The Black Belt Blue Print - Review
Firstly I have to thank Nic for offering me the opportunity (although truth be told I approached him about getting a copy to review) and what is clearly an open door policy to all who share his love of BJJ. I have had the pleasure of Nic’s company (on the mat) and his way of thinking/interpreting the art is at times almost spiritual, with his teaching style welcoming to various different levels from white to black (in itself a gift).
So over the past 9 years of training, watching and at times competing in BJJ I have amassed a small library of books. Many are well used, while some remain unopened (bar the day I bought/got them). I won’t bemoan the books I haven’t used or praise the ones I have as this is about The Black Belt Blue Print.
What first strikes me about the book is its different approach to BJJ (from my own personal experience). There isn’t a plethora of pictures showing numerous moves – that to even the most accomplished can be hard to decipher, but words of sound advice. Nic clearly explains the reasons behind the book in the introduction and from the offset he has remained true to the opening statement. From basic hygiene to Gi brands & sizing to choosing a school/academy that suits you (a hot topic too many in the ‘industry’). All the information you need as a beginner is there for you. He also goes into what I would describe as the principles of BJJ in a way in which even the complete novice could walk away with an understanding of. Basic positions are well explained (Mount, Knee on chest, Side mount etc.) and these should go hand in hand with any introduction class your academy offers.
What I did find with the book is its tendency to go into aspects of BJJ that is unusual (again from my personal experience with BJJ/Grappling books) – an example of this is his pages on Repetition, memory retention and breaking techniques down. For me this is a very modern way of thinking and a system that is adopted at the highest levels throughout sport (I’d point you towards the 10,000 hours to mastery model). We are also introduced to visualization which for me is a fantastic tool and one that should be adopted by all, as well as his flow diagrams. What we have in this book is an insight into how Nics mind works, and his path (to date) in BJJ.
Supplemental training for BJJ as well basic conditioning are all mentioned along with nutrition.
This review in all honesty could have gone on for pages and pages – however (especially as this is my first review) I wanted to make it as easy to read, while still an impact.
One would argue that this book in its current format is geared more towards the lower spectrum of belts but I would argue that, given the fact I have not put it down in 3 days and looking forward to rolling tomorrow to try some ‘new’ things. I would even go as far to say that Nic could have easily broken this book down into 3 separate books but the flow he has in 1 book holds weight and affords the reader a journey they can/will be able to relate too.
As simply as I can put it, we have been given an insight into a mind that is constantly looking to evolve, using methods (be it purposefully or by coincidence) and models used at the highest levels of sports worldwide. While there are books out there that may offer you a greater spread of techniques, very few will give you an understanding of BJJ like this.
I applaud Nic for this ‘out of the box’ book which is not only refreshing, informative and knowledgeable but broad and precise at the same time (a skill in itself).
A must buy for any BJJ practitioner, hobbyist to the hardened competitor.
To buy The Black Belt Blue Print simply click this link here or visit his website at www.jiujitsubrotherhood.com – wait for delivery and enjoy.