Learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with Gracie Combatives Card Pdf Download: A Beginner-Friendly Program that Teaches You the Most Effective Self-Defense Techniques
Gracie Combatives Card Pdf Download: A Complete Guide
If you are interested in learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, one of the most effective and practical martial arts in the world, you might have heard of Gracie Combatives. This is a beginner-friendly program that teaches you the core techniques and concepts of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in a structured and systematic way. But how can you keep track of your progress and earn your blue belt in this program? That's where the Gracie Combatives Card comes in handy. In this article, we will explain what Gracie Combatives is, what the card is, how to download it as a pdf file, how to train with it, and how to test for your blue belt with it. By the end of this article, you will have a complete guide on how to use the Gracie Combatives Card pdf download to achieve your goals in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Gracie Combatives Card Pdf Download
What is Gracie Combatives?
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that was developed by Helio Gracie, a Brazilian man who was born in 1913. Helio was a frail and weak child who suffered from various health problems. He wanted to learn Jiu-Jitsu, a Japanese martial art that his older brother Carlos had learned from a Japanese immigrant named Mitsuyo Maeda. However, Helio found that he could not perform many of the techniques that relied on strength, speed, and flexibility. He decided to modify and adapt the techniques to suit his physical limitations. He focused on using leverage, timing, and distance to overcome bigger and stronger opponents. He also developed a defensive strategy that allowed him to survive attacks until he could find an opportunity to apply a submission hold.
Helio's style of Jiu-Jitsu proved to be very effective in real fights and competitions. He challenged and defeated many fighters from different martial arts backgrounds, such as boxing, wrestling, judo, karate, and capoeira. He also taught his sons and students his methods and philosophy. His family became famous for spreading Jiu-Jitsu around the world and creating the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a mixed martial arts (MMA) event that showcased their skills.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has many benefits for anyone who wants to learn self-defense, improve their fitness, or challenge themselves mentally and physically. Some of the benefits are:
It teaches you how to defend yourself against bigger and stronger attackers, using techniques that work in real-life situations.
It improves your strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, and balance, as you use your whole body to perform the movements.
It boosts your confidence, discipline, respect, and humility, as you learn from your instructors and peers, and overcome your fears and doubts.
It enhances your mental health, as you relieve stress, have fun, and make friends in a supportive and friendly environment.
Gracie Combatives is a program that was created by Helio's grandsons, Rener and Ryron Gracie, who are the head instructors of the Gracie University, an online platform that offers Gracie Jiu-Jitsu courses. Gracie Combatives is designed for beginners who have no prior experience in martial arts. It teaches you the 36 most important techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, which cover the most common scenarios that you might encounter in a street fight. These techniques are divided into 23 lessons, each lasting about an hour. Each lesson consists of three techniques and a reflex development drill that helps you combine the techniques in a realistic way.
The difference between Gracie Combatives and other Jiu-Jitsu programs is that it focuses on teaching you the essential skills that you need to survive a fight, rather than teaching you hundreds of techniques that might confuse you or overwhelm you. It also emphasizes the importance of learning at your own pace, without pressure or competition. You can learn Gracie Combatives online, at home, or at a certified training center near you.
What is the Gracie Combatives Card?
The Gracie Combatives Card is a tool that helps you keep track of your progress and earn your blue belt in the Gracie Combatives program. The card is a chart that shows all the 36 techniques and 23 lessons of the program. Each technique has a box that you can mark with a sticker or a check mark when you learn it. The card also has a section where you can write down your personal information, such as your name, email, phone number, and address.
The card has several features that make it useful and convenient for you. Some of the features are:
It allows you to see your progress at a glance and know which techniques you have learned and which ones you need to review.
It motivates you to complete the program and earn your blue belt by giving you a clear goal and a reward.
It enables you to access the online videos or DVDs that correspond to each technique by scanning the QR codes on the card with your smartphone or tablet.
It helps you prepare for the blue belt test by showing you the exact order of the techniques that you will be tested on.
It serves as a proof of your completion of the program and your eligibility for the blue belt test.
You can get the card in two ways: online or offline. If you want to get the card online, you can access it from the Gracie University website after you enroll in the Gracie Combatives course. You can view the card on your computer or mobile device, or print it out as a pdf file. If you want to get the card offline, you can order it from the Gracie University store or get it for free when you join a certified training center that offers Gracie Combatives classes.
How to Download the Gracie Combatives Card Pdf File
If you prefer to have a physical copy of the card that you can carry with you or hang on your wall, you can download it as a pdf file from the Gracie University website. Here are the steps to download the card pdf file:
Go to https://www.gracieuniversity.com and log in with your username and password.
Click on "My Courses" and select "Gracie Combatives" from the list of courses.
Click on "Gracie Combatives Card" on the left side of the screen.
Click on "Download PDF" on the top right corner of the screen.
Save the file to your computer or mobile device.
Open the file with a pdf reader program or app.
Print out the file using a color printer or send it to a printing service.
Here are some tips and tricks on how to use the pdf file effectively:
Use high-quality paper and ink to print out the file for better durability and visibility.
it in a plastic sleeve to protect it from water and dirt.
Use different colors or symbols to mark the techniques that you have learned, reviewed, or mastered.
Update the card regularly and keep it in a visible place to remind you of your progress and goals.
Share the card with your instructor or training partner to get feedback and guidance.
Take a picture of the card and post it on social media to celebrate your achievements and inspire others.
If you don't want to download the pdf file or print out the card, you can also use other alternatives, such as:
Using a digital version of the card on your computer or mobile device.
Using an online app or software that allows you to create and customize your own card.
Using a notebook or a journal to write down the techniques and your notes.
Using a whiteboard or a poster to draw the card and erase or update it as you go.
How to Train with the Gracie Combatives Card Pdf File
Once you have the card pdf file, you can use it to train with the Gracie Combatives program. The card will help you learn the 36 techniques and 23 reflex development drills that are essential for your success in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Here is how to train with the card pdf file:
Pick a lesson that you want to learn or review from the card. Each lesson has three techniques and one reflex development drill.
Scan the QR code on the card with your smartphone or tablet, or enter the URL on your computer. This will take you to the online video or DVD that shows you how to perform the techniques and the drill.
Watch the video or DVD carefully and pay attention to the details and explanations. You can pause, rewind, or fast-forward as needed.
Practice the techniques and the drill with a partner or solo. If you have a partner, take turns being the attacker and the defender. If you are solo, use a grappling dummy or a pillow as a substitute for your partner.
Repeat the techniques and the drill until you feel comfortable and confident with them. You can also mix and match different techniques and drills from different lessons to create your own combinations.
Mark the box on the card that corresponds to each technique that you have learned or reviewed. You can also write down any notes or comments that you have on the card.
Here is a comprehensive overview of the 36 techniques and 23 reflex development drills in the card:
LessonTechniqueDescription
1T1: Trap and Roll EscapeHow to escape from being pinned on your back by rolling your opponent over.
T2: Americana ArmlockHow to apply a joint lock on your opponent's elbow and shoulder from the top position.
T3: Positional Control (Mount)How to maintain balance and stability on top of your opponent while preventing their escape attempts.
D1: Trap and Roll Escape vs. PunchesHow to combine T1 and T3 to defend yourself against punches from your opponent.
2T4: Take The Back (from Guard)How to get behind your opponent when they are inside your legs (guard) and apply a chokehold.
T5: Rear Naked ChokeHow to squeeze your opponent's neck with your arms from behind and make them tap out or pass out.
T6: Positional Control (Back Mount)How to secure your hooks (legs) around your opponent's waist and control their upper body with your arms.
D2: Take The Back vs. Punches (from Guard)How to combine T4 and T6 to defend yourself against punches from your opponent when they are inside your guard.
3T7: Stage 1 Punch Block (from Guard)How to block your opponent's punches with your arms and legs when they are inside your guard.
T8: Guillotine Choke (from Guard)How to wrap your arm around your opponent's neck and squeeze it with your legs when they are inside your guard.
T9: Shrimp Escape (Hip Movement)How to move your hips sideways and create space between you and your opponent.
D3: Stage 1 Punch Block/Guillotine ChokeHow to combine T7 and T8 to defend yourself against punches and set up a choke from your guard.
4T10: Headlock Escape 1How to escape from a headlock on the ground by trapping your opponent's arm and rolling them over.
T11: Straight Armlock (from Mount)How to isolate and extend your opponent's arm and apply pressure on their elbow from the top position.
T12: Body Fold TakedownHow to take your opponent down to the ground by wrapping your arms around their waist and lifting them up.
D4: Headlock Escape 1/ArmlockHow to combine T10 and T11 to escape from a headlock and submit your opponent with an armlock.
5T13: Headlock Escape 2How to escape from a headlock on the ground by bridging your hips and sliding your head out.
T14: Triangle Choke (from Guard)How to lock your legs around your opponent's neck and arm and squeeze their carotid arteries from your guard.
T15: Clinch (Aggressive Opponent)How to close the distance and clinch with an aggressive opponent who is throwing punches at you.
D5: Headlock Escape 2/Triangle ChokeHow to combine T13 and T14 to escape from a headlock and submit your opponent with a triangle choke.
6T16: Punch Block Series (Stage 2-4)How to block, trap, and control your opponent's punches from different stages of their posture when they are inside your guard.
T17: Double Ankle Sweep (from Guard)How to sweep your opponent over by grabbing their ankles and pushing them with your legs when they are inside your guard.
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D6: Punch Block Series/Double Ankle SweepHow to combine T16 and T17 to defend yourself against punches and sweep your opponent from your guard.
7T19: Headlock Escape 3How to escape from a headlock on the ground by hooking your opponent's leg and rolling them over.
T20: Elevator Sweep (from Guard)How to sweep your opponent over by hooking their leg and arm and lifting them with your hips when they are inside your guard.
T21: Standing Headlock DefenseHow to defend yourself against a headlock while standing by lowering your base and applying pressure on your opponent's face.
D7: Headlock Escape 3/Elevator SweepHow to combine T19 and T20 to escape from a headlock and sweep your opponent from your guard.
8T22: Rear TakedownHow to take your opponent down to the ground by grabbing their waist from behind and tripping their legs.
T23: Rear Naked Choke VariationHow to apply a rear naked choke on your opponent when they are defending their neck by tucking their chin.
T24: Guillotine DefenseHow to defend yourself against a guillotine choke by passing your opponent's guard and applying pressure on their chest.
D8: Rear Takedown/Rear Naked Choke VariationHow to combine T22 and T23 to take your opponent down and submit them with a rear naked choke variation.
9T25: Haymaker Punch DefenseHow to defend yourself against a haymaker punch (a wide and powerful punch) by slipping under it and clinching with your opponent.
T26: Armbar (from Guard)How to isolate and extend your opponent's arm and apply pressure on their elbow from your guard.
T27: Armbar Defense (Stacking)How to defend yourself against an armbar by stacking your weight on your opponent and freeing your arm.
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10T28: Headlock Defense (with Punches)How to defend yourself against a headlock while standing when your opponent is punching you with their free hand.
T29: Kimura (from Guard)How to apply a joint lock on your opponent's shoulder and elbow by twisting their arm behind their back from your guard.
T30: Kimura DefenseHow to defend yourself against a kimura by straightening your arm and rolling over your opponent.
D10: Headlock Defense (with Punches)/KimuraHow to combine T28 and T29 to defend yourself against a headlock with punches and submit your opponent with a kimura.
11T31: Double Leg TakedownHow to take your opponent down to the ground by shooting in and grabbing their legs.
T32: Mount Escape (Upa)How to escape from being pinned on your back by bridging your hips and rolling your opponent over.
T33: Mount Escape (Elbow Escape)How to escape from being pinned on your back by sliding your elbows under your opponent's knees and recovering your guard.
D11: Double Leg Takedown/Mount EscapeHow to combine T31 and T32 or T33 to take your opponent down and escape from their mount.
12T34: Hook Sweep (from Guard)How to sweep your opponent over by hooking their leg and arm and lifting them with your hips when they are inside your guard.
T35: Headlock Escape 4How to escape from a headlock on the ground by pushing your opponent's face and sliding your head out.
T36: Straight Armlock Defense (Hitchhiker Escape)How to defend yourself against a straight armlock by rotating your thumb and hitchhiking out of the lock.
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How to Test for Your Blue Belt with the Gracie Combatives Card Pdf File
After you have learned and practiced all the 36 techniques and 23 reflex development drills in the Gracie Combatives program, you are ready to test for your blue belt. The blue belt is the first rank in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and it signifies that you have mastered the basics of self-defense. To earn your blue belt, you have to pass a test that evaluates your knowledge and performance of the techniques and drills. The test can be taken online or in person at a certified training center. Here is how to test for your blue belt with the card pdf file:
Review all the techniques and drills on the card and make sure you have marked all the boxes. You can also watch the online videos or DVDs again to refresh your memory.
Prepare a partner who can act as your attacker or defender during the test. Your partner should be familiar with the techniques and drills as well. You can also use a grappling dummy or a pillow if you don't have a partner.
Prepare a camera or a smartphone that can record your test. Make sure you have enough battery, memory, and lighting. You can also use a tripod or a stand to hold your camera or smartphone.
Set up a mat or a carpet where you can perform the test. Make sure you have enough space and safety.
Download the blue belt test sheet from the Gracie University website or print it out from the card pdf file. The test sheet shows you the exact order of the techniques and drills that you will be tested on.
Start recording your test and follow the instructions on the test sheet. You have to demonstrate each technique and drill three times from different angles. You have to perform them with speed, accuracy, and confidence.
Stop recording your test and review your video. Make sure you have covered all the techniques and drills and that they are clear and visible.
Submit your test online or in person. If you want to submit your test online, you have to upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo and send the link to testing@gracieuniversity.com. You also have to pay a fee of $100 for the evaluation. If you want to submit your test in person, you have to visit a certified training center that offers Gracie Combatives classes and schedule an appointment with an instructor. You also have to pay a fee of $60 for the evaluation.
Wait for your results. If you submit your test online, you will receive an email with your score and feedback within 10 days. If you submit your test in person, you will receive your score and feedback immediately after your test. You need to score at least 95% to pass the test.
Celebrate your achievement. If you pass the test, you will receive your blue belt certificate and patch by mail or in person. You can also update your card with a blue belt sticker or mark. You can also share your success with your friend