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Best BJJ Instructional for Competitors
A ranked, evidence-based buyer’s guide to the most competition-ready BJJ Fanatics instructionals, with community sentiment, instructor credentials, and who each course helps most.
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Jump to a pick
- 1. The Anti-Wrestling Equation
- 2. Wrestling Up From Guard
- 3. The No Gi Game Plan: Takedown, Pass, Finish
- 4. The Takedown Blueprint
- 5. Competition Closed Guard
- 6. Defending No Gi Takedowns
- 7. Feet To Floor: Fundamental Standing Skills
- 8. ADCC Trials Breakdown: Match Analysis & Winning Insights
- Comparison table
- FAQ
The top picks, up front
2026 editionThe Anti-Wrestling Equation
Craig JonesStop wrestlers cold and turn front headlocks into points and finishes.
≈6 h · intermediate · no-gi · $$$Wrestling Up From Guard
Dante LeonTurn open guards into reliable wrestle-ups that score and stick.
≈1.5 h · intermediate · no-gi · $$The No Gi Game Plan: Takedown, Pass, Finish
John CombsA takedown-pass-finish chain built for short-round scoring.
≈2 h · intermediate · no-gi · $$These are the sets that win you matches, not the ones that fill a hard drive. Each pick is judged on how directly it produces points and finishes under competition pressure: takedowns and takedown defense, scoring sweeps, pressure passing, and the back-attack chains that close out rounds.
The list spans no-gi and gi, from a complete anti-wrestling blueprint at the top to match-analysis breakdowns for fine-tuning your game plan. Read on to find the right fit for your ruleset and weak spots.
The Anti-Wrestling Equation
Craig JonesThe cleanest competition-ready answer to heavy hand-fighting rooms without becoming a wrestler. List price $197; community rating 9.1/10.
What it covers
You learn to punish shots, control the turtle, and chain front headlock attacks into back takes and strangles. The entries work from standing, passing, and guard, so you always have scoring options.
Core techniques: front headlock, anaconda, darce, rear bodylock, back takes, snap downs, and turtle attacks. It is a system-based, conceptual set, best for intermediate competitors. Biggest takeaway: score while stuffing shots.
Why it stands out
- Complete anti-wrestling blueprint from tie-ups to back finishes
- Drills and decision points translate fast to points-focused rulesets
- Back-attack layer adds match-ending leverage late in rounds
Wrestling terminology may slow newer students initially, and there is less micro-detail than Danaher on finishing mechanics. Eight volumes can feel long to binge.
Competitors who keep getting out-wrestled in no-gi and want to turn shots into front-headlock points and back finishes. Biggest gains come from drilling the snap-to-go-behind into seatbelt, then repping the rear bodylock mat returns for guaranteed points.
You want a takedown-offense encyclopedia or the deepest possible finishing detail.
Notable alternatives: Defending No Gi Takedowns to pair defense-first stand-up with front headlock offense; The Front Headlock System for more exhaustive finishing mechanics and strangle theory; or Standing2Ground: Upper Body Takedowns for structured upper-body entries that complement counter-wrestling. Verdict: Buy it now.
Wrestling Up From Guard
Dante LeonA higher-percentage path to the top for anyone who struggles to sweep cleanly in no-gi. List price $79; community rating 8.8/10.
What it covers
You learn the most reliable wrestle-up entries from butterfly, shin-to-shin, and reverse De La Riva. The finishes land you in strong passing or back-taking paths to keep scoring.
Core techniques: wrestle up, single leg, double leg, reverse De La Riva, shin to shin, butterfly guard, and back takes. A system-based set best for intermediate competitors. Biggest takeaway: sweep by standing up fast.
Why it stands out
- Clear links from guard to takedown to pass without resets
- Explains when to chase the back vs secure top pins
- Great for point-getting late in the round
Less relevant to gi grip sequences, and it requires drilling entries to build timing. There is some overlap with other wrestle-up titles.
No-gi competitors whose guard sweeps stall. Scoring becomes more reliable after drilling the shin-to-shin knee tap chain and forcing reactions into the back take when the finish stalls.
You compete primarily in the gi or already have a deep wrestle-up library.
Notable alternatives: Nicky Ryan’s Wrestle Up Series, more focused on seated and supine guards into wrestle-ups; or Best Takedown For BJJ: The Knee Tap if you want one high-percentage two-pointer first. Verdict: Buy it now.
The No Gi Game Plan: Takedown, Pass, Finish
John CombsA competitor’s roadmap that fits anyone who likes clear sequences more than encyclopedias. Community rating 8.5/10; see BJJ Fanatics for current price.
What it covers
Secure the takedown, pass without stalling, then finish off front headlock trees. The pacing and choices mirror high-level no-gi rounds.
Core techniques: high crotch, knee tap, front headlock, guillotine, knee slice, bodylock pass, and crossface. A system-based, conceptual set best for intermediate competitors. Biggest takeaway: chain scoring without stalls.
Why it stands out
- Direct tournament-ready sequencing from takedown to finish
- Front headlock choices keep pressure and threat high
- Clear decision rules speed up match IQ
Less content volume than mega-sets, with minimal gi application and fewer community reviews to benchmark against.
No-gi competitors who want a compact, decision-driven game plan. Scrambles get won by forcing knee-tap to bodylock and flowing to guillotines when passes stall.
You want a large technique library or you compete mostly in the gi.
Notable alternatives: Feet To Floor: Fundamental Standing Skills to add a deeper stand-up layer to start the sequence; or Essential Connections: Chest To Back to sharpen control when you convert to back exposure. Verdict: Wait for a daily deal.
The Takedown Blueprint
Jimmy Pedro & Travis StevensThe place to start if you need reliable two-pointers in IBJJF. List price $79; community rating 8.4/10.
What it covers
Learn the grips that control tempo, the kuzushi that opens lanes, and the throws that score without exposing your neck. It is a framework you can drill and apply fast.
Core techniques: gripping, kuzushi, osoto gari, seoi nage, foot sweeps, uchikomi drills, and grip fighting. A system-based, drill-heavy set good for all levels. Biggest takeaway: win grips, win stand-up.
Why it stands out
- Competition-focused entries that respect BJJ rule traps
- Actionable uchikomi structure for class use
- Strong pedigree from Olympic-level judo minds
Less no-gi crossover than wrestling-based options, the throws still need partner and mat time to stick, and production is older compared to new mega-sets.
Gi competitors who want IBJJF-legal throws built around grip strategy. More collar-drag and foot-sweep points come after committing to grip objectives before any throw selection.
You compete no-gi or want a wrestling-forward shot tree.
Notable alternatives: The Ultimate Takedown Series Vol. 1: Gripping & Kuzushi for more depth on gripping trees and entries; or No Gi Judo For Grapplers if you compete no-gi but like judo-style ties. Verdict: Wait for a daily deal.
Competition Closed Guard
Jake MackenzieMakes closed guard a scoring hub again if it has gone stale for you. List price $79; community rating 8.3/10.
What it covers
You get combination attacks competitors actually hit, not museum pieces. The course shows how to re-guard via reverse half if your opponent stands or backsteps.
Core techniques: closed guard, arm triangle, lapel controls, hip bump, kimura, flower sweep, and reverse half guard. A system-based technique collection good for all levels. Biggest takeaway: closed guard still wins brackets.
Why it stands out
- Competition-minded links from closed to top
- Reverse half guard layer solves common stands
- Accessible for gi or no-gi with minor tweaks
Less value if you avoid closed guard entirely, some options require flexible hip mobility, and there is less no-gi-specific collar detail.
Competitors who want to revive closed guard as a scoring position. Scoring picks up by chaining hip-bump to arm-triangle and re-guarding to reverse half when posture breaks.
You rarely play closed guard or lack the hip mobility some options need.
Notable alternatives: High Precision Half Guard, which pairs well if opponents stand and backstep; or Closed Guard Domination, another proven closed guard curriculum. Verdict: Wait for a daily deal.
Defending No Gi Takedowns
Nick RodriguezCalms the storm if you dread wrestlers. List price $194; community rating 8/10.
What it covers
Learn smart sprawl and head position principles that block the shot and create counters. The course shows when to snap, go behind, or reshoot for your score.
Core techniques: double leg defense, single leg defense, sprawl, front headlock, go behind, hand fighting, and re-shots. A system-based set good for all levels. Biggest takeaway: defense that scores back.
Why it stands out
- Defense-first approach that still wins the exchange
- Great complement to front headlock systems
- Simple heuristics for tired late-round moments
Not a takedown encyclopedia, with less gi application, and some drills assume a good athletic base.
No-gi competitors who keep conceding two points to better wrestlers. Conceding stops by owning head position early and treating every sprawl as a go-behind opportunity.
You want a takedown-offense library or compete mostly in the gi.
Notable alternatives: Slay The Hand Fight to sharpen entries and tie-ups before the shot happens; or Feet To Floor: Standing Skills to pair defense with a structured stand-up system. Verdict: Wait for a daily deal.
Feet To Floor: Fundamental Standing Skills
John DanaherThe structured stand-up path many BJJ rooms lack, ideal if verbose instruction helps you retain detail. List price $197; community rating 8.2/10.
What it covers
You learn safe entries, risk management, and when to score on pulls. It is the systematized stand-up curriculum most academies never teach.
Core techniques: collar drag, ankle pick, sumi gaeshi, snap downs, hand fighting, guard pull scores, and stance motion. A conceptual, system-based set good for all levels. Biggest takeaway: stand-up, systematized for BJJ.
Why it stands out
- Clear structure for teams needing a stand-up curriculum
- Risk-aware entries reduce guillotine exposure
- Pairs with passing or guard-pull strategies
Lecture-heavy delivery can feel slow, it is less focused on folkstyle singles and doubles, and it is pricey versus shorter targeted sets.
Competitors and coaches who want a complete, risk-aware stand-up system. The fastest improvement comes from drilling the collar-drag tree and immediate ankle-pick extensions before any shot-based plan.
You want a short, wrestling-forward shot tree or dislike lecture-heavy instruction.
Notable alternatives: Closing The Gap, a faster, wrestling-forward shot tree for no-gi; or Standing2Ground: Positional Dominance & Scrimmage Wrestling for more live-relevant scrimmage scenarios. Verdict: Wait for a daily deal.
ADCC Trials Breakdown: Match Analysis & Winning Insights
Magid HageMatch strategy and prep through a competitor’s lens. Use it to sharpen choices, not to replace your core system. List price $79; community rating 7.2/10.
What it covers
You study pace, grips, and decision trees with synchronized technical inserts. It is footage breakdown, not a technique encyclopedia.
Core focus: match analysis, tactics, escape chains, game planning, opponent scouting, tempo control, and overtime strategy. A footage-breakdown, conceptual set best for advanced competitors. Biggest takeaway: better choices beat chaos.
Why it stands out
- Bridges theory and real matches for smarter pacing
- Highlights scoring moments many miss live
- Improves opponent scouting habits before brackets
Not a technique encyclopedia, less relevant to strict gi rules, and it requires pausing to take notes.
Advanced competitors who already have a system and want sharper decisions, pacing, and overtime strategy. Most value comes from annotating his round management and recreating those decision points in shark tank rounds.
You need core techniques rather than match-IQ refinement, or you compete strictly in the gi.
Notable alternative: Competition Preparation Masterclass for broader prep and routine guidance for tournaments. Verdict: Skip unless you specifically want match analysis.
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Anti-Wrestling Equation | Craig Jones | 6 hours and 11 minutes across 8 volumes | Intermediate | No-Gi | Anti-wrestling system | $$$ | Check price → |
| 2 | Wrestling Up From Guard | Dante Leon | 1 hour and 25 minutes | Intermediate | No-Gi | Wrestle-up sweeps | $$ | Check price → |
| 3 | The No Gi Game Plan: Takedown, Pass, Finish | John Combs | 2 hours and 17 minutes | Intermediate | No-Gi | Takedown-pass-finish chain | $$ | Check price → |
| 4 | The Takedown Blueprint | Jimmy Pedro & Travis Stevens | All Levels | Gi | Gi takedown system | $$ | Check price → | |
| 5 | Competition Closed Guard | Jake Mackenzie | 1 hour and 39 minutes across 3 volumes | All Levels | Gi & No-Gi | Competition closed guard | $$ | Check price → |
| 6 | Defending No Gi Takedowns | Nick Rodriguez | 1 hour and 48 minutes across 4 volumes | All Levels | No-Gi | Takedown defense | $$$ | Check price → |
| 7 | Feet To Floor: Fundamental Standing Skills | John Danaher | 15 hours and 17 minutes | All Levels | No-Gi | Stand-up curriculum | $$$ | Check price → |
| 8 | ADCC Trials Breakdown: Match Analysis & Winning Insights | Magid Hage | 3 hours and 2 minutes across 4 volumes | Advanced | No-Gi | Match-analysis breakdown | $$ | Check price → |
How to choose by ruleset
IBJJF gi: prioritize The Takedown Blueprint for gripping trees plus Competition Closed Guard for reliable sweeps to two points and top control. IBJJF no-gi: Anti-Wrestling handles shots and turns them into front-headlock points; pair with Defending No Gi Takedowns. ADCC: focus on takedown defense and back exposure; combine Anti-Wrestling with Dante Leon’s wrestle-ups and add Magid Hage’s match analysis to refine pacing and overtime choices.
Make instructionals transfer on competition day
Pick one A-game chain and drill it daily: entry, finish, control, and a backup. Use 6-minute EMOMs to simulate round fatigue. Record 3 live rounds per week and annotate decisions you missed. On the last week, halve volume and double timing reps. In warmups, hit two clean reps of your chain and one contingency before you’re called.
Still deciding which competition set to start with?
If you compete no-gi and keep getting out-wrestled, start with Craig Jones’ The Anti-Wrestling Equation: it turns shots into front-headlock points and back finishes. Match it to your ruleset and your weakest phase, then drill one A-game chain until it is automatic. Never pay full price – BJJ Fanatics runs sitewide discounts almost year-round.
