Our research-driven ranking of the best back take instructionals on BJJFanatics, with pros and cons, who they help most, and credible community feedback.
Systematically Attacking The Back
A complete, modern back attack system with live breakdowns and elite finishing details.
Back Attacks: Enter The System
First-principles back control and finishing that built today’s meta.
Xanadu Back Takes: Elite Guard Retention, Berimbolos and Xanadu Guard
Modern guard retention that funnels into berimbolo-style back takes with options for every passer.
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🥋 #1 Systematically Attacking The Back by Gordon Ryan
Instructor: Gordon Ryan
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Footage Breakdown
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 8 hours and 16 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Control beats speed
Techniques: Diagonal Control, High Ball Ride, Rnc
- Back Attacks: Enter The System – Foundational concepts with classic Danaher pedagogy.
- Systematically Attacking the Turtle Position – Best-in-class turtle to back system.
- Essential Connections: Chest To Back – Behind The Elbows – Focused turtle rides and strangles with ADCC champ.
You learn how to hold, re-attach hooks, and finish from both sides. You also see real rolls with commentary to map decisions. You will not get gi lapel material.
✅ Pros
- Live breakdowns turn abstract ideas into actions.
- Exceptional retention details when opponents clear hooks.
- System connects handfighting to submissions cleanly.
⚠️ Cons
- High price compared to peers.
- Time investment is significant to finish.
- Little gi-specific instruction for lapel chokes.
💡 I rank this first because the system shows not only what to do, but when you are late, how to reattach control and finish anyway. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Back Attacks: Enter The System by John Danaher
Instructor: John Danaher
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 9 hours and 6 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Concepts drive control
Techniques: Hook Recovery, Mandible Strangle, Rear Body Lock
- Systematically Attacking The Back – Adds live breakdowns and updated finishing combos.
- The Complete MG Back Attack System: Gi – Gi-focused finishing from a legend.
You learn the logic behind every grip and hook. You also learn escapes prevention and re-attachment sequences. You will not see many live-roll examples.
✅ Pros
- Timeless principles that transfer to any ruleset.
- Thorough retention solutions on both sides.
- Clear grip hierarchies simplify decision-making.
⚠️ Cons
- Very lecture-heavy style.
- No gi-specific lapel attacks.
- Dated production compared with newer sets.
💡 I keep returning to this when students plateau; its structure clarifies why your back escapes are happening and how to reverse them. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 Xanadu Back Takes: Elite Guard Retention, Berimbolos and Xanadu Guard by Levi Jones-Leary
Instructor: Levi Jones-Leary
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Angles create exposure
Techniques: Berimbolo, Crab Ride, X Guard Back Take
- Power Switch Guard Retention and Genius Back Takes – Another modern guard-to-back pathway with less bolo focus.
- The Complete MG Back Attack System: Gi – Gi bow-and-arrow endgame to complement berimbolo entries.
You learn how to create angles off common passes. You also learn bolo chains and crucifix finishes. You will not get much top game passing detail.
✅ Pros
- Connects retention to back takes seamlessly.
- Clear decision trees on bolo entries.
- Flowchart and drills speed up recall.
⚠️ Cons
- Less useful for non-inverting styles.
- Limited heavy-top pressure solutions.
- Some gi grips assumed in a few entries.
💡 I like how Levi forces angles from retention first; the back becomes a byproduct rather than a forced entry. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 Power Switch Guard Retention and Genius Back Takes by Mikey Musumeci
Instructor: Mikey Musumeci
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Defense creates offense
Techniques: Kiss Of The Dragon, Crab Ride, Matrix Back Take
- The Berimbolo System (Part 1) – Deeper bolo study if you want only gi bolo paths.
- Xanadu Back Takes – Alternative modern retention-to-back framework.
You learn counters to major passes that expose the back. You also learn crab ride and Matrix finishes. You will not get much top pressure passing content.
✅ Pros
- Strong contingencies when passes break frames.
- Useful in both gi and no-gi contexts.
- Priced lower than most long-form courses.
⚠️ Cons
- Advanced sequences may overwhelm new learners.
- Less top-game instruction.
- Some grips assume flexible hips and shoulders.
💡 I like how Mikey’s retention drills naturally funnel into back takes without forcing risky entries. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 Attacking The Back Every Match by Roberto Jimenez
Instructor: Roberto Jimenez
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 51 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Options from everywhere
Techniques: Collar Drag, De La Riva Back Take, Turtle Roll Through
- Back Takes For Everyone – Similar everywhere-to-back approach in the gi.
- Systematically Attacking The Back – If you want a deeper no-gi system.
You learn gi and no-gi entries from guard, passing and turtle. You also get standing collar-drag chains. You will not get long conceptual lectures.
✅ Pros
- Accessible price and structure.
- Plenty of entries across phases.
- Flowchart add-on aids study between sessions.
⚠️ Cons
- Less handfighting nuance than higher-priced sets.
- Some gi grips limit direct no-gi transfer.
- Rapid pace can require rewinds.
💡 I recommend this when someone wants more reps and options before committing to a heavy theory course. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 The Complete MG Back Attack System: Gi by Marcelo Garcia
Instructor: Marcelo Garcia
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Simple beats fancy
Techniques: Bow And Arrow, Crucifix, Rear Body Lock
- The Complete Crucifix Back Attack System – If you love the crucifix endgame.
- Back Attacks: Enter The System – For no-gi concepts to complement gi chokes.
You learn rear body lock and turtle entries that feed gi chokes. You also learn crucifix options and bow-and-arrow details. You will not get much no-gi content.
✅ Pros
- Practical lapel-based finishing sequences.
- Concise pacing with minimal fluff.
- Good turtle to back fundamentals for gi players.
⚠️ Cons
- Limited no-gi transfer.
- No live-roll breakdowns.
- Publication year unclear on page.
💡 I suggest this to gi-focused students who need a dependable finishing tree once the back is secured. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 Back Takes For Everyone by Gabriel Arges
Instructor: Gabriel Arges
Style: Technique Collection
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Simple routes work
Techniques: De La Riva Back Take, 50/50 To Back, Turtle Hip Switch
- Attacking The Back Every Match – More no-gi friendly entries.
- Complete MG Back Attack System: Gi – More depth on gi finishing.
You learn step-by-step gi entries from modern guards. You also learn turtle hip-switch timing. You will not get advanced no-gi handfighting details.
✅ Pros
- Approachable pacing and structure.
- Strong 50/50 and DLR options.
- Budget price with lots of entries.
⚠️ Cons
- Gi-centric focus.
- Less conceptual scaffolding.
- Fewer retention details than top sets.
💡 I give this to blue belts who need reliable gi routes into the back from common guards. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 Systematically Attacking the Turtle Position by Gordon Ryan
Instructor: Gordon Ryan
Style: System Based, Footage Breakdown, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 9 hours and 11 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Ride before hooks
Techniques: Cross Body Ride, Power Half, Hook Insertion
- Back Attacks: Enter The System – Completes the finishing mechanics after the back take.
- Attacking the Turtle Made Easy – Simpler, cheaper turtle toolkit.
You learn cross-body ride, power half and reverse tight waist chains. You also get live-roll breakdowns to see timing. You will not get broader guard entries.
✅ Pros
- Excellent rides and breakdown mechanics.
- Strong hook insertion troubleshooting.
- Live footage clarifies decisions.
⚠️ Cons
- High price for a narrow topic.
- Less value if turtle appears rarely.
- No gi lapel options.
💡 I use this when students struggle to keep rides long enough to sink hooks; the diagonal control lessons fix that quickly. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
Do you need the berimbolo to develop great back takes?
No. Berimbolo helps light guard players but most gyms get back exposure from rides, rear body locks and angle creation. If you dislike inversion, focus on cross-body rides, turtle breakdowns and diagonal control. If you do invert, modern bolo entries are faster when tied to retention, like Levi’s counters that turn knee slices and bullfighters into angles.
Crucifix vs seatbelt: which back pathway should you learn first?
Learn seatbelt control first because it appears from more positions and leads directly to RNC or bow-and-arrow in the gi. Add crucifix once your rides and hook timing are solid. Crucifix shines when opponents turtle hard or hide hands; it opens chokes and armbars while denying shoulder turns.
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