Books
Fifteen books on Jiu Jitsu and the inner life
For more than a decade Chris has written about using Jiu Jitsu as a vehicle for personal development: the virtues it builds, the ego it exposes and the life it can teach. Every book is on Amazon.
Where to start
Which book first?
New to Jiu Jitsu?
5 Rules for White Belts
A simple, useful framework for your first years on the mat. If you are new to Jiu Jitsu, start here.
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Taking the lessons off the mat?
On Jiu Jitsu
How training shapes character, read through the lens of virtue and vice. The most read of Chris's books after 5 Rules.
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Fighting frustration and ego in training?
Jiu Jitsu and the Ego
The inner side of training: frustration, ego and how to move past them. Jiu Jitsu as a practice of mindfulness.
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Looking for something off the mat?
Improve
Grow as if Your Life Depends on It
Personal development off the mat. Chris's one book written entirely about life outside Jiu Jitsu.
Get it on AmazonThe full shelf
All fifteen
5 Rules for White BeltsA simple, useful framework for your first years on the mat. If you are new to Jiu Jitsu, start here.On Jiu JitsuHow training shapes character, read through the lens of virtue and vice. The most read of Chris's books after 5 Rules.Jiu Jitsu and the EgoThe inner side of training: frustration, ego and how to move past them. Jiu Jitsu as a practice of mindfulness.ImproveGrow as if Your Life Depends on ItPersonal development off the mat. Chris's one book written entirely about life outside Jiu Jitsu.
Jiu Jitsu SecretsThe Proven Strategies, Concepts, and Mindset to Win Jiu Jitsu and Fulfill Your PotentialThe strategies, concepts and mindset behind winning Jiu Jitsu, on the mat and off it.
Jiu Jitsu and ResistanceAn Antidote to Modern StruggleWhy choosing hard things on purpose makes the hard things we do not choose easier to carry.
On Behalf of Jiu Jitsu and WholenessSuccess in one part of life does not feel like success when another is failing. Jiu Jitsu as a path toward wholeness.
HeroThe Path Through Jiu Jitsu and LifeThe hero's journey as a map for training and for life: choosing the difficult on behalf of the people you serve.
The Daily Martial Artist366 Meditations on the Philosophy, Routines, and Training of the Successful Martial ArtistOne short meditation for every day of the year.
12 Rules for Jiu JitsuA Commentary on Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for LifeJordan Peterson's twelve rules, read from the mat.
The Tao of Jiu JitsuEastern philosophy and the practice of Jiu Jitsu.
My MasteryLearning to Live Through Jiu JitsuWhat years of training teach about living well.
My Mastery ContinuedContinued Education Through Jiu JitsuThe follow-up to My Mastery.
5 Rules for White Belts Training JournalA Guide to Maximizing Technical DevelopmentThe companion journal to 5 Rules for White Belts, for logging what you learn after every class.
Jiu Jitsu Kids: Roman Redefines WinningA picture book for young grapplers about what winning really means.Kind words
From legends of the sport
“His lessons and writings about the moral, mental and spiritual aspect of training are nothing short of inspiring.”
“By the end of the book I was able to apply the things Chris wrote and see an immediate change in not just my skill but my ability to enjoy the process of becoming my best self.”
“Chris is one of the most technical Jiu Jitsu players I know, because he can break Jiu Jitsu down way beyond the physical aspect. I strongly recommend reading his book.”
“I met Chris when I started training with Professor Almeida, and since then he has been an intricate part of my Jiu Jitsu preparation for my fights. His commitment to the art is like no other.”
“He is one of the most dedicated Jiu Jitsu practitioners and coaches I have ever been around. His instruction is focused on excellent technique and, perhaps more importantly, on the development of good character on and off the mats.”
“I have traveled the world to train with the best teachers and coaches, but never could I guess that one of them lived in New Jersey.”
Bulk orders
Books for your academy, team or company
Coaches and school owners order Chris's books in bulk for their students, especially 5 Rules for White Belts for new members. Tell us the titles and quantities you want and we will send pricing.
“We feel so strongly about this book that we offer it to all new trial people coming into TENBEARS. It is written so well for the new person to Jiu Jitsu.”
“As a school owner his books are invaluable, as they can speak to my students and answer their questions when I physically cannot.”