I’ve always loved watching good Jiu Jitsu highlights! They’re one of my favorite ways to study the art. With my short attention span (aka ADD), I need something fast-paced and exciting to hold my focus, and highlight reels do exactly that.
When I started Jiu Jitsu back in 2006, YouTube was barely a year old. At that time, I’d constantly hear the names of top Jiu Jitsu players, and I wanted to see what made them so good. I began searching “XYZ highlights” on YouTube and was instantly hooked. There weren’t breakdown channels like there are today—so I’d just watch the same videos over and over, trying to absorb every detail. Then I’d head to the gym and do my best to emulate what I saw.
The two highlight videos I watched most were of Leo Vieira and Marcelo Garcia. They had the perfect mix of flashy moves, great editing, and (of course) amazing music—Filter’s “Hey Man, Nice Shot” and Prodigy’s “Firestarter.” As a white belt and blue belt, the first things I tried to mimic were cartwheel passes and arm drags—techniques I still use to this day.
As I grew in Jiu Jitsu, I started noticing more than just the flashy moves. I could see the setups, the timing, and the strategy behind the techniques. That deeper understanding allowed me to apply them in training with more consistency and success.
As a coach, I know there’s only so much that can be taught in class—especially to beginners. That’s why I always recommend students study athletes they admire, or those whose games match their body type. With today’s platforms, it’s easier than ever. Back when I started, we studied from books and VHS tapes. Now you can find anything with a few clicks.
Instructionals are great, but the problem is anyone can post a video nowadays—some good, some not-so-good, and some just unrealistic. That’s why I love highlights. They showcase techniques that have been tested at the highest level of competition.
Here are my Top 10 highlight videos that I always go back to for inspiration and study:
- Marcelo Garcia (Butterfly Guard, Arm drag, guillotine) – The only Marcelo Garcia video that matters
- Roger Graice (Closed Guard) – Roger Gracie BJJ Highlight
- Keenan conelius (Worm Guard) – Keenan Cornelius NOGI BJJ Highlights [HELLO JAPAN]
- Adam Wardzinski (butterfly guard) – Adam Wardzinski HighLights / BJJ / 주짓수
- Toshihiko Koga (Judo) – Toshihiko Koga – Judo
- Rodolfo Vieira – Rodolfo Vieira * BEAST * 2014 World Jiu Jitsu Champion – Highlights [HELLO JAPAN]
- Mendes Brothers – Mendes Bros | 2014 Rickson Cup Highlight
- Jacare – Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza Highlight
- Leo Veira – Leo Vieira Grappling Highlight
- Bruno Melfacine – Flow – Bruno Malfacine