We live in a modern era, where our prime source of information has been limited to videos, tutorials, tips & tricks, and courses. While these mediums are great, we often do not think of books to teach us the required skills and understanding to learn a specific skillset. This is true for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as learning something as technical and physical requires more concentration and a visual representation.
While you may not find many books that teach you the crux, basics, and advanced practices of this art, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu For Experts Only by Carlson Gracie and Julio Foca Fernandez is here to turn the tables. This book is intended for practitioners who already understand that refinement, patience, and discipline are necessary for true growth in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and that progress slows down as skill levels rise. It is intended for those who wish to learn, master, or gain a deeper understanding of the art.
From the first pages, the book makes its purpose clear, as it presents itself as a guide for serious students who want to improve how they move, how they transition, and how they apply pressure. The techniques are not presented as isolated tricks. Instead, they are shown as part of a connected system built on balance, posture, and control. This approach reflects the teaching philosophy of Carlson Gracie, whose influence on modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is deeply rooted in effectiveness rather than appearance.
What makes the book especially useful is its visual structure. For example, each technique is broken down into clear photo sequences that show exactly what is happening at every stage. These easy-to-analyze and clear photos allow the reader to see how grips are placed, how weight shifts, and how angles change. This matters because many advanced techniques fail due to small mistakes that are difficult to spot during live training. The book allows practitioners to slow down and study these details in a way that complements mat time rather than replacing it.
Julio Foca Fernandez’s role in the book is evident in the clarity of instruction, as his experience as a competitor and instructor shows in how the material is organized. Techniques flow logically from one position to the next, and there is no sense of rushing through content or overwhelming the reader. This way, the book encourages steady learning and repetition, which mirrors how real skill is developed.
The range of techniques covered speaks to the book’s depth. For instance, you will learn about guard passes, takedowns, sweeps, chokes, cranks, and joint locks. Each of these techniques are presented with a consistent focus on control and efficiency. The emphasis is not on speed or strength, but on correct positioning and timing. This makes the book relevant across different training goals, whether a practitioner focuses on sport competition, submission grappling, or teaching.
Another strength of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu For Experts Only is its honesty, as this book does not promise mastery or simplify advanced learning. Instead, it respects the reader by acknowledging that improvement takes time and learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a time-consuming process, which requires effort. This honesty is refreshing in a space where many resources try to oversell results. The book assumes that the reader is willing to practice, reflect, and return to the material repeatedly.
In short, this book feels like a quiet conversation between experienced instructors and dedicated students. It does not shout for attention. It earns it through clarity and substance. For practitioners who want a focused, thoughtful guide to advanced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, this book offers a meaningful path forward.
For anyone who wants to explore how precision and fundamentals shape expert technique, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu For Experts Only by Carlson Gracie and Julio Foca Fernandez is a valuable resource. It offers clear examples of how strong basics lead to high-level results and shows why true mastery always returns to the foundation.
Availability
The book is available on Amazon for purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZN5CWFT/.
About the Author
Julio Fernandez, a five-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu National Champion, 3-Times Rio de Janeiro State Champion, and 2-Times IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Champion, is a 7th Degree Coral Belt and co-founder of the BJJ Revolution Team. He continues to train future champions at his academy Vermont Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Carlson Gracie, undefeated in nineteen professional fights, he is revered as one of the grand masters of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, responsible for taking a technical sport and making it more physical, more demanding, and more dangerous. Many of the moves used in jiu-jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts competitions today bear Carlson’s signature, and many of today’s champions honed their games under his tutelage.
Book Details: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, For Experts Only: Carlson Gracie with Julio “Foca” Fernandez
ISBN Number: 978-1971950761
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