The Top Documentaries and Movies About Brazilian Jiu Jitsu of All Time
Have you recently tied on your first white belt? Or have you been rolling for years? Either way, there’s likely been a moment when you wanted to understand Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu beyond the gym.
Right?
Maybe you’ve wondered how BJJ grows past drills and sparring. What does it truly mean to live this art? What mindset drives these movements? What keeps people coming back to the mat year after year?
You might find those answers through conversations with advanced students, technique videos, or tournament highlights. But sometimes, the clearest insight comes from powerful stories—ones told through documentaries, films, and dramas that capture the heart of the sport.
As one of the BJJ academies in Orlando that values both technical skill and the philosophy behind it, we’ve curated a list of the most impactful documentaries and movies about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Each one offers something different: inspiration, perspective, history, or the motivation you didn’t know you needed.
So whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to see BJJ in a new light, here are some of the best Jiu Jitsu movies and documentaries of all time.
Let’s begin!
1. Jiu Jitsu vs. the World (2016)
Type: Documentary
Where to Watch: Available on YouTube and Amazon Prime
Why It’s Worth Watching?
Jiu Jitsu vs the World is one of the most relatable and widely shared BJJ documentaries ever made, and for a very good reason. It explores why people from all walks of life train in Jiu-Jitsu and what keeps them coming back even after injuries, setbacks, and tough rolls.
Rather than focusing on big-name legends alone, this documentary puts the spotlight on the everyday practitioner, such as the office worker, the single mom, and the late starter. It shows how this martial art lives far beyond the mat.
You’ll also hear from some big names like Gary Tonon, Jeff Glover, Renzo Gracie, and Fabio Santos. They’re not the focus, but their stories add some weight and perspective to what everyday people are already saying. The film runs about an hour and a half.
If you’re early in your journey or just thinking of starting somewhere, this documentary paints a full, honest picture of what BJJ offers. Bjj vs the world also captures the heart of the Jiu Jitsu community and the mindset behind the grind.
It’s an honest, down-to-earth watch that reminds you why showing up matters.
2. Choke (1999)
Type: Documentary
Where to Watch: Often shared unofficially on YouTube; fans still search for choke documentary netflix hoping for an official release
Why You Should Watch It?
Before BJJ exploded worldwide, there was Choke: a raw, behind-the-scenes look at Rickson Gracie as he prepares for the 1995 Vale Tudo Japan tournament. More than just a fight film, Choke dives into Rickson’s routine, mindset, and philosophy, giving viewers rare access to a legend at the peak of his discipline.
Choke was directed by Robert Goodman and runs just under 100 minutes. While Rickson Gracie is the main focus, the documentary also follows two other competitors, American kickboxer Todd Hays and Japanese shootfighter Koichiro Kimura, during the intense 1995 Vale Tudo Japan tournament.
From breathwork in the ocean to calm before combat, the Choke Rickson Gracie Movie showcases the internal battles just as much as the physical ones. It’s neither a dramatic nor a polished documentary; rather, it’s completely real behind-the-scenes. That’s what makes it timeless.
For students who want to understand the mental game of Jiu-Jitsu or see how composure can be a fighter’s greatest weapon, Choke remains an all-time must-watch.
3. Roll: Jiu-Jitsu in SoCal (2013)
Type: Documentary
Where to Watch: Available on YouTube
Why Watching It Is A Must?
Roll doesn’t focus on flashy wins or famous names. It takes you back to where the U.S. BJJ scene really started growing—Southern California. What’s interesting is that it was made by a UK film crew, but they managed to capture the SoCal vibe and Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle really well.
The documentary gives you a look at the early days: small gyms, garage mats, and the people who built the scene before it was mainstream. You’ll hear from guys like Chris Haueter and Scott Nelson, plus insights from Ryron and Rener Gracie. It’s part history, part reflection, and a lot of heart.
If you’ve ever trained in a gym where people stick around after class just to hang out, this will feel familiar. Roll shows the culture side of BJJ, the reason people call their academy a second home. It’s not polished, but that’s what makes it honest.
4. Renzo Gracie: Legacy (2008)
Type: Documentary
Where to Watch: Available on YouTube and some martial arts streaming platforms
Why Should You Watch It?
Spanning nearly a decade of footage, Renzo Gracie: Legacy captures the journey of one of the most charismatic and fearless figures in BJJ history. From fights in PRIDE and K-1 to street encounters and seminars, this film documents Renzo’s evolution as both a fighter and a mentor.
Unlike polished highlight reels, this Gracie documentary leans into the chaos, honesty, and unpredictability of Renzo’s life. You’ll catch real moments of frustration, loyalty, and that constant urge Renzo has to test Jiu-Jitsu anywhere he can, whether it’s in the ring or right out on the street in Rio.
As a jiu jitsu documentary, Legacy doesn’t just show fights; it shows how Jiu-Jitsu shaped Renzo’s outlook, and how he, in turn, helped move the martial art forward. The pace feels raw and personal, which matches his energy perfectly.
If you’re into stories that blend history, personality, and no-BS grit, this one’s definitely worth your time.
5. Redbelt (2008)
Type: Fictional Drama
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV
Why It’s Worth Watching?
Redbelt isn’t your typical martial arts film, and that’s exactly why people still talk about it.
Written and directed by David Mamet (a BJJ practitioner himself), the movie follows Mike Terry, a Jiu-Jitsu instructor who lives by a strict moral code. When life throws him into a mess of debt, corruption, and shady fight promotions, he has to decide whether staying true to his values is even possible.
What makes Redbelt stand out among other brazilian jiu jitsu movies is its focus on character over spectacle. The fight scenes are subtle and technical; no flying kicks or slow-motion drama here. It’s all about pressure, control, and strategy.
It might not be a documentary, but Redbelt still earns its spot among the best jiu jitsu movies. It gets the mindset right: the discipline, the restraint, and the struggle to stay grounded in a world that constantly pushes you off balance.
6. Born A Champion (2021)
Type: Fictional Drama
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube Movies, Blu-ray/DVD
Why You Need To Include It In Your List?
Born a Champion is a personal project written and led by BJJ black belt Sean Patrick Flanery, who based much of the story on his own experiences with the art.
The movie follows Mickey Kelley, a former Marine and one of the first American black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, who gets pulled into an unsanctioned MMA tournament years after walking away from the sport.
It’s gritty, emotional, and deeply respectful of Jiu-Jitsu—not just as a system of fighting, but as a way of life. You’ll see realistic techniques, early BJJ culture, and the challenges of staying true to yourself when fame and money try to pull you off course.
Flanery’s real-life sons even appear in the film, and cameos from legends like Renzo Gracie and Edson Barboza ground it even further in the world of combat sports.
If you’re looking for a story that blends heart, technique, and authentic Jiu-Jitsu spirit, Born a Champion hits all the right marks.
7. Warrior (2011)
Type: Fictional Drama
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Netflix (in select regions)
Why You May Want To Watch It?
Warrior might be the most well-known film on this list, but it earns its spot for more than just star power. It tells the story of two brothers, both fighters, both dealing with their own pain, who end up on a collision course in the same MMA tournament.
The setup sounds dramatic, and it is, but the film hits hard emotionally too. It’s about family, regret, and trying to hold yourself together when everything’s falling apart. One is driven by duty and family, the other by desperation and survival.
While the story leans into themes of trauma, forgiveness, and resilience, it’s the fight choreography that stands out for Jiu-Jitsu fans. The ground game is technical, realistic, and beautifully executed, something you rarely see in big-budget fight films. In this movie, BJJ is a core element of how these characters fight and how they think.
For anyone who enjoys a good BJJ movie that combines emotional depth with legitimate martial arts technique, Warrior delivers. It’s less about the belt you wear and more about what you’re willing to fight for inside and outside the cage.
Which BJJ Film Should You Watch First?
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick guide based on what you’re looking for:
| Film | Best For |
|---|---|
| Jiu-Jitsu vs. the World | Beginners, curious minds. |
| Choke | Long-time practitioners, traditionalists. |
| Roll: Jiu-Jitsu in SoCal | Community-focused hobbyists. |
| Renzo Gracie: Legacy | Competitors, fight fans. |
| Redbelt | Anyone who values ethics over ego. |
| Born A Champion | Passionate students of BJJ, martial artists seeking inspiration |
| Warrior | MMA fans, families, casual movie watchers. |
Want to preview before you commit?
You can find trailers for Choke, Redbelt, and Warrior on YouTube if you want a taste of the vibe before diving into the full film.
Honorable Mentions!
Still looking for more? If you’ve already worked through the list above, here are a few extra titles that might catch your interest.
- The Gentle Art is a thoughtful, slower-paced BJJ film focused on how this martial art shapes everyday people.
- Like Water follows Anderson Silva’s rise, with glimpses into his roots in BJJ.
- Open Mat is a community-driven film BJJ project that shows the highs and lows of regular training life.
- The Hurt Business explores MMA more broadly but includes some great moments on how grappling fits into the fight game.
These might not be all front-and-center BJJ stories, but each adds something to the bigger picture.
Make It a BJJ Movie Night!
Got teammates who live and breathe Jiu-Jitsu like you? Share this list, grab some snacks, and plan a BJJ movie night with your crew, whether it’s after class or during rest day! Stories like these hit differently when you watch them with people who get it.
And when you’re ready to stop watching and start training (or train harder), come see us at Guto Campos BJJ in Orlando:
- Book a free trial here!
- Bring the kids for our Summer Camp (seasonal availability).
- Explore No-Gi, Adult, Kids, or Private Lessons
- Stop by anytime for a tour of the academy!
We’ll have the mats ready. You just bring the mindset!
