Review: The X-Guard by Marcelo Garcia

killer_kicks88 · 05-05-2008, 02:49 PM

Review: The X Guard by Marcelo Garcia
Reviewed by Spencer Cooper (killer_kicks88)

Well, I could make this review as short as possible by saying two words; Marcelo Garcia! But I’ll refrain from overstating the obvious. Just the mere fact that it’s Marcelo should be enough for you to buy it. However, I’ll try and give an unbiased (as much as can be expected) review. Here we go.

This book has two main sections: Butterfly Guard and X-Guard.

Butterfly Guard

Marcelo starts by showing basic grips/grip breaks and basic positioning. He shows all common grips and how to defend them to keep from having your guard passed. Then the fun starts. There are a TON of butterfly sweeps in this book from every grip imaginable. Included are also some very high percentage (for me at least) submissions.

X-Guard

This portion starts with establishing the X-Guard position. This is a very thick section with some very slick entries into the X-Guard. Entries from standing, Half-guard and even escaping mount into the X-Guard. Now we find ourselves in this crazy position, then what? Well, I thought the X-Guard was pretty complicated, but somehow this book makes it really easy to understand. With many of the sweeps having a gi/no-gi and standing variation, you’re left with plenty of options. In the very end, there’s even some room left for some pretty nice submissions from X-Guard.

For all you Guard players out there, or anyone looking to up your sweeping game, this book is definitely for you. Thanks for reading.

OrtizPA · 05-05-2008, 03:14 PM

Thanks for the write up. I'm a huge Marcelo fan and definitely want to get this book. It sounds like it'd be great for me.

killer_kicks88 · 05-05-2008, 03:17 PM

thanks for reading brother...it's a great book, it's based really well off of "if he does this, I go here, etc."

txfighter13 · 05-05-2008, 03:18 PM

It is an excellent book even if that is not your game you should still read the book for the shear knowledge that Marcelo brings to the BJJ and grappling game.

the heed · 05-05-2008, 04:55 PM

The book is basically a printed read out to his DVDs.
which is really cool cause I can read it during work when I'm suppose to be working.

Also its super detailed and won't get you confused like some of other books do.

I love the half guard and butterfly guard so having Marcelo's book (and DVD) has really help improve my game more. And I'm even improved on my X-guard set ups.. I know I'm playing a small man's game (I'm 245) but its a lot of fun.