Gracie Combatives Dvd May 2026
The price of the Gracie Combatives DVD set is often higher than a standard YouTube subscription or a cheap digital download. However, when you compare it to the cost of a private lesson ($100+ per hour) or three months of gym dues ($500+), the DVD set is incredibly affordable.
It is a one-time investment for a lifetime of safety knowledge.
If you are tired of feeling helpless in confrontational situations, or if you want to start BJJ but are intimidated by the athleticism of modern schools, buy the Gracie Combatives DVD. It will transform your understanding of leverage, positioning, and survival. You will finish the course with a simple, profound confidence: the knowledge that you have a plan for the worst-case scenario.
Where to Buy You can purchase the official Gracie Combatives DVD set directly from the Gracie University website or authorized resellers. Be wary of pirated copies on auction sites, as they often have missing discs or poor video quality. Invest in the original; your safety is worth it.
Disclaimer: Martial arts training involves inherent risks. Always consult a physician before starting any physical training program and practice techniques under safe, supervised conditions where possible.
The Gracie Combatives DVD set is organized into specific chapters that mirror the natural progression of a fight. Here is a glimpse of what the curriculum covers: gracie combatives dvd
The Punch Defense Series (The Clinch) Most people worry about being punched. The DVD dedicates significant time to the "Trap and Roll" and the "Clinch." You will learn how to safely navigate the striking danger zone, close the distance against a standing opponent, and neutralize punches before taking the fight to the ground.
Guard Recovery and Sweeps If you fall or are knocked down, you end up in the "Guard" position (on your back with your opponent between your legs). The DVDs teach the "Survival Posture" to prevent strikes and fundamental sweeps like the "Scissor Sweep" and "Pendulum Sweep" to reverse your position so you can get on top.
The Mount and Positional Control Being on top doesn't win a fight; knowing how to stay there does. The DVDs detail the "Low Mount," "High Mount," and "S-Mount." You will learn how to use your weight distribution to smother an opponent, making it impossible for them to escape or throw effective punches.
Headlock Escapes (The Most Common Street Hold) In a street fight, untrained individuals often resort to a headlock. Gracie Combatives devotes an entire module to escaping the headlock from the ground and standing up. This alone is worth the price of the DVD, as this scenario happens in schoolyards, bars, and domestic disputes more than any other.
The Punch Block Series (Dirty Boxing) Before the fight hits the mat, you need to know how to strike defensively. The "Punch Block" is not a traditional boxing block; it is a Jiu-Jitsu specific parry that places you directly into a clinching position or a takedown setup. The price of the Gracie Combatives DVD set
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.
The Gracie Combatives DVD is specifically designed for the "average Joe." It is perfect for:
It is not intended for the athlete who wants to win the IBJJF Worlds or compete in MMA. Those individuals need sport-specific training. For everyone else, Combatives is the gold standard.
Many newer apps offer "BJJ fundamentals." However, these are often filmed by purple or brown belts with varying teaching abilities. The Gracie Combatives DVD features the direct lineage of Helio Gracie. The system has been battle-tested for nearly 100 years. Furthermore, the Combatives curriculum is a closed system. It doesn't randomly add "Cool new techniques" that confuse the beginner. It focuses on the 36 essentials and repeats them relentlessly until they become instinct. Disclaimer: Martial arts training involves inherent risks
Let's be real: The production quality is very early 2000s. The music is cheesy. Rorion’s voiceovers sound like a meditation app that drank too much espresso.
However, the information density is incredible. Unlike modern YouTubers who repeat the same thing for 20 minutes to hit the algorithm, these DVDs are boringly efficient. Every minute has a purpose.
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.