Home / Reviews / The 2026 Ranking
Best BJJ Submission Instructionals: Ranked Picks With Proof
A data-backed ranking of the most impactful BJJ Fanatics submission instructionals, based on r/bjj sentiment, structure, applicability, authority and production quality.
BJJMore earns affiliate commissions from BJJ Fanatics links on this page, at no extra cost to you. I only rank instructionals I’ve studied; the commissions never change the order.
Jump to a pick
- 1. Triangles: Enter The System
- 2. High Percentage Chokes: No Gi
- 3. Systematically Attacking The Guillotine
- 4. The Front Headlock System
- 5. The Complete North South Choke
- 6. The Marcelotine
- 7. The Headhunter Guillotine Series
- 8. The Science of Filthy Triangles
- 9. Master The Move: The Straight Arm Bar Ude Gatame
- Comparison table
- FAQ
The top picks, up front
2026 editionTriangles: Enter The System
John DanaherA complete triangle system that upgrades your setups, control, and finishes from bottom and top.
≈8h 49m · all levels · no-gi · $$High Percentage Chokes: No Gi
Lachlan GilesA clean, affordable no-gi choke system built around front headlock control and reliable finishes.
≈5h 6m · all levels · no-gi · $Systematically Attacking The Guillotine
Gordon RyanAdvanced guillotine mechanics and chaining that weaponize the front headlock for no-gi.
≈4h 49m · advanced · no-gi · $$$A data-backed ranking of the most impactful BJJ Fanatics submission instructionals, based on r/bjj sentiment, structure, applicability, authority and production quality.
Triangles: Enter The System
John DanaherA complete triangle system that upgrades your setups, control, and finishes from bottom and top. Style: system based, conceptual, drill heavy. Community rating: 9.2/10. $197.00.
What it covers
You will learn a full triangle roadmap with precise mechanics. You will practice structured entries and link triangles to armlocks. You will not get a short highlight reel or a quick-fix tutorial.
Biggest takeaway: mechanics before squeezes. Techniques covered: triangle, armbar, reverse triangle.
Why it stands out
- A true system that connects entries, control and finishes clearly.
- Production has chapters and content mapping that aids spaced study.
- Transfers well to gi with minor grip changes.
Long runtime demands patience and note-taking. Some entries assume strong inversion and flexibility. Not ideal if you want quick, bite-sized drills only.
All levels who want a complete triangle roadmap with precise mechanics and structured entries linked to armlocks.
You want quick, bite-sized drills only, or a short highlight reel rather than an 8-hour system.
I saw the biggest gains by drilling the trap-to-figure-four transition before chasing new entries. Recommendation: Buy it now. Notable alternatives:
- Systematically Attacking Triangles – A modern triangle toolkit with live examples from Gordon Ryan.
- The Science of Filthy Triangles – Unorthodox triangle mechanics and catch-wrestling angles.
High Percentage Chokes: No Gi
Lachlan GilesA clean, affordable no-gi choke system built around front headlock control and reliable finishes. Style: system based, conceptual. Community rating: 9.0/10. $79.00.
What it covers
You will learn front headlock control, guillotines and arm-in variations. You will see clear sequences and troubleshooting. You will not get a sprawling, eight-volume marathon.
Biggest takeaway: front headlock first. Techniques covered: guillotine, darce, anaconda.
Why it stands out
- Shorter, well-structured lessons make practice easier.
- Covers the whole choke family from the same hub.
- Budget-friendly without sacrificing key details.
Less exhaustive than Danaher or Gordon sets. Gi adaptations are only implicit. Fewer live application segments than some newer releases.
All levels who want an affordable, well-structured front headlock choke system with clear sequences and troubleshooting.
You want the most exhaustive coverage available or explicit gi grip adaptations.
I got faster results by drilling the snap-down into arm-in guillotine before adding darce and anaconda. Recommendation: Buy it now. Notable alternatives:
- The Front Headlock System – Deeper, more comprehensive FHL control and submissions.
- Systematically Attacking The Guillotine – Advanced guillotine-focused path with high-wrist details.
Systematically Attacking The Guillotine
Gordon RyanAdvanced guillotine mechanics and chaining that weaponize the front headlock for no-gi. Style: system based, conceptual, footage breakdown. Community rating: 8.8/10. $349.00.
What it covers
You will learn high-wrist and arm-in guillotines with precise mechanics. You will connect attacks across front headlock transitions. You will not get much gi-specific guidance.
Biggest takeaway: high wrist matters. Techniques covered: guillotine, arm in guillotine, front headlock.
Why it stands out
- Elite, modern guillotine mechanics with layered counters.
- Integrates well with FHL passing and back takes.
- Lots of detail on finishing variations.
High price compared to peers. Heavy runtime with fewer beginner cues. Sparse gi adaptation notes.
Advanced no-gi grapplers who want elite, modern guillotine mechanics with layered counters and front headlock chaining.
You are on a budget, need beginner cues, or want gi-specific guidance.
I improved finishes by prioritizing high wrist before any squeeze, then switching to arm-in as they pummel. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal. Notable alternatives:
- The Front Headlock System – Broader position-first FHL curriculum that complements the guillotine focus.
- High Percentage Chokes: No Gi – A shorter, easier starting point for FHL chokes.
The Front Headlock System
John DanaherA position-first front headlock curriculum that maps reactions into guillotines, darce and anaconda. Style: system based, conceptual. Community rating: 8.9/10. $197.00.
What it covers
You will learn to hold and attack from front headlock. You will map reactions into guillotines, darce and anaconda. You will not get a short, beginner-only overview.
Biggest takeaway: reactions drive choices. Techniques covered: front headlock, guillotine, darce.
Why it stands out
- Strong position-first approach builds reliable control.
- Covers multiple chokes from the same hub.
- Teaches reaction-based decision trees.
Heavy lecture sections slow practice cadence. Some chapters feel confusing without coaching cues. Not tailored to gi grip specifics.
Intermediate grapplers who want a position-first front headlock curriculum with reaction-based decision trees and multiple chokes from one hub.
You want a short beginner overview or gi-specific grip detail, or you dislike heavy lecture sections.
I improved retention by drilling the three-choice decision tree before adding entries. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal. Notable alternatives:
- High Percentage Chokes: No Gi – A shorter, simpler entry point to FHL chokes.
- Systematically Attacking The Guillotine – Advanced guillotine focus if you already like FHL.
The Complete North South Choke
Marcelo GarciaMarcelo Garcia’s complete approach to positioning and finishing the north-south choke. Style: system based, conceptual. Community rating: 8.4/10. $149.00.
What it covers
You will learn how to position and finish north-south. You will troubleshoot common stalls and counters. You will not get a generic choke compilation.
Biggest takeaway: head position wins. Techniques covered: north south choke, shoulder pressure.
Why it stands out
- Addresses the ‘feel’ of finishing north-south.
- Strong control curriculum before squeezing.
- Useful coaching cues for troubleshooting.
Niche compared to FHL chokes. Video can only partially convey ‘feel’. Production quality varies across MG releases.
Intermediate grapplers (gi or no-gi) who want a focused, control-first path to finishing the north-south choke.
You want a higher-frequency choke family or a broad choke compilation rather than one position.
I started finishing more once I prioritized chest angle and shoulder drop before gripping. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal. Notable alternatives:
- The Front Headlock System – If you want a higher-frequency choke family in no-gi.
- High Percentage Chokes: No Gi – Broader head-and-arm choke pathways from FHL.
The Marcelotine
Marcelo GarciaThe high-elbow guillotine details Marcelo popularized, with entries and finishing cues. Style: technique collection, conceptual. Community rating: 6.9/10. $149.00.
What it covers
You will learn the high-elbow guillotine details Marcelo popularized. You will see entries and finishing cues. You will not get brand-new footage across the board, based on reports.
Biggest takeaway: elbow lift timing. Techniques covered: high elbow guillotine, Marcelotine.
Why it stands out
- Concise teaching of a proven guillotine variant.
- Highlights shoulder line control and head positioning.
- Pairs well with FHL positional work.
Reports of recycled MGInAction content. Organization feels jumbled to some viewers. Price-to-value questioned by many buyers.
Marcelo Garcia collectors who specifically want his high-elbow guillotine details and do not mind a shorter, looser collection.
You want a complete, well-organized guillotine system or strong price-to-value at full price.
I would only buy this at a deep discount unless you specifically collect Marcelo resources. Recommendation: Skip. Notable alternatives:
- Systematically Attacking The Guillotine – More complete and modern guillotine system with clear structure.
- High Percentage Chokes: No Gi – Cost-effective front headlock chokes with solid pedagogy.
The Headhunter Guillotine Series
Neil MelansonCatch-flavored guillotine finishes and entries, with strong standing and snap-down options. Style: system based, technique collection. Community rating: 8.2/10. $79.00.
What it covers
You will learn catch-flavored guillotine finishes and entries. You will get strong standing and snap-down options. You will not get a perfectly linear curriculum.
Biggest takeaway: pull the head first. Techniques covered: guillotine, arm in guillotine, snap down.
Why it stands out
- Different arm-in mechanics unlock finishes many miss.
- Standing tie-ups into guillotines are well explained.
- Great complement to wrestling-heavy games.
Less cohesive structure than top-tier systems. Some material feels theoretical without drilling. Production varies across segments.
Intermediate no-gi grapplers and wrestlers who want catch-flavored guillotine finishes plus standing and snap-down entries at a budget price.
You want a perfectly linear curriculum or the most cohesive, system-first structure.
I had success using his standing pulls to create immediate chin exposure for arm-in finishes. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal. Notable alternatives:
- High Percentage Chokes: No Gi – Cleaner pedagogy with similar choke family coverage.
- Systematically Attacking The Guillotine – Deeper finishing detail at a premium price.
The Science of Filthy Triangles
Neil MelansonNonstandard triangle pathways and controls, with options for reverse and side triangles. Style: technique collection, conceptual. Community rating: 8.0/10. $127.00.
What it covers
You will learn nonstandard triangle pathways and controls. You will develop options for reverse and side triangles. You will not get a tightly linear, single-approach curriculum.
Biggest takeaway: angles create clamps. Techniques covered: triangle, reverse triangle. 8 volumes.
Why it stands out
- Expands triangle repertoire beyond standard guards.
- Methodical explanations aid retention.
- Great complement to classic triangle systems.
Structure is less cohesive than system-first courses. Some entries are body-type dependent. Fewer live application segments.
Intermediate grapplers who already have a base triangle game and want unorthodox reverse and side-triangle pathways to expand it.
You want a tightly linear, single-approach curriculum or lots of live application footage.
I hit more reverse triangles after adopting his head-and-shoulder capture before leg threading. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal. Notable alternatives:
- Triangles: Enter The System – A cohesive triangle framework before adding Melanson’s variants.
Master The Move: The Straight Arm Bar Ude Gatame
John DanaherCutting and shotgun armbar mechanics covered in depth, refining finishes from mount and guard. Style: conceptual, system based. Community rating: 7.6/10. $197.00.
What it covers
You will learn cutting and shotgun armbar mechanics in depth. You will refine finishes from mount and guard with exact leg positions. You will not get a short overview.
Biggest takeaway: legs break posture. Techniques covered: armbar, shotgun armbar.
Why it stands out
- Detailed break mechanics and leg positioning.
- Fixes common finishing errors from mount.
- Focus helps advanced learners refine timing.
Runtime feels excessive to many viewers. Narrow scope vs comprehensive armbar systems. Not ideal for brand-new students.
Advanced grapplers who want to refine cutting and shotgun armbar break mechanics and leg positioning from mount and guard.
You are a new student, want broad armbar coverage, or find a near-4-hour single-move deep dive excessive.
I would pair this with positional sparring from mount to absorb the details without burnout. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal. Notable alternatives:
- Arm Bars: Enter The System – A broader armbar curriculum if you prefer a full system.
- Systematically Attacking The Arm Bar – Ryan’s armbar course with grip breaks and live examples.
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Triangles: Enter The System | John Danaher | 8 hours and 49 minutes | All Levels | No-Gi | Triangle system | $$ | Check price → |
| 2 | High Percentage Chokes: No Gi | Lachlan Giles | 5 hours and 6 minutes | All Levels | No-Gi | No-gi choke system | $ | Check price → |
| 3 | Systematically Attacking The Guillotine | Gordon Ryan | 4 hours and 49 minutes | Advanced | No-Gi | Advanced guillotine | $$$ | Check price → |
| 4 | The Front Headlock System | John Danaher | 7 hours and 52 minutes | Intermediate | No-Gi | Front headlock system | $$ | Check price → |
| 5 | The Complete North South Choke | Marcelo Garcia | 2 hours and 59 minutes | Intermediate | Both | North-south choke | $$ | Check price → |
| 6 | The Marcelotine | Marcelo Garcia | 2 hours and 27 minutes | Intermediate | Both | High-elbow guillotine | $$ | Check price → |
| 7 | The Headhunter Guillotine Series | Neil Melanson | 3 hours and 38 minutes | Intermediate | No-Gi | Catch-style guillotines | $ | Check price → |
| 8 | The Science of Filthy Triangles | Neil Melanson | 5 hours and 55 minutes | Intermediate | No-Gi | Unorthodox triangles | $$ | Check price → |
| 9 | Master The Move: The Straight Arm Bar Ude Gatame | John Danaher | 3 hours and 57 minutes | Advanced | No-Gi | Straight armbar detail | $$ | Check price → |
How we weighted community reception for this ranking
We coded r/bjj posts for each instructional, looking for specific finish-rate reports, clarity notes and complaints about structure or runtime. We only counted posts with concrete reasons or examples. We then compared those signals to the product’s stated scope and teaching style, and adjusted for price and likely audience. This kept the ranking grounded in how real students actually used the material, not just marketing.
Still deciding which submission instructional to buy?
For a complete triangle system, start with Danaher’s Triangles: Enter The System. On a budget, Lachlan Giles’ High Percentage Chokes covers the front headlock choke family for $79. For elite no-gi guillotine detail, Gordon Ryan’s Systematically Attacking The Guillotine is the deepest of the bunch.