Reddit mentions of Jackson's Mixed Martial Arts: The Ground Game

I should update this at some point but anyway:

Here's an Abridged version of my book recommendation list.


Firstly, for Greco, I'd have to suggest Martell's Greco-Roman Wrestling

However, Martell is more suited for those who have a folkstyle background. For those who don't (and even those who do) I would recommend Randy Couture's The Natural Way as it builds up from wrestling basics into freestyle and, following that, into Greco.

For an interesting look at the transitional period between Catch and American Folkstyle I would recommend Leonard's A Handbook of Wrestling that can be found free here especially for those with a self-defense interest as it includes techniques now illegal in American Folkstyle while still teaching the positionally dominant wrestling basics. Some techniques are more a product of the times though.

For boxing I have to recommend two books, though they are more or less one book. Haislet's Boxing is one of the most comprehensive guides to the various aspects of Queensbury boxing without having a specific bias toward any one style. The U.S. Navy's boxing uses the text from Haislet in it's technical segments, but is more structured around teaching a large class, complete with lesson plans and coaching tips.

For specific ground-fighting tactics and techniques, Jackson's The Ground Game is probably the best overview of that phase, complete with both striking and submissions and used by the best in the world.

For a self-defense focus, I would suggest two boxing-related texts. The first is The art of Infighting by turn of the century era boxer Frank Klaus. The second is Banned from Boxing which is an academic and technical work on the use of grappling in Bareknuckle-era boxing, complete with hair pulling and even standing chokes. Both of these present great options for dealing with physicality in limited space and applying "dirty boxing."

Finally, for a very specific recommendation, B.J. Penn's MMA Book of Knowledge as it has a comprehensive guide to fighting against the cage, which also applies to fighting against walls and other barriers one might encounter in life. There are relatively few texts that do this in-depth, so if one is interested this is the book to get.

Also, Wikitenauer has been mentioned already, but I specifically recommend Auerswald's Treatise on Wrestling. Blades really aren't my field, but The Fellowship of Lichtenauer is my go-to source for dagger and short-blade fighting at least.


I've posted this a couple of times, but I can say that there are a number of quality pieces by fighters. However, despite many of them containing basic techniques, they are far more valuable to someone already proficient trying to pick up new tricks or strategic information than to the novice.

Jackson's MMA: The Stand Up Game

Jackson's MMA: The Ground Game

I have the Stand Up Game book, and the techniques are very well shot and explained. It includes striking, but also clinch work and takedowns. I imagine the Ground Game book would be of similar quality.

https://www.amazon.com/Jacksons-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Ground/dp/0982565801 was recommended here a while ago, I think.