Gracie Combatives Dvd ❲Tested & Working❳
What separates the Gracie Combatives DVD from other instructionals is the teaching method: Reflex Development.
Most BJJ instructionals show you a move, then a drill, and then live sparring. Gracie Combatives uses a "Problem, Solution, and Drill" format.
The DVD includes "Drill Instructions" for each technique. By following along with a partner (or even using a grappling dummy), you train your nervous system to react automatically. When the stress of a real fight hits your system, you don't rise to the level of your expectations; you fall to the level of your training. Reflex development ensures your training holds up under adrenaline.
1. Watch the intro section – Covers the “Gracie Diet” (optional), safety, and the “Golden Rules” (e.g., “position before submission”).
2. Use the “Reflex Development” method (per Rener Gracie):
3. Session structure (60 min):
The Gracie Combatives program was developed with the goal of making Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu accessible and understandable for everyone, regardless of size, strength, or prior experience. The curriculum is a condensed version of the full BJJ system, focusing on the most essential techniques that have been proven effective in real-life self-defense situations.
The Gracie Combatives DVD series, led by Ryron and Rener Gracie, is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive foundational programs for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The course focuses on 36 essential techniques designed to take a beginner from "potential victim" to "street ready". Key Features & Content
Fundamental Focus: The program prioritizes high-percentage, street-applicable techniques rather than sport-specific moves.
Structured Curriculum: It follows a highly organized path, grouping moves into lessons that build on one another.
Dynamic Reflex Development: A unique training method used to help students develop instinctive reactions through repetitive, varied drills.
Promotion Path: Mastering these 36 techniques makes a practitioner eligible to test for their Gracie Combatives Blue Belt. Pros
Instructional Quality: Reviews frequently highlight the exceptional detail and clarity provided by the instructors.
Low Impact: The techniques emphasize leverage over athleticism, making them accessible to older students or those with physical limitations like arthritis.
Home-Friendly: Designed for "Gracie Garages," the program is manageable for those without local access to a formal academy. Cons
Lack of Live Rolling: Some critics argue that the program’s delayed introduction of live sparring (rolling) can slow down timing development compared to traditional gyms.
Online vs. DVD: While the DVD content is identical to the online version, it lacks interactive features like the "Ask the Gracies" forums and digital PDF notes. Final Verdict
The Gracie Combatives DVD is an excellent investment for beginners or those focused on self-defense. While sport-oriented practitioners might find it basic, its systematic approach to the "essential 36" provides a solid technical foundation that is often missing in standard, competition-focused schools.
If you are looking to purchase, you can find the Gracie Combatives DVD set on eBay or access the latest curriculum digitally via Gracie University.
If you'd like to dive deeper into specific parts of the program: List of the 36 techniques covered Differences between the DVD and online subscription Testing process for the Combatives Blue Belt
The Gracie Combatives DVD collection represents a pivotal moment in the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), marking the transition of the art from a niche fighting system to a globally accessible self-defense program. Released in 2008 by Rener and Ryron Gracie, this 13-disc instructional series was designed with a singular, ambitious goal: to take a student from zero experience to "street ready" without the need for a physical academy. While the physical DVD sets have since been officially discontinued in favor of digital streaming via Gracie University, they remain a collector's item and a foundational text for modern self-defense. The Philosophy of the 36 Techniques
At the heart of the program is the "36 techniques" curriculum. Unlike sport-oriented BJJ, which often focuses on thousands of complex variations for competition, Gracie Combatives prioritizes the high-percentage moves used in real-world violent encounters.
Statistical Foundation: The techniques were selected based on studies of actual street fights, identifying the most frequent and successful defensive actions.
Self-Defense Focus: Every lesson assumes the opponent is larger, stronger, and intent on striking, rather than a fellow grappler playing by sport rules.
The "Combatives" Belt: The program leads to a unique "Gracie Combatives" belt, a transitional rank that signifies a student is proficient in the 36 core techniques and ready for the more advanced "Master Cycle". Instructional Innovation and Linear Learning
The DVD series was revolutionary not just for its content, but for its pedagogy. Before its release, most BJJ instructionals were "encyclopedias" of disconnected moves. Linear Learning
The program follows a strict linear progression. Each lesson builds logically on the previous one, ensuring that students never feel overwhelmed by complexity. This structured approach allows beginners to build confidence incrementally. The "Triple Threat" Method Each lesson is broken down into three distinct phases:
Technical Slices: The move is broken into small, manageable parts.
Reflex Development: The student practices the move in combination with others to build muscle memory.
Fight Simulation: The student applies the technique in a controlled, realistic scenario against a resisting partner. Production Quality and Reception
Produced at the Gracie Academy, the DVDs set a new standard for instructional production. Reviewers from Slideyfoot and List Muse have praised the multiple camera angles, clear audio, and the chemistry between Rener and Ryron, who often demonstrate the techniques with a blend of technical precision and familial humor. gracie combatives dvd
The Gracie Combatives DVD is a comprehensive instructional video series that teaches viewers the fundamental self-defense techniques and strategies developed by the renowned Gracie family. The DVD is part of the Gracie University curriculum, which aims to provide accessible and effective martial arts training to people of all skill levels and backgrounds.
The Gracie Combatives program focuses on teaching practical and efficient techniques that can be used in real-world self-defense situations. The DVD covers a range of topics, including stance, movement, and striking, as well as various types of takedowns, submissions, and escapes. The techniques are presented in a clear and concise manner, with a focus on simplicity and effectiveness.
One of the key benefits of the Gracie Combatives DVD is its emphasis on scenario-based training. Rather than simply teaching isolated techniques, the DVD presents a series of common self-defense scenarios, and then shows how to apply the techniques in a practical and effective way. This approach helps viewers to develop a deeper understanding of the techniques, and to learn how to adapt them to different situations.
The Gracie Combatives DVD also features instruction from some of the most experienced and knowledgeable instructors in the Gracie system, including Rickson Gracie, Carlos Gracie, and Helio Gracie. These instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the DVD, and provide viewers with a unique opportunity to learn from the best.
Another advantage of the Gracie Combatives DVD is its accessibility. Unlike traditional martial arts classes, which often require a significant time commitment and a local training facility, the DVD allows viewers to train at their own pace, in the comfort of their own homes. This makes it an ideal option for people who are busy or who live in areas where access to martial arts training is limited.
Overall, the Gracie Combatives DVD is an excellent resource for anyone interested in self-defense or martial arts training. The techniques and strategies presented are practical, effective, and easy to learn, and the instructional format is clear and engaging. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced martial artist, the Gracie Combatives DVD is a valuable tool that can help you to develop your skills and improve your confidence in a self-defense situation.
In addition to the technical skills, the Gracie Combatives DVD also emphasizes the importance of situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, and verbal communication in self-defense. The instructors on the DVD stress the importance of avoiding physical confrontations whenever possible, and of using verbal de-escalation techniques to diffuse potentially volatile situations.
The Gracie Combatives program has been widely praised for its effectiveness and accessibility. Many law enforcement agencies and military organizations have adopted the program as part of their training curricula, and it has been used by thousands of individuals around the world to develop their self-defense skills.
In conclusion, the Gracie Combatives DVD is a comprehensive and effective instructional video series that teaches viewers the fundamental self-defense techniques and strategies developed by the Gracie family. With its emphasis on practical and efficient techniques, scenario-based training, and accessibility, the DVD is an excellent resource for anyone interested in self-defense or martial arts training.
For a comprehensive breakdown of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Combatives
program, the most detailed community-driven review and discussion can be found on Reddit's BJJ community
. It covers the transition from the original DVD set to the modern online curriculum, offering perspectives from practitioners who have used the course for home study and in-person training. Key Aspects of the Program
The program was originally designed for the U.S. Army to teach effective hand-to-hand combat in a short timeframe. It focuses on the 36 core techniques found to be most successful in real-world fights. Instructional Style
: Highly regarded for its "linear learning" approach, where each lesson logically builds on the previous one, making it accessible for absolute beginners. Self-Defense Focus
: Unlike many "sport" BJJ programs, this focuses 100% on high-probability street scenarios, including headlock escapes and defending against strikes. Curriculum Structure
: Lessons use "Dynamic Reflex Development," starting with "Technical Slices" (simplified drills), moving to "Reflex Development Drills," and ending with "Fight Simulation Drills". The "2.0" Update
: The latest version includes 36 additional bonus techniques, 4K video quality, and "Street Tips" covering terrain, multiple attackers, and legal considerations. Pros and Cons (Community Consensus)
Here’s a short, useful story that illustrates the value of the Gracie Combatives DVD set—not just as a product, but as a tool for real-world confidence.
Title: The Late-Night Elevator
Mark was a 34-year-old software engineer. He wasn’t weak, but he wasn’t a fighter. After a close call in a parking garage—a guy screaming nonsense and shoving him for “looking at him wrong”—Mark realized his cardio and “hoping for the best” weren’t a self-defense plan.
He didn’t have time or money for a traditional gym. Between work, a toddler, and a second kid on the way, a 6 PM BJJ class was a fantasy. Plus, he was intimidated. The idea of getting crushed by a 22-year-old wrestler named “The Kraken” didn’t appeal to him.
Then he found a used Gracie Combatives DVD set online.
The box looked old-school. It promised “36 lessons” and a “street-effective” system—no sport moves, no fancy inversions. Just survival: punch blocks, takedown defense, escapes from mount and headlock, and control positions.
Mark was skeptical. “A DVD can’t teach you to fight.”
But the first video changed his mind. Rener Gracie didn’t just show a move—he showed why it works, where it fails, and how to drill it with a partner. He used common English, not Portuguese jargon. He even addressed the “untrained aggressor’s” most common moves: the wild hook punch, the bear hug, the shirt grab.
Mark bribed his brother-in-law, Dave (a similarly out-of-shape dad), with pizza. Every Tuesday and Thursday, they rolled out a yoga mat in Mark’s garage, watched one lesson (20 minutes), then drilled the technique for 20 minutes. No sparring yet. Just repetition: “Upa escape from mount.” “Trap and roll.” “Punch block series 1–4.”
After four months, they’d completed all 36 lessons. They tested themselves with the “Reflex Development” drills—Rener would call out a random attack, and they’d react without thinking. It was clumsy at first, then smooth. Mark felt something he hadn’t in years: prepared.
Six months later, the test came.
Mark was walking to his car after a late night at work. The parking lot was empty. From behind a van, a man stepped out—jittery, eyes unfocused, holding a broken bottle by the neck. “Give me your wallet. Now.”
Mark’s heart slammed. His old self would have frozen or thrown a wild haymaker. What separates the Gracie Combatives DVD from other
But his body remembered. The man lunged with the bottle—a clumsy overhead swing. Mark’s hands shot up in a high guard (lesson 4), deflecting the arm. He clinched, dropped his base, and used a simple outside leg trip (lesson 18). The man hit the concrete hard, the bottle skittering away.
Mark didn’t strike. He pinned the man’s shoulders with his knees (lesson 12: “Mount control”) and yelled, “Stay down! I’m calling the police!” The man went limp, defeated.
Police arrived five minutes later. No one was seriously hurt.
That night, Mark looked at the dusty Gracie Combatives DVD case on his shelf. He smiled. He’d never compete in a tournament. He’d never wear a fancy gi. But he’d passed the only test that mattered—the unscripted, chaotic, real one.
The moral: The Gracie Combatives DVD isn’t about becoming a UFC champion. It’s about building a reliable, repeatable survival system for ordinary people with no time, no athletic background, and no desire to get punched in the face during practice. It works if you work it—one lesson, one garage session, one pizza at a time.
The Ultimate Guide to Gracie Combatives DVD: Unlocking the Secrets of Self-Defense
In today's world, personal safety is a top concern for many individuals. With the rise of violence and crime, it's essential to have the skills and knowledge to protect oneself and loved ones. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through Gracie Combatives, a renowned self-defense system developed by the Gracie family. In this article, we'll explore the Gracie Combatives DVD, a comprehensive training program that brings the art of self-defense to your living room.
What is Gracie Combatives?
Gracie Combatives is a self-defense system that originated from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art developed by the Gracie family in Brazil. The system focuses on teaching individuals how to defend themselves against larger and more aggressive attackers, using technique over strength. Gracie Combatives is designed to be practical, efficient, and easy to learn, making it accessible to people of all ages, sizes, and skill levels.
The Gracie Combatives DVD: A Comprehensive Training Program
The Gracie Combatives DVD is a comprehensive training program that consists of 13 instructional DVDs, covering a wide range of self-defense techniques and scenarios. The program is designed to take you from a beginner to an advanced level, teaching you how to:
Key Features of the Gracie Combatives DVD
The Gracie Combatives DVD program offers several key features that set it apart from other self-defense training programs:
Benefits of the Gracie Combatives DVD
The Gracie Combatives DVD offers numerous benefits for individuals looking to improve their self-defense skills:
Who is the Gracie Combatives DVD Suitable For?
The Gracie Combatives DVD is suitable for individuals of all ages, sizes, and skill levels, including:
Conclusion
The Gracie Combatives DVD is a comprehensive training program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to defend themselves and loved ones. With its practical, efficient, and easy-to-learn techniques, the program is suitable for individuals of all ages, sizes, and skill levels. Whether you're looking to improve your physical fitness, build confidence, or simply learn effective self-defense techniques, the Gracie Combatives DVD is an excellent choice. So why wait? Order your Gracie Combatives DVD today and start unlocking the secrets of self-defense!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the duration of the Gracie Combatives DVD program? A: The program consists of 13 instructional DVDs, with a total runtime of approximately 13 hours.
Q: Is the Gracie Combatives DVD suitable for beginners? A: Yes, the program is designed to be easy to follow and learn from, making it suitable for beginners.
Q: Can I train with a partner using the Gracie Combatives DVD? A: Yes, the program includes partner drills, allowing you to train with a friend or family member and improve your skills.
Q: Is the Gracie Combatives DVD a substitute for traditional martial arts classes? A: While the program can be used as a standalone training program, it's recommended to supplement your training with traditional martial arts classes or private instruction for a more well-rounded education.
Q: Can I purchase the Gracie Combatives DVD online? A: Yes, the Gracie Combatives DVD can be purchased online through the official Gracie University website or through online retailers such as Amazon.
The Gracie Combatives DVD series, officially discontinued in its physical format as of 2022, remains a legendary cornerstone of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) education. Originally developed for the U.S. Army, this 13-DVD set was designed to take a complete beginner from "potential victim" to "street ready" using the 36 most successful techniques in the history of the Gracie family.
While the physical box set is now primarily a collector's item or "display art", the curriculum lives on through Gracie University’s updated digital platform as Gracie Combatives 2.0. The Core Curriculum: The "Power of 36"
Out of more than 600 BJJ techniques, the Gracies identified 36 that are used more often—and with greater success—than all others combined in real street fights. The DVD set covers these across 36 lessons, including:
A standout feature of the Gracie Combatives DVD Package Dynamic Reflex Development teaching system
. This revolutionary method is designed to build muscle memory and "street ready" reflexes by breaking down complex techniques into three structured stages: Budovideos Technical Slices The DVD includes "Drill Instructions" for each technique
: Each lesson begins by presenting a new technique through simplified drills to ensure you understand the fundamental mechanics. Reflex Development Drills
: The new technique is then combined with another previously learned move to start building fluid transitions. Fight Simulation Drills
: Each lesson concludes by placing the technique into the context of a real fight, combining it with several other moves to simulate a natural flow under pressure. Gracie University Additional Key Features The 36 Essential Techniques
: The curriculum focuses exclusively on the 36 techniques most frequently used by the Gracie family to successfully win real-world encounters. Blue Belt Qualification
: The 13th DVD in the set provides a complete demonstration of the test required for promotion. You can actually test for your Gracie Blue Belt via video submission to Gracie University or at a certified academy. Comprehensive Material
: The complete set typically includes 13 DVDs (over 18 hours of instruction), a 65-page training handbook, and a 24"x36" poster-sized flowchart illustrating how all 36 techniques connect. Accessibility
: Unlike many other BJJ series that serve as supplements to gym training, this course is specifically produced for individuals with zero prior experience to learn effectively from home. Gracie University : The official DVD box sets have been discontinued
and are no longer being manufactured, making remaining physical copies collectible. They can still be found through resellers like included in the curriculum? Gracie Combatives 2.0 - Gracie University
The Gracie Combatives DVD is a 13-disc instructional series that became a flashpoint in the martial arts world, bridging the gap between elite military training and civilian home study. Origin: From the Battlefield to the Living Room
The program was originally developed at the request of the U.S. Army. Military leaders wanted a hand-to-hand combat system that could prepare soldiers for survival in roughly 40 hours of training. The Gracie family analyzed three generations of real-world fights and identified 36 essential techniques that were used more frequently and successfully than all other moves combined.
For nearly 17 years, this curriculum was exclusive to military personnel. In 2008-2009, Rener and Ryron Gracie released the material to the public as the "Gracie Combatives" DVD box set, marking the official launch of what would become Gracie University. The "Video Belt" Controversy
The DVDs gained notoriety not just for their content, but for the Gracie Video Evaluation Process. For the first time, students who did not live near a school could film themselves performing the "Blue Belt Qualification Drills" and upload them for review by Gracie Academy instructors.
This sparked a massive debate in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) community:
Forget the fancy flying armbars you see on Instagram. The Combatives curriculum is the "30 Lessons to Survival." It is the distillation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu down to the 36 highest-percentage techniques specifically for a street fight.
The thesis here is simple: You don’t need to be a black belt to defend yourself. You need to master the blue belt fundamentals.
The DVD set (or digital download) covers everything from the trap and roll mount escape to surviving the standing clinch against a headlock.
One of the most compelling aspects of the Gracie Combatives program is the "Gracie Guarantee." The premise is simple: If you master the 36 techniques on the DVD (meaning you can execute them with competence against a resisting partner), you have a proven foundation in self-defense.
In fact, Gracie Academy Torrance allows students who learn via the DVD to test for their "Combatives Belt" (a belt of rank just below blue belt) by submitting a video or visiting the academy. You don't need to sign a long-term gym contract to get your first taste of ranking. While the DVD alone cannot award you a belt (you need a live instructor to verify your technique for safety), it provides the map to get there.
What it is
Curriculum & structure
Key concepts emphasized
Typical techniques covered (examples)
Audience and suitability
Formats & availability
Pros and cons (brief)
Credibility & lineage
How to get the most from it
If you want, I can:
Title: Is the Gracie Combatives DVD Still Worth It in 2024? A No-BS Review
If you’ve spent any time in the "YouTube rabbit hole" of self-defense, you’ve seen the clip: a smaller, older man in a white gi effortlessly controlling a larger, aggressive opponent. That man is usually Grand Master Rorion Gracie or Ryron Gracie, and the system they are teaching is Gracie Combatives.
But with the rise of MMA and YouTube tutorials, is spending money on a DVD set (yes, DVDs still exist) actually worth it for the average person?
Here is the honest breakdown of the Gracie Combatives program for the busy adult who just wants to be safe.