The Gracie intermediate tape series builds on what the Gracies presented in their Gracie Basics series. The tapes are really an extension of the seminars the Gracies give. The Intermediate tapes review most of what is on the Basics series. Standing alone, this is a very good tape series and worth buying. However, when compared to the Kukuk tapes and the Pedro Carvalho tapes, the Gracie Intermediate tapes are too little, too late. The tapes contain about 60 techniques, all of which are covered on the Kukuk tapes. The Pedro Carvalho tape series is still the standard for the industry for production value.

If you buy this set of tapes, don’t buy it to learn a ton of new techniques. That is to say, these tapes do not gain their value, from having a lot of techniques. Where these tapes gain their value is in (1) Rorion’s excellent explanations and (2) The frame work they create to link the techniques together. If I had to choose between having Kukuk, Pedro, or Rorion as my instructor, I would choose Rorion (They are all extremely expensive). Rorion beats the techniques into the ground from all angles. I did some comparing of the armlocks taught by Renzo and the same armlock taught by Rorion, Rorion was the clear winner in the details department.

The second reason you might buy these tapes is for the frame work which Rorion surrounds the techniques. One of the classic mistakes books and videos make is that they teach each technique in isolation. Grappling is fluid situation with one move "flowing" into the next. Rorion does a great job of taking one position and then walking though the common permutations that can arise. The "What Ifs." What if my opponent does this and what if he does that.

The only new territory that Rorion covers is contained on tape 3 where he spends a lot of time discussing the knee on chest position. A couple of things should be noted. I found it interesting that the Black Belt ad for the tapes states that "many people mistakenly assume that the man on his back during a ground fight is at a disadvantage." This statement made me wonder who they are marketing these tape to. Anyone, who is still this clueless should not be in the market for "intermediate" tapes and should go watch UFC 1. That is to say, I think a more appropriate name for this tape series is "Gracie Basics part 2."

Another small but interesting point is the reference is to Helio as "Grand Master." I hope that the Gracies have not fallen into the yellow pages trap of titles. Someone else will call themselves the "Supreme Grand Master," and Helio will be then forced to call himself the "Ultimate Supreme Grand Master." You end up sounding like a discount meal at a major fast food chain. Helio does not need any of there nonsense titles. Helio Gracie, is Helio Gracie. Nothing more need be said.

There has also been a lot of controversy over the ads claim that you qualify to be examined for blue belt at the Gracie Academy after practicing and learning these techniques. I have absolutely no problem with this statement. Both tape series contain more than enough material for a blue belt testing. The problem will always be in execution. I could tell you the moves that an Olympic gymnast will perform on a floor exercise to achieve a gold medal. However, knowing what the moves are is not enough. You will have to execute. If you can execute, and pass the their test, fine.

Tape 1 - Attacks for the Mount - Front and Back

Time: 1 Hour

This tape, like all the tapes, begins with a review of material from the Basics tapes. Over the three tapes, Rorion covers most of the material from the Basics tapes. If you are hard up for cash, I would recommend saving some money and not buying the Basics tapes. Rorion spends most of the tape running through a series of basic chokes. He does a good job explaining these techniques. However, like I said, you will find, this material and a lot more material covered on the Pedro or Kukuk tape series. The only unique technique in this whole series of moves is a counter to when the person on the bottom tries to bridge and roll and escape the mount. You essentially slide off to the side which prevents you from being thrown off balance and then perform an armbar.

Rorion than moves into a discussion of the rear mount. Rorion mainly covers the basics of this position from when you are on top with the rear mount and when you are on the bottom. It is interesting to note that Rorion does mention an important safety tip: when you have the rear mount from the bottom, you should not cross you feet. Your feet should be inside your opponents thighs holding them apart. Rorion never tells you why. For those who have not seen the Pedro tapes or had the pleasure of having you ankles broken, all your opponent need do is figure four his legs on your ankles and press down.

The rest of the tape is spent reviewing the techniques that were covered on the tape. I could not make up my mind whether this was a waste of tape of time or a good recap to set the techniques in your memory.

Time: 1 Hour

Again, this tape begins with a review of techniques shown in the Gracie Basics series and then moves into a discussion of attacks from the guard. All of the techniques taught are in both the Kukuk and Pedro tape series. However, remember I mention that this tape series should not be purchased by those looking to add lots of new techniques to their repertoire. This tape series gains its value from Rorion’s explanations and the frame work he creates to tie them together. Rorion starts out with Royce in the guard and then proceeds to create a web of connected techniques that deal with the most common "what if" situations. Many practitioners learn a lot of technique, but are unable to retrieve the proper technique when the time comes. Very often this happens because they learned the technique in isolation and not in its proper context. It is vital that you pay close attention to the move, action, or mistake made by your opponent the triggers your response. Rorion walks you though a series of "If your opponent does that, you will do this" and so on. By the time you get done your are ready for most contingencies.

Later, Rorion creates a web of techniques where you sweep you opponent while he is in you guard. The "what ifs" covered here are "what if" you opponent: (1) is kneeling in your guard; (2) spreads his knees apart to prevent the standard knee across the stomach sweep and (3) puts one leg up.

The tape moves on to a discussion of how to counter, with the triangle choke, the incorrect method for passing the guard. This method of passing the guard is where you put one foot up and then stick your hand down by your thigh to get your opponents leg onto your shoulder. This method works against clueless grapplers, no doubt about it. However, using this method against experienced grapplers will shorten your life-expectancy to a matter of seconds. What is interesting, is that this is the main method of passing the guard shown. One could argue that the tapes are geared for the street situation and you are not likely run into many experienced grapplers (most bar fight are not martial artist against martial artist). Nevertheless, if someone on the street knows enough hold me in the guard, I don’t want to gamble that they are clueless and got the guard by accident.

The tape then moves onto the situation where your opponent stands in your guard. Once again, nothing new here as far as technique goes, but the total package put together is very good. When your opponent stands, Rorion has you grabbing sleeves near the wrist and placing your feet in his hips. You now flip you opponent and do back roll and end up mounted. In the alternative, Rorion demonstrates the triangle choke and an armlock on your bent over opponent. Rorion then covers a series of "What Ifs" where you attempt to sweep your standing opponent by bring your knees together and extending your hips, but he then counters.

The tape ends with a review of moves shown on the tape.

Time: 1 Hour

This tape begins with a review of many of the techniques shown on the Gracie Basics tape series. Then Rorion explains the side control or cross mount. This tape is worth buying alone for its discussion of the knee on chest position (which often launched from the cross mount). Pedro’s tapes explain this position well, but do not cover it extensively. Rorion spends a large portion of the tape discussion various armbars and chokes from the knee on chest position. If you have been looking for good discussion of the knee on chest position, this tape is a good place to start. Moreover, Rorion does the same thorough job with the "What Ifs" of this position, creating a related series of techniques.

The last half of the tape is devoted to the other side of the coin, defending against the cross mount. Rorion goes over a series of counters to your opponent’s attempts to mount. While Pedro’s tapes do not cover these techniques, the Kukuk tapes cover these and more.

The tape ends with a review of moves shown on the tape.

Time: 10 Minutes

This is a free tape that you get for ordering the complete set of tapes. The tape is for the most part completely self-serving, ad-libbed, and useless. The only lesson to be learned from this tape is that the techniques shown on this tape series actually work in a fight. It would have been nice if Royce actually did the commentary on each of his fights and gave you his thoughts during them. If you really still need to convince yourself about the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-justu techniques you are better off buying the Gracie in Action tapes or renting the early Ultimate Fighting Championship tapes.

To prevent a horde of e-mail asking where they can order the tapes, I suggest you get a copy of Black Belt Magazine or call 1-800-237-8400 ext. 407. Or, visit the Gracie WWW page by clicking here. I could care more (or is that I could care less) if you order these tapes. I never have and do not now work for the Gracies in any fashion.