Grappling Masters

Containing information that has not appeared anywhere else, the interviews contain intriguing thoughts, fascinating personal details, revealing philosophies and hidden history. In these 31 gems, each master reveals a true love for the art and a deep understanding of every facet of the practice and spirit of the various grappling disciplines.

Grappling took the wolrd of martial arts by storm in the early 1990s with the advent of the UFC and other no-holds-barred events, and quickly became one of the most popular figthing methods in the world. In Grappling Masters, through conversations with historical figures such as Helio Gracie, Gene LeBell and Wally Jay, and numerous current wolrd-class masters such as Rorion Gracie, Gokor Chivichyan, Oleg Taktarov, Rickson Gracie and Mike Swain, the many threads of grappling learning, legend and lore are woven together to present a complete and integrated view of this eclectic art of fighting, philosophy, and self-defense. For the first time, interviews with some of the world's top grappling masters have been gathered together in one book. No matter how well you think you know these masters, you haven't truly experienced their wit, wisdom, and insight until you have read Grappling Masters

This insightful volume features legendary Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Sambo, and Wrestling masters presented for the first time in a single volume, and providing references and hundreds of quotations from the greatest grappling masters in history. Laid out in a clear and comprehensive format, this work offers many inspirational words of help and wisdom for grapplers and martial artists alike. It is a classic collection of knowledge in philosophy, tradition, and training as developed and revealed by masters like Helio Gracie, Gene LeBell, Randy Couture, Rickson Gracie, Oleg Taktarov, and many other legendary grapplers. Their words of wisdom will inspire and guide you to a better understanding of the world of grappling.

After the acclaimed success of the first volume of Grappling Masters, the author proudly presents Grappling Masters 2 with a new repertoire of historical figures such as Royce Gracie, Willy Cahill and Carlson Gracie, and numerous contemporary world-class masters and fighters such as Vitor Belfort, Randy Couture, Mike Swain, and Carley Gracie. In this second volume, completed on 2005 but never published before until now, new interviews with some of the world's top grappling masters have been gathered together. Containing information that has not appeared anywhere else, the interviews contain intriguing thoughts, fascinating personal details, hidden histories, and revealing philosophies. In these exclusive interviews, each master reveals a true love for the art and a deep understanding of every facet associated with the practice and spirit of the various grappling disciplines. No matter how well you think you know these masters of unarmed combat, you haven't really experienced their wit, wisdom, and insight until you've read Grappling Masters 2. Any martial arts practitioner who appreciates grappling history and philosophy, and who feels that this rich heritage is a necessary stepping-stone to personal growth, will find this book an invaluable reference and a "must have" addition to their personal library.

Showcasing their favorite and most effective finishing moves, world-renowned jiu-jitsu experts Helio Gracie and son Royler Gracie share the submission techniques that have helped them win fights for more than three decades. Sections of the book break down each submission procedure, presenting important details on how to put devastating combinations together in order to make practitioners more polished competitors. Personal advice on physical and mental training, combined with a deeper understanding of a match's end game, enables readers to elevate their performance and emerge victorious.

In a clear and easy-to-follow format, Grand Master Helio Gracie addresses different aspects of the Brazilian jiu-jitsu method that bears his name. Learn how to systematically progress and technically improve mat game, regardless of background or grappling ability.

Brings readers the history and information surrounding the contemporary world of MMA.

Includes free DVD. The first book to bridge the competitive aspects of BJJ and its non-sportive aspects, especially Vale Tudo', or no-holds-barred. No Rules focuses on the techniques of Vale Tudo, the street applications for BJJ, teaching readers every aspect of no-holds-barred fighting - from standing techniques to brutal ground finishing strikes and submissions. Simco teaches techniques for self-defence through hundreds of step-by-step photos and a free instructional DVD.'

In 2001, the professional wrestling scene in the western world changed almost overnight. From three major promotions at the start of the year, just one remained by the start of April, ending more than a decade of competition. But success breeds complacency, and the five years since World Wrestling Entertainment stood triumphant over its rivals has seen unprecedented shifts in wrestling. Charting the highs and lows of the business in that time, Wrestling's Sinking Ship offers a unique look at the fall and rise of sports entertainment's most controversial characters. From necrophilia to exploitation, nostalgia to racism... oh, and don't forget that fake gay wedding!