In a world of flashy techniques and Instagram-ready submissions, it’s refreshing when an instructional cuts through the noise to deliver actual, functional BJJ. Jozef Chen’s “Engaging Without Regrets” does exactly that—offering a concise, tactical approach to one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of grappling: the initial engagement phase.
–> Check out this instructional on BJJ Fanatics
What’s It About?
“Engaging Without Regrets” is a laser-focused instructional that tackles the chaotic first moments of a no-gi roll—that awkward dance where you’re trying to establish grips while your opponent attempts the same. Instead of treating this phase as a necessary evil before the “real” jiu-jitsu begins, Chen elevates engagement to an art form, showing how proper entries can determine the entire trajectory of a match.
This instructional runs approximately 71 minutes across two volumes, making it surprisingly digestible compared to the multi-hour epics that dominate BJJ Fanatics. But don’t let the runtime fool you—there’s zero fluff here. Every minute is packed with actionable tactics you can implement immediately.
Detailed Breakdown: What You’ll Learn
Chen’s approach centers on a systematic method for defeating modern no-gi guard tactics by controlling the engagement phase on your terms. Here’s what he covers:
Volume 1 (33:19)
- Proactive engagement philosophy – Why waiting for your opponent to engage first is a recipe for disaster
- Two-on-one elbow control – The underutilized grip that gives you immediate upper body dominance
- Forcing opponents onto their backs – Tactical weight distribution to eliminate their wrestling options
- Head positioning – Simple adjustments that prevent common counters and snapdowns
Volume 2 (38:12)
- Reactive strategies – What to do when your opponent beats you to the initial engagement
- Recovery mechanics – Converting bad positions into offensive opportunities
- Game-like drills – Practical exercises that develop timing and feel
- Integration with passing systems – How engagement tactics flow seamlessly into your existing game
What makes this instructional stand out is Chen’s emphasis on conceptual understanding rather than just technique accumulation. He repeatedly demonstrates how engagement isn’t just about the first grip—it’s about creating a chain reaction that limits your opponent’s options while expanding yours.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU2beiyQcTQ This seminar clip shows some of Chen’s hand-fighting principles that form the foundation of his engagement system
My Experience Implementing These Concepts
As someone who has struggled with the initial engagement phase (particularly against wrestlers), I found Chen’s framework immediately applicable. The first session after watching Volume 1, I noticed a dramatic difference in my ability to dictate the pace and position of rolls.
What struck me most was how Chen addresses a gap that exists in most BJJ curriculums. We spend countless hours drilling guards, passes, and submissions, but remarkably little time on the critical moments that determine who gets to play their game.
The two-on-one elbow control sequence was a particular revelation. I’d used similar grips before, but Chen’s details on angle, pressure, and follow-up options transformed it from a temporary control to a genuine offensive threat.
Key Takeaways & Unique Details
- Grip precedence hierarchy – Chen explains which grips take priority in different scenarios, allowing you to make split-second decisions under pressure
- Weight shifting mechanics – Subtle weight transfers that force reactions without compromising your balance
- Hand fighting progressions – Building from basic principles to advanced applications
- Defensive awareness – Recognizing and shutting down common counter-strategies before they develop
What I particularly appreciated was Chen’s honesty about when these techniques work best. Unlike instructors who claim their system is universal, he clearly identifies which body types and skill levels will benefit most from specific variations.
Pros & Cons
What I Liked
- Concise presentation – No fluff, just actionable content
- Immediately applicable – I saw results the very next training session
- Logical progression – Builds concepts sequentially rather than jumping between disconnected techniques
- Position-before-submission focus – Emphasizes control over flashy finishes
- Suitable for all levels – Beginners get fundamental principles while advanced players pick up nuanced details
Potential Drawbacks
- Limited scope – Focuses exclusively on the standing engagement phase
- Assumes some baseline knowledge – Not a complete “system” for beginners with zero experience
- Primarily no-gi focused – While principles apply to gi, specific grips would need adaptation
- More demonstration than troubleshooting – Could benefit from more common failure points and fixes
Who This Instructional Is For
“Engaging Without Regrets” is ideally suited for:
- Competition-focused grapplers seeking tactical advantages in tournament scenarios
- Smaller practitioners who struggle against larger, stronger opponents during initial engagements
- No-gi specialists looking to refine their standing game
- Guard passers who want to dictate the terms of engagement rather than reacting to guard players
- Coaches looking for a structured approach to teaching engagement fundamentals
If you’re exclusively a guard player who pulls guard immediately, this might not revolutionize your game—but it will definitely help you understand what your opponents are trying to do, which has its own value.
The B-Team Connection
As a B-Team instructor, Chen’s approach clearly shows influences from the Craig Jones lineage, particularly in the tactical problem-solving mindset. However, his teaching style is distinct—more methodical and detail-oriented than Jones’ characteristic casual approach.
This technical sparring session between Chen and Ethan Crelinsten demonstrates many of the principles covered in the instructional
Final Verdict
At just 71 minutes, “Engaging Without Regrets” delivers an impressive return on investment, both in time and money. Unlike many instructionals that leave you with a dozen techniques you’ll never use, Chen provides a framework that will influence every roll from day one.
The concise format actually works in its favor—this isn’t an instructional you’ll need to revisit repeatedly to extract value. One thorough viewing with notes will give you plenty to work with for months of training.
For intermediate to advanced grapplers looking to refine their engagement phase, this instructional earns a solid 9/10. For beginners still developing fundamentals, it’s still valuable but might require supplementation with more basic positional instructionals, making it a 7.5/10.
If you’re tired of starting rolls on the back foot or find yourself consistently losing the initial battle for position, “Engaging Without Regrets” might be exactly what your game needs. It’s a tactical upgrade that addresses one of the most overlooked yet influential phases of grappling.
Don’t miss out – check out Engaging Without Regrets today and transform your opening game!
Looking for more comprehensive guard passing strategies? Chen’s follow-up instructional on Tripod Passing: Beating Inside Position builds perfectly on these engagement concepts with a complete passing system.
