Combatives Dvd: Gracie

Before the rise of online video platforms like Gracie University, learning legitimate Jiu-Jitsu outside of a physical academy was nearly impossible. The Gracie Combatives DVD set was designed to bridge that gap. It is a home-study course certified by the official Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

The course focuses specifically on "Combatives"—the 36 most frequently occurring positions in a street fight. According to Gracie research, if you master these 36 techniques, you will be prepared for 99% of the physical confrontations you are likely to encounter.

Unlike sport BJJ, which relies on a gi (the traditional uniform) and complex point systems, Gracie Combatives is taught exclusively from a "self-defense first" perspective. The techniques are designed to work regardless of what you are wearing (shorts and a t-shirt) and assume your opponent is larger, stronger, and potentially throwing strikes.

The Gracie Combatives DVD set is organized into specific chapters that mirror the natural progression of a fight. Here is a glimpse of what the curriculum covers:

The Punch Defense Series (The Clinch) Most people worry about being punched. The DVD dedicates significant time to the "Trap and Roll" and the "Clinch." You will learn how to safely navigate the striking danger zone, close the distance against a standing opponent, and neutralize punches before taking the fight to the ground.

Guard Recovery and Sweeps If you fall or are knocked down, you end up in the "Guard" position (on your back with your opponent between your legs). The DVDs teach the "Survival Posture" to prevent strikes and fundamental sweeps like the "Scissor Sweep" and "Pendulum Sweep" to reverse your position so you can get on top.

The Mount and Positional Control Being on top doesn't win a fight; knowing how to stay there does. The DVDs detail the "Low Mount," "High Mount," and "S-Mount." You will learn how to use your weight distribution to smother an opponent, making it impossible for them to escape or throw effective punches.

Headlock Escapes (The Most Common Street Hold) In a street fight, untrained individuals often resort to a headlock. Gracie Combatives devotes an entire module to escaping the headlock from the ground and standing up. This alone is worth the price of the DVD, as this scenario happens in schoolyards, bars, and domestic disputes more than any other.

The Punch Block Series (Dirty Boxing) Before the fight hits the mat, you need to know how to strike defensively. The "Punch Block" is not a traditional boxing block; it is a Jiu-Jitsu specific parry that places you directly into a clinching position or a takedown setup. gracie combatives dvd

Gracie Combatives is a comprehensive self-defense program that goes beyond teaching physical techniques. It offers a holistic approach to personal safety, combining practical techniques with mental preparation and strategic thinking. The program aims to empower individuals with the skills and confidence needed to protect themselves and their loved ones in a variety of situations. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced martial artist, Gracie Combatives provides valuable insights and skills that can enhance your self-defense capabilities.

The Gracie Combatives DVD series, officially discontinued in its physical format as of 2022, remains a legendary cornerstone of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) education. Originally developed for the U.S. Army, this 13-DVD set was designed to take a complete beginner from "potential victim" to "street ready" using the 36 most successful techniques in the history of the Gracie family.

While the physical box set is now primarily a collector's item or "display art", the curriculum lives on through Gracie University’s updated digital platform as Gracie Combatives 2.0. The Core Curriculum: The "Power of 36"

Out of more than 600 BJJ techniques, the Gracies identified 36 that are used more often—and with greater success—than all others combined in real street fights. The DVD set covers these across 36 lessons, including:

Gracie Combatives DVD series is the foundational beginner program for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

, specifically designed to take individuals with no experience to "street ready" status. Gracie University Program Overview The 36 Essential Techniques

: The curriculum focuses on 36 core techniques identified through studies of real-world fights as the most successful and frequently used maneuvers.

: Each lesson is broken down into "Technical Slices," followed by "Reflex Development Drills" and final "Fight Simulation Drills" to ensure the techniques can be applied under pressure. Linear Learning Before the rise of online video platforms like

: The program is designed to be learned in a specific order, where each lesson builds on the previous one. Gracie University DVD Set Options While the original physical DVD sets have been officially discontinued

as of 2022, they are still widely available through third-party retailers and have been succeeded by a digital version. Gracie Combatives 2.0 - Gracie University

The Gracie Combatives DVD is widely regarded as a benchmark for technical instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), particularly for self-defense. While highly praised for its production quality and pedagogical clarity, it has faced criticism over its historical "online blue belt" certification. Review Summary

Instruction Quality: The teaching by Rener and Ryron Gracie is described as superb, featuring an "unprecedented level of detail" that often spends 30 minutes on a single technique.

Curriculum Focus: The set focuses on 36 essential techniques designed for "street readiness" rather than sport competition. It includes movements often overlooked in sport-centric gyms, such as headlock escapes.

Production Value: Reviewers note the high-quality production, including smooth camera transitions, overhead shots, and multiple angles that make complex movements easier to follow.

Self-Defense Philosophy: The program is praised for building confidence in beginners by focusing on high-probability street scenarios. However, some experts disagree with the philosophy that one can ignore cross-training in striking.

Controversy: The "Technical Blue Belt" once offered via video submission remains a polarizing topic in the BJJ community, with many practitioners arguing that belts should only be awarded through live sparring and in-person evaluation. Pros and Cons Title: Is the Gracie Combatives DVD Still Worth It in 2024

Crystal-clear instruction broken down into digestible parts.

Lack of live sparring feedback if training solely from home. High production value with multiple viewing angles. Controversial history regarding online belt testing.

Excellent reference for instructors teaching beginner classes.

Marketing claims (like no need for striking) are debated by some experts. Buying Advice

Title: Is the Gracie Combatives DVD Still Worth It in 2024? A No-BS Review

If you’ve spent any time in the "YouTube rabbit hole" of self-defense, you’ve seen the clip: a smaller, older man in a white gi effortlessly controlling a larger, aggressive opponent. That man is usually Grand Master Rorion Gracie or Ryron Gracie, and the system they are teaching is Gracie Combatives.

But with the rise of MMA and YouTube tutorials, is spending money on a DVD set (yes, DVDs still exist) actually worth it for the average person?

Here is the honest breakdown of the Gracie Combatives program for the busy adult who just wants to be safe.