I just got a copy of this app with the aim of reviewing it and hopefully some others out there on the market. I am reviewing on an iPhone 4 running IOS 4.2.1 (8C148). The app version is the latest version 2.0.1
This is a fledgling market and really only the Machado Brothers, Stephen Kesting, Darculino and Roy Dean have embraced it fully, with only Roy and Draculino going for a full course offering.
As with all new apps and technologies there are bound to be teething problems and issues so I have taken this into account in this review. It is not the same as reviewing DVD’s, Gi’s or belts as these are all established and should be at that point of perfection, or at least nearing it.
Overview
BJJ volume one is instructed by Nate Ryan, 1st degree black belt from Gracie Barra Boston and owner/head instructor at Mass BJJ more details can be found at their website
There is a nice clean logo for the app which says all it needs too.
There no standard disclaimer at the start of the app, about the risk of the sport and the fact that you take this on yourself and should always be aware of the risk but this varies.
There is no loading screen you are just presented with the app and the bottom task bar menu
Menu
The menu system is excellent offering Gi, No-Gi moves, then inside each section there are move broken down by position.
For example:
Gi
Back attacking
- Lapel Choke
- Lapel Choke Variation
- Reverse Ezekiel
Each move has a star next to it so you can make it a favourite and then easily select it which I like.
You then can use the task bar menu which offers Gi, No-Gi, Favorites and Info
These do what they suggest with the info tab explaining tapping as well as the standard offerings such as links to the app on facebook.
There is no branding on this screen just a sparse menu but this is something which could easily be added as the app is updated.
The menus then take you straight to a set of moves without the small icon previews but have a good explanation.
Content
Now this is where it differs from all of the other apps, the videos have been shot and recorded but are not presented in video format. Instead you get a move system broken down in a series of still slides, which can then be ‘played’ at a selection of speeds much like a flick book.
You then have the option to change the angle of the move from front to reverse to give you a different perspective and also you can add text to the screen which explains what is happening.
Each screen has a help tab to explain how to work it but to be honest it is totally self explanatory.
The reason for the change from video to the flip book style I was told was to allow as much as possible to fitted into a light weight app and with over 90 moves this is certainly achieved. You also get techniques such as shrimping and bucking which I have not seen explained in an app like this before but are essential.
The only tiny complaint I would have is that sometimes for upper body moves such as rear chokes the text can slightly obscure the people doing the move however you can change the opacity of the text which does help alot.
Details
So what do you get:
iBJJ App £2.39 / $3.99
Over 90 moves
Full explanation of all moves
Flick book format
Web site support
Conclusion
I have to admit when I first saw the app format I was convinced I would not like it but I was wrong I love this app. It is portable compact and quick to load, it is packed with moves and explanations and it just works beautifully.
It allows you to have a look at each component of the move in detail which sometimes you could miss in a video. I would suggest that they could back this up with a small subscription or price rise to which then allowed you to maybe access the videos of the moves on line it would be very hard to better but I always want to shoot for the moon 
I would suggest that of all the lower priced apps this is the one to buy and if you are not convinced there is a free trial version of the app available too which I am sure will convince you.
Exclusive News
A wrestling for BJJ app will be coming soon from these guys soon which I am looking forward to reviewing.
In news you will only see here an MMA app is being shot with none other thanKenny Florian who earned his black belt alongside Nate from Roberto Maia so I also hope to get my hands on that soon.
I am not sponsored or endorsed by any app programmer and my reviews are based on my opinion and nothing else, like it, hate it, respect it, all your choice but it is what it is.