Personally I still enjoy referring back to this series. Sometimes you can just know "too" much info and instead of helping, it just clutters your brain. It's like some Kung Fu systems where you learn hundreds of techniques when all you need are the basic techniques that compose kickboxing.
I think that is a great series. Solid basics.
I do
The original Gracie Basic series features what I liked to called "foundational Jiujitsu". The techniques taught in those videos, in my opinion, present the essential movements and principles of Bjj in the easiest and simpliest form. Once one learns these "foundational" techniques one can than build their game on them.
I personal don't think more "detail" is neccessary only because the moves are already simple enough to do AND understand. Too much detail or information will, in my opinion, only make the techniques more difficult than they really are or need to be.
I feel people will "naturally" pick up the essential and important details, without someone telling them, when they actually PRACTICE the movements and techniques.
FatBuddha
Honestly they are not bad at all for starting out, but other sets like Saulo have smaller finer points which CAN make a difference. Some people will figure it out, but some need the details to make a difference in whether or not the move works.
It still has considerable value. I enjoy it as much for the instruction as the character of Rorion as he instructs. It was my first real grappling series and through the years hearing the negative rumors about the Gracies, its nice to see what a cool guy he is.
gusto -Hunter V - Honestly they are not bad at all for starting out, but other sets like Saulo have smaller finer points which CAN make a difference. Some people will figure it out, but some need the details to make a difference in whether or not the move works.
i really dont feel a beginner is ready for Saulo. Sure, it would be good to watch them, but he is teaching advanced concepts
True, but sometimes you CAN have a basic set and also have details.
i like them,rorion a good instructor.if i could them back from the bb i let borrow them.all would be good
I like em!
I do!
Maybe someone could edit a Saulo set and match it technique/position for technique/position with the Gracie Basics.
That way you get the best explanations with the most bread-and-butter stuff. Kind of like what a Rickson Gracie set might look like.
Armbar and Grill,
More often than not when beginners are shown "details" even little details they get "lost" in them. That is, they pay more attention, sometimes too much, to the "details" at the expense of the "entire" or "whole" technique, movement etc. In other words, beginners, when exposed to the "fine details" have a tendency to: "miss the forest because of the trees."
There is usually a reason why techniques are present from general to specific, from gross to fine detail.
The specifics and the fine details are always better understood when presented "after" familiarization with the "whole".
Like I said, the way the techniques on the Gracie basic videos are presented a student is able to digest not just bits and pieces of the technique BUT rather the whole thing including important movements and principles. The student is given an "overall" view.
The original Gracie Basics DVDs were pretty good at the time for beginners self defense against a totally clueless opponent. I don't really think they were intended for someone learning BJJ or grappling, but more for TMA guys to incorporate into their self-defense training.
I personally would recommend Cesar Gracie's basic set to a beginner in BJJ or grappling as they contain more details and show better technique, as well as more techniques from each position. (Gracie Basics never even mention taking the back, a signature position in BJJ)
I still cringe when I watch Rorian teach how to pass the guard. No mention on the importance of posture and base, then willingly putting yourself in a triangle to pass.
H - The original Gracie Basics DVDs were pretty good at the time for beginners self defense against a totally clueless opponent. I don't really think they were intended for someone learning BJJ or grappling, but more for TMA guys to incorporate into their self-defense training.
I personally would recommend Cesar Gracie's basic set to a beginner in BJJ or grappling as they contain more details and show better technique, as well as more techniques from each position. (Gracie Basics never even mention taking the back, a signature position in BJJ)
I still cringe when I watch Rorian teach how to pass the guard. No mention on the importance of posture and base, then willingly putting yourself in a triangle to pass.
i gotta watch them again,dont remember that
I was wondering if anyone was going to mention the horrible guard passing video.
Other than that, the videos were fine for someone who knew nothing and wanted to learn the very basics. Rorion was too repetitive considering it was on video (you can simply rewind the same thing as often as you need to) but he was otherwise a good instructor for beginners.
Given the level it was intended for, he didn't overload a beginner with a lot of tiny details and explained everything very clearly. The demonstrations were well done.
For anyone looking for MORE details that are necessary as the level of competition improves, this isn't a good set. Rorion is notorious for holding back information from the general public in order to maintain his family's legacy as the best fighting style. BJJ has long since evolved past what was offered in those days and today's instructionals are far more informative.
Again, the Gracie basics is fine for a total beginner, albeit overpriced by today's standards.
Lautaro
Just want to add, the Gracie basics is fine for a total beginner with the exception of the guard passing video. That was just total garbage. The pass itself is legit, but the instruction was horrendous. In my opinion, that was intentional...
Lautaro
Armbar and Grill
You said: "...years ago the gracie series was GREAT and I learned a lot, now I want even more details."
I hear what you're saying...BUT here is the thing...after NINE years don't you think you should have "discovered" or better said "uncovered" some essential details yourself?
I personally feel an important part of ones development and growth in any skilled activity is discovering and learning things including details on their own. I feel one of the biggest problems with the current American generation is alot of people don't want to "discover" anything for themselves but rather have somebody lay it all out for them. Many American students want their teachers to "give" them everything without putting in work as students.
There is a thread on this forum where one of Rorion's sons talks about how students can get the most out of the Gjj classes they attend. A big part of getting the most out of a Bjj class depends on the mindset of the student. Some students are able to "naturally" pick up more information from the class and instructor in terms of details simply by being more attentive to what the instructor is saying and doing. Not only are some students able to pick up details from what the instructor is saying and doing but they are also able to pick up details from observation and "logical" deduction.
In my opinion, especially when dealing with a physical activity like Bjj, if a person can't figure out certain important details of BASIC technique after nine years then such a person most likely hasn't taken the time to PRACTICE and STUDY those techniques.
Serra's DVD is great for beginners
For a total beginner, i'd say to check out:
Kesting's beginner's book (surprised it hasnt been mentioned yet)
Saulo's JJ Revolution Series 1 (Coupled with his AWESOME book)
Cesar Gracie's Gi Set
The material from Saulo and Cesar will easily take care of everything needed up to blue belt level.