Brian JonesOld School Jiu-Jitsu Manifesto

While this is directly aimed at his fellow Brazilian JiuJitsu practitioners, the core thesis is one that should be pondered by Judoka as well as Aikido (yes, even them) practitioners. Each are descendants of old school Japanese Jujutsu which have developed in different ways. In the case of Judo, it’s largely been sport, with Aikido, it’s spiritual discipline. BJJ has arguably retained more of the old school spirit but even some corners have focused more on the sport aspect. It makes the case for not losing sight of the martial aspect and therefore is also a book to be considered by Karate/Taekwondo practitioners. A short read with lots of good for thought.

I loved this book. I train at a Relson Gracie affiliated BJJ academy and this book fits perfectly with our focus on fight Jiu-Jitsu over sport BJJ. Both can co-exist, just know where the limitations are.

Really good read. Well written and insightful. Rekindled my passion for Jiu-Jitsu.

Short, but fantastic read.

Fantastic book and perspective on sports Jiu Jitsu verses self defense Jiu Jitsu. Love the manifesto style. For me this was a real eye opener I had no idea that some jujitsu was tournament style and some was self defense. This book is worth the read.

I have been wrestling and grappling for nearly 35 years. I found this manifesto as a new view for me on grappling not only as a sport or art, but also as form of self defense. The ideas and thoughts by the writers help to show and demonstrate the value of learning and understanding the 3 very different ways Jiu-Jitsu can be taught, learned , and utilized by its practitioners. I highly recommend this book for anyone starting their journey through the ranks of Jiu-Jitsu as well as those of us that are years into our own journeys.

Originally bought the book from the authors website. A very knowledgeable and well versed authority on the subject of Jiu Jitsu. More of an insight into the original philosophy and ideas behind the art than a look at the history. Although there is some interesting history in the book as well. Very well written and kept me turning the pages!

Great read, puts your training in perspective and keeps you from losing site of the self defense aspect. I read it in three settings.

Sport Jiu-Jitsu is great and has its place but the reality is it’s quite far removed from the Jiu-Jitsu seen in Vale Tudo style encounters - which is less shaped by rule sets and has to have answers for more potential scenarios. This text is an excellent study outlining the differences between the two approaches and highlights some considerations that are required if training is to have a focus on self defence practicality.

Fantastic and well written refocusing of the essence of “ Old School “ Jiu-jitsu ,albeit GJJ/BJJ and its essence of actually fighting/self defence.Great read and a must have( as Professor Jones site is((old school jiu-jitsu)) for any Jiu-jitsuan or Judoka.

A good but very short read making it expensive for what you get.

Highly recommend even for practitioners of martial arts other than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Great principles to keep training honest and true to function.