While much of your learning happens during training, through your instructors, and on the mat, reading and learning about BJJ is another crucial part of studying and understanding the martial art.
While BJJ is a highly complex and physically enduring sport, it has a mental aspect. Reading about different techniques and strategies – mental and physical exercises – is easier to read about and then try to apply in real-life sparring or training situations.
1
Mastering the 21 Immutable Principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
by Paulo Guillobel
Bringing more than 26 years of training and studying the martial art, Paulo Guillobel focuses on BJJ principles that help students at all levels. This book teaches students fundamental principles that act as the foundation for BJJ, giving students a better understanding of why specific techniques are used in the sport and the basis behind certain moves. Readers will find 21 fundamental principles that Guillobel carefully organizes within the book to give students better insight into BJJ based on his decades of experience and studying.
2
Zen Jiu-Jitsu- White to Blue
by Mr. Oliver Staark
For those that are looking to climb through the belt rankings a bit more quickly, this book by Oliver Staark helps guide students from a white belt to a blue belt as fast as possible. It helps simplify BJJ fundamentals for students who may feel lost or confused during their training, from questions such as why posture is essential to more complex techniques such as guard options.
3
Jiu-Jitsu for the Small Man
by Dan Faggella
BJJ gained attention once competitors proved that BJJ techniques could allow smaller opponents to overcome much larger competitors. This book not only re-instills that core belief but also gives any BJJ student the confidence to challenge larger opponents. It addresses beneficial and useful techniques for smaller fighters or those who constantly find themselves pinned and unable to break out and escape.
4
The Black Belt Blueprint: An Intelligent Approach to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
by Nicolas Gregoriades
This book is written by Roger Gracie's first black belt and founder of the Jiu-Jitsu Brotherhood, Nicolas Gregoriades. It is one of the most comprehensive books about BJJ. In his book, Gregoriades details how to make your techniques more effective, from controlling your breathing to mastering certain angles and maintaining posture. Greogoriades’ experience shines through how he can accurately describe and depict his methods for readers to be applied on the mat. His tips are absolutely worth the read and can tremendously improve your performance if applied on the mat.
5
Motivation: Stories on Life and Success from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts
by Chuck J. Rylant
While most know the physical benefits of training and participating in BJJ, there are so many other benefits that BJJ can bring to one's life. This book by Chuck Rylant contains a collection of 12 stories by BJJ black belts in which they provide personal stories of how BJJ gave them the motivation to overcome adversity and achieve success both on and off the mat.