What people don’t realize or research about the combatives program is after a student goes through the techniques a couple of times, they can then do a class called reflex development. This class is setup with a “bad guy” with gloves and they simulate a fight and roll using the combatives technique. So to say they don’t roll is totally inaccurate.
Thanks for watching. The reflex development classes I participated in where all very controlled. The uke was only allowed to do a few things. Very different than rolling, imo. Valuable...but different. They have since changed it anyway. Now you earn a combatives belt and you can then do open rolling.
@@TopLevelJiuJitsu Free rolling was explicitly removed from the white belt syllabus because too many people got hurt and quit. They used to teach the typical free-for-all way for years. Helio didn't let people roll freely at white belt, which is why Rener and Ryron reserved it for blue belt (and now allowed after passing Combatives).
@@tjl4688 I am 100% aware. I appreciate the comment. The reason they changed is that Pedro Sauer and Rickson asked them to do so. That's why the "combatives belt" was introduced. The idea of giving a true GJJ blue belt without ever rolling or feeling true resistance beyond the limited stuff the uke can do in combatives was unacceptable.
@@TopLevelJiuJitsu Sorta. Pedro and Rickson asked them to stop giving out blue belts, but Combatives itself was created because white belts were free rolling and getting injured, then leaving. Combatives has been around since about 2009-1010; but the the Combatives belt has only existed since 2016. I'm working towards my Combatives belt atm; the intensity goes up depending on how capable your uke and tori are. Most students are new, so as an uke, more control is needed. If I do RD with my coach, he goes harder on me. When you get your Combatives Belt, Uke and Tori are then able to start using more and more jiu-jitsu in RD; in addition to free-rolling classes.
I just started training at a local school. I also train with my kids at home using Gracie Combatives. I realized that I was not going to get the fundamentals as efficiently as I wanted. That’s why I supplement my class time with the videos. I totally relate to what you said about rolling to soon. That has been my experience and I knew I needed to come up to speed faster.
Hi, This is a very good review. I have done the blue belt test for the combatives course and it’s not easy. You really have to practice and get it right. I did a live evaluation in front of Gracie JJ black belt James Smart in Cape Town South Africa after a 3 hour lesson. It was gruelling. I first got interested in the Gracie Combatives programme because I didn’t like the sportive side. I wanted to learn a self defence side of Jiu Jitsu and the GC course gave me what I needed. It was good to get rewarded for my hard work by being graded to blue belt. Unfortunately this was back in 2013 and I haven’t trained much since. It’s something I regret but I’m starting again on September 4th with the Combatives course. I’m not interested in competing or training for competition. Fitness is not my goal and I just want to get back on to the mat and enjoy Jiu Jitsu again. I think the main thing to focus on is Jiu Jitsu itself and not who the best is. If you been graded by a legitimate black belt who has deemed you worthy then what does it matter where or how you learned the moves, I learned mine from online apart from when I went to South Africa and found James Smart by chance, but he still had to upload my test videos to the Gracie University test page so Ryron and Rener could review it. It was a proud moment getting an email from Rener telling me I did well.
I'm not interested in rolling with experienced martial artists. I'm just wanting to practice the basics so if my drunk uncle attacks me I can put his bitcn ass in a Kimura.
As someone that has done karate for 25 years I found learning combatives up to test level a very big help and also very useful in understanding kata. Many pieces fell into place. Would recommend any and all karate guys to do combatives if they have reached brown/ black belt level. For self defence also a must for any stand up martial art who does not do grappling.
It is a good solid base to build on but be advised it does not replace live rolling. A 1 year into JJ will cut through these like a hot knife through butter if you do not pressure test them and adjust them. I picked up A LOT of details from these back in the day that I still use. But to be even be a fresh blue, it takes a lot more and a ton of live rolling on top.
I got my blue belt completing the Gracie combatives course I only attended like 140 classes then tested for the combatives in July 2013 it felt like I was a incomplete blue belt then I had to move away for work then got back into bjj felt like a totality new beginner got back into it now 100 more classes of drilling and rolling I feel more like a blue belt
I have trained in various martial arts most of my life, but never felt that confident about my actual ability to handle a street situation, which I think is actually a good thing. Being cocky and trying to do techniques "perfectly" in an actual fight can get you hurt. You have to "forget" your training and just react. But I digress. After years away from training, I worked out for a year in a very good sport BJJ place, starting at age 68. I had to quit to have a knee replacement (not due to BJJ). When I came back at it, at 70 years old, I went to a Gracie CTC and started the Combatives program. The difference was night and day. Yes, the sport stuff teaches you to deal with aggression and that is good. But it also teaches you techniques that leave you wide open for strikes, because strikes are not allowed in sport. This is huge! Combatives teaches you to always be "punch block safe." Also, in sport BJJ, I never felt I was learning fundamentals. I learned a few techniques and a few lame defenses I could pull off and I learned them by trial an error through rolling and sideline coaching. It was confusing. Combatives is very systematic. I feel I'm learning the fundamentals in an environment where I am less likely to get injured. I think once I get my Combatives belt, then I can go into the Master Cycle and get in the rolling in that completes the picture.
I’ve done some grappling on/off, total around 2 years. I’m a no stripe white because I did no gi , wrestling and judo, but I roll evenly with and tap newer blue belts often (not the seasoned blues as much). I started doing judo but they aren’t covering enough newaza. Even with two years grappling, I still don’t feel like I have a solid foundation of the ground fundamentals (triangles, sweeps, arm bars from guard). I’m close to a blue belt as is and my local Gracie instructor said I could test for my combatives belt sooner. He’ll run a test on me to see where I’m at and we can go from there. Anyways, do you think it would be a good idea for me to try this program? It’s less hours per week and far less competitive. I’m not planning on competing. I feel like maybe this is the best program available to get a solid base and then build off it later. I can spend 10 hours in judo or local bjj clubs and all the time will be spent doing throws in judo or leg locks and de la riva variations in bjj. It’s very very little old school newaza
Thank for your prompt response to my request on this topic. Also thank you for your respectful and very professional opinion. Keep up the great and positive content.
Two year old video so idk if it matters anymore but I think the audio and video are not synced up. Good review! I've been doing Combatives (1/3 of the way through) and enjoy seeing others' opinions. It's interesting you mention rolling because my brother (training partner) and I recently started rolling a bit in between drills; it just seemed like a natural development to our training. I think this hearkens back to your point about ending up on either side of the isle. The lesson here is that non-live programs are all about what YOU can get from them, I suppose!
To your comment about rolling between drills: I attended to gracie jiu jitsu and found that it’s absolutely for self defense, Good and bad guy imitation, one imitates aggressor other reacts, and always talks about how one is gonna want to beat you on streets. I don’t train for self defense or street fighting nor look for an opportunity to engage to a fight with aggressors, I train exclusively for sports purposes. And during one of classes I asked one who had couple stripes to do free drills with unpredicted moves and slightly defending, blocking passes or technics and my instructor told me to never do such things personally. I clearly saw that he would even ask me to stop taking classes if I kept doing so, so no rolls or even slight free drills
What would you recommend for someone who wants to know all the "moves" that one needs to be a blue belt. Is there any competition to the Gracie combatives program?
That's a tough question because blue belt can mean alot of different things. There's no universal standard. I would recommend checking out a few schools in your area and trying them out.
@@SuperColonel91 Its ok. I think decent KM schools do a good job of teaching the importance of violence of action. The techniques are simple, which is good when trying to know what to do in a bad situation. My biggest issue is that most KM schools make assumptions about grappling that all other martial arts seem to make. And they all tend to get it wrong. Its really hard to strike out of a grappling situation. Just like its hard to grapple out of a striking situation
@@TopLevelJiuJitsu good points. See I think that a blend of Krav Maga, Gracie Combatives, LINE, and some Aikido Techniques with some form of knife and stick fighting(I think Kali is too complex) would all be a good blend. Just on least question, what do you think about Aikido and LINE?
@@SuperColonel91 You must be a pre-2000 Marine. LINE was good enough for what it was but the way it was structured and taught didn't teach adaptability or modularity. The way it was taught to Marines relied to much on predictable and routine movements and not enough on principles and fundamental. The MCMAP system that replaced it is actually much better as it covers the whole spectrum of combat this side of small arms tactics. It teaches not just the moves but how, when and why they work.
Great video! Im in a bjj gym that is 100% sport... So, this might be something good to add... Do you have a review on the master cycles or however they are called? Ive been told its like the continuation of the combatives or something like thst
The master cycle has some really great stuff. I purchase some of it piecemeal as the entire body of work would be wildly expensive. It is not a continuation of combatives though. It's a full bjj curriculum. Every thing from leg drags to subs from the back are included. It's a good resource
@@TopLevelJiuJitsu thanks for answering... So... If i did the master cycle i wouldnt need to do the combatives first? Do you think its still a good idea to get both if i can?
@@gingercore69 No. You cannot begin Master Cycle until earn Combatives. You can buy the videos, but you will not be allowed to test until you earn your Combatives Belt.
I've been doing a lot of research into jiu jitsu for the past week or so. I'm really interested and getting back into shape, and being able to be a lot better off defending myself. I've talked to some people online, and it's kind of 50/50 on how people feel about the Gracie combatives program. I really like the idea of teaching you strictly self-defense techniques in a safe and controlled environment. Some people seem like they think if you're not rolling from day one and you're not learning the best sport like techniques, it's all a complete waste of time. I like the idea of perfecting techniques in the type of environment they advertise. Sure, I won't be as good at rolling as others at blue belt status, but that isn't what I'm concerned about at this moment. I can always take whatever I learn and apply it better to a different School if I choose to go another route.
Hmmmm. "Strictly self defense techniques" I feel that statement and it's implied meaning is misleading. Combatives teaches you fundamental movements. The fundamental movements are the same regardless of whether you want to fight in the streets or in a bjj only tournament. Example: the fundamental movements and principles behind an arm bar are the same regardless if it's the UFC or the ADCC. The combatives program teaches you bjj's fundamental movements THROUGH it's self defense techniques. People may see little distinction, but I think it's important to know. A person needs to know the fundamentals of movement regardless how they want to use bjj. Combatives is more than just basic street self defense. Combatives will leave someone brand new to bjj with a good fundamental base to take their bjj to wherever they want to go next while also better preparing them for a real confrontation.
I instructed macp for years. Gracie combatives is the base of the jiu jitsu portion. It works very well. I havnt watched the videos so i cant speak on them tho.
This is a valid critique, and I think it is the main reason that they created the Combatives belt in the first place. They originally gave out a blue belt upon completion of the Combatives program, but many people including Rickson called them out for this very reason. So now to get a Gracie Torrance blue belt you have to take your Combatives belt to a CTC and do at least 6 months of Master Cycle classes and rolling.
I'm going to try this next week at a certified training center. The main thing that put me off was 6 months no rolling. I spoke to the coach of that gym and I'm willing to give it a go. I did do 9 months of training at an mma gym had two stripes on my white belt from basically being murdered by competitive fighters I was constantly injured. I'm certain I could still pull off an armbar from Mount a rear naked choke and maybe a guillotine in guard against someone untrained. But that is all I could rely on after 9 months so maybe the combatoves approach will be useful. (From the information I was given combatives is basically two stripe white belt then its rolling from then on)
Been through it and tested out. Its a great program for learning the fundamentals in detail. Good for people who want to learn BJJ, but are intimidated by rolling. That's why they built this program - to ease in beginners. Once I've had gone through the 23 lessons a couple of times, I was confident. So, I supplemented my education by rolling with people in my college BJJ club. I do well against the white and blue belts. Had no issue submitting other white belts. White belts are the most dangerous because they implement aggression to compensate for lack of skill. Had a hard time passing the guard of blue belts (Combatives doesn't teach that). I was able to execute escapes and sweeps on blue belts, rarely any submissions. Purple belts were just impossible to do anything with, they were always 3-5 steps ahead, but mostly super gentle in killing you.
@@tjl4688 100% What kinda irks me, is that lots of people kinda rag on it for teaching just how to fight unskilled to nearly unskilled opponents. And then I respond "well, before you can fight skilled opponents you have to be able to beat unskilled opponents. So that's where beginners gotta start"
Audio Sync is off. You are loosing a lot of viewers because of this. If you know your final output of the video has an video audio sync problem you should never make it public without fixing it. Just my 2 cents. Trying to help.
Awesome feedback. I'm not seeing that on my end. Are you able to be more specific? By sync, are you saying the words don't match my lips? Cause it does when I watch it.
i did combative program for 10 months, i didnt test and i moved to another school, the program is good but the whole system is the problem, give stripes every 20 classes is ridiculous, you have to deserve stripes or belt
Stripe per 20 classes is just for the kids program. Not adult. For the adult program classes don't matter and there are no stripes for while belt. You do the Combatives test, pass or fail. Must get 90% or above to pass. You have to test for each stripe blue belt and above BBS1-4. Over 60 techniques per stripe test. Inherently you have to roll in order to pass the tests. I graduated the Gracie University ICP. I was a brown belt under Pedro Sauer as well.
Only the white belt stripes are attendance based, which is common in many BJJ schools. You must test for your Combatives belt and ALL stripes and belts thereafter.
@@ianj4389 This isn't quite correct. Online, there are no white belt stripes. At a CTC, a white belt stripe is given every 20 lessons. However, when you get to Blue Belt, you test for every stripe, they're not just handed out.
I can't argue with you. you have a valid point. But I would counter with "what makes something legit?" I'm what I think is a legit blue belt from a gracie ctc.....but I'm sure if a killer blue belt from danahers blue basement were to show up, he or she might wipe the floor with me. Does that then make me unlegit? Do you see my point? We can definitely argue that a gracie university only belt would be unlegit because they didn't spar and we'd demonstrate their worth by rolling with them to prove how inadequate they are. But like I said, would some monster of a sand bagging blue belt destroying me prove my blue belt is not legit? Similarly, could we train some 6'8" 300lbs man with just gracie combatives online and then give them a belt and tell them they're not legit when we can't handle them? Just kinda goes back to "what is the true measure of legitimacy?"
Hi, This is a very good review. I have done the blue belt test for the combatives course and it’s not easy. You really have to practice and get it right. I did a live evaluation in front of Gracie JJ black belt James Smart in Cape Town South Africa after a 3 hour lesson. It was gruelling. I first got interested in the Gracie Combatives programme because I didn’t like the sportive side. I wanted to learn a self defence side of Jiu Jitsu and the GC course gave me what I needed. It was good to get rewarded for my hard work by being graded to blue belt. Unfortunately this was back in 2013 and I haven’t trained much since. It’s something I regret but I’m starting again on September 4th with the Combatives course. I’m not interested in competing or training for competition. Fitness is not my goal and I just want to get back on to the mat and enjoy Jiu Jitsu again. I think the main thing to focus on is Jiu Jitsu itself and not who the best is. If you been graded by a legitimate black belt who has deemed you worthy then what does it matter where or how you learned the moves, I learned mine from online apart from when I went to South Africa and found James Smart by chance, but he still had to upload my test videos to the Gracie University test page so Ryron and Rener could review it. It was a proud moment getting an email from Rener telling me I did well.
What people don’t realize or research about the combatives program is after a student goes through the techniques a couple of times, they can then do a class called reflex development. This class is setup with a “bad guy” with gloves and they simulate a fight and roll using the combatives technique. So to say they don’t roll is totally inaccurate.
Thanks for watching.
The reflex development classes I participated in where all very controlled. The uke was only allowed to do a few things. Very different than rolling, imo. Valuable...but different.
They have since changed it anyway. Now you earn a combatives belt and you can then do open rolling.
@@TopLevelJiuJitsu Free rolling was explicitly removed from the white belt syllabus because too many people got hurt and quit. They used to teach the typical free-for-all way for years. Helio didn't let people roll freely at white belt, which is why Rener and Ryron reserved it for blue belt (and now allowed after passing Combatives).
@@tjl4688 I am 100% aware. I appreciate the comment. The reason they changed is that Pedro Sauer and Rickson asked them to do so. That's why the "combatives belt" was introduced. The idea of giving a true GJJ blue belt without ever rolling or feeling true resistance beyond the limited stuff the uke can do in combatives was unacceptable.
@@TopLevelJiuJitsu Sorta. Pedro and Rickson asked them to stop giving out blue belts, but Combatives itself was created because white belts were free rolling and getting injured, then leaving. Combatives has been around since about 2009-1010; but the the Combatives belt has only existed since 2016.
I'm working towards my Combatives belt atm; the intensity goes up depending on how capable your uke and tori are. Most students are new, so as an uke, more control is needed. If I do RD with my coach, he goes harder on me.
When you get your Combatives Belt, Uke and Tori are then able to start using more and more jiu-jitsu in RD; in addition to free-rolling classes.
@@tjl4688 you should listen essentially if you're a white belt and a online one at that
I just started training at a local school. I also train with my kids at home using Gracie Combatives. I realized that I was not going to get the fundamentals as efficiently as I wanted. That’s why I supplement my class time with the videos. I totally relate to what you said about rolling to soon. That has been my experience and I knew I needed to come up to speed faster.
Hi,
This is a very good review. I have done the blue belt test for the combatives course and it’s not easy. You really have to practice and get it right. I did a live evaluation in front of Gracie JJ black belt James Smart in Cape Town South Africa after a 3 hour lesson. It was gruelling.
I first got interested in the Gracie Combatives programme because I didn’t like the sportive side. I wanted to learn a self defence side of Jiu Jitsu and the GC course gave me what I needed. It was good to get rewarded for my hard work by being graded to blue belt. Unfortunately this was back in 2013 and I haven’t trained much since. It’s something I regret but I’m starting again on September 4th with the Combatives course. I’m not interested in competing or training for competition. Fitness is not my goal and I just want to get back on to the mat and enjoy Jiu Jitsu again.
I think the main thing to focus on is Jiu Jitsu itself and not who the best is. If you been graded by a legitimate black belt who has deemed you worthy then what does it matter where or how you learned the moves, I learned mine from online apart from when I went to South Africa and found James Smart by chance, but he still had to upload my test videos to the Gracie University test page so Ryron and Rener could review it. It was a proud moment getting an email from Rener telling me I did well.
Gracie combatives: Don't leave home without it.
Don't forget there are also fight sim classes to ramp up for actual fights
I'm not interested in rolling with experienced martial artists. I'm just wanting to practice the basics so if my drunk uncle attacks me I can put his bitcn ass in a Kimura.
🤣🤣 Good ole drunk uncle Earl!
As someone that has done karate for 25 years I found learning combatives up to test level a very big help and also very useful in understanding kata. Many pieces fell into place. Would recommend any and all karate guys to do combatives if they have reached brown/ black belt level. For self defence also a must for any stand up martial art who does not do grappling.
It is a good solid base to build on but be advised it does not replace live rolling.
A 1 year into JJ will cut through these like a hot knife through butter if you do not pressure test them and adjust them.
I picked up A LOT of details from these back in the day that I still use.
But to be even be a fresh blue, it takes a lot more and a ton of live rolling on top.
That me! Doing the combatives program and loving it. Also a GST instructor. Longtime karate practitioner as well.
I got my blue belt completing the Gracie combatives course I only attended like 140 classes then tested for the combatives in July 2013 it felt like I was a incomplete blue belt then I had to move away for work then got back into bjj felt like a totality new beginner got back into it now 100 more classes of drilling and rolling I feel more like a blue belt
I have trained in various martial arts most of my life, but never felt that confident about my actual ability to handle a street situation, which I think is actually a good thing. Being cocky and trying to do techniques "perfectly" in an actual fight can get you hurt. You have to "forget" your training and just react. But I digress.
After years away from training, I worked out for a year in a very good sport BJJ place, starting at age 68. I had to quit to have a knee replacement (not due to BJJ). When I came back at it, at 70 years old, I went to a Gracie CTC and started the Combatives program. The difference was night and day. Yes, the sport stuff teaches you to deal with aggression and that is good. But it also teaches you techniques that leave you wide open for strikes, because strikes are not allowed in sport. This is huge! Combatives teaches you to always be "punch block safe." Also, in sport BJJ, I never felt I was learning fundamentals. I learned a few techniques and a few lame defenses I could pull off and I learned them by trial an error through rolling and sideline coaching. It was confusing.
Combatives is very systematic. I feel I'm learning the fundamentals in an environment where I am less likely to get injured. I think once I get my Combatives belt, then I can go into the Master Cycle and get in the rolling in that completes the picture.
I’ve done some grappling on/off, total around 2 years. I’m a no stripe white because I did no gi , wrestling and judo, but I roll evenly with and tap newer blue belts often (not the seasoned blues as much). I started doing judo but they aren’t covering enough newaza. Even with two years grappling, I still don’t feel like I have a solid foundation of the ground fundamentals (triangles, sweeps, arm bars from guard). I’m close to a blue belt as is and my local Gracie instructor said I could test for my combatives belt sooner. He’ll run a test on me to see where I’m at and we can go from there. Anyways, do you think it would be a good idea for me to try this program? It’s less hours per week and far less competitive. I’m not planning on competing. I feel like maybe this is the best program available to get a solid base and then build off it later. I can spend 10 hours in judo or local bjj clubs and all the time will be spent doing throws in judo or leg locks and de la riva variations in bjj. It’s very very little old school newaza
Honestly no. This product is a great supplement to live training. But there is no substitute for a live instructor who can let you feel the mechanics.
Thank for your prompt response to my request on this topic. Also thank you for your respectful and very professional opinion. Keep up the great and positive content.
My pleasure! Thanks for watching.
Two year old video so idk if it matters anymore but I think the audio and video are not synced up.
Good review! I've been doing Combatives (1/3 of the way through) and enjoy seeing others' opinions. It's interesting you mention rolling because my brother (training partner) and I recently started rolling a bit in between drills; it just seemed like a natural development to our training. I think this hearkens back to your point about ending up on either side of the isle. The lesson here is that non-live programs are all about what YOU can get from them, I suppose!
Yeah Im not sure what happened with that. Thanks though
To your comment about rolling between drills: I attended to gracie jiu jitsu and found that it’s absolutely for self defense, Good and bad guy imitation, one imitates aggressor other reacts, and always talks about how one is gonna want to beat you on streets. I don’t train for self defense or street fighting nor look for an opportunity to engage to a fight with aggressors, I train exclusively for sports purposes. And during one of classes I asked one who had couple stripes to do free drills with unpredicted moves and slightly defending, blocking passes or technics and my instructor told me to never do such things personally. I clearly saw that he would even ask me to stop taking classes if I kept doing so, so no rolls or even slight free drills
What would you recommend for someone who wants to know all the "moves" that one needs to be a blue belt. Is there any competition to the Gracie combatives program?
That's a tough question because blue belt can mean alot of different things.
There's no universal standard. I would recommend checking out a few schools in your area and trying them out.
@@TopLevelJiuJitsu what do you think about Krav Maga?
@@SuperColonel91 Its ok. I think decent KM schools do a good job of teaching the importance of violence of action. The techniques are simple, which is good when trying to know what to do in a bad situation.
My biggest issue is that most KM schools make assumptions about grappling that all other martial arts seem to make. And they all tend to get it wrong. Its really hard to strike out of a grappling situation. Just like its hard to grapple out of a striking situation
@@TopLevelJiuJitsu good points. See I think that a blend of Krav Maga, Gracie Combatives, LINE, and some Aikido Techniques with some form of knife and stick fighting(I think Kali is too complex) would all be a good blend. Just on least question, what do you think about Aikido and LINE?
@@SuperColonel91 You must be a pre-2000 Marine. LINE was good enough for what it was but the way it was structured and taught didn't teach adaptability or modularity. The way it was taught to Marines relied to much on predictable and routine movements and not enough on principles and fundamental. The MCMAP system that replaced it is actually much better as it covers the whole spectrum of combat this side of small arms tactics. It teaches not just the moves but how, when and why they work.
Great video! Im in a bjj gym that is 100% sport... So, this might be something good to add...
Do you have a review on the master cycles or however they are called? Ive been told its like the continuation of the combatives or something like thst
The master cycle has some really great stuff. I purchase some of it piecemeal as the entire body of work would be wildly expensive.
It is not a continuation of combatives though. It's a full bjj curriculum. Every thing from leg drags to subs from the back are included. It's a good resource
@@TopLevelJiuJitsu thanks for answering... So... If i did the master cycle i wouldnt need to do the combatives first? Do you think its still a good idea to get both if i can?
@@gingercore69 No. You cannot begin Master Cycle until earn Combatives. You can buy the videos, but you will not be allowed to test until you earn your Combatives Belt.
@@tjl4688 thanks
I've been doing a lot of research into jiu jitsu for the past week or so. I'm really interested and getting back into shape, and being able to be a lot better off defending myself.
I've talked to some people online, and it's kind of 50/50 on how people feel about the Gracie combatives program. I really like the idea of teaching you strictly self-defense techniques in a safe and controlled environment. Some people seem like they think if you're not rolling from day one and you're not learning the best sport like techniques, it's all a complete waste of time.
I like the idea of perfecting techniques in the type of environment they advertise. Sure, I won't be as good at rolling as others at blue belt status, but that isn't what I'm concerned about at this moment. I can always take whatever I learn and apply it better to a different School if I choose to go another route.
Definitely do it. I think there is alot of value to the program.
Hmmmm.
"Strictly self defense techniques"
I feel that statement and it's implied meaning is misleading.
Combatives teaches you fundamental movements. The fundamental movements are the same regardless of whether you want to fight in the streets or in a bjj only tournament.
Example: the fundamental movements and principles behind an arm bar are the same regardless if it's the UFC or the ADCC.
The combatives program teaches you bjj's fundamental movements THROUGH it's self defense techniques.
People may see little distinction, but I think it's important to know. A person needs to know the fundamentals of movement regardless how they want to use bjj.
Combatives is more than just basic street self defense. Combatives will leave someone brand new to bjj with a good fundamental base to take their bjj to wherever they want to go next while also better preparing them for a real confrontation.
Fantastic review 🙏🙏
I instructed macp for years. Gracie combatives is the base of the jiu jitsu portion. It works very well. I havnt watched the videos so i cant speak on them tho.
The videos are exactly the same. Their teaching is a refined process.
This is a valid critique, and I think it is the main reason that they created the Combatives belt in the first place. They originally gave out a blue belt upon completion of the Combatives program, but many people including Rickson called them out for this very reason. So now to get a Gracie Torrance blue belt you have to take your Combatives belt to a CTC and do at least 6 months of Master Cycle classes and rolling.
I'm going to try this next week at a certified training center.
The main thing that put me off was 6 months no rolling. I spoke to the coach of that gym and I'm willing to give it a go.
I did do 9 months of training at an mma gym had two stripes on my white belt from basically being murdered by competitive fighters I was constantly injured.
I'm certain I could still pull off an armbar from Mount a rear naked choke and maybe a guillotine in guard against someone untrained.
But that is all I could rely on after 9 months so maybe the combatoves approach will be useful.
(From the information I was given combatives is basically two stripe white belt then its rolling from then on)
Good luck with it, brother. Let me know how it goes for ya!
Any time you're getting constantly hurt..... that's not training.
I feel bad for folks when I hear people talk like you. Focusing on what subs you can hit versus building fundamentals...not good.
Seems about right to me,i think ill start with Gracie Combatives,then after 6 month's ill start sparring so i can deal with the aggression.
Love the action figures 👍🏼
Thanks!
Been through it and tested out. Its a great program for learning the fundamentals in detail. Good for people who want to learn BJJ, but are intimidated by rolling. That's why they built this program - to ease in beginners.
Once I've had gone through the 23 lessons a couple of times, I was confident. So, I supplemented my education by rolling with people in my college BJJ club. I do well against the white and blue belts. Had no issue submitting other white belts. White belts are the most dangerous because they implement aggression to compensate for lack of skill.
Had a hard time passing the guard of blue belts (Combatives doesn't teach that). I was able to execute escapes and sweeps on blue belts, rarely any submissions. Purple belts were just impossible to do anything with, they were always 3-5 steps ahead, but mostly super gentle in killing you.
Exactly. Combatives is NOT about fighting against people who know BJJ. It's about beating untrained people.
@@tjl4688 100%
What kinda irks me, is that lots of people kinda rag on it for teaching just how to fight unskilled to nearly unskilled opponents.
And then I respond "well, before you can fight skilled opponents you have to be able to beat unskilled opponents. So that's where beginners gotta start"
If you learn these techniques AND exercise them on the mats in rolling you will be a competent street fighter.
Absolutely
At the beginning all classes were private.
Audio Sync is off. You are loosing a lot of viewers because of this. If you know your final output of the video has an video audio sync problem you should never make it public without fixing it. Just my 2 cents. Trying to help.
Awesome feedback. I'm not seeing that on my end. Are you able to be more specific? By sync, are you saying the words don't match my lips? Cause it does when I watch it.
Go to 2:35. It is sync'd in the beginning. After 2:35 it is really bad
Damn... thanks for the heads up
I just want to say Pedro Sauer is BAD @$$!!! You are fortunate to have trained with him.
I agree! Thanks
Yo I love Pedro!
i did combative program for 10 months, i didnt test and i moved to another school, the program is good but the whole system is the problem, give stripes every 20 classes is ridiculous, you have to deserve stripes or belt
Cool. I have no idea how stripes and such work on it. So I have to take your word for it. I'm just evaluating on content alone.
Stripe per 20 classes is just for the kids program. Not adult.
For the adult program classes don't matter and there are no stripes for while belt. You do the Combatives test, pass or fail. Must get 90% or above to pass.
You have to test for each stripe blue belt and above BBS1-4. Over 60 techniques per stripe test.
Inherently you have to roll in order to pass the tests.
I graduated the Gracie University ICP. I was a brown belt under Pedro Sauer as well.
Only the white belt stripes are attendance based, which is common in many BJJ schools.
You must test for your Combatives belt and ALL stripes and belts thereafter.
@@ianj4389 This isn't quite correct. Online, there are no white belt stripes. At a CTC, a white belt stripe is given every 20 lessons.
However, when you get to Blue Belt, you test for every stripe, they're not just handed out.
@@tjl4688 Thanks for the clarification
"Firas zahabi on the watering of jiu jitsu" has a good answer on mcdojos...check it out...myself I think the university belt ain't legit
I can't argue with you. you have a valid point.
But I would counter with "what makes something legit?"
I'm what I think is a legit blue belt from a gracie ctc.....but I'm sure if a killer blue belt from danahers blue basement were to show up, he or she might wipe the floor with me.
Does that then make me unlegit?
Do you see my point? We can definitely argue that a gracie university only belt would be unlegit because they didn't spar and we'd demonstrate their worth by rolling with them to prove how inadequate they are.
But like I said, would some monster of a sand bagging blue belt destroying me prove my blue belt is not legit?
Similarly, could we train some 6'8" 300lbs man with just gracie combatives online and then give them a belt and tell them they're not legit when we can't handle them?
Just kinda goes back to "what is the true measure of legitimacy?"
and you are? lol
Hi,
This is a very good review. I have done the blue belt test for the combatives course and it’s not easy. You really have to practice and get it right. I did a live evaluation in front of Gracie JJ black belt James Smart in Cape Town South Africa after a 3 hour lesson. It was gruelling.
I first got interested in the Gracie Combatives programme because I didn’t like the sportive side. I wanted to learn a self defence side of Jiu Jitsu and the GC course gave me what I needed. It was good to get rewarded for my hard work by being graded to blue belt. Unfortunately this was back in 2013 and I haven’t trained much since. It’s something I regret but I’m starting again on September 4th with the Combatives course. I’m not interested in competing or training for competition. Fitness is not my goal and I just want to get back on to the mat and enjoy Jiu Jitsu again.
I think the main thing to focus on is Jiu Jitsu itself and not who the best is. If you been graded by a legitimate black belt who has deemed you worthy then what does it matter where or how you learned the moves, I learned mine from online apart from when I went to South Africa and found James Smart by chance, but he still had to upload my test videos to the Gracie University test page so Ryron and Rener could review it. It was a proud moment getting an email from Rener telling me I did well.
Great insight. Congratulations on getting back into it. And thank you so much for watching.
I hope you've gotten back I to it.