Jiu-jitsu University By Saulo Ribeiro Here
No book is perfect. While Jiu-Jitsu University is a masterpiece, there are a few critiques worth noting:
Despite these minor flaws, the core survival and escape mechanics are timeless. A Berimbolo may go out of fashion, but the knee-elbow escape from mount has been working for 100 years and will work for 100 more.
Buying Jiu-Jitsu University and letting it sit on your coffee table won't help you. Here is the champion’s method for using the book effectively:
Don’t take my word for it. The book’s Amazon page (4.8 stars with over 3,000 reviews) is glowing, but the real praise comes from elite grapplers:
| Book | Focus | Best for | Difficulty | |------|-------|----------|------------| | Jiu-Jitsu University | Survival → offense | Self-defense, hobbyists | Intermediate | | Mastering Jiu-Jitsu (Gracie) | Philosophy & core | Beginners, traditionalists | Beginner | | Jiu-Jitsu Unleashed (Gracie) | MMA application | Fighters | Intermediate | | The Guard Book (Galvao) | Advanced guard play | Competitors | Advanced |
Spanning 360 pages, Jiu-Jitsu University is dense. This isn't a coffee table book; it is a textbook. Here is how the chapters unfold according to the belt system.
One concept alone is worth the price of the book: The Survival Triangle. jiu-jitsu university by saulo ribeiro
Saulo teaches that when you are in a bad position (bottom mount, side control, back control), you have three lines of defense:
Most white belts skip to step three and get submitted. Saulo forces you to prioritize step one. I cannot count how many times I’ve heard a coach yell, “Fix your neck first!”—a direct echo of this book.
In an era where we have thousands of instructional videos at our fingertips via
Focus on Fundamentals: Saulo Ribeiro emphasizes the importance of mastering the fundamentals of jiu-jitsu, including basic techniques such as escapes, submissions, and transitions. He stresses that a strong foundation in these areas is essential for progressing in the art and being able to effectively apply more advanced techniques.
Some key takeaways from the book include:
Overall, "Jiu-Jitsu University" is a comprehensive resource that covers various aspects of jiu-jitsu, from basic techniques to advanced strategies. No book is perfect
Jiu-Jitsu University , authored by six-time world champion Saulo Ribeiro, is widely considered the "Bible" of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Released in 2008, it revolutionized martial arts education by organizing techniques into a logical, belt-by-belt progression that focuses on what a student actually needs to master at each stage of their journey. Core Philosophy: The Roadmap to Mastery
The book's standout feature is its hierarchy of learning. Saulo argues that many students fail because they try to learn advanced submissions before they know how to survive a bad position. He divides the curriculum into five major sections:
White Belt: Survival – Focuses on making your body "un-submittable". It covers defensive postures and basic mechanics that allow you to endure pressure without panic.
Blue Belt: Escapes – Once you can survive, you learn to get out. This section teaches the precise timing and movement needed to return to a neutral or dominant position.
Purple Belt: The Guard – Focuses on developing a structured, intelligent guard. It emphasizes sweeps and distance management to keep opponents at bay.
Brown Belt: Guard Passing – At this stage, the focus shifts to aggressive, pressure-based passing rooted in balance and weight distribution. Despite these minor flaws, the core survival and
Black Belt: Submissions – Only after mastering survival, escapes, and control does Saulo introduce the "finishing touches." This section emphasizes clean, high-percentage finishes from dominant positions. Key Educational Features
Over 200 Techniques: Each move is broken down with high-quality photographs from multiple angles and detailed step-by-step instructions.
Common Error Analysis: Unlike standard manuals, Saulo includes "Don't Do This" sections that highlight frequent mistakes beginners make and explains why they lead to failure.
Functional Concepts: The book prioritizes "invisible jiu-jitsu"—the subtle shifts in weight, grip, and posture that make techniques work against larger opponents.
Mindset and Discipline: Saulo discusses the psychological aspect of the sport, stressing humility, the importance of "tapping" to learn, and the lifelong nature of the martial arts journey. Where to Access "Jiu-Jitsu University"
Physical Book: You can find it at major retailers like Amazon or Victory Belt Publishing.
Video Masterclass: Saulo recently released a 5-part video series titled "The Secret Behind the Pictures" on BJJ Fanatics, which explains the concepts from the book in real-time.
Online Training: Further insights and advanced variations are available via the University of Jiu-Jitsu's official resources. Jiu Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro – BJJ Fanatics