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Best BJJ Instructionals Under $50
The average BJJ instructional costs $108, and Danaher and Gordon Ryan titles run far higher. But there are 225+ titles on BJJ Fanatics priced under $50, and some are genuinely excellent. These are the budget picks that actually deliver, ranked by how much usable BJJ you get per dollar.
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The top picks, up front
2026 editionFoundations of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Bernardo FariaThe most complete fundamentals encyclopedia at the best price in this range.
6 volumes · 90 techniques · gi · ~$49 on saleHalf Domination
Tom DeBlassA complete pressure-based half guard system from an ADCC veteran.
4 DVDs · gi & no-gi · all levels · ~$39-47 on saleSubmission Escapes
Tom DeBlassPure survival: stop tapping every round, including modern leg lock defense.
3 volumes · gi & no-gi · white-purple · ~$39-47 on saleThe average BJJ instructional costs $108. John Danaher titles average $268. Gordon Ryan’s average $346. But there are 225+ titles on BJJ Fanatics priced under $50, and some of them are genuinely excellent. I watched the best ones so you don’t waste your money on the duds.
Let’s be honest: $50 is real money. You could buy two months of open mat drop-ins or a new rashguard. So if you’re spending it on an instructional, you want it to count.
The good news is that some of the best foundational BJJ content on the market sits in that under-$50 range. You won’t find Danaher’s 8-part systems or Gordon Ryan’s competition blueprints here. But you will find World Champions teaching rock-solid fundamentals, battle-tested half guard systems, and escape sequences that will keep you alive in sparring.
Foundations of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Bernardo Faria90 techniques across 6 volumes from a 5x World Champion. BJJ World called it “the best basics DVD for BJJ ever.” At ~$49 on sale, you’re paying roughly $0.55 per technique.
What it covers
The six volumes cover the full positional hierarchy: standing work, closed guard (sweeps and submissions), open guard (De La Riva, lasso guard, and Faria’s trademark knee shield), guard passing (starting with posture and progressing to more complex passes), and position escapes from side control, north-south, and knee on belly.
Why it stands out
- 90 techniques covering every major position
- Friendly teaching style with clear explanations
- Proven fundamentals from a 5x World Champion
- Works for both gi and translates well to no-gi
The best basics DVD for BJJ ever.
BJJ World
Older production quality (no multi-angle shots). No leg lock content. Doesn’t go deep on any single position.
White and blue belts who want a complete fundamentals encyclopedia.
You want deep coverage of a single position.
our full Foundations review for the volume-by-volume breakdown.
The Road to Blue Belt
Travis LutterA focused 2-DVD set that answers one question: what does a white belt actually need to know? Fewer techniques done really well.
What it covers
Where Faria gives you 90 techniques across every position, Lutter narrows it down to the essentials that work for “regular people” (his words). The emphasis is on seat belt grips, basic positional control, and submissions that are reliable under pressure.
Why it stands out
- Focused curriculum with clear progression
- Works in both gi and no-gi
- Realistic techniques for hobbyists, not competitors
- UFC-tested instructor who understands pressure
Only 2 DVDs, so coverage is intentionally limited. Won’t take you beyond blue belt fundamentals.
Overwhelmed white belts who want a roadmap, not an encyclopedia.
You want deep coverage or you’re already at blue belt.
Escapes and Attacks From Bottom Side Control
Eli KnightDon’t just get out. Get out and immediately attack. Every escape chains directly into a counter-attack or positional improvement.
What it covers
Elbow escapes, shrimping variations, and bridging techniques from bottom side control, with every escape chaining directly into a counter-attack or positional improvement.
Why it stands out
- Escape-to-attack chains, not just survival
- Multiple options from every bad position
- Royce Gracie lineage and self-defense emphasis
- Budget price point, well under $50
Focused only on side control bottom (not mount, back, etc.). Less competition-oriented than Danaher’s escape series.
White belts who spend most of their time pinned under side control.
You need a complete escape system covering all positions.
Tom DeBlass’ Submission Escapes for a broader defensive toolkit across every position.
Half Domination
Tom DeBlassHalf guard is the single most covered topic in BJJ instructionals (814 titles on GrappleDB). DeBlass’s Half Domination is where many people’s half guard journey starts.
What it covers
Volume 1 builds your knee shield and Z guard foundation from bottom. Volume 2 switches to top half guard. Volume 3 digs into advanced bottom half guard attacks. Specific techniques include the waiter sweep, elbow trap sweep, butterfly hook sweep, kimura from half guard, and omoplata sweep sequences.
Why it stands out
- Complete bottom and top half guard system
- Z guard and knee shield fundamentals
- Sweep-to-submission chains (kimura, omoplata)
- Pressure-based style that works for bigger grapplers
Lachlan Giles’ Half Guard Anthology goes deeper for $30 more. DeBlass’s style is heavy and pressure-oriented, may not suit lighter grapplers.
Anyone who wants a reliable, pressure-based bottom game.
You’re a lighter grappler who prefers speed-based approaches.
Closed Guard Domination
Tom DeBlassA systematic closed guard approach from an ADCC veteran. Cross-collar chokes, armbars, triangle setups, hip bump sweeps, and the scissor sweep.
What it covers
Breaking posture, setting up sweeps, and attacking submissions from closed guard. Nothing revolutionary, but taught clearly by someone who has spent decades making these basics work against resisting opponents.
Why it stands out
- Systematic closed guard approach from an ADCC veteran
- Classic submissions taught with modern details
- Sweep-to-submission transitions
- Great for gi players at any level
Closed guard is less relevant in no-gi at higher levels. Roger Gracie’s closed guard instructional is more detailed (but costs more).
Gi players who want to sharpen their closed guard fundamentals.
You primarily train no-gi.
Fundamentals of Guard Passing
Mikey MusumeciA multiple-time World Champion who knows guards better than almost anyone teaches you how to break and pass them. Deliberately simplified for white belts.
What it covers
The approach is methodical: first break the guard structure, then pass. Musumeci covers posture management, grip fighting, and specific passing sequences that chain together.
Why it stands out
- World Champion teaching passing in beginner-friendly terms
- Systematic guard-breaking progressions
- Simplified versions of advanced passing concepts
- Budget-friendly entry into guard passing
Gi-focused; no-gi passers should look elsewhere. Not as comprehensive as Lachlan Giles’ Guard Passing Anthology.
White and blue belts who need a structured passing framework.
You train primarily no-gi or want competition-level detail.
Submission Escapes
Tom DeBlassOne of the most practical purchases you can make under $50 on sale. Every escape you learn is one less tap in sparring.
What it covers
Volume 1 handles upper body escapes: armbars, triangles, omoplatas, kimuras, and guillotines. Volume 2 addresses leg lock defense: straight ankle locks, heel hooks, toe holds, and kneebars. Volume 3 covers positional escapes from mount, side control, and back control.
Why it stands out
- Comprehensive coverage of the most common submissions
- Includes modern leg lock defense (heel hooks, toe holds)
- Positional escapes alongside submission escapes
- Works in both gi and no-gi
Danaher’s New Wave Submission Escapes goes much deeper ($197+). Defensive focus means no counter-attack chains.
White belts tired of tapping every 30 seconds.
You want escape-to-counter-attack systems.
Position, Transition and Submission
Eli KnightConnects the dots between positions. Get to a position, transition to a better one, finish with a submission. Originally planned at $147+, now well under $50.
What it covers
As a Royce Gracie black belt, Knight teaches a self-defense-oriented style. The techniques are simple and high-percentage. Position-to-submission chains rather than isolated techniques.
Why it stands out
- Position-to-submission chains, not isolated techniques
- Self-defense applicable
- Priced well below what the content is worth
- Clear, methodical instruction
Self-defense emphasis may not appeal to sport BJJ players. Less name recognition than Faria, DeBlass, or Danaher.
Self-defense-oriented beginners who want connected techniques.
You’re focused on sport BJJ competition.
Eli Knight’s Escapes and Attacks From Bottom Side Control for deeper defensive work from the same instructor.
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundations of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Bernardo Faria | 6 volumes / 90 techniques | White and blue belts | Gi focus | For beginners | $ | Check price → |
| 2 | The Road to Blue Belt | Travis Lutter | 2 DVDs | White belts | Gi & No-Gi | Beginner roadmap | $ | Check price → |
| 3 | Escapes and Attacks From Bottom Side Control | Eli Knight | Multiple volumes | White to blue belts | Gi & No-Gi | Side control escapes | $ | Check price → |
| 4 | Half Domination | Tom DeBlass | 4 DVDs | All levels | Gi & No-Gi applicable | Half guard | $ | Check price → |
| 5 | Closed Guard Domination | Tom DeBlass | 4 DVDs | All levels | Gi focus | Closed guard | $ | Check price → |
| 6 | Fundamentals of Guard Passing | Mikey Musumeci | Multiple volumes | White to blue belts | Gi focus | Guard passing | $ | Check price → |
| 7 | Submission Escapes | Tom DeBlass | 3 volumes | White to purple belts | Gi & No-Gi | Escape and defense | $ | Check price → |
| 8 | Position, Transition and Submission | Eli Knight | Multiple volumes | White to blue belts | Gi & No-Gi | Position-to-submission system | $ | Check price → |
A note on pricing
BJJ Fanatics runs perpetual sales. The “regular” prices listed for each pick are almost never what you actually pay. With a sitewide discount code (they always have one active), most $77-$99 titles drop into the $39-$50 range. We explain exactly how to stack discounts in our BJJ Fanatics Discount Guide.
Free BJJ instructionals worth your time
$0 titles from legitimate black belts on BJJ Fanatics and YouTube. Before you spend anything, grab these.
Free on BJJ Fanatics — 5+ titles from Danaher, Gordon Ryan, and more
- John Danaher – Self Mastery: Solo BJJ Training Drills – Solo drills from the most systematic BJJ instructor alive.
- Gordon Ryan – High Percentage Gi Passes – The GOAT teaches gi passing for free.
- Andrew Wiltse – The Daisy Fresh Knee Slice – Clean and direct knee slice system.
- Dinu Bucalet – The Switch: Wrestling Applied to BJJ – Wrestling fundamentals adapted for BJJ.
- Travis Stevens – Judo at Home Workouts – Olympic silver medalist judo drills.
Browse all free titles on BJJ Fanatics
For more details: Our Complete Guide to Free BJJ Instructionals
Free on YouTube — structured multi-hour series, not random clips
- Rich Salamone – BJJ Wrestling Plan – 8 volumes, 17+ hours of wrestling fundamentals for BJJ.
- Tom Halpin – Back Attacks 1.0 and 2.0 – Complete back attack system.
- RVVBJJ (Rory van Vliet) – Gordon Ryan Guard Passing Study – Detailed floating pass analysis.
- Dominique Bell – Single Leg X Guard – DLR entries and SLX sweeps.
How to get premium titles for under $50
How to get premium titles for under $50
You don’t necessarily need to buy from the “Under $50” section. With the right timing, you can get $197 instructionals for $49 or less.
- Never pay full price. BJJ Fanatics always has a sitewide discount code running (40-50% off). Check our BJJ Fanatics Discount Guide.
- Watch the Daily Deals. Every day, one title gets an extra 40-60% discount on top of the sitewide code.
- Stack discounts. Sitewide code + daily deal can stack to ~75% off. A $197 title becomes roughly $49.
- Join the Insiders Club. You get the weekly deal schedule in advance.
- Buy bundles. System bundles package 3-5 related courses at 40-50% less than buying individually.
- Wait for seasonal sales. Labor Day, Black Friday, and Summer sales offer the deepest discounts.
- Check for free giveaways. Instructors periodically make titles free for a day.
Subscription alternatives under $50/month
If you train regularly and consume a lot of instructional content, a subscription platform might give you better value.
Submeta – $25/month — Lachlan Giles’ structured curriculum platform
Lachlan Giles’ platform with a structured curriculum that progresses from foundations through advanced concepts. The Foundations I: Escapes course is permanently free. Best for systematic learners who want a guided path.
Defensive BJJ – $14.99/month — Priit Mihkelson reviews YOUR sparring footage
Priit Mihkelson’s platform focused on defensive concepts: guard retention, turtle defense, back escapes. The standout feature is personal sparring footage review. Offers a $1 trial week.
The math: Submeta at $25/month costs $300/year. For that same $300, you could buy 6-8 individual instructionals on sale that you own forever. The subscription wins if you consume content quickly. Individual purchases win if you rewatch the same titles over months or years.
FAQ
Are cheap BJJ instructionals actually good?
Some of them are excellent. Bernardo Faria’s Foundations ($49 on sale) is regularly cited as one of the best fundamentals instructionals ever made. Tom DeBlass’s Half Domination ($39-47 on sale) is one of the most recommended half guard titles at any price.
Should I buy an instructional or get a subscription?
It depends on how you learn. If you like to focus on one topic for months, buy a single instructional and drill it. If you want to explore many topics, Submeta ($25/month) or Defensive BJJ ($14.99/month) give better variety.
What’s the single best instructional under $50 for a complete beginner?
Bernardo Faria’s Foundations of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 90 techniques covering every major position. At ~$49 on sale, nothing else in this price range comes close.
How often does BJJ Fanatics have sales?
Constantly. There’s always a sitewide discount code active (40-50% off), and the Daily Deal rotates every day. See our BJJ Fanatics Discount Guide for current codes.
Can I get BJJ instructionals for free?
Yes. BJJ Fanatics has 5-8 permanently free titles from Danaher and Gordon Ryan. Submeta offers Lachlan Giles’ Foundations I: Escapes for free. On YouTube, Rich Salamone’s 17-hour BJJ Wrestling Plan is a full system at no cost. See our Free BJJ Instructionals Guide.
Is it worth waiting for a Daily Deal on a specific title?
If there’s a $79-$197 title you want, absolutely. Daily Deals stack with sitewide codes for ~75% off total. Join the Insiders Club to get the deal schedule in advance.
What’s the best budget instructional for no-gi?
Bernardo Faria has a “Foundations of BJJ: No-Gi” version at a similar price. Tom DeBlass’s titles translate well since his half guard works in both gi and no-gi. For dedicated no-gi content, catch a Daily Deal or use Submeta.
Still deciding which budget set to start with?
If you can only buy one, buy Bernardo Faria’s Foundations: every major position for ~$49 on sale. Add Tom DeBlass’ Submission Escapes once you’re tired of tapping. Never pay full price – BJJ Fanatics runs sitewide discounts almost year-round.