(Part 3) Best products from r/bjj

Like you, when I find something that interests me, I try and just soak up knowledge about it, which is how I ended up here actually. Anyway, on to the things I've found.

Youtube:

Ask a black belt:

It's what it sounds like. Guy asks various black belts questions, paired with some cool Jiu-jitsu footage. Episode 1 is where I became a Dave Camarillo fan. Also on this channel is one of my favorite highlight videos: Why I Train Jiu-Jitsu.

Roy Dean's Channel:

Roy Dean puts out some very artistic videos. If I'm ever trying to show someone what Jiu-Jitsu is, I'll probably pull up a Roy Dean video. Here are my favorites from the channel:

White to Black: Shift in Perspective

What Makes a Purple Belt

Spirals of Jiu-Jitsu

Dave Camarillo Black Belt Test

Roy Dean also films "demonstrations" done by his students who are advancing in belt rank. From what I understand, these demonstrations are optional, but most students go through with them. They're very much like a belt test you'd see in more traditional arts, but applied to Jiu-Jitsu. Here is the one done by the man himself. Cool to see Roy Harris roll in this one.

The Gracie Way:

The Gracie Way reminds of the travel channel, but with Jiu-Jitsu. I think there's like 15 episodes now. They're usually pretty entertaining if you're not put off by the Gracie Academie's marketing. I personally don't mind it too much, but they do lay it on a little thick at times.

Rolled Up:

I'm reminded of the travel channel again, but this a different flavor than the Gracie Way. The Gracie Way is more lifestyle focused, and Rolled Up is much more focused on Jiu-Jitsu. Basically, Budo Jake goes and trains with all kinds of coaches in the sport. It's a good way to get to know the celebrities of Jiu-Jitsu. You probably saw the recent Kurt Osiander episode, which in my opinion, is the best Rolled Up I've seen.

Stuart Cooper Films:

All these videos are great. Stuart Cooper is the man. Watch them all. As far as artistic BJJ videos, I have found no one better.

Also check out All Things BJJ, Want V.S Need, and Metamoris.

Books:

Don't Wear Your Gi to the Bar:

Get it free here. It'd be worth the money to pay for it though. It's a hilarious Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle book. Really embodies the culture of Jiu-Jitsu.

The Cauliflower Chronicles:

I admit, I haven't read this one yet. But Marshal D. Carper wrote some of Don't Wear Your Gi to the Bar and the writing in that book was top notch, and funny as well. I'm willing to bet that this book has the same kind of vibe to it, at least stylistically.

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Globetrotter:

Okay, I haven't read this one either, but I hear great things about it and it sounds awesome. I'll get around to it, but I have a backlog of books to read first. (Fucking George R.R. Martin)

Jiu-Jitsu on the Brain:

This one I have read. It's short, but sweet. Perfect for beginners. I say that because there's very little (if any) technical discussion. It's all about the broad concepts of Jiu-Jitsu, which, at this point, I find more helpful than techniques anyway. Mark Johnson is also an English teacher, which means he writes well, and like Marshal D. Carper, he's a funny guy who captures the spirit of the sport perfectly. Highly recommend this book.

Borrowing the Master's Bicycle:

This is Mark Johnson's second book. This one is slightly more technical than Jiu-Jitsu on the brain, but mainly, it delves deeper into Jiu-Jitsu philosophy. If you like Jiu-Jitsu on the Brain, and you want to see Mark delve deeper into some things he touches on in that book, pick this one up. Again, Mark writes well and he's got a great sense of humor. There's a chapter in this book where he talks about how badass Darth Vader would be at Jiu-Jitsu, which, for a Star Wars fan like me, was awesome.

Anyway, that's about all I've got. The other answers on here are good as well. Especially the Stephan Kesting recommendations. For technique videos, I watch his almost exclusively.

Flow is just something that happens when preparedness and skill level is closely tracking difficulty level. Ever read [this?] (https://smile.amazon.com/Flow-Psychology-Experience-Perennial-Classics/dp/0061339202/)

I don't want to promote myself as a definitive cheerleader because honestly this is just a username I chose semi-randomly when I joined Reddit like most people do, but the concepts are really interesting because the implication is that being under-challenged and over-challenged do not lead to flow. Which can serve as a kind of guideline on both how to roll (and who to roll) and more generally, on how to live your life--pursuing challenges not just because you think you're supposed to, or because there is some great reward at the end, but because the process itself will tend to be more engaging and kind of meditative if you do.

I bought this other Fuji gi when I first got started a few months ago and I love it. It's very comfortable and it's holding up well, even after machine washing and drying it multiple times. It has a simple, clean style without excessive logos. From what I can tell so far, these type of 'budget' gis are perfectly adequate for training a few times a week.

As for size, I'm about 5'11 and the same weight as you, and I bought an A2. It fits well, but the pant length is slightly too short for me, but it will be fine for you since you're a few inches shorter than me.

As a bonus, it's also eligible for Amazon Prime.

https://www.amazon.ca/Fuji-7000-A10-PARENT-FUJI-BJJ-Uniform/dp/B00H87UA2G/ref=pd_sim_193_6?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=GTSCZJ8KVFZE852E20NS

Just welcome and congratulations, don't give up, enjoy the ride, steer away from the wannabe warriors they will disappear after the blue belt remember "the gentle art" And do read this: https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Jiu-Jitsu-White-Blue/dp/B00IK5GGXW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1A3W4AOBKQ40O&keywords=zen+jiu+jitsu+-+white+to+blue&qid=1572040833&sprefix=zen+jiu%2Caps%2C428&sr=8-1

This is great ! and it will help you in this amazing journey.

Great idea. I'm not sure where our yoga ball ended up after we moved, but we do have one of these bouncy horse things: https://www.amazon.com/WALIKI-Hopping-Hopper-Jumping-Toddlers/dp/B01J29X40M lol.

It looks like a kid-sized one is $10 or $15 on Amazon, so I'll pick one up.

Thanks!

This is all you need bro, my first and only gi....I train 4 times a week with it and still love it 6 months later, great price too!

When you want a good quality gi, at a good quality price, look no further than: The Sanabul Essentials Version 2 Ultra Light BJJ Jiu Jitsu Gi with Preshrunk Fabric!!!!!!!!!!!!!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CFVA0XI/ref=twister_B00P9W4FH8

I've had crippling tendon pain int he elbows from rock climbing and it return in Bjj.

Apart from serious icing and then inst cure with a cortisone steroid injection into the pain site and with 2 weeks easing back in to have 100% bran new elbows with pain never returning......

the best thing before this was changing my hand fighting style from gripping gi orientated which my great climbing grip loved to going into a surfing more open-handed and cupping style so I was not stressing my tendon which allowed me to roll with min pain and in the long run really improved my game as now I have the super climber grip and much more sensitivity and flow from using the gentle more no-gi open-handed approach.

The injured improved my game and the pain is a distant memory

Long live the cortisone injection its the best thing since sliced bread ;-)

Also, get this knee icing and compression system it takes all the hassle out of the bag of peas while directing and apply pressure to exactly where you want it.

The knee shape fit the elbow and also the knee so dbl usage and worth every penny.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Knee-Cold-Compression-Cuff-Rehabilitation/dp/B004OWPEO2/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=cryo+cuff+elbow&qid=1569282893&s=gateway&sr=8-6

Incredible post. The only thing I have to add is with regard to "gym bag". I've switched from a traditional gym bag to mesh bags like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Whitmor-Mesh-Tote-Bag-Handles/dp/B005W5MMHW

These are better in my opinion because:

1. They allow what's inside to breath a bit.
   
2. I can throw them right in the washer with my gi/rashguard.
   
   The one I linked fits everything I need for class. The only down side to this particular model is that the mesh is a bit more "plastic" than I would like. For that reason i don't dry it (it air dries in an hour or so). Basically what I do is I pack it with clean gi, rashguard, knee pads, mouthguard, etc. When I get to the gym I change into my gear and then at the end of class I put the dirty gear back in the bag. I get home and then wash everything including the bag. After everything is clean and dry I repack the bag so I can just grab and go before class. As a bonus, it is just the right size to store everything so I don't have to have my gear lying around in different drawers. I even can fit a pair of gloves in there with the gear on days I choose to do striking.
   
   Some days I will take a second bag with me to keep the clothes I wear to the gym separate from the gi, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Fuji-7000-A10-PARENT-BJJ-Uniform/dp/B00H87UA2G

I own a pair of Fuji's and they are both great training Gis for cheap. A good place to start.

For the rest of it? It's going to be the hardest thing you've ever done in your life. Remember that you are only competing against yourself. You should only be concerned with whether you are better now than you were 6 months ago. That's the only progress measurement that matters.

For entertainment value I recommend Don't Wear Your Gi To The Bar - interesting real world accounts & anecdotes especially good for the overzealous white belt

I don't know about the Epsom Salt.

There is a school of thought that there is a predisposition to get cauliflower ear that is genetic. The thickness, structure, and flexibility of your ear cartilage are large indicators in vulnerability to the skin tearing away or the cartilage breaking. I tend to agree based completely on a small sample size (the 2 gyms I train at), but I don't know 100%.

Wear comfortable, low profile head gear and you'll be protected from the impact and shearing forces that encourage cauliflower ear.

EDIT: Here are some low-profile headgear examples (in no particular order):

http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Guard-Grappling-Wrestling-Jitsu/dp/B005ESOWPW

http://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Guard-Grappling-Wrestling-Jitsu/dp/B005ESOWLG

http://www.amazon.com/KRUSHCO-WRESTLING-EG-1-Ultra-Earguard-adult/dp/B001HB831O

http://www.amazon.com/Guards-MARINES-WRESTLING-JUDO-RUGBY/dp/B004SI162Q

http://www.amazon.com/Kimurawear-ReActive-Ear-Guards/dp/B00667GIAW

http://www.amazon.com/ProForce-Ultra-Strike-Ear-Guard/dp/B005BV83IO

(Sorry for all of the Amazon links. They just have a bunch of different options "right there".)

I like these McDavid Hex pads. I bought the smaller elbow and have been using them. They are better with the gi on. When I use them with no gi they do tend to slide around and down a bit. They are super slim but give a lot of protection and move with you pretty well. I got them because they didn't go full knee which sometimes I don't like. But I did just buy a pair of full knee ones from the second link to try for no gi. Both pretty reasonable price. I started wearing them when I was getting some Osgood-Schlatter pain where my patellar tendon connects to my tibia.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E3ZTIS/?coliid=I1U9PJGLGSAED9&colid=YA23UCACS64W&psc=0

https://www.amazon.com/McDavid-Volleyball-Basketball-Football-Contact/dp/B000UVXZ4C/ref=pd_sbs_200_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000UVXZ4C&pd_rd_r=RJ3GNPTGG6DHNJN3MZPA&pd_rd_w=56J0q&pd_rd_wg=R71hD&refRID=RJ3GNPTGG6DHNJN3MZPA

I like the look of those mountain bike pads though.

I have so much to say, but very little patience.

Buy/Download/Obtain this book "Choque - The Untold Story of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil" It has multiple volumes, I think the most important is 1856-1949

Available here: https://www.amazon.com/Choque-Untold-Jiu-Jitsu-Brazil-1856-1949/dp/1491226366

Expensive, yes, worth it, IMO, yes.

i have a mesh laundry bag that i use after training. i use a regular book bag to bring all of my clean stuff to the gym with, and then put all of the dirty stuff in the mesh bag when im done and carry it separately. i throw it in the wash with my gear too. it seems like the best option since nice gear bags are $150 and this is $6.

https://www.amazon.com/Honey-Can-Do-LBG-01161-Laundry-Drawstring-25-inch/dp/B001F51AO4/

I like the shockdoctor cup and compression shorts combo on amazon. It fits me pretty well after some minor adjusting. http://www.amazon.com/Shock-Doctor-Power-Compression-BioFlex/dp/B00181JD1W

the jockstrap for shockdoctor is also pretty comfortable. I just don't like wearing them over my boxers. It tends to bunch them up

I tried using my shockdoctor cup in some mcdavid shorts and that was awful. The mcdavid cup pocket is ridiculously huge. The cup has so much slack in it it shifts around during rolls and ends up pinching my nuts a lot.

I recently picked up a sanabul gi. It’s definitely light, but seems like it’ll hold up enough to justify the cost:

Sanabul Essentials Version 2 Ultra Light BJJ Jiu Jitsu Gi with Preshrunk Fabric (Black, A0) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CFVA0XI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_a0qDAb151HD99


Most Gis have a sizing guide... use that and check the comments to verify :)

Everyone I ever knew who knew Carlson Sr. always said "For Experts Only" was the most helpful book. I guess it hasn't been in print for a bit, but it is interesting.

https://www.amazon.com/Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-Experts-Carlson-Gracie/dp/1931229341/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

​

Carlson Sr. is more important to the sport in terms of History of sport than in current technique. There is no reason to adopt a Carlson Sr. style as Sr. died in 2006, which in BJJ terms was a very long time ago, as the sport has changed enormously in the last 13 years. But that book will show you a good capture of what BJJ was like in 2004.

Do both. You'll see which you like. Then when you're further along, try the one you haven't gravitated towards again.

A foam roller like this is good. Something with a non-compressible core. If you're feeling up to it, just get a section of thick wall PVC pipe, you can get it from an irrigation supply store.

Mine are in the mail, hope they aren't too terrible. :/ Did you get the carbon or bioflex? Carbon seems to have the better reviews so I ordered those.

http://www.amazon.com/Honey-Can-Do-LBG-01161-Mesh-Laundry-Blue/dp/B001F51AO4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1396014553&sr=8-3&keywords=laundry+bag

Something like that can be found at Target or Walmart pretty easily and really cheap.

A quick addition to what I mentioned elsewhere here: I really like two books that are highly relevant to this discussion: Mastery, by George Leonard, which is a short but thoughtful read about dealing with the ups and downs of a difficult, long-term learning process (viewed through the lens of Aikido), and, much more generally, Flow, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, which explores the importance of and process for finding depth and focus in skill-based activities.

Basically, both of them dive heavily into why it is more important - even for performance - to focus on the process rather than the goal.

I've only been doing bjj for a few months, but there are students who use headgear at our gym. No one bats an eye at it. It's about what makes you comfortable as you train. Anyone who would give you shit for it can go fuck themselves. It's YOUR journey and YOUR training. Not theirs.

That said, the best partner friendly headgear you can likely get is Cliff Keen E58: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009A5GRI/ref=s9_hps_bw_g200_i3

It's a really good brand of grappler's headgear. I have a pair. They will protect your ears. They aren't bulky. Best of all, they are soft and partner friendly. I've rolled with a guy who using this plastic hard tornado-some such headgear and I hate him for it. It's unpleasant when he digs his headgear into me.

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/EXERCISE-Gymnastics-Cheerleading-FLEXIBILITY-STRETCHING/dp/B01GKCQ3N4/ref=sr_1_2

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

I have a Grid(tm) foam roller. It's super stiff, but it's not real wide. My physical therapist recommends it because you have to isolate sides.

Grid: http://www.amazon.com/The-Grid-Revolutionary-Foam-Roller/dp/B0040EGNIU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323967531&sr=8-1

Wider roller: http://www.amazon.com/Fit-36-Inch-Hi-Density-Foam-Roller/dp/B0028KDC82/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1323967531&sr=8-4

If you're feeling manly: http://www.amazon.com/Rumble-Roller-Round-31-OPTP/dp/B000FDB7CW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323967570&sr=8-2

Any recommendations? I've tried a few and these are my favorite so far:

http://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-E58-Headgear/dp/B0009A5GRI

I never went back to my chiro after I bought a foam roller. Plus, I can use it anytime I feel the need. Well worth the $ I spent on it.
I use one similar to this: http://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Performance-Revolutionary-Roller/dp/B0040EGNIU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1398485672&sr=8-2&keywords=foam+roller

would it work with something like this? https://www.amazon.com/EXERCISE-Gymnastics-Cheerleading-FLEXIBILITY-STRETCHING/dp/B01GKCQ3N4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502309972&sr=8-2&keywords=hip+stretcher

Cliff Keen E58

https://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-E58-Headgear/dp/B0009A5GRI

Read this book if you want to know more about it! https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Psychology-Experience-Perennial-Classics/dp/0061339202

If you don't want to risk cauliflower, wear ear guards. https://www.amazon.com/Cliff-Keen-E58-Headgear/dp/B0009A5GRI