I’ve watched 200+ hours of instructionals on BJJ Fanatics and every other platform and ranked the most impactful ones to help you find the best BJJ instructional for your game. Start with my Top 3 picks below or browse by category to find your perfect match.
✓ Black belt reviewer • ✓ 200+ hours watched • ✓ Tested on the mat
Ultimate Submissions (FREE Anthology)
Your zero-risk entry point into instructionals. Perfect for testing if video instruction works for you while exploring high-percentage submissions from top coaches.
Guard Retention Anthology
Stop getting your guard passed every 30 seconds. This systematic approach builds unshakeable defensive infrastructure that makes playing guard endless and fun.
Systematically Attacking the Back
Master the highest percentage position in BJJ. Gordon’s complete system eliminates guesswork and builds finishing instincts that work under pressure.
Why These Instructionals?
I’ve watched instructionals from every major name — Danaher, Gordon, Craig, Lachlan, and dozens more. Started as a purple belt, now a black belt, and tested them all in sparring.
Important: There’s no single “best” instructional. It depends entirely on your goals, experience level, and preferred learning style. That’s why I rank them overall but also break down which is best for specific situations and audiences.
Rankings are based on:
- Impact on my game & training partners’ development
- Teaching quality — systematic instruction vs. random technique dumps
- Value for money — comprehensive systems vs. overpriced basics
- Immediate applicability — techniques that work in sparring, not just theory
Scope: Mostly no-gi focused but includes essential gi systems. Mix of comprehensive game-changers and specialized gems that fill specific gaps.
Goal: Help you find the right instructional for your game without wasting money on instruction that doesn’t match your needs or skill level.
Even the “lower ranked” instructionals here could transform your game — I only include instruction I’d personally recommend. The bar is just that high.
1. Guard Retention Anthology — Lachlan Giles
The instructional that took me from purple to brown belt. Not exaggerating.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈16 hours
- 📅 2020
- 🎯 All levels (but especially purple belt development)
- 🎛️ Essential defensive infrastructure
What It’s About
This is Lachlan at his absolute best — systematic, layered, and immediately applicable. I spent three months working through this material, and my guard retention went from spazzy to predictable and effective. Almost nobody at my gym could pass me anymore, even during positional sparring my coach needed minutes to pass me. The way Lachlan breaks down how to layer your frames, use distance management, and hip movement is unmatched. Every concept builds on the previous one in a way that makes perfect sense.
Why This Is Essential
- You can’t have an attacking guard if it gets passed every 30 seconds
- Lachlan’s layered approach means you always have a backup plan
- Works equally well in gi and no-gi with minimal adjustment
- Makes playing guard endless and so much fun
My Experience
Best for: Anyone who wants to play guard, truly.
Avoid if: You want to wrestle up. This instructional focuses on supine guard retention (so when you’re on your back, not seated).
Pairs with: Pillars of Defense: Pin Escapes (Gordon Ryan) When retention fails, you need escapes as your last line
2. Power Ride — Khabib-Style Pinning, Adapted For BJJ
The instructional that completely changed how I think about top control. This isn’t your grandfather’s side control.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈4 hours
- 📅 2022
- 🎯 All levels (but you need to actually drill this)
- 🎛️ Top control revolution
What It’s About
Look, I’ve tested every top control system out there, and this one broke my brain in the best way. Craig shows you how to be ‘on the legs, not past the legs’ — a concept that sounds simple but will revolutionize how you pin people. I immediately started hitting these rides in sparring, and my training partners couldn’t figure out what the hell I was doing differently. The positions feel genuinely new because they ARE new.
Why This Changed My Game
- I went from getting reversed constantly to having sticky, unshakeable top control
- Works on everyone — big guys, flexible guys, guys who usually explode out of everything
- Finally gives you something to do when people turn away instead of just chasing them around
- Connects perfectly to back takes in a way that feels inevitable, not forced
My Honest Assessment
Best for: Anyone tired of losing scrambles from top position. If you’ve ever had someone just stand up out of your side control, you need this.
Avoid if: You’re obsessed with traditional mount/side control and refuse to adapt. Also skip if you don’t actually want to drill — these positions require repetition.
Pairs with: Just Stand Up (Craig Jones) Learn the escapes so you understand what you’re shutting down
3. Systematically Attacking the Legs (2023) — Gordon Ryan
The definitive leg lock instructional. Yes, it’s 11 hours. Yes, it’s worth every minute.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 10+ hours
- 📅 2023
- 🎯 Intermediate–Advanced (don’t rush into this)
- 🎛️ Best Overall Leg Lock System
What It’s About
This is Gordon’s magnum opus for leg attacks — every entry, every control position, every finishing detail you could possibly want. I’ve been through this twice now, and I’m still finding new details. The systematic approach means you’re not just learning random leg locks, you’re building an entire lower-body attacking ecosystem that integrates with your passing game. When leg entries fail, you’re still in a dominant position.
Why This Is THE Leg Lock System
- Covers every major leg entanglement and what to do in it
- Shows you how to integrate leg attacks with your top game instead of abandoning position
- Gordon is simply the GOAT at leg locks, always has been, always will be
- Completely up to date with current meta
My Assessment
Best for: Those who want to learn everything about leg locks, so they always know what to do in every position.
Avoid if: You want quick wins – this instructional is long, methodic and structured. You need to commit 10+ hours to watching this at least.
Pairs with: Best Ankle Lock Instructionals Build your straight ankle foundation and get some quick wins before diving into this magnum opus
4. Make Z Guard Great Again — Craig Jones
The knee shield system I recommend to every beginner. Simple, effective, and immediately usable.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈6 hours 30 minutes
- 📅 2022
- 🎯 Beginner-friendly but scales up
- 🎛️ Your first bottom game specialty
What It’s About
This is exactly what knee shield half guard should be — a safe, systematic hub that beginners can actually use. Craig strips away the complicated stuff and focuses on what works consistently. I’ve probably recommended this to 30+ white and blue belts because it gives them something reliable to work from bottom. The entries are simple, the maintenance is clear, and the attacks actually work in sparring.
Why This Works for Beginners
- Knee shield is naturally defensive — hard to get submitted from here
- Connects to modern stand-ups and back takes
- Doesn’t require crazy flexibility or athleticism
- Craig’s teaching style makes complex concepts feel simple
My Assessment
Best for: Any beginner picking their first guard specialty. Also great for smaller players who get smashed in closed guard.
Avoid if: You’re committed to traditional gi-based half guard with collar ties and sleeve grips.
Pairs with: Half Guard Anthology (Lachlan Giles) Add depth and variations once you master Craig’s foundations
5. Systematically Attacking the Back — Gordon Ryan
The highest percentage position in BJJ, taught by the guy who finishes everyone from there.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈8–9 hours
- 📅 2021
- 🎯 All levels (technique-heavy but accessible)
- 🎛️ Best Back Attack System
What It’s About
Gordon breaks down every micro-battle of back control — from initial hooks to final squeeze. I’ve probably rewatched the hand-fighting sections five times because the details are so crucial. This isn’t just ‘get the hooks and squeeze’; it’s a complete system for maintaining control while systematically removing defensive options. The troubleshooting sections alone have saved me dozens of lost positions.
Why This Is Essential
- Back control has the highest finish rate of any position
- Gordon’s systematic approach eliminates guesswork
- Covers both gi and no-gi applications thoroughly
- Perfect for building finishing instincts under pressure
My Assessment
Best for: Everyone. Seriously, if you only buy one submission instructional, make it this one.
Avoid if: You’re looking for escapes or defensive systems. This is pure attacking instruction.
Pairs with: Best Back Attack Instructionals See how Gordon’s system compares to other back attack approaches
6. The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System
The fundamentals that dominated the world’s best grapplers. This is closed guard perfection.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈4 hours
- 📅 2019
- 🎯 All levels (essential for gi players)
- 🎛️ Best Closed Guard instructional
What It’s About
Roger shows you why fundamentals beat fancy techniques every single time. His cross-collar choke finished world champions, and here he breaks down exactly how he did it. The grip-fighting sequences, posture control, and transition timing are absolutely perfect. I reference this instructional constantly when teaching closed guard because Roger’s explanations are so clear and systematic.
Why Roger’s Approach Is Timeless
- Proven at the highest levels of competition for over a decade
- Works regardless of your physical attributes
- Builds patience and systematic thinking
- Perfect blueprint for coaches teaching fundamentals
My Assessment
Best for: Gi players who want to understand closed guard at the deepest level. Essential for traditional jiu-jitsu enthusiasts.
Avoid if: You only train no-gi and don’t want to adapt collar-based concepts.
Pairs with: Best Closed Guard Instructionals See how Roger’s traditional approach fits into modern closed guard evolution
7. Ageless Jiu-Jitsu Bundle — John Danaher
The instructional every hobbyist over 30 needs. Train smart, not just hard.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 12+ hours
- 📅 2023
- 🎯 All levels (Masters division focus)
- 🎛️ Best Instructional for Older Practitioners
What It’s About
Danaher addresses the elephant in the room — most BJJ instruction assumes you’re a 22-year-old athlete with infinite recovery time. This series is specifically designed for bodies that need to last decades, not just until the next competition. The risk-management principles alone have kept me training consistently without major injuries. It’s not about becoming less effective; it’s about being smarter with your choices.
Why This Matters for Longevity
- Specific modifications for aging joints and slower recovery
- Teaches when to say ‘no’ to risky positions
- Emphasizes technique and timing over athleticism
- Still competitive — doesn’t turn your game into passive stalling
My Experience
Best for: Anyone over 35, hobbyists prioritizing longevity, or athletes dealing with recurring injuries.
Avoid if: You’re a young competitor focused purely on cutting-edge meta techniques.
Pairs with: Best BJJ Instructionals See how this fits into a complete instructional library
8. Systematically Attacking the Guard 1.0 — Gordon Ryan
Gordon’s masterpiece, but prepare for information overload. Worth it if you can handle the fire hose.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 10+ hours
- 📅 2020
- 🎯 Intermediate to Advanced (or very dedicated beginners)
- 🎛️ Comprehensive passing architecture
What It’s About
This is Gordon giving you literally everything about guard passing — his complete system from outside range to chest-to-chest finishes. The level of detail is both the strength and weakness of this instructional. I’ve probably watched this 4-5 times because there’s so much information that you miss critical details on first viewing. The 3-phase structure (outside, mid-range, close contact) is brilliant conceptually.
The Gordon Problem
- Information overload is real — 11 hours is A LOT to digest
- Some concepts get repeated across volumes (Gordon loves his grip breaks)
- Requires significant mat time to implement properly
- Best approached as a reference manual, not a quick fix
My Recommendation
Best for: Serious competitors and anyone who wants to understand passing at the deepest level. Also perfect for coaches building systematic curricula.
Avoid if: You’re a beginner looking for quick wins. Start with Lepri or Faria for fundamentals first.
Pairs with: The Science of Guard Passing (Lucas Lepri) Learn fundamentals with Lepri, then add Gordon’s advanced concepts
9. The Half Guard Anthology — Lachlan Giles
Lachlan’s systematic brilliance applied to half guard. This is how you turn defense into offense.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 10+ hours
- 📅 2021
- 🎯 All levels (but especially valuable for smaller players)
- 🎛️ Best Half Guard System
What It’s About
Lachlan takes half guard from ‘survival position’ to ‘attacking hub’ with his trademark systematic approach. I love how he structures this — clear pathways from defensive frames to sweeps, back takes, and leg entries. The deep half and knee shield connections alone are worth the price. After working through this, I actually started hunting for half guard instead of just ending up there accidentally.
Why Lachlan’s Approach Works
- Builds attacking sequences instead of just showing isolated techniques
- Perfect for older or smaller players who can’t rely on explosive movements
- Clear troubleshooting for when opponents defend common attacks
- Seamless transitions to modern leg entanglements
My Experience
Best for: Anyone who finds themselves in half guard regularly. Essential if you’re smaller or less athletic than your training partners.
Avoid if: You never play guard and only want to work on top game.
Pairs with: Best Half Guard Instructionals See how this compares to other half guard systems
10. Pillars of Defense: Pin Escapes — Gordon Ryan
Stop being a sitting duck under side control. Gordon shows you how to turn escapes into attacks.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈9–10 hours
- 📅 2022
- 🎯 All levels (essential for survival)
- 🎛️ Best Pin Escape System
What It’s About
This is the defensive instruction I wish I had as a white belt. Gordon doesn’t just show you how to escape — he shows you how to escape into advantageous positions. The systematic approach to frames, hip movement, and creating space has saved me countless times. What makes this special is that every escape connects to either guard recovery or counter-attacks. You’re never just surviving; you’re setting up your next move.
Why This Completes Your Defense
- Structured escape pathways instead of desperate scrambling
- Connects defense directly to offense
- Works against pressure passers and athletic opponents
- Essential complement to guard retention systems
My Experience
Best for: Anyone who gets stuck under mount, side control, or north-south regularly. Essential for building defensive confidence.
Avoid if: You only want attacking systems. Though honestly, everyone needs solid escapes.
Pairs with: Best BJJ Submission Escape Instructionals Complete your defensive education with submission-specific escapes
11. Edging Your Way Out of Danger — Craig Jones
Craig’s late-stage submission escapes that actually work under pressure. Possibly his most underrated instructional.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈3 hours
- 📅 2021
- 🎯 All levels (but especially valuable for risk-takers)
- 🎛️ Best Submission Escape System
What It’s About
Most escape instruction focuses on early prevention. Craig shows you what to do when you’re already in deep trouble — locked armbars, tight triangles, fully sunk chokes. I’ve used these techniques to escape situations where I thought I was 100% done. The psychological aspect alone is worth the price — knowing you have real options changes how confidently you enter bad positions.
Why Craig’s Escapes Are Different
- Focuses on late-stage escapes when most instruction stops
- Honest about what’s dangerous and what’s actually possible
- Includes survival breathing and stress management
- Perfect complement to Power Ride and other Craig systems
My Assessment
Best for: Anyone who taps too early from submission attempts. Essential for building mental toughness and escape confidence.
Avoid if: You only want pure offensive instruction. Though these escapes can lead to counter-attacks.
Pairs with: Best Craig Jones Instructionals See where this fits in Craig’s complete instructional catalog
12. The Science of Guard Passing — Lucas Lepri
The fundamentals done perfectly. If you want to understand pressure passing, start here.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈3.5–4 hours
- 📅 2019
- 🎯 All levels (perfect for building foundations)
- 🎛️ Pressure passing fundamentals
What It’s About
Lepri shows you how world-class guard passing actually works — not flashy, just brutally effective pressure and angles. This is the instructional I wish I’d watched as a white belt. Every grip, every step, every pressure point is explained with championship-level precision. The knee cut and toreando sequences here are what I consider the gold standard for fundamental passing.
Why Lepri Is Special
- His attention to grip details is unmatched — every finger placement matters
- Explains the ‘why’ behind traditional passing principles
- Works equally well for hobbyists and competitors
- Builds timing and patience, not just technique
My Take
Best for: Anyone who wants to understand pressure passing correctly. Perfect foundation before tackling Gordon’s advanced concepts.
Avoid if: You only train no-gi and refuse to adapt gi concepts. Though honestly, most of this translates beautifully.
Pairs with: Systematically Attacking the Guard (Gordon Ryan) Master Lepri’s fundamentals, then add Gordon’s systematic approach
13. Leg Lock Anthology: 50/50 — Lachlan Giles
The 50/50 specialist course that made Lachlan famous at ADCC. This is how you control the knee line.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 8+ hours
- 📅 2020
- 🎯 Intermediate–Advanced (leg lock foundation required)
- 🎛️ Best 50/50 Specific System
What It’s About
Lachlan breaks down the position that defined his ADCC performance — 50/50 heel hook control. This isn’t just about the finish; it’s about understanding the entire ecosystem of the position. The way he explains knee line control and backside transitions has completely changed how I approach 50/50. I spent two months drilling just the entry sequences, and now 50/50 feels like home instead of a scramble.
Why This Is Essential for Leg Lockers
- Lachlan’s systematic approach eliminates guesswork in 50/50
- Perfect for understanding control before submission
- Backside 50/50 transitions that are still cutting-edge
- Safety protocols that protect your own legs
My Take
Best for: Athletes who already understand basic leg locks and want 50/50 specialization. Essential for competitors in the leg lock meta.
Avoid if: You’re brand new to leg locks — build your ashi foundation first.
Pairs with: Best Ankle Lock Instructionals Master straight ankle locks before advancing to heel hook systems
14. Systematically Attacking the Turtle — Gordon Ryan
Stop letting people escape through turtle. Gordon shows you how to systematically break it down.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈9–10 hours
- 📅 2021
- 🎯 Intermediate (requires wrestling awareness)
- 🎛️ Best Turtle Attack System
What It’s About
Turtle is where a lot of guard passers lose their advantage — opponent turtles up, you lose control, they escape or re-guard. Gordon systematically shows you how to maintain dominance from turtle to back control or submissions. The hand-fighting details and hook mechanics are incredibly precise. Since studying this, turtle has become one of my favorite positions to attack instead of something I try to avoid.
Why Turtle Attacks Matter
- Turtle appears constantly in modern no-gi scrambles
- Direct pathway to back control and high-percentage finishes
- Essential for wrestlers transitioning to submission grappling
- Prevents opponents from using turtle as an escape route
My Take
Best for: Guard passers who routinely create turtle situations but struggle to capitalize. Essential for wrestling-heavy games.
Avoid if: You never see turtle positions or only play from bottom.
Pairs with: Best Back Attack Instructionals Complete the turtle-to-back finishing sequence with specialized back attack instruction
15. Foundations of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — Bernardo Faria
The friendliest, most encouraging fundamental instruction you’ll find. Bernardo makes everyone feel welcome.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈6–7 hours
- 📅 2019
- 🎯 Beginner (perfect for white belts)
- 🎛️ Best Beginner Fundamentals
What It’s About
Bernardo’s approach to fundamentals feels like getting instruction from your most encouraging training partner. He breaks down every basic position with patience and clarity, always emphasizing that everyone can learn these techniques regardless of athleticism. I recommend this to every new student because Bernardo’s positive energy makes the learning process enjoyable instead of intimidating.
Why Bernardo Is Perfect for Beginners
- Incredibly encouraging teaching style builds confidence
- Clear progression from basic movements to complete systems
- Emphasizes patience and technique over athleticism
- Perfect foundation for exploring more advanced instruction later
My Recommendation
Best for: Brand new students or anyone wanting to revisit fundamentals with fresh eyes. Essential for coaches teaching beginners.
Avoid if: You’re looking for advanced meta techniques or competition-specific instruction.
Pairs with: Best Bernardo Faria Instructionals Explore Bernardo’s complete instructional catalog
16. Butterfly Guard Rediscovered 3.0 — Adam Wardziński
Modern butterfly guard with championship-level details. Adam shows you the evolution of this classic position.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈7–8 hours
- 📅 2023
- 🎯 All levels (builds on classical foundations)
- 🎛️ Best Modern Butterfly Guard
What It’s About
Adam takes Marcelo’s classical butterfly guard and updates it for the modern game. The grip-fighting details and angle adjustments are incredibly precise — stuff that only becomes clear when you see it demonstrated by someone who competes at the highest level. I’ve been implementing his underhook variations for months, and they’ve made my butterfly sweeps much more reliable against defensive opponents.
Why This Updates Classical Butterfly
- Championship-level details from active competitor
- Modern solutions to contemporary defensive reactions
- Excellent grip-fighting and angle instruction
- Bridges classical butterfly with current meta
My Assessment
Best for: Players who already understand basic butterfly guard and want to add modern refinements. Perfect for competitive players.
Avoid if: You’re completely new to butterfly guard — start with Marcelo’s fundamentals first.
Pairs with: Best Adam Wardziński Instructionals Explore Adam’s systematic approach to fundamental positions
17. The Complete Butterfly Guard — Marcelo Garcia
Learn from the master. Marcelo’s butterfly guard is poetry in motion.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈4 hours
- 📅 2018
- 🎯 All levels (especially valuable for smaller frames)
- 🎛️ Best Butterfly Guard Foundation
What It’s About
This is Marcelo Garcia — arguably the greatest grappler of all time — teaching his signature position. Every sweep, every back take, every detail has been tested at the highest levels of competition. What I love about this instructional is how Marcelo shows the ‘why’ behind every movement. It’s not just technique; it’s understanding the fundamental principles that make butterfly guard work.
Timeless Marcelo Magic
- These techniques have been proven effective for over a decade
- Perfect teaching style — clear, methodical, and encouraging
- Emphasizes leverage and timing over strength and speed
- Direct pathway to back control that works on everyone
My Take
Best for: Smaller grapplers looking for a reliable guard system. Also essential for anyone wanting to understand butterfly fundamentals before exploring modern variations.
Avoid if: You only want cutting-edge modern techniques. This is classic, proven butterfly guard.
Pairs with: Best Butterfly Guard Instructionals Compare Marcelo’s classic approach with modern butterfly innovations
18. No-Gi Closed Guard — Ffion Davies
Finally, a no-gi closed guard that actually works. Ffion shows you how to make it aggressive.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈2–2.5 hours
- 📅 2024
- 🎯 Beginner–Intermediate (perfect for developing players)
- 🎛️ Best Female Instructor
What It’s About
Most people think closed guard doesn’t work in no-gi. Ffion proves them wrong. She shows you how to create genuine attacking threats without gi grips — overhooks, wrist control, collar ties that actually control posture. I’ve been using her clamp control system for months now, and it’s completely changed how I approach no-gi closed guard. No more just holding and hoping.
Why Ffion’s System Works
- Designed specifically for smaller/lighter athletes
- Aggressive posture-breaking that actually works in no-gi
- Clear progressions from control to submissions
- Excellent competition footage breakdowns show real application
My Take
Best for: Anyone who struggles with no-gi closed guard, especially smaller players. Also great for women who want to see high-level technique from a female perspective.
Avoid if: You only train gi and aren’t interested in no-gi applications.
Pairs with: Best Closed Guard Instructionals Compare Ffion’s no-gi approach with traditional gi-based systems
19. Feet-To-Floor Bundle — John Danaher
The takedown system for BJJ players who hate takedowns. Finally, standing skills that make sense.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈40 hours
- 📅 2022
- 🎯 All levels (perfect for takedown beginners)
- 🎛️ Best Takedown System for BJJ
What It’s About
Danaher designed this specifically for BJJ players, not wrestlers or judoka. The techniques prioritize safety over spectacular throws, and everything connects directly to your ground game. I used to pull guard by default because I was terrified of takedowns. After working through this system, I actually have confidence on the feet. The grip-fighting and footwork fundamentals have been game-changing for my stand-up game.
Why This Works for BJJ Players
- Built around BJJ rules and reactions, not pure wrestling
- Low-risk techniques that won’t expose your back
- Direct connections to guard-passing immediately after takedowns
- Perfect for building confidence in players who avoid the feet
My Assessment
Best for: Anyone who pulls guard by default but wants takedown competence. Essential for competitors who can’t afford to give up takedown points.
Avoid if: You want pure wrestling or judo curriculum. This is specifically adapted for BJJ.
Pairs with: Best BJJ Takedown Instructionals Compare Danaher’s BJJ-specific approach with other takedown systems
20. Wrestling Made Easy — Firas Zahabi
MMA-ready clinch & takedown blueprint: pummeling to underhooks, doubles, knee taps, body locks, and sprawls that land you safely on top.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ≈1.5–2 hours
- 🎯 All levels
- 🎛️ Takedowns / MMA grappling
What It’s About
A step-by-step stand-up system for BJJ/MMA: build underhooks with pummeling, set up double-leg variants (incl. kosoto-style finishes), knee taps and body locks, and use the sprawl to chase the back. Emphasis on simple progressions and finishes that keep you safe while getting the fight to the mat on your terms.
Why I Like It
- Clinch-first, BJJ-friendly wrestling that reduces risky shots and bad scrambles.
- Directly maps to MMA and no-gi rounds (pummeling, underhooks, sprawl → back).
- ‘Made Easy’ progressions make it approachable for non-wrestlers.
My Recommendation
Best for: BJJ athletes crossing into MMA / no-gi who want reliable takedowns and safe landings into top control.
Avoid if: You only train gi and don’t plan to work on stand-up.
Pairs with: Control Freak: Side Control — Firas Zahabi Lock down top after the takedown so you can strike without giving up easy escapes.
21. Ultimate Submissions (FREE Anthology)
Your zero-risk entry point into instructionals. I tell everyone to start here.
Quick Facts
- 🕓 ~3–4 hours
- 📅 Updated regularly
- 🎯 Perfect for beginners
- 🎛️ Submission sampler
What It’s About
This is how you dip your toe in the instructional world without spending money. It’s a rotating collection of high-percentage submissions from various instructors. I’ve recommended this to probably 50+ people as their first instructional purchase (or non-purchase, since it’s free). Smart way to figure out which submission families click with your body type and preferences.
Why I Recommend This First
- Zero financial risk — if you hate it, you’ve lost nothing but time
- Exposes you to different teaching styles so you can find your preferred instructors
- Gives you a taste of systematic submission hunting vs. random technique collecting
- Perfect for testing if you actually learn well from video instruction
My Take
Best for: Complete beginners or anyone skeptical about instructionals. Also great for coaches building a submission curriculum.
Avoid if: You want deep, systematic instruction from a single source. This is sampling, not mastery.
Pairs with: Foundations of BJJ (Bernardo Faria) Get your fundamentals sorted while you explore submissions
How to Save Money on BJJ Instructionals
BJJ Fanatics: Never pay full price – they always have sitewide ~50% discount codes running. On top of that, their daily deals stack another 50% off. With patience, you can get premium instructionals for 75% off (around $49 instead of $200). Can’t wait? Still grab the 50% sitewide discount and pay ~$99 for an 8-hour world-class instructional.
Submeta: Get a discount through our Submeta review page to save on your subscription.
Best BJJ Instructional Platforms: BJJ Fanatics vs Submeta
BJJ Fanatics offers the best standalone BJJ instructionals with premium production quality and comprehensive coverage from top instructors like Gordon Ryan, Craig Jones, and John Danaher. Individual instructionals cost $150-300 but provide unmatched depth and detail.
Submeta works like Netflix for BJJ instructionals – 66+ courses from Lachlan Giles for ~$25/month. Lachlan’s systematic teaching approach and innovative techniques (K-guard, modern guard retention) make it exceptional value for building complete game systems.
Platforms to avoid:
- YouTube/TikTok/Instagram: While there’s occasionally good content, these platforms lack structured learning progression. The algorithm feeds you random techniques that don’t build on each other, plus the dopamine hits and flashy fake moves in the next video will destroy your focus and learning
- Grapplers Guide: Mostly outdated content despite lifetime access claims (Also read: Grapplers Guide Review: It’s Not worth it in 2022.)
- Jiu Jitsu X: Lighter, less structured content from a limited instructor pool
Our recommendation: Use BJJ Fanatics for premium deep-dive instructionals on specific positions, and Submeta for systematic skill development and overall value.
Who Makes the Best BJJ Instructionals?
The best BJJ instructionals come from four elite instructors: Lachlan Giles, Craig Jones, Gordon Ryan, and John Danaher. Each has unique strengths:
- Lachlan Giles: The most structured teacher with clear overviews and systematic progression. His “layered learning” approach makes complex positions digestible.
- Craig Jones: Combines world-class technique with humor and efficiency. His instructionals are shorter but packed with innovative concepts like the revolutionary pinning philosophy in Power Ride.
- Gordon Ryan: Unmatched technical details and systematic breakdowns. Can be overwhelming with 8-11 hour instructionals, but the depth is unparalleled for serious students.
- John Danaher: Comprehensive knowledge and detailed explanations. Known for lengthy but thorough coverage of entire systems like leg locks.
These aren’t the only high quality instructors! But they consistently deliver the highest-level instruction available.
How to Get Maximum Value from BJJ Instructionals
Even the best BJJ instructional won’t improve your game if you approach it wrong. Here’s how to extract maximum value:
The 30-Minute Rule for BJJ Instructionals
Watch instructionals in 30-minute blocks. Your brain gets saturated beyond that point. Daily 30-minute sessions beat marathon 4-hour viewing sessions every time when learning from the best BJJ instructionals.
Mat-to-Video Ratio: 1:2 for BJJ Instructionals
For every hour of instructional content you watch, spend 2 hours drilling on the mat. This ensures you actually integrate techniques instead of just “knowing” them. The best BJJ instructionals are useless without mat time.
Sparring Triggers: Apply Your BJJ Instructional Learning
After each chapter, set concrete goals: “test 2 different entries of this sweep today” or “attempt this escape 5 times during rolling.” This transforms theoretical knowledge from instructionals into practical skills.
Note-Taking Template for BJJ Instructionals
Create a standard template (PDF or Notion) for every instructional:
- Key concepts and principles
- New details that stood out
- Which opponents this works best against
- Common mistakes to avoid
One System Per 6-8 Weeks Rule
Focus on one complete system at a time from your BJJ instructional library. Don’t jump between different guards or positions. Give yourself 6-8 weeks to truly master a system before moving to the next instructional.
BJJ Instructionals FAQ
Are BJJ instructionals worth the money?
Yes, the best BJJ instructionals are absolutely worth it. Top instructors put their most refined content into focused products rather than random YouTube videos. You’ll learn faster than through YouTube’s algorithm that constantly switches topics. A $100 instructional with 6 hours of content is still cheaper than private lessons, plus you can rewatch indefinitely.
What’s better for beginners: fundamentals or specific systems?
Start with fundamental BJJ instructionals, then quickly move to complete systems. Learning random techniques doesn’t work – you need a gameplan. Choose one guard (like knee shield half guard) and master it completely. This builds more confidence than learning 20 disconnected sweeps from different instructionals.
What about Grapplers Guide?
A lot of people on Reddit recommend Grapplers Guide. They say that it’s good value for the money because for $300 you get lifetime access to a whole bunch of courses. But what they don’t tell you is that almost all the courses are outdated. And you can get access to a whole bunch of better courses for $25 per month on Submeta, so I think Submeta made Grapplers Guide obsolete.
Why are BJJ Instructionals so expensive?
This question is always hard to answer because it’s subjective what ‘expensive’ means. Many instructionals are 5 to 8 hours long, so even if they’re $200, that’s a lot cheaper than private classes would have been! (And more value because you can rewatch.) The only thing I can say is that it’s relatively more affordable to get Submeta or a good BJJ Fanatics Daily Deals.
