Our ranked list of beginner-friendly BJJ Fanatics instructionals, with pros/cons, who it helps most, format, price, and links to deeper reviews.
Foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
A clear, friendly fundamentals tour that makes your first months of gi training less confusing.
Fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu: Escapes (Gi & No-Gi)
A concise, decision-based escape system that keeps you safe in gi and no-gi.
The Basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
A structured, gi-first fundamentals course from a world-class coach.
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🥋 #1 Foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Bernardo Faria
Instructor: Bernardo Faria
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Runtime: 5 hours and 41 minutes
Volumes: 6
Biggest takeaway: Basics made clear
Techniques: Fundamentals, Escapes, Guard Passing
- Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes (Go Further Faster) – Deeper focus on survival and escapes for day-one resilience.
- Fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu: Escapes (Gi & No-Gi) – Concise, structured escape system with live-footage examples.
- BJJ Basics – Complete fundamentals curriculum from an elite teacher.
This is an easy-to-follow map of BJJ basics. It explains positions, posture, and key movements without overwhelming you. Use it to complement class and build safe habits.
✅ Pros
- Wide fundamentals coverage that orients total beginners quickly.
- Approachable tone and short segments that reduce cognitive load.
- Pairs well with class notes to build safe posture and framing habits.
⚠️ Cons
- Limited depth; you will still need system-focused material later.
- Gi-only focus if you train mostly no-gi.
- Some learners find it too broad to shape a personal game.
💡 I recommend this as your onboarding map, then layer on targeted systems for escapes and guard retention. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu: Escapes (Gi & No-Gi) by Lachlan Giles
Instructor: Lachlan Giles
Style: System Based, Footage Breakdown
Best for: Beginner
Format: Both
Runtime: 7 hours and 57 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Choose escapes by weight
Techniques: Escapes, Mount Escape, Side Control
- Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes (Go Further Faster) – Max-depth method for complete escape proficiency.
- Foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Broader fundamentals to complement escapes.
Beginners improve fastest when they can escape bad spots. This course gives you the essential decision trees for mount, side control, turtle, and more. It is short, clear, and highly applicable.
✅ Pros
- Highly practical structure that maps directly to live rolls.
- Concise lessons that avoid overwhelm for new grapplers.
- Mixes gi and no-gi so you can train in any class.
⚠️ Cons
- Less variation depth than long-form systems.
- Not a full fundamentals curriculum by itself.
- Audio/video analysis segments may feel brief to some.
💡 I see beginners progress fastest when they prioritize escapes; this course accelerates that phase. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #3 The Basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Andre Galvao
Instructor: Andre Galvao
Style: System Based
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Runtime: 6 hours and 30 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Do basics correctly
Techniques: Fundamentals, Guard Passing, Closed Guard
- BJJ Basics – Another structured gi-first fundamentals curriculum.
- Foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Friendlier overview with shorter clips.
You get a complete positional foundation taught clearly. It runs longer per lesson, which many learners appreciate. If you want shorter clips, try Faria first.
✅ Pros
- World-class instruction that emphasizes sound mechanics.
- Comprehensive coverage of core positions and attacks.
- Strong positional organization helps consistency in drilling.
⚠️ Cons
- Longer lessons may be dense for some beginners.
- Gi-focused; no-gi students need supplements.
- Past production quality on some releases drew criticism.
💡 I like Galvao for learners who want methodical, rigorous fundamentals from day one. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 BJJ Basics by Travis Stevens
Instructor: Travis Stevens
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Runtime: 8 hours and 14 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Drill the basics well
Techniques: Fundamentals, Sweeps, Guard Passing
- The Basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Similarly structured gi fundamentals from a world champion coach.
- Foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Shorter clips and friendlier pacing for brand-new students.
This eight-volume set gives you a full positional curriculum. It is organized for drilling and steady skill building. Expect occasional judo-influenced entries that help in gi rounds.
✅ Pros
- Clear, drillable progression from defense to offense in each position.
- Trusted instructor with elite competition and coaching pedigree.
- Breadth makes it a one-stop fundamentals library.
⚠️ Cons
- Lengthy; requires consistent study time.
- Some entries lean judo-heavy for absolute beginners.
- Gi-focused; no-gi students will want supplements.
💡 I treat this as a semester-style curriculum for students who like structure. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes: BJJ Fundamentals (Go Further Faster) by John Danaher
Instructor: John Danaher
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Runtime: 11 hours and 57 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Survive then escape
Techniques: Escapes, Pin Defense, Turtle Escape
- Fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu: Escapes (Gi & No-Gi) – Shorter, concise escape instruction with live examples.
- Foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Pair breadth of basics with this deep escape system.
This is the maximum-detail path to escaping pins and turtle. It is long, dense, and concept-driven. If you commit, your survivability and confidence jump fast.
✅ Pros
- Unmatched depth and structure for core escapes.
- Movement preparation builds transferable skill.
- Creates robust defensive confidence early.
⚠️ Cons
- Very long; requires patient study.
- Pricey next to shorter beginner sets.
- Gi emphasis; no-gi practitioners may need supplements.
💡 I recommend this to beginners who learn well from principles and want bulletproof defense early. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 Introduction To BJJ by Bernardo Faria
Instructor: Bernardo Faria
Style: Technique Collection, Conceptual
Best for: Beginner
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 18 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Know what to expect
Techniques: Movement, Fundamentals, Safety
- Foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Next step after orientation for a complete overview.
- BJJ Basics – Turn orientation into a drillable curriculum.
New to BJJ and not sure what to expect? This explains class flow, etiquette, and basic movements in plain language. It is an on-ramp, not a full course.
✅ Pros
- Reduces first-week overwhelm for new students.
- Clear explanations of etiquette and common terms.
- Low price point makes it a safe first buy.
⚠️ Cons
- Too basic after a month or two of training.
- Not a comprehensive technique curriculum.
- Lacks structured drills compared to bigger sets.
💡 I use this as a pre-course for friends and family before they start training. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 Fundamentals of a Jiu Jitsu Renegade by Kurt Osiander
Instructor: Kurt Osiander
Style: Technique Collection
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 31 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Keep basics simple
Techniques: Sweeps, Escapes, Guard Passing
- The Basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – More methodical structure and polish.
- BJJ Basics – Broader curriculum with drill focus.
You get a compact tour of essential sweeps, escapes, and passes. The style is blunt and entertaining. If you want more theory, pick a system-based set instead.
✅ Pros
- Compact four-volume format is easy to finish.
- Practical techniques that work at white and blue belt.
- Low price for a full fundamentals snapshot.
⚠️ Cons
- Less conceptual than modern system-based instructionals.
- Tone may not fit every learner.
- Gi-focused without no-gi variants.
💡 I like this for students who learn best from straight demonstrations before diving into theory. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 The Daisy Fresh Curriculum: White Belt Stripe 1 by Heath Pedigo
Instructor: Heath Pedigo
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: Beginner
Format: Both
Runtime: 3 hours and 9 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Follow a clear path
Techniques: Fundamentals, Guard Retention, Escapes
- Introduction To BJJ – Low-cost on-ramp before a full curriculum.
- Fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu: Escapes – Add structured defense to this roadmap.
Stripe-by-stripe guidance can reduce decision fatigue. You get beginner-specific strategies and troubleshooting. Consider budget if you plan to buy the full series.
✅ Pros
- Beginner-specific structure with clear milestones.
- Mix of standing, ground, and retention essentials.
- Troubleshooting focus fits new-student problems.
⚠️ Cons
- Fewer third-party reviews than legacy titles.
- Series model increases costs over time.
- Style may differ from your academy’s curriculum.
💡 I recommend this when students want a defined path between classes. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #9 Foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (No-Gi) by Bernardo Faria
Instructor: Bernardo Faria
Style: Technique Collection
Best for: Beginner
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 6 hours and 12 minutes
Biggest takeaway: No-gi basics matter
Techniques: Fundamentals, No-Gi Frames, Reguard
- Fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu: Escapes (Gi & No-Gi) – Escape system with explicit no-gi coverage.
- Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes (Go Further Faster) – Deep no-gi-relevant principles despite being filmed in the gi.
If you train mostly no-gi, start here. You get broad coverage with simple, reliable mechanics. Add a focused escape or guard-retention system next.
✅ Pros
- Approachable overview tailored to no-gi realities.
- Simple mechanics that suit older or less athletic learners.
- Good companion to gi fundamentals if you cross-train.
⚠️ Cons
- Limited depth; you still need systems for retention or escapes.
- No price listed during research; check daily deals.
- Fewer third-party reviews than the gi version.
💡 I suggest this when students split time between MMA classes and no-gi rounds. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #10 White Belt Bible by Roy Dean
Instructor: Roy Dean
Style: Technique Collection, Conceptual
Best for: Beginner
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 56 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Teaching is polished
Techniques: Fundamentals, Movement, Closed Guard
- Foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Broader starter set with clearer consensus.
- The Basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Methodical alternative if you want a complete curriculum.
Roy Dean explains basics clearly with professional production. Community feedback favors his Requirements over this specific title. It is approachable, but not the best value today.
✅ Pros
- Professional presentation and clear explanations.
- Friendly for total beginners.
- Covers etiquette and mindset alongside technique.
⚠️ Cons
- Value questioned against deeper alternatives.
- Some r/bjj users find content too light.
- Fewer specifics than his Belt Requirements series.
💡 I would choose a different fundamentals set first, then use this if you like Roy Dean’s style. Recommendation: Skip.
Should white belts buy instructionals?
Instructionals work best when they support regular class attendance. Many r/bjj users argue white belts should focus on mat time, drilling, and coach feedback first, then use videos to clarify specific problems. A balanced approach is to buy one orientation or fundamentals set plus a focused escape system, and study them in short blocks after class.
Gi or no-gi to start?
Pick the format your gym runs most and match your first instructional to it. If you split time between gi and no-gi, choose a fundamentals set that emphasizes posture, frames, and movement that transfer across formats, then add a focused escapes or retention system.
A simple study plan for month one
Week 1: Orientation and movements (shrimp, bridge, technical stand up). Week 2: Pin escapes. Week 3: Closed guard posture, one sweep, one submission. Week 4: Basic guard passing. Keep sessions to 20–30 focused minutes and drill in class. Track reps and live attempts in a notebook.
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