening and loosening, even during intense drills. More so, this product has Greater Audible Sound™ technology, to decrease hearing loss during sparring sessions. This way, the user can still receive instructions from their coach. Last but not least, the padding surrounding the ears and chin feel comfortable and not too bulky.

Wrestling/ MMA Gear: Cliff Keen F5 Tornado Headgear

This particular headgear does not choke or slip off too much from the user to obscure vision. Neither does it hurt one’s partner with unwanted sharp edges and iIt is also easy to clean after mma training. It also performs its main purpose well, that is provide adequate protection for the ears.

I have seen the Cliff Keen F5 Tornado Headgear used repeatedly for months on end during jiu-jitsu, submission wrestling and mma training. It has survived countless crossfaces, guillotine chokes and takedowns. On proper fitting, it rarely moves on the user’s head. If ever it does, vision is not limited and the ears still feel comfortable with the padding and ventilation.

The size of the Tornado Headgear does tend to be bigger than other similar headgear. However, it is built for safety and comfort rather than for looking cool. Consumers should keep this in mind when purchasing one as mma training gear and when wearing the ear guards in front of a mirror for the first time. It costs around the US $ 29.95 mark with plus plus for taxes, shipping, etc.

MMA Training Book Review: The X-Guard by Marcelo Garcia

Marcelo Garcia is yet another accomplished grappler with a book that can be used for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, submission wrestling or even mixed martial arts training. After winning several Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championships and many bjj competitions, he also tried his hand at the mma world debuting at K-1 Hero’s back in October 2007.

The X-guard is one of Marcelo Garcia’s signature moves. Generally, he uses nearly the length of his whole body to separate a partner’s legs. This creates tremenodous havoc on the other guy’s balance and can clear the way for sweeps or getting the back. In addition, he shows various control options such as lapel, sleeve and hand grips. There are of course, submissions galore in Garcia’s instructional with armbars, shoudlerlocks, chokes, kneebars and heelhooks from the X-guard.

Upholding the reputation of publisher Victory Belt, “The X-Guard” shows these techniques very well with multiple colored photos, multilple angles, for gi and no gi. The gi techniques can easily be converted to no gi for possible use in submission wrestling and mma training. The book even has handy coding for easy reference as to which moves are preferable for gi, no gi or both.

BJJ/ No Gi/ MMA Training: The X-Guard by Marcelo Garcia (cover)

Some practitioners will at first be intimidated by the flexibility and complicated moves that Marcelo Garcia shows in using the X-guard. Garcia though shows the basic concepts of the move in the first few pages so that beginning users of the X-guard can start slowly and learn at their own pace.

Another reason for purchasing this instructional book is Marcelo’s use of the butterfly guard. His concepts and sweeps from the position are extremely detailed, more so than most bjj or mma training books.

A few negatives are present though. This is another one of those instructionals that are not meant to be a beginner’s book for jiu-jitsu. Some basic moves have to be ingrained into a practitioner before trying out the X-guard, that can easily be taught by a legitimate bjj instructor. The X-guard is also something not too often seen in mma. This could be because trapping an opponent’s legs can leave his arms free for punching. Still, the sweeps from this open guard variant can easily be used in mma to obtain superior positioning, if not submissions. Something more useful inside the octagon or ring is Marcelo’s section on the butterfly guard. That section makes this book a must for those training mma and would like to improve their open guard instead of relying solely on the closed guard (or the referee to stand the competitors up).

For those who use the open guard or want to use it, Marcelo Garcia’s “The X-Guard” is a good instructional for advanced white belts and up.

MMA Training Book Review: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Techniques by Jean Jacques Machado

This reviewer is not aware of the history for Jiu-Jitsu instructional materials. A few years ago however, the first two books on the art I’ve seen were “Theory and Technique” by Renzo and Royler Gracie and “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Techniques” from Jean Jacques Machado with Kid Peligro. These were among the few books out there available for those training bjj or mixed martial arts.

A 6th degree black belt, Jean Jacques was one of the dominant grapplers from the 1980’s to the early part of this millenium. He won several titles in the sports of bjj and sambo. He is most famous for his wins in the Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championships. This makes him very qualified to author such an instructional book that can help many training in mma or bjj. In addition, he has done all this with a deformed left hand.

The book itself, published back in 2003, is in full color, adequately displaying Jean Jacques’ techniques. When needed, alternate views or close ups are utilized to emphasize grips and general hand placing. This is a great trend that would be repeated in most mma-related, written instructional material that came out in the following years (that have also been reviewed here on mma-gear-news).

In Black Belt Techniques, Machado shows 112 of his techniques, 85 in gi and 27 for no gi. Most of the first 85 moves can be translated for use in no gi although Jean Jaqcues does not actually show ow that is done. There are several submissions, guard passes and immediate submissions off a guard pass in the book that can be done securely or by moving quickly or in a flashy manner to surprise one’s training partner. Personally I think the gems of the book are Jean Jacques’ passes. Submissions he shows include armlocks, chickenwings, chokes, kneebars, footlocks, toeholds, calf crushers, the Twister (the move made famous by his student Eddie Bravo) and even heelhooks.

As the title of the instructional material implies, Black Belt Techniques are for somewhat advanced students. An adequate knowledge of basic moves is needed because Machado does not show how submissions are finished not does he explain some basic hip movements needed. To add, some of his movements are better seen on video, rather than exlained in text format. (That’s where YouTube becomes very useful.) Nevertheless, this is a good, organized book to get for those into bjj for sport grappling or for training mma.

BJJ Black Belt Techniques cover

MMA Training Book Review: Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu: Revolutionizing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Dave Camarillo is the jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts trainer at Amercian Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California. He, along with other trainers, provides instruction for fighters based at AKA like Josh Koscheck, Josh Thomson and his latest jiu-jitsu black belt, Jon Fitch. He also wrote a book, Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu: Revolutionizing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, not too long ago. As is consitent with Victory Belt published works, full color and detailed photographs shed much light on the author’s teachings.

MMA Training: Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu by Dave Camarillo (choking brother Dan in the cover)

This instructional book was made by a high level judo and jiu-jitsu competitor. Years of experience in both arts have made Dave Camarillo into a champion judoka feared for his submissions and a champion in jiu-jitsu feared for his throws. As such, this makes the author uniquely qualified to combine techniques from both arts and teach them to those doing bjj or training mma.

Dave’s book starts in the first chapter, Incorporating Judo and Jiu-Jitsu with fundamental judo techniques on how to roll, fall, grip, break an opponent’s balance and do the standard throws. These are of course, available in any basic judo instructional. In this section, Dave also includes stopping a wrestling shot, balancing on one leg during a single leg takedown and how to counter the single leg into judo throws (e.g. single leg to inner thigh reap or uchimata). These are techniques that should also be part of submission wrestling and mma training. Also included are ways to throw an opponent who is standing in a low position or even kneeling. Dave adjusts the grips for both gi and no gi.

The second chapter is Throws to Submissions where grapplers can learn how to better position themselves for submission attempts after a takedown, definitely something good for mma training. Camarillo does this through the Impact Control Position, where one can easily attain a position for an easier submission attempt. This is through knowing a partner’s body position after a takedown.

Camarillo’s last chapter is on flying attacks, which though rarely done in sport jiu-jitsu or in mma is a work of art when it is successfully performed. Now not all martial arts practitioners are athletic enough to perform such maneuvers. However, Dave Camarillo was able to do these innovative aerial moves in international judo and bjj competions by training flying armbars over and over. So constant training as well as the right instruction is needed in order to pull of the moves at bjj or mma training.

So Guerilla is one of those nearly perfect martial arts resources. In this case bjj guys aren’t the only ones who benefit but judokas as well because of Dave Camarillo’s wealth of experience. Judokas can turn the throws they do in their sleep into excellent submission transitions. BJJ fighters can also learn some stand-up techniques from the book and easily transition into more familiar ground positions. And of course, flashier athletes can adopt the flying maneuvers into their repertoir.

Cons? Not much but I guess the lack of lower limb attacks (e.g. footlocks. kneebars) and no sections on actual defense to the flying armbar are negative aspects. And I suppose the really old-fashioned practitioners of judo would frown on the flying attacks.

MMA Training Book Review: Judo For Mixed Martial Arts by Karo Parisyan

Taking the fight to the ground for ground-and-pound or submissions in the sport of mixed martial arts is usually done through single leg or double leg takedowns. This places a degree of importance to the sports of Greco Roman and freestyle wrestling as a component of mma training, whether it is done to initiate ground fighting or to prevent it and keep the fight a kickboxing bout

Karo Parisyan, welterweight contender for the Ultimate Fighting Championship has his own style of takedowns that are not seen as often as the wrestling-based throws.

Karo Parisyan's mma training includes judo throws as seen in this fight with Chris Lytle.

Karo “the Heat” Parisyan’s apparent ease in his takedowns comes from his judo background, a style he has been practicing since age 9. This is all detailed in “Judo For Mixed Martial Arts” which is another winner from Victory Belt, the same group that gave us training books from Eddie Bravo, Dave Camarillo, Randy Couture, Marcelo Garcia and BJ Penn. The introduction to Parisyan’s instructional material also states how his father pushed him into the olympic sport and how thankful he is for that motivation.

MMA Training: Judo For Mixed Martial Arts by Karo Parisyan (cover)

The book for review starts with some wrist control and clinching techniques. It includes Karo’s set up for his standing Kimura/chickenwing control (which is not taught in all jiu-jitsu schools). He also shows some striking tactics for avoiding tie-ups as well as to establish the clinch. What makes the book a must-get for martial arts practitioners training mma and/or judo is the section on throws. Several judo techniques are covered from harai ogoshi (hip throw), seionage (arm-shoulder throw), osoto gari (large outer reap), uchimata (inner thigh reap) to tai otoshi (body drop). Karo of course, shows how to adjust the grips to execute those throws without the opponent wearing a gi, which is the setting in most mma and submission wrestling matches. He also includes counter throws. The rest of the book covers groundwork which is similar to, but slightly different from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu-based instructionals.

Just like other offerings from Victory Belt, meticulous, colored pictures from multiple angles are used for full appreciation of Karo Parisyan’s mma training techniques. One must be warned though, that Karo does not cover basic judo in this book. While he does show his grips for executing takedowns, readers must already have the hip movement necessary to pull off those high angle throws. Such basic instruction can be found through instruction at the local martial arts gym, which is necessary to get good while training mma, bjj or submission wrestling. This book alone won’t make one be able to suddenly perform a judo throw but it helps immensely.

MMA Gear Review: Truth Fightwear Board Shorts

Several mma gear companies exist with prominent brands displayed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and other mixed martial arts organizations. An average price of US $40 to 50 for a new pair of shorts from one of these companies however, can be quite expensive. This is particularly more so among beginners. Such a price for shorts, plus about $50 for gloves, maybe $120 on a jiu-jitsu gi and the gym membership fees can be a bit too much for a potential student to afford.

We have already reviewed an affordable pair of mma gloves on this site. From the same company, Truth Fightwear also has affordable board shorts for use as gear during training in mma or submission wrestling. Check out one design in the image below:

MMA Gear: Truth Fightwear board shorts

See other designs (such as red/black, black, green, gray camo and others) at THEIR OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

At only US $24.99, this and other designs are about half the amount of more famous brands of mma gear but with comparable quality. For this price you get a waistband that is tightened with a drawstring but is also elastic for ease of wearing. The latter feature eliminates difficulties with the sizing so buyers can play safe by ordering one size smaller. The fabric is very comfortable and seems to allow breathability. Sweat is also wicked off so there is no feeling of wearing a soggy pair of shorts to hamper training. One more feature in Truth Fightwear shorts are the black stretching panels located on the inner and outer thighs. Just like the panels found in other mma gear, these are made so that the shorts do not get in the way of high kicks and ground fighting. (Other brands’ approach to this issue is to put slits in their shorts. But this may not be precise enough for some wearers.)

Truth Fightwear is an excellent pair of board shorts at a very affordable price. This is highly recommended mma gear for all who train (in North America, at least).

MMA Gear Review: Everlast Free Standing Heavy Bag

All boxing and kickboxing gyms I’ve seen have heavy bags hung from their top. This is an essential gear in mixed martial arts training as well. It greatly improves one’s striking power when used properly. Used improperly (i.e. no hand wraps, full force strikes by children) heavy bag work can cause injuries such as boxer’s fracture, a fracture of one of the hand bones.

As stated some heavy bags are hung from the top. Pedestal-type heavy bags on the other hand, are mounted on a solid base. This has the advantage of not requiring the chains and a stable fixture from which to hang the heavy bag. Because of this, it can be used as training gear at home. Everlast, a world-renowned boxing and mma gear supplier, sells such pedestal heavy bags.

MMA Training Gear: Everlast Free Standing Heavy Bag

Here is the product description from Everlast’s website:

“Ideal for use in home, gym, school, dojo, fitness and cross-training workouts.

The Everlast Freestanding Heavy Bag combines the world-renowned features of the Nevatear™ bags with a precisely engineered, reinforced, high-density LDPE base that provides maximum flexibility with outstanding durability and resilience. Spring action provides awesome workout. Three height adjustments allow bag to stand from 52″ to a full 70″ tall. Base holds up to 24 gallons of water (approx. 200 Lbs.) for extra sturdy use. Comes unfilled. Professional work-out, professional results!

Product features:

• Rounded Design allows easy movemnet around target increasing cardio & leg conditioning & hand-eye coordination.
• Air-Foam Chamber provides lifelike feel.
• High Density Base easily filled with water or sand (approx. 250 lb.). Solid base provides easy-to-hit target maximizing your workout.
• Adjustable Flex Neck provides six height settings for multiple workout options including boxing, kick boxing & mixed martial arts.”

The product being sold in the picture costs US $99.99 plus taxes and shipping. Black and gray versions are also available, strangely enough at US $129.99 plus plus. Their descriptions are the same, so unless the color of the bag is extremely important, I suggest getting the red one pictured above.

I find that the Everlast Free Standing Heavy Bag has a swivelling mechanism that decreases the impact to one’s hand and wrist bones. As stated in the product description, the height is easily adjusted for transitioning from targetting the top of your opponent (head and arms) to body shots to leg kicks. The heavy bag is quite soft so it’s somewhat more comfortable than the usual heavy bag at the gym.
However, if you’re one of those people who hit real hard this gear will move during training. This will happen even with the base filled to the brim with sand. You will then need more support for the bag such as those sandbags at stage plays. This is a disadvantage not present in the hanging-type heavy bags. Perhaps a metal base instead of a plastic stand would have added some more weight. There is some fun in chasing the bag until you wander into the training space of a high-intensity mma fighter and well… try it and see what happens if you get in Mirko Cro Cop or Wanderei Silva’s way. In addition, the base of the bag as mentioned, is plastic and the bag does not appear to be high in quality. It appears that continuous full-force striking of this mma training gear is not recommended. Maybe it’s made more for leg kicks or not too intense training at home. But then, that won’t strengthen your strikes and large muscle groups as much as you may desire.

This Everlast Free Standing Heavy Bag is not bad to have at home for some training there. It looks cool as well as long as not much full force workouts have been done on it. Still, more than US $100 a pop is expensive and it is this author’s recommendation that the product is not a replacement for the heavy bags at the local boxing, kickboxing or mma gym.