Mastering Jujitsu by Renzo Gracie and John Danaher

Mastering Jujitsu by Renzo Gracie and John Danaher breaks down Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into its core principles, showing how technique, timing, and leverage outweigh brute strength. They explore the mental and strategic aspects of the martial art, emphasizing adaptability, patience, and decision-making under pressure. The book provides both a technical framework and a philosophical approach for developing skill on and off the mat.

Phases of Combat

Take the opponent into a phase where they are least skilled comparatively.

1. Free-Movement Phase
2. Standing Clinch
3. Ground Combat

Key Findings from Combat Studies

• Fights often end on the ground
• Ground combat offers more control than standing phases
• Size & strength matter less on the ground

Common Transitions

Off-balance the opponent to make them focus on recovering balance.

• Collar-and-Elbow Clinch → Transition to Rear Clinch (Duck Under)
• Standing Guillotine → Escape via Outside Russian (Wrist & Elbow)
• Over-Under Clinch → Pummel to Double Underhooks → Inside/Outside Trip
• Neck Clinch → Snap Down to Front Headlock → Cross Ankle Pick
• Rear Clinch → Rear Trip or Escape via Kimura
• Front Headlock Clinch → Flying Guillotine

Drills by Phase

• Free Movement
  • Shadow Fighting
  • Equipment Training (mats, speed/agility)
  • Sparring
• Clinch Drills
  • Sumo – score when hand/knee touches the ground or steps out
  • Pummeling – score for rear clinch, headlock, or lifting feet off ground
• Ground Drills (Bottom)
  • Rear Mount Escape
  • Mount Escape
  • Turtle Escape
  • Armless-Guard Drill
• Ground Drills (Top)
  • Positional Maintenance Drills
  • Repetitive Guard-Passing Drill