For a comprehensive breakdown of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Combatives
What separates the from other instructionals is the teaching method: Reflex Development .
Before the rise of online video platforms like Gracie University, learning legitimate Jiu-Jitsu outside of a physical academy was nearly impossible. The Gracie Combatives DVD set was designed to bridge that gap. It is a home-study course certified by the official Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
In an era of streaming apps and monthly subscriptions, you might wonder why a physical DVD set (or high-quality digital download) remains popular. The answer is reliability and permanence.
Many newer apps offer "BJJ fundamentals." However, these are often filmed by purple or brown belts with varying teaching abilities. The features the direct lineage of Helio Gracie. The system has been battle-tested for nearly 100 years. Furthermore, the Combatives curriculum is a closed system. It doesn't randomly add "Cool new techniques" that confuse the beginner. It focuses on the 36 essentials and repeats them relentlessly until they become instinct.
At a Certified Training Center (CTC) , students are typically required to complete each of the 23 classes three times before testing.