Review: Roadmap for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by Stephan Kesting

Fellow internet-BJJ-nerd Stephan Kesting from Grapplearts.com, asked me if I would do a review of one of his products on my blog. Yes, he did give it to me for free to (hopefully) get advertisement on my blog. but with that said, I have been completely objective in my review of the product, as my opinions ofcourse never can be bought for money (unless you are really rich... are you? seriously? *makes the "call me" hand sign*).

The "Roadmap for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu package" contains two DVDs, an audio CD, a CD-ROM, a book and a poster.

The DVD and book with the roadmap is the main product. It is a conceptual overview of basic techniques and strategies in each of the common positions of BJJ. The audio CD is really just the book read aloud, I guess that is good if you wanna hear it on the road or something. The CD-ROM contains some videoclips with bonus instructional material from seminars etc. The last thing is the poster, which I think it really nice. It shows "do's and dont's" for basic submissions. I have put it up in my gym and it has many good pointers for the beginners.

What I really like about this video is, that its focus is on FUNDAMENTALS. I have watched tons of instructionals, and 90% of them seem to try and "teach you some new move". My personal approach to getting better in Jiu Jitsu is to understand the fundamentals better and better. Not to learn more and more new moves. That's why the instructionals I get the very most out of are those, that can teach me details about stuff I already know. Like another approach on how to set up armbar from mount, scissor sweep or escape sidecontrol.

I think it is a great video for beginners because it really outlines the strategies and possibilities in every position. Also I would recommend it up to high level blue belts, to get some more details / other approaches to your game.

Check it out on www.beginningbjj.com