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Kid Peligro

The Gracie Way: An Illustrated History of the World's Greatest Martial Arts Family (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series) Paperback – May 1, 2003

by Kid Peligro (Author)

47 ratings

Part of: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (13 books)

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The faces and stories of the sprawling Gracie family, who transformed Brazilian jiu-jitsu from an unknown street technique into the dominant form of martial arts today, are captured here. Introduced are Grandmaster Helio Gracie, who as a frail boy in Brazil in the 1930s developed the art, creating leverage techniques that allowed him to overcome other martial artists, regardless of size or strength; Rickson Gracie, the mystical family champion who has never been defeated in combat; and Royce Gracie, the most famous active martial artist in the United States, who put Brazilian jiu-jitsu on the map by winning the first three Ultimate Fighting Championships before the largest pay-per-view audiences in history. In addition to stunning action shots of the Gracies in all the legendary matches and their unique perspectives on what really went on during those fights, this book includes archival photos of the family, from their beginnings in Brazil in the 1930 to the present day and the new generation of champions. Fans will learn of Renzo's transformation from Rio street brawler to New York celebrity and revered teacher; of Royce and Royler's exploits as mischievous kids; and of Rickson's battle against one of Rio's toughest drug gangs.

Print length

228 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Invisible Cities Press Llc
Publication date

May 1, 2003
Dimensions

8.5 x 0.6 x 11 inches
ISBN-10

1931229287
ISBN-13

978-1931229289
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kid Peligro is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the winner of two World Titles. He is a columnist for Grappling and Gracie and the coauthor of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Self-Defense Techniques. He lives in San Diego, California.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Invisible Cities Press Llc (May 1, 2003)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 228 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1931229287
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1931229289
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.89 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.6 x 11 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,910,482 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #278 in Martial Artist Biographies
- #4,388 in Martial Arts (Books)
- #21,301 in Exercise & Fitness (Books)

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47 ratings

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4.7 out of 5

47 global ratings

5 star		84%
4 star		9%
3 star		2%
2 star		5%
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eugdog106

Awesome

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 26, 2012

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This is probably my all-time favorite book on Martial arts. I've been training jiu jitsu for around five years and for me grappling has been one of my lifelong passions. I'm endlessly fascinated by the story of the origins of gracie jiu jitsu as well as the story of Helio Gracie (a genius on the level of Albert Einstein). I like Helio's style of grappling (it is absolutely spectacular to watch) and I also love the pure art of jiu jitsu like the Rickson style. Gracie jiu jitsu is my passion. I'm fascinated about how Carlos learned jiu jitsu from mitsuyo maeda and how later Helio adapted his jiu jitsu in order to base it on leverage as a way of overcoming his natural strength disadvantages. This book describes the life stories of ten different Gracies. My favorite chapters in this book are the chapters on Carlos, Helio, and Rickson. My least favorite chapter in this book is the chapter on Royler. Royler is just way too skinny and too much of a pack of bones for me to be able to either like him or respect him. My other least favorite chapters are the chapters on Carlson and Royce. Carlson for whatever reason, i just do not like him and royce well, after he was pulverized (to use a kid peligro term) i lost a little bit of respect for him (allthough i still respect him and think that he was a legendary fighter in his heyday). also the atory of Renzo Gracie is cool though Ib wish it were longer.

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therosen

Outstanding history, pictures and annecdotes

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 19, 2003

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This is truly a unique write-up of the Gracie family, pioneers of Brazilian jiu jitsu and modern martial arts. The book is organized around chapters from the founders of Gracie Jiu Jitsu (Carlos and Helio) through the family champions (Carlson, Rolls and Rickson), famous instructors (Rorion and Carlos Jr.) and modern champions (Royler, Renzo & Royce).
Behind the backdrop of personal biographies is a history of the art. Brazilian jiu jitsu started with Count Koma, who taught it to Carlos, who in turn taught it to Helio. Helio, Carlson and Rolls all put their own personal imprints on the art while in Brazil. Rorion brought the art to the US, introducing it to the masses through the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Although the book paints a very positive picture of the family, it does cover some of the troubles the family has seen. Royler, Renzo and Royce's defeats at the hands of Sakuraba are covered, as well as the breakup of Carlos's team of champions.
The photographs alone make the book a treasure. Kid Peligro has unequaled family archives, which provides stories not heard elsewhere. In addition, he was able to interview many friends of the family such as Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti and Carlao Valente.
A very interesting book to anyone interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the history. There's something new for everyone. Except maybe technique - that's another book! :-)

15 people found this helpful

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Kevin T. Briggs

Good, but biased

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 1, 2006

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I love the mystique surrounding the Gracie family martial arts. I was enthralled with Royce Gracie as a kid, and still revere him as a hero of sorts. So, I really enjoyed this book, mostly because it talks about something there is simply not much literature written about.

That said, it is biased. It's okay to lose, and Kid P. should recognize this. All the greatest fighters in the world have lost, or certainly end up losing, eventually. Muhammed Ali lost his share of matches, but always fought to stay on top. He eventually didn't, but he revolutionized boxing and more because of his greatness.

The Gracie's are the same way. Like it or not, the Gracie's changed everything, and made today's fighters what they are. They popularized vale-tudo fights, and taught the world (without reserve) their style. It constitutes half of MMA today. Without it, MMA would be Tank Abbot slugging it out with Ken Shamrock, or whatever.

This celebrates the Gracie family in a non-academic approach. Get it, enjoy it.

Helpful

PLee

Was disappointed at 1st bc so text heavy

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 1, 2017

Verified Purchase

Was disappointed at 1st bc so text heavy. Then when I pulled myself away from it I realized I had been reading it for 2hrs without realizing it. Pictures could be better and a bit too much Gracie worship in the storylines but nothing unexpected. If you love BJJ you will probably love the book once you start reading it.

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William J. Hagerman

An example of a great purchase.

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 14, 2009

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The book is pure gold for anyone interested in Jiu-jitsu and in martial arts history. I got a great deal and it arrived exactly as expected. I got it a few days before I met Royler Gracie and was able to get him to sign it after a BJJ class. I found the books description of Royler perfect. The man was as described, direct, friendly and knowledgeable. This book helps one to understand the people behind the most effective self-defense martial art in the world, and in that, it helps you to understand the art itself. I highly recommend the book as well as the seller.

Helpful

A. Smith

History of a great sport

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 10, 2013

Verified Purchase

My family and I all compete in BJJ and knowing its history makes it all that much more fun for us all. The book itself is well written and organized. Not sure I would pay what some Amazon vendors are asking for a new copy, The used copy I bought was as good as new and a fraction of the new price.

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Edward Rodriguez

Gracie Jiu Jitsu history!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 18, 2019

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I love the book about the Gracies history!

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robbiemack

Great read for those new to the sport

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 1, 2011

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this book is an exceptional look into the history of the family who started the martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. id strongly recommend this be read by anyone who is a BJJ beginner or any mixed martial arts fan. great insight into the attitude and spirit by which the family has strived to carry themselves.

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Mike

Fascinating

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 25, 2020

Verified Purchase

I bought this in 2005 and I still have it. Kid Peligro was pretty much the authority on anything Gracie back in the day. When I bought this it was current, now it's history! But it's still a great book with good photos.

One person found this helpful

Scott

An easy, good read.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on December 29, 2004

Verified Purchase

If are interested in learning Brazilian Ju-Jitsu then this book is not for you. Its a history of the main members of the family, rather than a study or reference book. However if you already study BJJ or are just interested in martial arts (and the one that took the ultimate fighting world by storm in particular) then this is the book for you.
Its split into chapters per person and includes lots of good photos. Its an easy and interesting read and its interesting to find out how the art of ground fighting evolved.

2 people found this helpful

G. Yam

An enthusiastic and interesting family biography

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 31, 2003

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Lets get this out of the way - this is a good book, written by a real enthusiast. Kid Peligro really shows his love of BJJ and the Gracie family. Ten accounts of the most interesting Gracies are littered with photos and documents that could only have come from the most direct sources, this is tremendously interesting for any practicioner of BJJ.
Now the problems. First off, as can only be expected, the writing is very one sided - but who said this is a bad thing? Every account makes the Gracies out to be superheroes beyond reproach, and losses in the fighting arena are very much down played.
Second, the editing is very sketchy in places. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors abound. There is also some argument to be made about some of the origins of BJJ, especially with regard to judo, but this is of only passing interest to the non-martial artist.
If you are a BJJ practicioner, this is a tremendously important book - if you are a martial artist it is extremely interesting. If you are neither, you may well be fazed and confused.
It's not perfect, but nothing is.

7 people found this helpful

mr m springer

Worth every penny :)

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 12, 2014

Verified Purchase

Fantastic book in every way! If your into martial arts as an intrest or a practitioner this is one of the best books available! What a family, what a story! They should bring out a film 11/10 score.

One person found this helpful

Tina

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on August 28, 2016

Verified Purchase

Lovely thank you

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The Gracie Way: An Illustrated History of the World's Greatest Martial Arts Family (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu series) Paperback – May 1, 2003

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