This comprehensive guide to “the gentle art” by one of its foremost practitioners and teachers helps readers master the fundamentals on which a confident self-defense or professional competition career are based. The book covers the history and theory of jiu-jitsu; contains extensive sections on practical techniques such as strikes, holds, locks, throws, and evasions; distinguishes Brazilian lineages such as ground fighting and sudden attack techniques from other traditions; and shows readers how they can overcome any attacker, with as little effort and physical strength as possible.I bought both the basic and advanced books and the techniques represented actually work! I train at a Relson Gracie Academy and Fabio's techniques are simply easy to follow and effective. He presents self defense and competitive BJJ techniques. My instructor is very harsh on most BJJ books but approves of Fabio's techniques. Again, you will not find flying arm bars or flying triangles in these books. What you will find are solid core BJJ techniques that were developed and taught by the Gracie Family. I believe Fabio has trained with both Rolls and Rickson. It's also cool to see Marcelo Garcia in the advanced book with Fabio.Fabio Gurgel is an eight-time martial arts world champion and co-founder of more than forty academies around the world. He is president of the Professional League of Jiu-Jitsu which is based in Brazil and continues to teach at his own academy in Sao Paulo. Fabio therefore writes with a very special expertise in "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Basic Techniques", a superbly organized and presented, step-by-step, illustrated introduction to a very special and effective form of the martial arts. Fabio begins with a brief history of jiu-jitsu, a martial art that originated in India more than 4,000 years ago as a self-defense technique employed by monks. Ideal for the absolute novice, "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Basic Techniques" is a confidently recommended instruction manual. Also very highly recommended is the companion book by Fabio Gurgel and also published by Blue Snake Books, "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Advanced Techniques (97815893941669, $19.95) which goes on to instruct the reader in additional self-defense techniques including passing the guard, sweeps, side attacks, mounted attacks, rear attacks, guard attacks, mounted escapes, and throws. Together, both volumes of "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu" comprise a complete and comprehensive course of do-it-yourself instruction.