Will Jones
Julio Foca Fernandez is a well-known figure in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. His book, “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu For Experts Only” is the only book ever written by legendary Carlson Gracie. Julio feels honored that Carlson partnered with him for this project. In this conversation, Julio openly talks about how the book came together, what advanced learning really looks like, and why mastery requires slowing down rather than speeding up.
Interviewer: This book feels very intentional in both content and tone. How did the idea for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu For Experts Only first take shape?
Julio Foca Fernandez: The idea grew naturally from teaching, as over the years, I have noticed that advanced students often struggled more than beginners. It is not because they lacked ability, but because progress became less obvious. They were training hard but not always improving. We wanted to change this. That is why we have created something that speaks directly to that stage of learning. This book was meant to guide that stage of the journey and help expert practitioners to turn up their game.
Interviewer: Julio, you trained under Carlson Gracie and worked closely with his philosophy for many years. From your experience, what do you think advanced practitioners today misunderstand about progress?
Julio Foca Fernandez: One of the biggest misunderstandings is believing that progress means learning more techniques. That is rarely the case at an advanced level. Progress comes from doing fewer things better. Most experienced practitioners already know many moves, but what truly separates them is how well those techniques are applied under pressure. That comes from attention to detail rather than variety. This is something Carlson Gracie emphasized throughout his life, and it is a core idea behind this book.
Interviewer: The book places a strong emphasis on structure. Why is structure so important at the expert level?
Julio Foca Fernandez: You see, without structure, advanced training becomes chaotic and often confusing. People jump from one idea to another very soon in trying to learn and grasp everything, losing focus. Structure creates clarity and allows practitioners to understand what to work on and why. The book is organized so that the techniques make sense together. You’ll see how one movement leads to another. This helps readers see the big picture rather than individual actions.
Interviewer: The visual presentation is very deliberate. How did you decide what to show and what to leave out?
Julio Foca Fernandez: We asked one question repeatedly: Does this image help learning? If it did not, it was removed. Each photo in this book exists to highlight something important about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We wanted readers to be able to open the book, look at a sequence, and understand the movement without guessing.
Interviewer: Many practitioners rely heavily on physical attributes. How does this book address that tendency?
Julio Foca Fernandez: Physical attributes fade over time. Technique stays. This is something Carlson Gracie always emphasized. The book shows how to use position, balance, and pressure so strength becomes less important. When practitioners focus on precision, they waste less energy. That allows them to train longer, remain consistent, and continue improving steadily over the years..
Interviewer: There is a noticeable focus on transitions rather than just positions. Why was that important?
Julio Foca Fernandez: Most mistakes happen between positions. People know where they want to go, but not how to get there. Therefore, transitions are important as they show where control is gained or lost. We wanted to show how movements connect so practitioners can stay ahead of reactions, leading to a higher success rate and understanding.
Interviewer: The book does not separate sport, self-defense, and mixed martial arts very clearly. Was that intentional?
Julio Foca Fernandez: Yes, very much so. The principles remain the same. You see, timing, control, and balance. Jiu Jitsu does not change, only the rules do. I strongly believe that the art should not be divided so much that it loses its meaning. Therefore, I wanted the techniques in
this book to remain useful across all settings, allowing practitioners to train more efficiently and with less strain.
Interviewer: How should advanced practitioners approach studying this book without overwhelming themselves?
Julio Foca Fernandez: I suggest slowly. One technique at a time. You are required to study, drill, and use it in training. If anything goes wrong or you are confused, you can always go back to the book and improve your technique. Also, repetition is very important as it builds confidence. This will allow you to build credibility.
Interviewer: There is a quiet emphasis on discipline throughout the book. How do you define discipline in training?
Julio Foca Fernandez: Discipline is doing what needs to be done even when you do not feel like it. It is about showing up, paying attention, and respecting the process. No matter how difficult it is. Without discipline, talent is useless, and we believe that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu For Experts Only teaches that. Moreover, if something is not working, you must adjust and think about what went wrong. The book encourages that kind of awareness.
Interviewer: Who do you believe this book will resonate with the most?
Julio Foca Fernandez: Practitioners who have trained for years and still want to improve. Instructors who want clear material. Competitors who understand that details decide outcomes.
Interviewer: What do you hope readers change in their training after reading this book?
Julio Foca Fernandez: I hope they slow down. I hope they focus on details instead of rushing through sessions. I hope they train with purpose and communicate clearly about their training.
Interviewer: If this book could send one message to advanced practitioners, what would it be?
Julio Foca Fernandez: Train and keep practicing to master the techniques. Keep your focus and be determined in what you do.
In the end, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu For Experts Only stands as a disciplined guide for practitioners of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. If you’d like to buy a copy or find out more. The following link is available: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZN5CWFT/
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Book Details: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, For Experts Only: Carlson Gracie with Julio “Foca” Fernandez Author Name: Julio Foca Fernandez
ISBN Number: 978-1971950761
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