The Gracie Way: An Illustrated History of the World's Greatest Martial Arts Family (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Series) [Paperback]

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.

I closed the book feeling a great deal of respect for the family and author. It's not perfect, but nothing is.

Although the accounts are in a way biographical I think each of the characters featured in the book could fill a volume twice the thickness of this book. So it is in no way a comprehensive biography of any of them. Rather it focusses on the inspiring stories of their struggles, dedication and triumphs.

If you want to read entralling accounts of their matches (official and otherwise), streetfights and other shinanigans then you can't go wrong with this. If you love jiu jitsu you will read this again and again.

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.

The way each family member is profile is fantastic. From their early training right through to their teaching at their own Academies.

For me the best bit was reading about the fights they had, on the mats, in the academy, in the ring, on the beach, in a cage or where ever the Gracie Challenge took them.

I recommend this book to any one

Great job by the author Kid Peligro. Very well researched with fantastic attention to detail

I have been waiting for a book about the Gracies for a long time, and I've been waiting for this book in particular to be published for a number of months. It does not disappoint.

The book focusses on the 10 most influential members of the Gracie clan, including Helio, Rickson and Royce, dedicating a chapter to each of the 10 in a biographical style. These biographies are made all the more vivid by the inclusion of hundreds of colour photographs, this is after all an illustrated history.

Kid Peligro is a good martial arts author who weaves together all the disparate facts, anecdotes and observations into a thoroughly readable narrative.

Now let's shoot the movie!