The Best MMA Books Ever Written
by Nate Wilcox on Jun 22, 2011 12:44 PM EDT
in MMA Book Review
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We were asked to put together a list of the best books ever written about MMA for USA TODAY's Mixed Martial Arts Special Edition. It wasn't easy to cut down our list to 8 books but we did it. We selected three fighter auto-biographies, three MMA history books and two instructionals.
Here's the list:
- Got Fight?: The 50 Zen Principles of Hand-to-Face Combat by Forrest Griffin with Erich Krauss
- Why I Fight: The Belt Is Just an Accessory by B.J. Penn with Dave Weintraub
- Made in America: The Most Dominant Champion in UFC History -- Matt Hughes with Michael Malice
Hughes, thought to be a boring farm boy, was shown to be an interesting and conflicted man, balancing his newfound Christianity with his lifelong cockiness. Made in America is even more compelling than his Ultimate Fighter appearances.
You wonder whether Hughes is aware he is the villain in much of his own book. In the end, it doesn't matter if he's in on the joke; it's a mesmerizing tale of a deeply flawed champion.- Total MMA: Inside Ultimate Fighting -- by Jonathan Snowden
- The MMA Encyclopedia by Jonathan Snowden and Kendall Shields
- No Holds Barred -- by Clyde Gentry
- The Gracie Way: An Illustrated History of the World's Greatest Martial Arts Family -- by Kid Peligro
Peligro is a true insider. No one else could have gotten this incredible treasure trove of stories from mixed martial arts' royal family, and it makes the book something special.
Peligro divides the book into 10 chapters, each devoted to a different Gracie: Carlos, Helio, Carlson, Rolls, Rorion, Carlos Jr., Rickson, Royler, Royce and Renzo all earn time in the spotlight.
Peligro almost serves as a spokesman for the family here. Readers approaching this book looking for objectivity will be horribly disappointed. It's the Gracie family's story, spun to their benefit at every turn.
That doesn't stop it from being a must-read book for fans looking for insight into the family that started it all.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique by Renzo Gracie, Royler Gracie and John Danaher
- Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge by B.J. Penn, Erich Krauss and Glen Cordoza
If Peligro's BJJ instructionals were the pioneers of the genre, Victory Belt's books are the modern standard, and this tome by multidivision UFC champ Penn is the definitive example.
The book details Penn's strategic and tactical approach to MMA with detailed breakdowns of hundreds of techniques, including strikes, submissions and takedowns.
More important, the book includes Penn's secrets for using one technique to set up another and transitioning from one phase of the game to the next.
The color photos are clear and capture the actions described in the accompanying text to a T.
There are fighting camps where this tome is passed from hand to hand as aspiring mixed martial artists work to learn their craft.
There are lots of other books I'd have included in a longer list. Matt Lindland's Dirty Boxing for Mixed Martial Arts: From Wrestling to Mixed Martial Arts in particular is the best technical guide to applying wrestling to MMA. Despite the somewhat misleading title, it's a complete, systematic look at each of the dominant standing control positions, the attacks leading from them and the best way to segue from one to another.
Eddie Bravo's Mastering the Rubber Guard and Mastering the Twister are the only comparably systematic books on MMA grappling I've seen and, with apologies to Eddie, Lindland's Greco-Roman is much more broadly applicable than Bravo's somewhat eccentric, if innovative, Rubber Guard and Twister systems.
What are your favorite MMA books?
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It’s not strictly an MMA book, but I’d put Sam Sheridan’s “A Fighter’s Heart” on that list.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Jun 22, 2011 12:39 PM EDT reply actions 9 recs
I'm a little upset that The Tao of Jeet Kun Do is not even mentioned here.
The “On Philosophy” section alone should be read in it’s entirety before anyone starts down the path of MMA.
This is the first true modern endeorsemnet of using “Whatever works” and more importantly, “use what works for you.” Stocky? Get on the inside. Shorter? Take it to the ground. Outnumbered? Go for the eyes. It really does go on and on, and were talking the 1960’s here.
People write it off as a Kung-Fu book, but there is boxing, fencing, JJ, wrestling and more in there. HEad stomps. Don’t forget about the head stomps.
Remember when Rich used to list himself as a Jeet Kun Do fighter? I miss those days.
"It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere."
that's a great great book
but it’s not MMA at all. I mean it’s a huge influence on MMA but it’s very very hard to explain the connection to USA TODAY readers.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
How is one of the first books that endorses mixing martial arts
not mixed martial arts?
“Bruce Lee is the Godfather of Modern MMA, and his book, The Tao of Jeet Kun Do can, and should be considered the Godfather of current MMA literature. Pick it up today!”
Are USA today readers…. special?
"It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere."
they're pretty darn close
Lee’s book was written almost 25 years before the first modern MMA bout and he died 20 years before UFC 1 so it’s a bit of a stretch. sure it’s an influence on MMA, a huge influence, but it’s not MMA per se.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
best books ever written about MMA
ok you got me.
"It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere."
I was just about to mention that
That book got me into MMA 5 years ago
"If I wanted to spend a half hour between two hairy legs I'd go to your mother's house." -Don Frye
by mburtoni on Jun 22, 2011 12:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I just bought “the fighter’s mind” haven’t had the opportunity to start it yet.
"If I wanted to spend a half hour between two hairy legs I'd go to your mother's house." -Don Frye
by mburtoni on Jun 22, 2011 12:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It was pretty good as well, really kind of a sequel to the first.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Jun 22, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Of the two...
I found A Fighter’s Heart better. More personal, fresher insights. The dog fighting turn towards the end was most welcome.
by E_liminatorjr on Jun 22, 2011 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I agree with you. The sequel was a bit of a letdown, rehashing a lot of the same themes as the first, but still pretty great. I thought the dog fighting section was really interesting as it relates to human fighters, but I also thought it was presented in it’s “best” light, which was still pretty ugly to me. Not a criticism of Sheridan really, as that section came organically out of just meeting a couple guys who fought dogs. It’s a bit of a weird standard to be completely shocked by dog fights, and yet love MMA, and I did find that section pretty compelling, but more in a “shit that goes on after dark” kind of way.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Jun 22, 2011 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
It was a perspective on dog fighting I hadn’t heard, so I welcomed it. I find dog-fighting repulsive, of course. I have no problem with two humans throwing down in a yard, or two dogs that meet up wanting to scrap. Something unseemly about humans using dogs though.
by E_liminatorjr on Jun 22, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
BJ’s biography was pretty weak IMO. Nothing much new, pretty self aggrandizing, and not a lot of insight or little known tidbits in there.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Jun 22, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I disagree.
Lots of little known history in there, Bj’s early life, his weed smoking, the fall out with the UFC, what he was getting paid in K1-Romanex, the details of him winning the Mundials, scrapping in the backyard, etc.
There was tons of inside info in there. The problem with that book is it was written and edited so badly, I expect a higher level of puncuation and grammar form high school students.
A Fighter’s autobiography, self aggrandizing? NO. Just, stop it, it can’t be true!
"It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere."
:) Yeah, self-aggrandizement is a prerequisite. The reason I say that, is that there seemed to be no reason for that book at that moment, and I didn’t get the feeling that BJ was into it, that he really wanted to reminisce or articulate who he really is. Felt like he just jumped on the bio bandwagon. Hughes, Chuck and Tito all came out with their bios as their careers at title contenders was ending. It seemed fitting, and they all got into their personal lives a lot more fully than BJ did. The sections on his childhood were interesting, but brief, and I’d heard him generally describing it in interviews, and that’s all he did in the book was sketch it out. I didn’t find any real insight in much of it, or even accidental insight as in Hughes’ bio, it was poorly written and just seemed to have no creative force behind it at all. BJ’s MMA career could be accessed just as well from a wikipedia entry.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Jun 22, 2011 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I actually really enjoyed his book
Doesnt hurt that he’s one of my all time favorite fighters
Confucius says:
"Baseball is wrong; man with four balls cannot walk."
I enjoyed that one
but didn’t really want to push a book with a favorable chapter on dog fighting to USA TODAY.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Nate Wilcox on Jun 22, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Awww…you’re sensitive Nate, that’s why I love you:)
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Jun 22, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
just sensitive
to the realities of USA TODAY’s editorial policies and audience. I liked the book and didn’t mind the chapter on dog fighting — it was pretty well balanced and interesting — but I just didn’t think they’d go for it.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Nate Wilcox on Jun 22, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
No I agree with you. Gotta take the audience into account, of course.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Jun 22, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m no fan of dog fighting, nor was Sheridan, but I thought he handled the subject pretty well. He didn’t varnish it at all, and it’s something that goes on all around the world and isn’t discussed. My only complaint is that he was talking to some serious dog handlers, probably nowhere near representative of that culture.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Jun 22, 2011 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
you’re only cheating yourself
www.mmalinker.com
by exsanguinator on Jun 22, 2011 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
coming to say this - about 1/2 through it now.
Looking forward to “A Fighter’s Mind.”
http://fightdrinker.blogspot.com
by some schmuck in texas on Jun 22, 2011 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Got Fight
is a great read. Haven’t read any of the other books on the list, although Penn’s is on my shelf after I get done with 897438947189 some odd other books I want to read.
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Jun 22, 2011 12:44 PM EDT reply actions
Got fight and Penn's book are both great
You should really crack them open. One year my wife gave me both together as a birthday gift.
Confucius says:
"Baseball is wrong; man with four balls cannot walk."
I finished G.F.
Penn’s is sitting there because of numerous other things I’m reading. Currently I’m on Eric LeMay’s book on cheese. Yes, it’s fucking weird, and you can tell it was written by an English major, but my brother has a chapter in the book, so yea.
Click on the search feature and enter “Damion”. The chapter starts on page 49 and he makes my brother out to be much larger than life… but every story is actually true, which is the ridiculous part.
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Jun 22, 2011 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Had a feeling Snowden's books were both going to be in there.
Feel like maybe you should have just picked one, or made them both a single entry or something. Give people some different perspectives to look at. Same goes for including both Penn’s biography and instruction manual.
Cooper! Get two coffins. Wait...better make it three.
by lowellthehammer on Jun 22, 2011 12:44 PM EDT reply actions
fair points
Penn’s the only MMA autobiography I’ve personally enjoyed.
And say what you will about Snowden but his books pretty much have the field to themselves.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Nate Wilcox on Jun 22, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
No Holds Barred is up there aswell, drifts a bit towards the end though. People complaining about Snowden having two entries makes me wonder whether they’ve read them, there just hasn’t been anything better on MMA, no need to deny it just because this is an SB site.
I own both of them.
With a list like this part of the point is to broaden horizons. It would be like if the top fights list had 4 Big Nog fights – sure, he had exciting fights, but you’re missing out on opportunities to show people other great fighters that also put on classics.
Cooper! Get two coffins. Wait...better make it three.
by lowellthehammer on Jun 22, 2011 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions
sadly
there just aren’t that many MMA history books out there to feature. If we could include Japanese language books maybe there would be more.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
But there are plenty of great instructional books.
I dunno, I’m probably just being nitpicky. They are both good books.
Cooper! Get two coffins. Wait...better make it three.
by lowellthehammer on Jun 22, 2011 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
this is true
but I was looking for an “intro to MMA” instructional and I just don’t think that one’s been topped. If Greg Jackson’s 2 books were boiled down into 1, maybe.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
Even in Japanese the genre is pretty sparse
…unless you count Akiyama glossy magazine photospreads.
Sakuraba’s autobiography is really fascinating, but that’s about the only good one which is specifically about MMA.
That said, there are a couple of really, really good MMA-themed Japanese manga that have surfaced in the last couple years.
"I want to tell me what you see, let's go ahead and see by in the fight, what you saw, in the ring." - Tito Ortiz
by CasualMMAFan on Jun 22, 2011 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions
And for what it's worth
I thought Total MMA far surpassed the Encyclopedia.
Cooper! Get two coffins. Wait...better make it three.
by lowellthehammer on Jun 22, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree Total MMA was more comprehensive and enjoyable, the Encyclopedia seemed aimed more at casual fans. Hey, at least Blood In The Cage didn’t make it! Unfortunately a list of bad MMA books is longer than the good up to now.
Blood in the Cage was an abomination. And yet it got more promo push than probably any other book besides maybe Forrest’s.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Jun 22, 2011 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I get why you would say that and not sure whether I agree or disagree
They’re two different types of books. Total MMA is written as a chronological history, essentially telling the “story” of MMA. Whereas the Encyclopedia is a fast look at topics, individuals, organziations, etc that are part of or influential on MMA. Its not made to be read page to page. However, if you’re on here and hear about someone/something you don’t know a lot about it is a great place to go to find good info.
I don’t see how that Makes Total better than the Encyclopedia tho.
Bob Sapp vs. Rodrigo Nogueira Bob "The Beast" Sapp is 400 pounds, and if 300 pounds of it aren’t pure steroids, then someone has got to be fucking kidding. -SeanBaby
I wonder whether the USA Today MMA Special Edition
will be noting that Snowden writes for BE/SB…
No conflict here?
Snowden
didn’t contribute to the book list. He doesn’t share his book royalties with us so no conflict.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Nate Wilcox on Jun 22, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Think he was on the voting panel or whatever too.
I dunno. It’s not really that big a deal considering his books are clearly 2 of the best ones out there in terms of MMA literature.
Cooper! Get two coffins. Wait...better make it three.
by lowellthehammer on Jun 22, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
you guys picked Renzos over saulo's and big nogs?
Why? Was it the time spent on the history and theory?
"Many have the will to win. Few have to will to prepare to win."
" A black belt only covers 2 inches of your ass. The rest is up to you." - Royce Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com
by the-gentle-way on Jun 22, 2011 1:44 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
yeah
and to acknowledge the importance of Kid Peligro as a pioneer of MMA instructional writing.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
Regardless, those are two essential MMA books. They’ve got to be on that list.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Jun 22, 2011 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions
It would be worth mentioning if the books were of questionable quality
But they’re both excellent books and honestly the most deserving of any of the books on the list. You could make arguments about any of the other books on the list but Snowden’s books are possibly the most detailed and thorough books on the subject of MMA. This list would be incomplete without them.
I liked BJ's book.
His story is very unique.
Learn JiuJitsu.
While utilizing his face to absorb karate, Rashad Evans drunkenly explained to Lyoto that he hits like a little b**ch.
agreed
It won’t win a Pulitzer, but I think there’s something to be said for how unfiltered it feels
Ghost writer or not it kinda reads like BJ just giving a straight-ahead verbal rundown of his entire career. And you also really start to realize how bizarre of a coincidence it is that he came into being with his advanced skillset in a near-complete void of formalized MMA training.
I know. It's like the universe made him into this fucking MMA beast just by making him live his life.
Lucky bastard.
"It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere."
Streetfighting and an internship @ AKA/Nova Unao in his teens.
Really an amazing journey.
Learn JiuJitsu.
While utilizing his face to absorb karate, Rashad Evans drunkenly explained to Lyoto that he hits like a little b**ch.
I really loved
Both of Forrest’s books. I guess the second one isn’t really an MMA book, though.
1. Anderson Silva is waiting for you to punch him.
2. That guy is Anderson Silva.
3. Don't fucking punch that guy.
They're both hilarious though
"What do you know about my vision? My vision will turn your world upside down, tear asunder your illusions and send the sanctuary of your own ignorance crashing down around you. Now ask yourself: Are you really ready to see that vision?"
-Huey Freeman
I read the first one in about 2 hours at a B&N
it’s pretty damn funny
Tune every heart and every voice,
Bid every care withdraw;
Let all with one accord rejoice,
In praise of Old Nassau.
In praise of Old Nassau we sing,
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!
Our hearts will give while we shall live,
Three cheers for Old Nassau.
by Anthony Pace on Jun 22, 2011 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Absolutely great stuff in both books
I’m going to have to re-read them soon
Bob Sapp vs. Rodrigo Nogueira Bob "The Beast" Sapp is 400 pounds, and if 300 pounds of it aren’t pure steroids, then someone has got to be fucking kidding. -SeanBaby
I know that someone has already mentioned it but ,The Fighters Mind by Sam Sheridan, is a must read for any athlete wanting to learn how push him/herself in training or competition.
no .... no they are not.
They really aren’t good . We agree to disagree.
"Many have the will to win. Few have to will to prepare to win."
" A black belt only covers 2 inches of your ass. The rest is up to you." - Royce Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com
by the-gentle-way on Jun 22, 2011 1:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
“Attacking with the Groin” — By Greg Jackson
Tune every heart and every voice,
Bid every care withdraw;
Let all with one accord rejoice,
In praise of Old Nassau.
In praise of Old Nassau we sing,
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!
Our hearts will give while we shall live,
Three cheers for Old Nassau.
by Anthony Pace on Jun 22, 2011 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions
"Attackingwiththe Groin" — ByGreg JacksonCheick Kongo
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Jun 22, 2011 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions
But which ones are available on Kindle?! :P
by Machiel Van on Jun 22, 2011 1:04 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Both Total MMA and the Encyclopedia
Penn’s Bio and both forrest Books. I’ve seen Chucks, Tito’s and Randy’s bio’s in the store. And some more that I can’t name off the top of my head.
The only thing I would suggest is not getting an instructional book on there. The pictures just aren’t that good on kindle and would take away from it.
I know you were being a bit sarcastic here, but thought some others might actually want to know. The Kindle is awesome.
Bob Sapp vs. Rodrigo Nogueira Bob "The Beast" Sapp is 400 pounds, and if 300 pounds of it aren’t pure steroids, then someone has got to be fucking kidding. -SeanBaby
Best serious reply to a sarcastic question ever.
I didn’t think any would other than Snowden’s. I’ve been contemplating buying a Kindle but had lazily failed to see the amount of content available. Your comment made me do some research and I’m pretty surprised/impressed. Thanks Chris.
I thought BJ’s book might have been a little flawed, but it was compelling. Good look at the ups and downs of his relationship with Zuffa in particular.
I’d argue for Randy’s book for the candid historical perspective on UFC’s early years.
Jonathan’s books should be there regardless of who’s doing the surveying.
Forrest’s book is an odd one. It’s almost like Bob Dylan’s autobiography. It’s so off the wall, stream of consciousness that I don’t even know how to evaluate it. But the story of the bullying gone awry at Georgia Tech is so well-told that it’s worth the price of a Kindle download.
YES
But the story of the bullying gone awry at Georgia Tech is so well-told that it’s worth the price of a Kindle download.
Even if you can’t get into the rest of his ramblings (which I loved) that story is worth the price of the book.
1. Anderson Silva is waiting for you to punch him.
2. That guy is Anderson Silva.
3. Don't fucking punch that guy.
by Chris Barton on Jun 22, 2011 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I was scared of that little guy
for weeks after reading that.
Bob Sapp vs. Rodrigo Nogueira Bob "The Beast" Sapp is 400 pounds, and if 300 pounds of it aren’t pure steroids, then someone has got to be fucking kidding. -SeanBaby
The only one I strongly disagree with is Matt Hughes autobiography
Terrible book, I struggled to finish it. The writing is mediocre at best and the majority of the book is Hughes talking about how great he is while describing terrible things he did.
If you want a mesmerizing tale of champion, I’d go with Jen Pulver’s book. The story is better and the main character is likeable.
by simpsycho on Jun 22, 2011 1:19 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
I literally just logged in to plug Jens Pulver autobiography. Great book, well-written, insightful, and a pretty goddamn harrowing life lived. Easily the best MMA autobiography thus far.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Jun 22, 2011 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
that's probably true
but I voted for the Hughes book because it’s such an inadvertantly damning portrait of an asshole in action that I couldn’t put it down.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
That was a pretty compelling book, if only because what Hughes was narrating clashed so obviously with his self-commentary, and he wasn’t seeing it at all.
What's this war in the heart of nature? Why does nature vie with itself? The land contend with the sea? Is there an avenging power in nature? Not one power, but two?
by Kwisatz Haderach on Jun 22, 2011 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
It does have that going for it
Although it had the opposite effect on me, I couldn’t wait to put it down. If I was the type of person that was able to leave books unfinished, I would have stopped before I even got halfway through it.
Still, Pulver’s book was better.
lol
Ok now I got to read it.
"Many have the will to win. Few have to will to prepare to win."
" A black belt only covers 2 inches of your ass. The rest is up to you." - Royce Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com
by the-gentle-way on Jun 22, 2011 1:47 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Kinda hard to top that one for a cover blurb.
Sergio Non,
MMA writer, USA TODAY
http://mma.usatoday.com
http://twitter.com/usatmma
I'm writing the intro for the sequel
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
by Nate Wilcox on Jun 22, 2011 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I read Forrests first book and thought it was a pretty mixed bag
which is weird because I normally like his guest articles in magazines. Thought Bj and Chucks books were boring. I liked “A Fighters Heart”
I’m glad Krauss and Aita’s Brawl isn’t on there, so I don’t have to feel bad about being unable to finish it. Too much “Bob Shamrock says” and a couple of points where I was sure something was just inaccurate, and I didn’t feel like the book was worth the time to re-research whatever it was.
I enjoyed that one at the time but it's been pretty much completely eclipsed
by Gentry and Snowden’s books.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
Blood in the Cage is pretty good. Pat Miletich has had an interesting life.
Still a Beer Monster.
http://www.instrength.com
Thought so too.
Kind of difficult to push through at parts but overall not bad.
Cooper! Get two coffins. Wait...better make it three.
by lowellthehammer on Jun 22, 2011 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Big Nogs: mastering the guard for mma
Machida karate-do for mma. if eddies makes it than Saulo Riberio: Jiu Jitsu University has to make it. That might be the single greatest Jiu Jitsu book there is.
Besides those you nailed it. Lindland’s book should be higher. It’s very solid. That weed stealing silver medalist knows his shit.
"Many have the will to win. Few have to will to prepare to win."
" A black belt only covers 2 inches of your ass. The rest is up to you." - Royce Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com
by the-gentle-way on Jun 22, 2011 1:32 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Jiu Jitsu University
isn’t an MMA book though. It’s the best BJJ instructional out there for sure.
Machida’s book is awesome but his style is so eccentric I just couldn’t recommend it as 1 of the first 2 instructionals to read.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
Maybe "For those with a Karate background" disclaimer.
BEcause for us, it’s the tits.
"It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere."
i notice you didnt adress the no big nog book issue.
I sense a little bit of shame in your post . It’s ok we forgive you guys for not putting it in there. Nobody’s perfect.
"Many have the will to win. Few have to will to prepare to win."
" A black belt only covers 2 inches of your ass. The rest is up to you." - Royce Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com
by the-gentle-way on Jun 22, 2011 1:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Big Nog's book is easily the best instructional ever written on half-guard sweeps
moves but that’s pretty arcane for USA TODAY.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
What did I miss? Why are they good? Do you own many other technique books?
"Many have the will to win. Few have to will to prepare to win."
" A black belt only covers 2 inches of your ass. The rest is up to you." - Royce Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com
by the-gentle-way on Jun 22, 2011 1:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I liked his emphasis on mental preparation and strategy
in the first book. The individual techniques aren’t groundbreaking but the overall effect is that of a really wicked mind that never stops looking for the win.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
god damn it Nate!! now i am gonna have to go re-buy it. lol
This is the second time you have talked me into this book. Once on the cover and now here. Lol
I really wanted to like it the first time. But I didn’t and took it back.
"Many have the will to win. Few have to will to prepare to win."
" A black belt only covers 2 inches of your ass. The rest is up to you." - Royce Gracie
"Wanderlei eventually got to his feet and stalked Fujita like a Japanese octopus in an all-female prison." - Sean Baby Cracked.com
by the-gentle-way on Jun 22, 2011 1:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
lol
don’t know what to tell you. I enjoyed it as a window into Jackson’s mind as much as anything else.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
I’ve recently finished reading Snowden’s “Total MMA”, I have to say I really enjoyed it, it’s very well written. I’m not sure about getting the encyclopedia though, because that format just doesn’t appeal to me. But I can definitely recommend Total MMA.
Come to think of it, that’s the only MMA related book I’ve ever read. Honestly though, nothing in this list you did really piques my interest much. I guess maybe the Hughes, BJ, or Griffin books, but I’ve never been a fan of theirs. Technique guides, not for me I think.
try one
that’s what I thought too but I’ve gotten hooked on them. have learned SOOOOO much about wrestling, striking footwork etc that my whole understanding of the sport has changed.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
Ok, yes. I’ve seen you mention this before, I guess it just feels a little strange to something like that when you’re not training yourself. But I could possibly be interested in a “BJJ for dummies” type book or something like that. Is the Royler, Renzo, Danaher book good like that? For someone like me, not training, just an MMA fan looking for better understanding of the ground game. And what would be the best equivalent for wrestling, the Lindland one?
by Horselover Fat on Jun 22, 2011 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
for intro to MMA wrestling
I’d go with Randy Couture’s Wrestling for Fighting. For BJJ 101 I’d go with Ribeiro’s Jiu Jitsu University.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
Great, thanks for the info! I just checked and my preferred online bookshop does have both of them available, so I will definitely consider it for next time I’m placing an order.
by Horselover Fat on Jun 22, 2011 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
cool
let me know what you think. don’t rush it. they’re very dense. i compare them to reading chess manuals. not quite as taxing but nothing you want to rush through.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
Yes, I see. I do appreciate the tips since obviously it seems like you’ve read a whole lot of these books, and just like me you don’t seem to train much fighting. However, I just bought a bunch of new books a few weeks ago, so I’ll have to read through those before I think about ordering any new ones. But I will definitely let you know if and when it happens, they’re on my list.
by Horselover Fat on Jun 22, 2011 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I really like
Total MMA: Inside Ultimate Fighting and Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge b
a book not on the list that i like is.."Fedor: fighting system" by victory belt.
BJs “book of knowledge” remains in my eyes the best, i still to this day breeze through it on sparring days,,, i pick a couple combos and set ups and mix them in and drill them live.
but,,, the Fedor version works for me a little better, mainly because im a heavyweight, and the combos seem geared toward bigger dudes like myself. and the groundwork section, while simple , is very well explained. i still giggle when i read the page on the arm bar/ triangle choke combo. dude shoulda read his own book, haha!
no matter where you train, these books are a great tool, because in the end, it almost always comes down to the basics.
The Fedor book is very good as well
I just think B.J.’s is the better MMA 101 book.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
Got Fight?
I read and liked Griffin’s Got Fight? quite a bit… is his second book worth reading?
Shut your mouth!
The second book is incredible. There is a chapter that teaches you how to kill a giant wolf by climbing up it’s leg and cutting it’s wolf-dick off!
1. Anderson Silva is waiting for you to punch him.
2. That guy is Anderson Silva.
3. Don't fucking punch that guy.
by Chris Barton on Jun 22, 2011 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions
not really, no
A lot less funny and a lot more semi-instructional in a sometimes half-assed way on surviving the fall of society
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Jun 22, 2011 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions
It's a bit of fun if you enjoy forrests special brand of humor
There’s some good stuff in there, but gets repetitive/pointless
Bob Sapp vs. Rodrigo Nogueira Bob "The Beast" Sapp is 400 pounds, and if 300 pounds of it aren’t pure steroids, then someone has got to be fucking kidding. -SeanBaby
I love Forrest's sense of humor
and it got repetitive really quickly. We needed more humor, less instructions.
http://mixedmartialartsblogger.wordpress.com/
by Cory Braiterman on Jun 22, 2011 8:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree it needed more balance
Tho there were still some great moments in that book. Like forrest and his wife hunting each other with guns in their own house.
Bob Sapp vs. Rodrigo Nogueira Bob "The Beast" Sapp is 400 pounds, and if 300 pounds of it aren’t pure steroids, then someone has got to be fucking kidding. -SeanBaby
heres another: OCTAGON by Kevin Lynch
this book is short on words (except for an intro, various quotes, some in foreign languages, and an outro),,,,
and big on pictures.
action shots…during fights, in the locker room, etc.
photos of fighters before AND after their fights.
compelling stuff.
want to grasp the emotion of fighting? flip through this.
some things dont need words.
sorry. Matt Hughes book sucked. it was actually worse than TIto’s where he’s glossing about how he fell in love with Jenna.
Matt Hughes book is stories about how he used to beat up drunk frat guys using his wrestling and then how he’s into God and wash, rinse repeat.
it’s poorly written even though it sounds/feels like it had a ghostwriter. Reminded me of BJ’s book where he talks about how HARD it was to train twice a day and JUST do BJJ all the time and not have to work, just rode his bike to the gym for four years.
yeah, let me feel bad you got to train with a bunch of guys like Ralph, Terrell, Camarillo, Vasquez, etc…..
how myopic can you be?
Gatti. Dekkers. Pele. Aoki. Kang. Vanderlei. Basillio. Harry Greb.
by theworldsoldestsport on Jun 22, 2011 3:53 PM EDT reply actions
9 books?
“It wasn’t easy to cut down our list to 8 books but we did it. We selected three fighter auto-biographies, three MMA history books and two instructionals.” Is it me, or are there 9 books listed?
formerly NeilLomaxFan
by BrothersGottaAndyHug on Jun 22, 2011 4:32 PM EDT reply actions
sorry
USA TODAY combined the Snowden books and I missed it when I counted. will fix.
Follow me on Twitter @KidNate
Into the Shark Tank.
By Kelly Crigger. First MMA-related book I read (well before I really got into MMA), and I had no idea who the “characters” were at the time.
"So even though it’s the gayest sport ever, MMA is still the best sport ever. I love my gay sport." - Wrestling Uber Alles
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