Our research-backed rankings of the best BJJ Fanatics instructionals to build elite grip fighting for takedowns, guard passing, and control.
Scientific Gripping Systems For Jiu Jitsu
A clear, repeatable system to win gi grips fast and turn them into kuzushi.
Gorilla Grips
A BJJ-first grip plan that builds pressure, angles, and no-gi options.
The Ultimate Takedown Series Volume 1: Gripping & Kuzushi
Bridge your grips to kuzushi so throws and passes come easy.
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🥋 #1 Scientific Gripping Systems For Jiu Jitsu by Travis Stevens
Instructor: Travis Stevens
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 28 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Win grips before anything else.
Techniques: Collar Grip, Sleeve Grip, Grip Breaks, Kuzushi, Two On One, Re Gripping, Standup Entries
- Gorilla Grips by Magid Hage – BJJ-first take with both gi and no-gi grips.
- Judo Gripping Systems For BJJ by Fernando Yamasaki – Budget-friendly standup gripping roadmap for BJJ.
- The Ultimate Takedown Series Vol. 1: Gripping & Kuzushi – Deeper on gripping into off-balancing and entries.
You learn exactly where and when to grip, how to break and re-establish, and how to off-balance immediately. It is built for BJJ gi rounds, not pure IJF pacing. You will not get a huge throw encyclopedia; you will get the rules that make your existing throws and passes work.
✅ Pros
- A cohesive gripping framework you can drill the same day.
- Great kuzushi linkage that improves both takedowns and passes.
- Easy to coach across belt levels with clear rules.
⚠️ Cons
- Presentation tone is dry for some learners.
- Limited no-gi hand fighting coverage.
- Assumes you will pair it with throw-specific practice.
💡 I found my standup improved fastest when I treated grip rules like guard retention rules: fixed priorities, automatic resets, then attack. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Gorilla Grips by Magid Hage
Instructor: Magid Hage
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 23 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Make grips threaten something.
Techniques: Collar Grip, Sleeve Grip, Grip Breaks, Lapel Control, No-Gi Hand Fighting, Passing Grips, Drills
- Scientific Gripping Systems For Jiu Jitsu – More structured kuzushi-first gi blueprint.
- Winning Grip Fighting by Jason Hunt – Concept-heavy coach perspective from Meraki.
- Judo Gripping Systems For BJJ by Fernando Yamasaki – Affordable gi gripping fundamentals.
You learn collar and sleeve priorities, how to break and immediately re-attach, and how to threaten from top or bottom. The no-gi module helps carry habits across formats. Expect fewer judo throws and more BJJ outcomes like guard retention, passes, and chokes.
✅ Pros
- Balanced gi and no-gi perspectives with simple drills.
- Great translation from grips to immediate attacks.
- Strong coaching voice and clear structure.
⚠️ Cons
- Less throw detail than judo-centric sets.
- Lapel emphasis may not fit all styles.
- Not as encyclopedic as longer series.
💡 I saw fastest gains when I treated every grip as a threat that forces movement, not just a handle to hold. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 The Ultimate Takedown Series Volume 1: Gripping & Kuzushi by Travis Stevens
Instructor: Travis Stevens
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 7 hours and 49 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Off-balance as the second step.
Techniques: Kuzushi, Grip Sequences, Lefty Vs Righty, Collar Grip, Sleeve Grip, Grip Breaks, Entry Setups
- Scientific Gripping Systems For Jiu Jitsu – Simpler, faster start for gripping rules.
- Japanese Judo Grip Fighting Secrets by Satoshi Ishii – Olympic-level grip discipline and drill focus.
- Judo Gripping Systems For BJJ by Fernando Yamasaki – Budget option for core gi gripping.
You will learn which grip to take first, how to deny their power hand, and how to snap them off-balance in BJJ pacing. The lefty vs righty templates remove guesswork. Expect to pair this with live drilling to make your favorite throws hit more often.
✅ Pros
- Excellent clarity on lefty vs righty decisions.
- Kuzushi-first sequencing fits BJJ rounds.
- Pairs well with any throw library.
⚠️ Cons
- Dense for beginners; best after basics.
- Gi only; no no-gi hand fighting.
- Pricey unless on sale.
💡 I hit more takedowns when I planned the off-balance before the grip, not after it. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 Judo Gripping Systems For BJJ by Fernando Yamasaki
Instructor: Fernando Yamasaki
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 27 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Basics beat chaos.
Techniques: Collar And Sleeve, Grip Breaks, Kuzushi, Foot Sweeps, Movement Drills, Grip Recovery
- Scientific Gripping Systems For Jiu Jitsu – Newer, more cohesive ruleset.
- Gorilla Grips by Magid Hage – Better ground integration and no-gi nods.
- Gripping Workshop: The Ultimate Study by Neil Adams – Deeper on positive vs negative gripping ideas.
You will learn how to establish and keep collar-and-sleeve control, plus drill footwork that creates throwing and passing chances. It is concise and beginner-friendly. You will not get advanced lapel systems or no-gi hand fighting.
✅ Pros
- Clear, no-frills gripping drills for new students.
- Strong value at a lower price point.
- Good bridge to more advanced systems later.
⚠️ Cons
- Limited no-gi coverage.
- Less depth than premium sets.
- Older production style.
💡 I like this as a cheap on-ramp before investing in bigger systems. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 Gripping Workshop: The Ultimate Study by Neil Adams
Instructor: Neil Adams
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: Advanced
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Grips define the fight tempo.
Techniques: Positive Vs Negative Gripping, Grip Breaks, Kuzushi, Balance Lines, Pocket Grip, Footwork
- Judo Gripping Systems For BJJ by Fernando Yamasaki – Cheaper, BJJ-oriented fundamentals.
- Scientific Gripping Systems For Jiu Jitsu – Cleaner BJJ application of judo gripping.
- Gorilla Grips by Magid Hage – Modern BJJ grips with no-gi nods.
You learn positive vs negative gripping, lines of balance, and how to break and re-attach with purpose. It is elite-level judo knowledge that carries to BJJ gi rounds if you translate. You will not get BJJ-specific ground sequences or no-gi options.
✅ Pros
- Outstanding conceptual language for teaching grips.
- Rare detail on balance lines and pocket grips.
- Transfers well to disciplined gi standup.
⚠️ Cons
- Judo-centric; needs BJJ translation.
- Higher price for a niche focus.
- No-gi players will not use most of it.
💡 I think about positive vs negative gripping before I even touch the gi; it stops me from accepting losing ties. Recommendation: Skip.
How to practice grip fighting without a partner
Use a heavy gi top on a pull-up bar for collar and sleeve re-gripping intervals: 20–30 second rounds with 10 seconds rest. Add footwork shadow rounds: shuffle, step-in, sleeve-to-collar switch, reset. Finish with band-resisted sleeve pulls and towel pull-ups for time under tension. Two to three micro-circuits a week builds endurance and clean hand placement.
Translating gi grips to no-gi hand fighting
Map collar grips to inside ties or head position, sleeve grips to wrist control or 2-on-1, and lapel feeds to underhook frames. Keep the same sequence: establish control, break, re-attach, then off-balance. Replace fabric anchors with posts on the shoulder line and inside biceps. Your movement and order of operations stay the same.
Common mistakes that kill your grips
Chasing throws before you control the power hand, letting elbows drift from your body, and failing to re-attach after a break. Fix it by setting a first-grip rule, drilling elbow-to-rib retractions, and adding a mandatory re-grip after every break. Track attempts per round and aim to shorten time-to-dominant-grip.
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