I'd appreciate some advice on instructionals. First off, I'm a white belt but am probably at a blue belt level due to previous grappling experience. I've got a pretty good top game, but not as fluent with the guard and passing the guard. I bought Saulo's first series and thought it was very good overall, covering many areas. I'm contemplating getting Sperry's Master Series 2 (looks like it has a lot of guard material). Is it a good series? Would I be disappointed in it after seeing the caliber of Saulo's instructional? Would it be advisable to get Master Series 1 first? The other option I was considering was getting Dynamic Guard Sweeps 1 and 2 from Grapplearts.com. How would this compare? Thanks in advance for the tips!
Good questions, sorry though, I have no answers.
How about a comprehensive website that does reviews of instructionals? I searched and only found bits and pieces.
Is it a good series?
Yes
Would I be disappointed in it after seeing the caliber of Saulo's instructional?
I don't think so
Would it be advisable to get Master Series 1 first?
I like Master Series 1 more than 2, but I don't think series 1 is a prerequisite.
The other option I was considering was getting Dynamic Guard Sweeps 1 and 2 from Grapplearts.com. How would this compare?
Anything Stephan does is great. Especially if you want specific instruction.
Master Series 1 was the first instructional I had for gi. I love it and my game is still based largely on those techniques. If it's general strategy and simple technique combinations you want to work, then the Sperry stuff is gold.
If you want to work specifically in the open guard and need a comprehensive study with drills and strategies, there is no going past the Grapplearts DVDs.
krakkerz
MA Product Reviews
Grabaka39, please do a search under my name and you wiill find quite a few reviews of instructionals, unless they have been deleted into cyberspace.
You can also google 'Bill Lewis DVD reviews' and you will find quite a few good reviews.
Are you more interested in gi or no-gi training? Maybe I can help push you in the right direction.
I would recommend Roy Harris' BJJ 201 if you haven't seen it.
"I would recommend Roy Harris' BJJ 201 if you haven't seen it."
You're better off getting Marcelo Garcia's sets or Saulo Ribiero than wasting your money on this
Thanks for the tips guys.
New2MMA, it's gi training that I'm currently focusing on.
For White Belts:
Pedro Carvalho's first 2 are excellent for white belts solidifying their game when moving into blue belt. Part 1 is more geared to newbies, but part 2 is just as good, perhaps a little more advanced. I highly recommend them.
I have always heard good things about Cesar Gracie's instructional series, and from what others say, they are geared toward white belts with 6 months of experience on up. For $60.00, they are a great price.
I've always wondered how the Gustavo Froes instructionals are. If anyone could comment on them I would like to hear it.
I have never seen 'The Master Series' by Sperry, but from what I have heard I would imagine that they are too advanced for white belts. If anyone could comment on that I would like to hear it.
Don't disregard using books either, 'The Path to Black Belt' is a very good overall book, and I think 'Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique' by Renzo and Royler is an outstanding reference manual for those starting out.
For Blue Belts:
Rodrigo Medeiros' Championship BJJ and the 'Ultimate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu' compilation, both from Island, are very good for new blue belts and those who want reference material as they climb the ladder.
For no-gi, Matt Thornton's FJKD2 is very, very good, and lays down a lot of principles that can also be used in gi grappling, specifically top game principles (which you have already indicated that you are good at) and escapes. His guard material is pretty no-gi specific.
Saulo's 1st gi series is outstanding, and there has been a lot of debate back and forth as to whether or not they are well-suited for a white belt or early blue. I take the side of those who say that it is geared toward upper belts.
It seems that Saulo gives a lot of insight into his own personal game, and from what I gather, he makes the assumption that you have all of the basics of the submissions and the positional control down, which you do not at white belt or even blue.
froes are great
good for any level
Sperry's stuff is some of the best stuff out there.