Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is known for being able to use superior technique to triumph over a much stronger or larger opponent. Demian Maia, who weighs 185 lbs, has a grappling victory over Gabriel Gonzaga, who weighs 249 lbs. Beating an opponent who outweighs you by 64 lbs is not impossible in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, but it usually only happens when the heavier man is not skilled. Gonzaga is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has even won the Mundials(world championships). For Demian Maia to not only overcome a huge weight difference, but also have to deal with the fact that Gonzaga is highly skilled as well, speaks volumes on Maia’s technique.
When I discovered that Demian Maia defeated Gonzaga in grappling, I knew that Maia’s ground skills had to be top notch. I wanted to see his technique in detail, and see how he deals with stronger opponents who are also insanely skilled. I then saw that he defeated Ronaldo Jacare Desouza, who is constantly called one of the best in the world. Finally, I saw Demian’s ground dominance over Jason McDonald and I knew that I had to get Maia’s instructional DVD set.
Maia’s dvd set includes 6 volumes; Defending the Guard Pass, the Triangle Choke, the Omoplata, Escaping Side Control, Attack the Back, and Counter Attacks. For this review, I will be looking at Volume 4: Escaping Side Control, but you can expect that the other volumes are similar in content and quality.
I chose to watch Escaping Side Control in depth because it is by far the most difficult position for me to deal with. Especially when dealing with larger opponents, many of you know how frustrating it is to have some one on top of you and you can not do a thing. This DVD will definitely give you some awesome tips to use.
The first thing I noticed about Demian’s teaching is that he really emphasizes technique. For example, Demian will mention how placing your arm in a slightly different position will give you so much more strength. I started to see how he was able to defeat larger opponents. Demian won’t just say, push his head away. He would say, put your arm here, look at how easy it is to push him. If your arm is here, he barely moves. Up here, he is weak, and is easily moveable.
Little things like that are not really covered in many jiu-jitsu class, and you might even be a bit skeptical about it. But once I tried what he said, I was able to get somebody heavy off me much, much easier. And this is just the start of the DVD. He covers basic leverage and technique that can be used in any position, then starts getting into various escapes. Maia covers so many escapes, that you will definitely need to rewatch this several times. There are many escapes that I have never seen before, and you are sure to find a few that work great with your style. It is important to note that it would be better to come away from watching with 1 or 2 solid escapes, than trying to learn all of them. Pick the ones you really like the most and come natural to you.
The DVD is also well produced. It is easy to see everything, and Demian and his demonstration partner show each technique several times, usually from different angles. Demian also has very good English, even though he has a slight accent he is very easy to understand. I also like how the DVD is pure technique. Some DVD’s I have seen have long parts which have nothing to do with jiu-jitsu. Although that stuff can be entertaining, that’s not what I am looking for. This DVD gets straight to the point.
Recap:
Very technique oriented
Goes to the roots and fundamentals of BJJ : using leverage and technique to make you much “stronger” than your opponent
Techniques shown several times, with clear instructions
Many, many escapes shown, you will not be able to absorb them after only one viewing
Variety of techniques to help you add on to your style
Demian Maia Science of Jiu-Jitsu 2
You might also like:
Demian Maia Gear
