While many people view Steve Maxwell as a cutting edge fitness educator and world traveler, I am aware of Steve’s roots in combat arts. He has an extensive background in martial arts that includes, but is not limited to wrestling, kenpo, muay thai, sambo, systema and Gracie Jiu Jitsu. I like to be clear so here is his official grappling bio –
“Steve has a long history of competitive grappling. He wrestled competitively through high school and college (NCAA Div, 1) and in the US Army. He now holds a 4th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His BJJ competition record includes five Pan American and three World Championship gold medals.”
Steve’s approach to teach martial arts or fitness is simple. You have to communicate effectively. That communication can verbal, tactile or visual. In this case, the visual medium in used by Steve in a remarkably effective capacity. He’s catalogued the Gracie Jiu Jitsu self defense system. These videos are not a tutorial on the Jiu Jitsu practiced by Helio Gracie, but rather a visual journey of both stand up and ground defense. Both empty handed and armed attacks are covered. The clarity is outstanding and I think this is a great product simply because this area of the art does not get the exposure it should. Some “martial arts forum experts” view Gracie Jiu Jitsu as simply, “Pajama Wrasslin’ “. Nothing could be further from the truth. The art was designed to be used by smaller individuals in street situations with no time limit, rules or referees.
While there are many Sports Jiu Jitsu books and videos out there,. the area of self defense or street combat is not as populated. It’s for that reason that I like this downloadable video. It’s very well filmed, cleanly edited and has a perfect niche in this information hungry world.
Steve’s willingness to try new ideas, adapt old ideas and communicate ALL ideas is historically refreshing when every 21 year old is a Fitness Guru or MMA fighter.
I will repeat the caveat from Steve’s page so no one is distracted from the value of this product-
Caveat:
This series is not intended for anyone requiring in-depth explanation of the techniques presented.
This is not a tutorial, but a catalog and study guide.
This video is not a substitution for physical training with a black belt in Gracie jiu-jitsu.
So I’d strongly suggest taking a look. Nothing better than watching a professional do his job and convey his message well. Steve Maxwell is such a professional.
Check it out here —– >http://maxwellsc.com/gracie-jiu-jitsu.cfm
