Being a non-grappler myself, I wasn’t too sure whether I’d be interested in this book when I first picked it up, particularly as the front cover has two large and angry looking men holding onto each other for dear life. I was pleasantly surprised when I started to read this as it contains much more than the usual ‘how to’ guide to a martial art that contains some interesting reading within a beautifully presented book with clear colour pictures throughout.

The sub-title to Mr Petermann’s book is ‘The essential guide to mastering the art’, which is quite a feet for a book that is only 96 pages long. However, this text does provide a comprehensive history of the martial art from the 17th century Japanese samurai culture to the modern rise of Judo and Brazilian jiu jitsu. From here, we are given a beginner to intermediate guide to the basic principles of both classical and Brazilian jiu jitsu with a smaller section dealing with self defence.

This book covers all the aspects jiu jitsu may want to cover, from self defence to competitions but what impressed me the most was the down to earth and practical advice Mr Petermann offered. His knowledge of self defence is based upon several years working in the security field, so he knows what works and what doesn’t and jiu jitsu’s place within this realm is important; the grappling and ground fighting skills that would complement the striking martial arts that rely on you staying on your feet. His emphasis on basic skills is also sound advice: “As in most martial arts you will find that the correct application of basic principles is much more important than leaning advanced principles,” which is a standard that would apply to all martial arts.

One can tell that the author is an exponent of the Brazilian style of jiu jitsu as this is the largest section of the book and his tone and support of this style is evident throughout, when he speaks of the “Brazilian jiu jitsu’s victory over many of the traditional kicking and punching arts…” which you can’t argue with when its effectiveness is evident from the victories it has enabled mixed martial artists to gain when fighting in their no-holds barred cages.

However, the Karate or Taekwondo practitioner may not want to feel that their art is a complete waste of time, particularly when the writer is a black belt in Karate as well. This is my only criticism of this book though, because for the most part it provides a basic grounding of this interesting and popular martial art that would interest the novice and non-grappler, such as myself, to the intermediate student wishing to reinforce their knowledge. Mr Petermann’s modest yet experienced approach is uplifting as he says, “Martial arts practice is a serious matter and yet, if there is no joy in the practice, it can become stale and repetitive.”

Author Profile: Lesley Jackson

View Full Profile

Lesley Jackson, black belt and Taekwondo teacher is deputy Editor of Martial Edge.

Also by Lesley Jackson:

• Iain Abernethy
• Michael Muleta on ITF Taekwondo
• Taekwondo Roundup from Beijing Olympics 2008