Modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - July, 2005

I actually reviewed the whole set at that time. At the time, I gave each DVD two to three stars. That was when I was so desperate to learn new techniques I would try to translate badly from Portuguese. It was OK at the time, but the techs are available on other videos that are more accessible.

I've condensed all the DVD reviews into one here.

--------------------

Great Techniques for the Intermediate, Ordinary Presentation


This is a great tape for getting some great techniques that you may have not seen before. You might also pick up some details you didn't know about techniques you know.

The video is a collection of techniques by Rodrigo 'Comprido' Medeiros. He speaks in Portuguese and explains the entire technique before having the legendary Roero 'Jacare' Calcaventi explain them in english, while Medeiros demonstrates them again.

This seems to be an experiment that didn't work so well. On the negative side, it can is disjointed and easy to wander off during the parts you don't understand and becomes quite tedious.

On the plus side, however, you get to see the techniques slowly. And, if you're bilingual, you'll pick up nuances in both explanations you otherwise wouldn't.

DVD 2: As far as the techniques themselves, they are exactly as described on the cover. A snapshot of the techniques that make up Comprido's game at the time. He covers guard passing in a fairly comprehensive fashion. Guard passing is very individual and similar techniques will vary in details from one instructor to the next. I most of what was shown, but found details that enabled me to integrate some into my game better than I had. Largely because Comprido very tall. Like me.

In short, if you want a few new guard passes and details that some might find unorthodox and are patient enough to trawl through the video to find them, this is not a bad buy.

DVD 3: As far as the techniques themselves, they are exactly as described on the cover. A snapshot of the techniques that make up Comprido's game at the time. He covers sweeps and subs from the guard. I found some of his subs a little complex for my tiny brain, but the sweeps were great. I knew all the sweeps shown, but found details that enabled me to integrate some into my game.

And - let me tell you - Comprido can move. Especially considering he's a big guy.

In short, if you want a few new guard techniques that some might find unorthodox and are patient enough to trawl through the video to find them, this is not a bad buy.

DVD 4: As far as the techniques themselves, they are exactly as described on the cover. A snapshot of the techniques that make up Comprido's game at the time. He covers escapes from the bottom. For the most part, they are sound. It's probable you'll pick up some good details. I even thought a few of the ideas were quite innovative. I also disagree with the concept of being dated. All techniques have counters and all counters have counters. That's the nature of the game.

In short, if you're interested in some less orthodox techniques for getting out from the bottom that some might find unorthodox and are patient enough to trawl through the video to find them, this is not OK. There are much better tapes covering pretty much the same material, however.

DVD 5: As far as the techniques themselves, they are exactly as described on the cover. A snapshot of the techniques that make up Comprido's game at the time. Attacking from the back was never my strong point, but I can honestly say, my back game benefitted from this tape. Comprido covers details in control and attacks I didn't previously know and it has tightened my game up significantly.

In short, if you want a few new techniques that some might find unorthodox and are patient enough to trawl through the video to find them, this is not a bad buy.