Order Gracie Combatives or learn more at www.graciecombatives.com.

I had the pleasure of being introduced to Ryron Gracie at the Hope of Mother Charity event. Ryron and his brother Rener are close friends to Tareq Azim and came out to show his support.

In talking with the son of Rorion Gracie (UFC founder and creator), the discussion quickly shifted to the focus of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ryron and his family believe, and rightfully so, that the focus of BJJ schools are on competition and not self defense.

“There is no point in learning the half guard if you cannot escape a headlock.” This was the motivation in Ryron and Rener in creating the Gracie Combatives DVD’s. They wanted to spread the word and ideals that was taught to them by their grandfather, Grandmaster Helio Gracie.

Helio believed than anyone who can successfully defend themselves in a street fight is worthy of a blue belt. As such the Gracie Combatives set was born.

“Although Gracie Jiu-Jitsu consists of more than 600 techniques, studies of the fights conducted by members of the Gracie Family show that 36 techniques have been used more often, and with greater success, than all the other techniques combined.”

This quote from the home page of Gracie Combatives illustrates exactly what the purpose of this program is. The level of detail that is included in this series in second to none. Ryron and Rener break down the techniques with extreme detail.

Every position is shown from multiple camera angles and repeated several times to illustrate the detail required in executing the technique properly. Variations of each position are shown as well, in order to cover every possible variation that the student may encounter in a street situation.

Beyond that, each disc contains drills that the student may drill on their own. These drills are crucial in executing the technique properly once a training partner is available. These self drills allow the student to perfect his technique without any resistance.

The supplemental tools that are provided in this instructional series is what separates the Gracie Combatives from any other DVD instructional. Each student is provided with a wall size poster. This maps out the flow chart of Gracie Combatives techniques and are broken down by phases.

The four phases consist of Closing the Distance, Executing the Takedown, Achieving Dominant Position, and finally, Finishing the Fight. Each individual phase shows the various techniques that are available. This lays out a clear and concise progression from one technique to the other, and allows the student to track his progression throughout the techniques.

Along side the poster, is the Blue Belt Qualification handbook. This literature is authored by Rener Gracie and is the perfect compliment to the videos. The first page of the handbook displays a chart of all 36 techniques with an area for the student to reflect his confidence in each technique.

The handbook is separated into four separate sections. Introduction, progress tracking, blue belt qualification test, and finally the path to the black belt. Again, the level of detail and tips that are contained within this handbook greatly increase the student’s chance at success. As long as the student puts consistent effort into his training, there should be no reason for failure.

The Gracie family has always been on the cutting edge when it comes to realistic self defense. Gracie Combatives now brings this into the 21st century.

Ryron and Rener Gracie have done a wonderful job in laying out the foundation for all those interested in learning the time tested and proven techniques that are the most successful for unarmed street confrontations.

So if you have a desire to arm yourself or your family with the techniques that may save their life, your first stop should be Gracie Combatives at www.graciecombatives.com.

By: “Fast” Eddie Constantine

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