Documentaries are the pillar of retaining resourceful information. Aside from podcasts, radio, and novels, documentaries paint a picture for viewers. For Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it's essential to remember various techniques and other movements. And so, watching documentaries may be a student's best bet when trying to get these moves down pat. Below are a few documentaries that help fellow BJJ'ers learn about the art and specific veterans in the league.
1) Choke:
Choke follows BJJ legend Rickson Gracie, who was preparing for the 1995 Vale Tudo Japan competition at the time. In Choke, you'll get a feel of Gracie and other competitors' perseverance. Viewers also get to see Rickson and others compete for the winning title. Joe Rogan lists Choke as one of the greatest documentaries in history.
2) The Gentle Art of Travel:
The Gentle Art of Travel sees BJJ Globetrotters founder Christian Graugart attending a slew of BJJ camps for a year. Not only does The Gentle Art of Travel focus on Jiu-Jitsu, but it also explains the history behind BJJ Globetrotters and Christian's philosophy to life. This documentary also gives you an idea of what attending a BJJ would be like. The camps, located in areas like Austria, Italy, and Iceland, are shot in a picturesque fashion.
3) Eddie Bravo: Building An Empire
Building An Empire explores the life of Eddie Bravo's life and his thought process when it comes to his methods behind Jiu Jitsu teaching. Viewers also get to hear his thoughts about Jiu Jitsu in MMA. Predominantly known as the biggest innovator in BJJ, Bravo is the sole creator of the rubber guard, multiple techniques, and combat Jiu Jitsu.
4) Jiu Jitsu vs. The World:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu serves as an introduction to the martial arts form. In the documentary, you'll see interviews with Renzo Gracie, Rigan Machado, Eddie Bravo, Kurt Osiander, and many more. Additionally, Jiu Jitsu vs. The World explores the history of BJJ, its purpose, the belt system, individuals who participate in BJJ, and other topics.
5) The Saint of Crackland:
Documented by The Grappling Central Podcast's host, Ryan Ford, emphasizes BJJ's ability to create a social change. In the film, Ryan is introduced to a social project which uses Jiu Jitsu to help the underprivileged youth of Cracolandia, one of the worst drug and crime-impacted neighborhoods in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Viewers see the project's beginning stages and interviews between young Brazilians who train in Jiu Jitsu and its key instructor: Lael Rodrigues.
