Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge (Paperback)

~ BJ Penn (Author), Glen Cordoza (Author), (Author) "The stand-up game in MMA isn't just about striking..." (more)
Key Phrases: from the downed guard, dirty boxing clinch, standard fighting stance, Muay Thai, Keeping Beach (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The 300-plus-page softcover will address the standing and ground games as only Penn, a veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, can."—Black Belt

Product Description

Mixed Martial Arts outlines the revolutionary system of fighting used by world-renowned fighter BJ Penn. Penn, one of the most technical and decorated fighters in the world today, illustrates fighting techniques that teach you how to mix strikes with takedowns, ground and pound an opponent into submission, fight against the cage and formulate strategies based upon your personal attributes and strengths.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 308 pages
• Publisher: Victory Belt Publishing (May 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977731561
• ISBN-13: 978-0977731565
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #22,241 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #8 in	Books > Sports > Individual Sports > Mixed Martial Arts
  #47 in	Books > Sports > Individual Sports > Martial Arts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Basics Blended and Shoved Down Your Throat, June 8, 2007

By	Steven Larsen (Philadelphia, USA) - See all my reviews

The two most valuable lessons to take from this book is that first, a style of Mixed Martial Arts fighting should be built off of one main discipline with techniques from other styles added to complement the base style. Second, that the style should be an integrated blend, not a disintegrated patchwork hybrid creation. Penn warns us against developing the habit of separating grappling from striking, switching on the fly from one to the other. Rather, he says, we should always be doing both. The techniques in The Book of Knowledge are presented as whole MMA techniques which blend striking with grappling.

Bj's book is made up of techniques that work for him and would be usable by most people. There are no kicking techniques and no leglocks. What is shown are basic techniques, which if done properly, are always dangerous. Nothing fancy, just master the basics and shove them down your opponent's throat until you beat him.

All basic positions are covered, standing and on the mat with multiple angles of clear color pictures on coated paper. The sections are color coded and tabbed. The book is physically of a high quality.

The only problem might be for absolute beginners. Knowledge of some of the most basic concepts and positions is assumed. Even so, with some extra careful study and though, the total beginner would pick this material up.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The First True Professional MMA Blueprint, June 6, 2007

By	Timothy C. Ferriss "masterlock77" (East Hampton, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the first mixed martial arts book to give all the detail a true fighter (or trainee) needs, and it is written by one of the most accomplished and colorful fighters in the sport. Not only does Penn cover all aspects of the MMA game -- from striking to takedowns to setting up submissions and finishing -- but he does it all step-by-step. Whether you're just starting out in the sport or already a BJJ blackbelt, this book will become your bible. Just beware, at over 300 pages, it might take some time to digest all of the techniques.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shows the continued evolution of Martial Arts., September 26, 2007

By	W. Young - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I really appreciate BJ's honesty in this book. He shows what works for him but also shows how you can incorporate your own techniques. He leaves the door wide open to expand on these techniques and make them your own. He also shows the progressions which is missing from alot of the other books out there.
Though I doubt I'll ever stand in an Octagon or Cage I think this book was of great value to me and will be useful to any martial artist. BJ shares his journey through the martial arts from street fighter to professional, through wins and how to handle losses. The challenge for all of us is how to take all this knowledge we've received from our instructors and make our own expression of the techniques so that we can fluidly "converse" with another opponent.
The bottom line is it is a good book, great quality, with excellent photography and worth adding to anyone's collection.