Bernardo’s gi-focused closed guard gives you simple posture breaks and dependable sweeps and chokes you can use this week.
The Bottom Line
You will learn the high-percentage pendulum, scissor, and overhook chains that suit most bodies. The teaching is simple and practical, ideal for new and returning students. You will not find cutting-edge no-gi entanglements or long theoretical sections.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Beginners and masters athletes
Skip if: You train only no-gi
Tech focus: Pendulum Sweep, Scissor Sweep, Cross Choke, Kimura, Armbar
Biggest takeaway: Simple chains, real-world results.
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What You'll Learn
Bernardo packages closed guard into approachable sequences with big returns: pendulum and scissor sweeps, cross chokes, kimuras, overhook triangles, and omoplatas.
It is beginner-friendly with enough detail to help blues and purples tighten finishes.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Pendulum Sweep
- Scissor Sweep
- Cross Choke
- Kimura
- Armbar
- Overhook Triangle
- Omoplata
- Deep Half Entry
- Grip Breaks
- Knee Capture Sweep
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Technique Collection
- Skill level: Beginner
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 58 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I recommend this as a first closed guard course because the sweeps and chokes convert fast for most students.
Why Bernardo Faria?
Bernardo Faria is a 5x world champion from Alliance and co-founder of BJJ Fanatics. He is known for fundamentals and pressure-based games. His instruction style is friendly and methodical. In closed guard he emphasizes posture breaks into classic finishes. He caters well to older or recreational grapplers. Expect simple, repeatable tactics.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Great for older or less flexible grapplers.
- Short, direct lessons that are easy to implement.
- Beginner-friendly path to reliable sweeps and chokes.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some Faria sets feel loosely organized.
- Heavy gi emphasis may not suit pure no-gi players.
- Lacks modern leg-lock threats from closed guard.
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Smart Alternatives
- Closed Guard Domination by Tom DeBlass – No-gi friendly basics with tough posture breaks. (Price: $79.00, 4 vols)
- The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System – A more precise gi fundamentals masterclass. (Price: $149.00, 4 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View The Closed Guard on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
