Robert Drysdale is a a multiple-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion and a UFC veteran. He’s recently released the sequel to his first book, “Opening Closed Guard.”
The new book, titled “The Rise and Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: From Vale-Tudo to Carlson Gracie to its Democratization,” is a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) over time.
The book is divided into four parts, representing four distinct waves of practitioners from 1930 to the present. These practitioners were exposed to different styles of jiu-jitsu as the art evolved, both culturally and technically.
The author delves into the significance of vale-tudo (also known as “MMA”) in shaping the Gracie fighting system, which led to a more reality-based approach to combat, diverging from the traditional influence of judo.
Additionally, the book examines the continuous evolution of BJJ within its first federation and the critical role that the family feud between Helio and Carlson Gracie played in this evolutionary process.
The book also highlights the importance of the brotherly rivalry between Carlson and Rolls Gracie, which laid the foundation for BJJ’s transformation into the globally-practiced martial art that it is today.
The author credits Carlson with insisting on a competition-oriented approach to BJJ open to all, which breathed life into the brand of jiu-jitsu that took the world by storm after the rise of Royce Gracie and the UFC in 1993.
Therefore, Carlson is placed at the center of BJJ’s history as the father of modern BJJ and MMA.
Lastly, the book discusses the struggles and significance of Carlos Gracie Jr. and the IBJJF in providing structure, shape, and professional credibility to BJJ at a time when it was at risk of becoming a mere fad.
It also examines the most significant challenges that BJJ faces today as its popularity exposes it to new issues that threaten to fragment the qualities that distinguish BJJ from other martial arts.
The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
