Grappling took the world of martial arts by storm in the early 1990s with the advent of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and other no-holds-barred events, and quickly became one of the most popular fighting methds in the world.

In Grappling Masters, through conversations with historical figures such as Helio Gracie, Gene LeBell and Wally Jay, and numerous current world-class masters such as Rorion Gracie, Gokor Civichyan, Oleg Taktarov, Rickson Gracie and Marco Ruas, the many threads of grappling learning, legend and lore are woven together to present a complete and integrated view of this eclectic art of fighting, philosophy, and self-defense. For the first time, interviews with 22 of the world's top grappling masters have been gathered together in one book.

Containing information that has not appeared anywhere else, the interviews contain intriguing thoughts, fascinating personal details, revealing philsophies and hidden history. In these 22 gems, each master reveals a true love for the art and a deep understanding of every facet of the practice and spirit of the various grappling disciplines. No matter how well you think you know these masters of unarmed combat, you haven't truly experienced their wit, wisdom, and insight until you've read Grappling Masters.

Any practitioner who appreciates martial arts history and philosophy, and who feels that this rich heritage is a necessary stepping-stone to their own personal development, will find this book an invaluable reference and a must-have addition to their library.

Author Jose M. Fraguas is a former professional athlete and an internationally recognized martial arts authority well-known to the world's grappling masters. A prolific writer and publisher, he has hundreds of articles, dozens of books, and numerous screen-plays to his credit. His desire to integrate martial arts philosophy and values into everyday thinking and life provided the motivation for writing this book. Originally from Madrid, Spain, he currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

Contents

About author
Introduction
Bas Rutten-Clean and shaved
Carlos 'Caique' Elias-The possible dream
Carlos Gracie Jr.-Heir to the throne
Erik Paulson-The real deal
Frank Shamrock-The icon of submission fighting
Gene LeBell-Jokes, chokes, and locks
Gerson Sanginitto-Generation X-cellent
Gokor Chivichyan-Master of a thousand submimssions
Helio Gracie-Brazilian jiu-jitsu's greatest champon
Jean Jacques Machado-Conquering doubt
Marco Ruas-The king of the streets
Mark Kerr-The human yardstick
Matt Furey-The king of catch
Oleg Taktarov-More than '15 minutes'
Relson Gracie-Passion and art
Renato Magno-Living the good life
Rickson Gracie-The Brazilion icon
Rigan Machado-The force of submission
Rorion Gracie-Testing reactions
Royler Gracie-The heart of a champion
Wallid Ismael-The desire to win
Wally Jay-A revolution of one