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Best Brian Glick Instructionals
Brian Glick has never competed in a single BJJ match, yet BJJ World gave his Half Guard Mastery a perfect 10/10 and John Danaher calls him a hidden gem among his most notable students. Here are his 14 instructionals ranked by teaching quality, system depth, and community feedback.
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Jump to a pick
- 1. Simplify The System: Half Guard Mastery
- 2. Simplify the System: Side Scissor
- 3. Simplify The System: Sumi Gaeshi (The Butterfly Sweep)
- 4. Knee Lever Masterclass
- 5. Only Way Out: Dynamic Pin Escapes
- 6. Only Way Out: Dynamic Back Escapes
- 7. Only Way Out: Front Headlock and Turtle Escapes
- 8. Under Pressure: Half Butterfly Mastery
- 9. Under Pressure: Retention, Recovery and Attacking from Guard
- 10. Under Pressure: Leg Entanglements
- 11. Essence of Control: The Crucifix (Crucifix Masterclass)
- 12. Pressure Drop: Dynamic Guard Passing – Outside Position
- 13. Dynamic Guard Passing: Inside Position
- 14. Pressure Drop: Close Range Passing
- Comparison table
- FAQ
The top picks, up front
2026 editionSimplify The System: Half Guard Mastery
Brian GlickBJJ World’s only 10/10 for a Glick title. A decision-tree half guard framework that teaches when to use each variation, not just how.
≈8 h · intermediate+ · no-gi · $$$Under Pressure Bundle
Brian GlickBJJ World 9.5/10. Three connected titles covering half butterfly, retention/recovery, and leg entanglements: the most complete guard system Glick offers.
≈15 h · intermediate+ · no-gi · $$$Simplify the System: Side Scissor
Brian GlickBJJ World 9/10. An angle-based closed guard variant that almost nobody else teaches, with integrated Clamp and Top Lock systems.
≈5.5 h · all levels · no-gi · $$$I cross-referenced reviews from BJJ World (which rated 5 of his 14 titles), community feedback, and detailed volume breakdowns. Glick has 14 individual instructionals organized into four connected series, plus 3 bundles. Each review below includes specific technique names, named community quotes, and honest weaknesses that name competing products.
Simplify The System: Half Guard Mastery
Brian GlickBJJ World’s only 10/10 for a Glick title. An 8-hour decision-tree framework covering knee lever mechanics, duck under positioning, tight waist sweeps, whizzer counters, and a full troubleshooting volume. The conceptual approach focuses on when to use each variation, not just how.
What it covers
Part 1 establishes half guard mechanics: lower leg shift, knee lever, and shelfing as foundational concepts. Part 2 covers tight waist position with roll-through sweeps, ankle picks, and the trilemma sweep. Part 3 is the duck under section: head positioning, whizzer solutions, knee cut pass defense, and back step counters. Part 4 goes deep on knee lever mechanics: kuzushi directions, grip combinations, and scramble management.
Part 5 tackles whizzer solutions: dogfight position, overhook counters, cowcatcher, and single legs. Part 6 is dedicated troubleshooting: reverse over/underhooks, sit-out, and smash position shielding. Part 7 covers system framework concepts including leg lock connections and wrestling up. Part 8 finishes with body positioning: dogfight, tight waist finishing, and side positioning.
Why it stands out
- BJJ World gave it 10/10, calling Glick a hidden gem among Danaher’s most notable students with teaching that rivals his mentor’s.
- Decision-tree framework teaches when to use each variation based on your opponent’s reaction, not just isolated techniques.
- Troubleshooting volume (Part 6) addresses the specific defensive reactions that shut down most half guard players.
- Knee lever mechanics (Part 4) are so detailed that Glick released a separate Knee Lever Masterclass expanding on them.
A hidden gem among [Danaher’s] most notable students. A teaching style and understanding of BJJ that rivals his mentor’s.
BJJ World (10/10 rating)
Lucas Leite’s Coyote Half Guard (~$77 on BJJ Fanatics) is the gold standard for competition-proven half guard. Leite built multiple world championship campaigns almost entirely from half guard, and his system covers both gi and no-gi. Danaher’s own Half Guard: Go Further Faster is described as the most comprehensive instructional on the half guard ever created, and since Danaher is Glick’s teacher, some of the concepts overlap. Glick’s system is also no-gi only, so gi players who want lapel-based half guard need to look elsewhere.
No-gi practitioners (blue belt and above) who want a conceptual half guard framework that emphasizes decision-making over memorizing techniques. Particularly strong for older or smaller grapplers who need leverage-based solutions.
You compete primarily in the gi (this is no-gi only), you already own Danaher’s Half Guard GFF (significant conceptual overlap), or you prefer competition-proven systems (Lucas Leite has the trophies Glick doesn’t).
Pairs with Under Pressure: Half Butterfly Mastery for extending the half guard into half butterfly sweeps and leg attacks, or the Simplify the System Bundle for the Side Scissor and Sumi Gaeshi systems that complement it.
Simplify the System: Side Scissor
Brian GlickBJJ World 9/10. An angle-based closed guard variant that almost nobody else teaches. Five volumes covering the side scissor position, the Clamp (overhook-based closed guard), and integrated Top Lock combinations with flowing attack sequences.
What it covers
Volume 1 introduces the side scissor position with its three key objectives. Volume 2 covers mechanics and attacks: off-balancing, grip mechanics, arm drags, Russian ties, back takes, mount transitions, and triangle/armbar setups using a Williams guard style. Volume 3 introduces the Clamp, an overhook-based closed guard variation with knee pulls, push-pull mechanics, arm drags, 2-on-1 grips, and submission setups.
Volume 4 is the integration volume: combining clamp and side scissor into one system, with posture breaks, sweeps, arm locks, triangles, and attack set variations. Volume 5 (bonus) covers the Top Lock: armbar/triangle combinations, top position follow-ups, and troubleshooting.
Why it stands out
- BJJ World’s Ognen Dzabirski gave it 9/10, saying he enjoyed it as much as any Danaher or Ryan Hall DVD.
- The side scissor is a genuinely unique position. Almost nobody else teaches this angle-based closed guard variant.
- Volume 4’s integration of Clamp and Side Scissor into one flowing system creates multiple simultaneous threats.
- Study guide presentation structure makes self-guided review easy.
Enjoyed as much as any Danaher or Ryan Hall DVD.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9/10 rating)
The side scissor is a niche position. If you’re looking for a conventional closed guard system, Roger Gracie’s instructionals or Ryan Hall’s Triangle Machine cover more familiar territory with competition-proven pedigrees. The uniqueness is both the strength and the limitation: your training partners probably don’t know how to counter it (good), but you also can’t find supplementary content from other instructors (less good).
Guard players who want to add a genuinely novel position that opponents haven’t seen. Works well as a secondary guard system to complement your primary game.
You want a competition-proven closed guard (Roger Gracie, Ryan Hall), or you prefer widely-taught positions with lots of supplementary YouTube content available.
Pairs with Half Guard Mastery for a complete bottom game covering both open and closed scenarios, or the Simplify the System Bundle to get the full guard position series.
Simplify The System: Sumi Gaeshi (The Butterfly Sweep)
Brian GlickGlick’s judo-influenced approach to the butterfly sweep, simplified into a repeatable system with grip variations, setups, and complementary techniques. Connects directly to his half guard and half butterfly systems.
What it covers
Focuses on simplifying the sumi gaeshi (butterfly sweep) into a repeatable system. Covers grip variations for different opponent reactions, sweep setups from multiple tie-ups, sweep variations for when your first attempt gets defended, and complementary techniques that connect to Glick’s broader guard system. Uses judo-influenced terminology reflecting Glick’s Judo black belt background.
Why it stands out
- Judo black belt perspective on the butterfly sweep brings different grip and kuzushi concepts than pure BJJ instructors.
- Connects directly to Glick’s half guard and half butterfly systems for a seamless bottom game.
- Focused reps for the key sweep in multiple ties make immediate drilling practical.
Marcelo Garcia built an entire ADCC-winning career on butterfly sweeps and remains the undisputed gold standard for the position. Adam Wardzinski’s butterfly guard instructionals have more competition proof behind them at the highest levels. Glick’s version is more focused and smaller in scope, which is either a strength (less overwhelming) or a weakness (less complete) depending on your needs.
Practitioners who already use half guard or half butterfly and want to add the butterfly sweep as a connected option. The judo influence makes it particularly interesting for grapplers with judo backgrounds.
You want the definitive butterfly sweep system (that’s Marcelo Garcia), or you need competition-proven butterfly material (Adam Wardzinski).
Pairs with Half Guard Mastery for the half guard system these sweeps connect to, or Under Pressure: Half Butterfly Mastery for the deeper half butterfly integration.
Knee Lever Masterclass
Brian GlickA thorough breakdown of the knee lever as a universal principle that works from any position, not just half guard. Covers core mechanics, leverage angles, weight distribution, timing, and applications from open guard, 50/50, top pressure, and scramble situations.
What it covers
Treats the knee lever as a universal sweep and control principle rather than a single technique. Core mechanics sections cover leverage, angle, weight distribution, and timing. Applications extend beyond half guard into open guard, 50/50, top pressure scenarios, and scramble situations. Step-by-step mechanics breakdowns show how the same principle adapts to different positions.
Why it stands out
- Unique standalone instructional on a technique that most instructors only mention in passing.
- Shows how one principle applies across many positions, the kind of conceptual teaching Glick excels at.
- Referenced by BJJ Coach Substack as essential study material for half guard development.
- Expands on the knee lever content from Part 4 of Half Guard Mastery with much more depth.
This overlaps significantly with the knee lever content in Half Guard Mastery (Part 4). If you already own Half Guard Mastery, you may find this redundant. No dedicated BJJ World review exists, so there’s less independent validation than his higher-rated titles. The knee lever as a standalone product is also quite niche; most practitioners would benefit more from starting with the full Half Guard Mastery system.
Practitioners who specifically want to develop the knee lever as a weapon across multiple positions, or who own Half Guard Mastery and want deeper coverage of this particular technique.
You already own Half Guard Mastery (significant overlap), or you’d rather start with a broader system that includes the knee lever as one component.
Pairs with Half Guard Mastery as the broader system this supplements, or Sumi Gaeshi for another sweep system that connects to the same positions.
Only Way Out: Dynamic Pin Escapes
Brian GlickSix hours of principle-based pin escapes covering knee on belly, mount, north-south, and side control. BJJ World rated it 7/10, praising how Glick connects defensive escapes to offensive opportunities. The executive summary volume provides a practical blueprint.
What it covers
Part 1 (1 hour) establishes pin escape principles: inside position concepts, arm/leg frames, bridging, kipping, rocking, and knee-elbow connections. Part 2 covers knee on belly escapes with dynamic directional escapes, single leg transitions, half guard entries, and Ashi Garami setups. Part 3 tackles mount escapes: knee-elbow approaches, kipping variations, Garry Tonon’s turning escape, and high mount troubleshooting.
Part 4 covers north-south solutions using movement-based escapes during transitions and pummel sequences. Part 5 (1.5 hours, the longest section) beats side control with lower leg shifts, headlock techniques, sit-throughs, and underhooks. Part 6 is a 40-minute executive summary connecting all pin escapes into integrated scenarios. Part 7 provides foundational outtakes.
Why it stands out
- Principle-based rather than position-matching: teaches you to understand why escapes work, not just memorize drills.
- North-south escape section is particularly useful according to BJJ World, a position most escape instructionals gloss over.
- Executive summary (Part 6) connects all escapes into a practical blueprint you can reference quickly.
- Part of the broader Only Way Out system that connects pin escapes to back escapes and turtle escapes.
The brilliance is how he connects defensive escapes to offensive opportunities.
BJJ World (7/10 rating)
BJJ World specifically criticized the side control section as feeling overwhelming with too many concepts covered without sufficient depth. The reviewer also noted you need to watch the full content to grasp the system; the executive summary alone is insufficient. Danaher’s Pin Escapes and Turtle Escapes (Go Further Faster) is more comprehensive and methodical, though one BJJ Equipment reviewer called Danaher’s version quite boring, long, slow, dense, verbose, and repetitive. Stephan Kesting’s No Gi Pin Escapes offers a more systematic beginner-friendly alternative.
Practitioners who want to understand escape principles conceptually and connect their defense to offensive opportunities. Strong for intermediate players who already know basic escapes and want a deeper framework.
You want the most comprehensive escape coverage available (Danaher’s GFF Pin Escapes), you’re a complete beginner who needs step-by-step instruction (Kesting is more beginner-friendly), or you specifically need competition-tested escapes (Gordon Ryan’s Pillars of Defense).
Pairs with Only Way Out: Dynamic Back Escapes and Front Headlock and Turtle Escapes for the complete escape system, or the Only Way Out Bundle for all three at a discount.
Only Way Out: Dynamic Back Escapes
Brian GlickStructural, strategic back escapes built on framework thinking, not scramble-based guesswork. Emphasis on staying calm under pressure and developing instincts through systematic responses to different pressure types.
What it covers
Teaches structural back escapes using a framework approach. Covers understanding back control positions and the attacker’s goals, systematic escape routes for different hook and grip configurations, defensive principles for staying calm under choking pressure, and adaptive techniques for different pressure types. Emphasis on developing instincts through structured responses rather than panicked reactions.
Why it stands out
- Strategy-first approach: teaches you to understand what the attacker needs, then systematically deny it.
- Designed for non-athletes who can’t rely on explosiveness to escape.
- Connects to the broader Only Way Out escape system for a unified defensive approach.
- Glick’s emphasis on disaster tolerance (functioning under pressure) is especially relevant for back escape situations.
No dedicated BJJ World review exists, so there’s less independent validation than the rated titles. Gordon Ryan’s Pillars of Defense covers back escapes within a broader defensive framework backed by the most dominant no-gi competition record in history. Danaher’s GFF series also covers back escapes more comprehensively. Without competition footage, Glick can’t demonstrate these techniques working against elite resistance.
Practitioners who struggle with panic when their back is taken and want a calm, systematic approach. Works well as part of the complete Only Way Out escape system.
You want competition-proven back escapes (Gordon Ryan’s Pillars of Defense), or you need the most comprehensive coverage (Danaher’s GFF series).
Pairs with Dynamic Pin Escapes and Front Headlock and Turtle Escapes for the complete escape system, or the Only Way Out Bundle.
Only Way Out: Front Headlock and Turtle Escapes
Brian GlickBJJ World 7.5/10. Six hours covering three primary front headlock escape routes (sit-through, arm drag, sucker drag), early choke defense, back take prevention, and a 2+ hour deep dive on escaping turtle. Features Glick’s trilemma movement framework, escape combos resembling boxing combinations.
What it covers
Part 1 covers turtle goals: attacker/defender objectives, back-to-floor concepts, inside positioning, shoulder rolls, and standing techniques. Part 2 focuses on front headlock escapes through three primary routes: sit-through, arm drag, and sucker drag, all leading to guard recovery.
Part 3 teaches early-stage choke defense: high elbow guillotine escapes, Anaconda escapes, arm triangle defense, and Darce choke escapes. Part 4 covers preventing back takes with shoulder rolls, hip drops, half guard systems, and Ashi Garami solutions. Part 5 (2+ hours, the largest section) goes deep on escaping turtle: two-on-one techniques, standing escape routes, K-guard positioning, and leg lock setups from turtle. Part 6 is a condensed summary using the trilemma movement framework.
Why it stands out
- BJJ World praised the trilemma movements concept, escape combos resembling boxing combinations that create multiple simultaneous threats.
- Part 5 (2+ hours on escaping turtle) is exceptionally deep, covering K-guard from turtle and leg lock setups that few other instructionals address.
- Three distinct front headlock escape routes give you options when the first attempt fails.
- Covers niche transitions (K-guard from turtle, leg locks from bottom) that connect defense to offense.
Glick might not have entered competitive BJJ stardom like Gordon Ryan or others, but succeeded as a teacher who understands the Gentle Art at a level different from everyone else.
BJJ World (7.5/10 rating)
Priit Mihkelson’s turtle defense system (Running Man, Panda) is widely regarded as the gold standard for turtle defense and has been adopted by high-level competitors worldwide. Danaher’s GFF series covers turtle escapes within a broader system from Glick’s own teacher. And Glick’s lack of competition experience means these techniques haven’t been pressure-tested at the highest levels of tournament competition.
Practitioners who frequently end up in turtle (common for wrestlers transitioning to BJJ) and want offensive options from the position, not just survival. The trilemma framework is particularly useful for decision-making under pressure.
You specifically want turtle defense (Priit Mihkelson’s system is more widely adopted), or you need the most comprehensive escape coverage (Danaher’s GFF series covers more ground).
Pairs with Dynamic Pin Escapes and Dynamic Back Escapes for the complete escape system, or the Only Way Out Bundle.
Under Pressure: Half Butterfly Mastery
Brian GlickPart of the BJJ World 9.5/10-rated Under Pressure bundle. Four hours covering half butterfly mechanics, reactive sweeping, leg lock attacks, pinch headlocks, Sumi Gaeshi overhead sweeps, body lock defense, and pin escapes back to guard. Praised as having the clearest half butterfly decision tree available.
What it covers
Covers basic mechanics and guard directions, reactive sweeping techniques that respond to your opponent’s pressure, leg lock attacks on both opponent legs from half butterfly, pinch headlocks and Sumi Gaeshi overhead sweeps, body lock pass defense (critical for modern no-gi), pin escapes that lead back to half butterfly guard, and a system overview connecting all elements.
Why it stands out
- Part of the 9.5/10-rated Under Pressure bundle, BJJ World’s highest rating for any Glick product.
- Community praises it as the clearest step-by-step half butterfly decision tree available.
- BJJ World noted the material benefits old guys and those who are small-framed seeking efficiency-based grappling.
- Connects sweeps to leg locks to pass prevention in one integrated system.
The material particularly benefits old guys and those who are small-framed seeking efficiency-based grappling without relying on strength, flexibility, and explosiveness.
BJJ World (9.5/10 for the Under Pressure bundle)
Marcelo Garcia is the undisputed king of butterfly guard, with decades of ADCC results proving his system at the highest level. The half butterfly is a niche sub-position; if you’re new to butterfly guard, you should learn the full butterfly first. This title is mostly reviewed as part of the Under Pressure bundle, so standalone assessments are limited.
No-gi practitioners who already play half guard and want to add the half butterfly as a connected sweep and attack option. Particularly strong for older or smaller grapplers.
You’re new to butterfly guard (learn the full butterfly from Marcelo Garcia first), or you want the most competition-proven butterfly system (Garcia or Adam Wardzinski).
Pairs with Retention, Recovery and Attacking from Guard and Leg Entanglements to complete the Under Pressure system, or get the Under Pressure Bundle for all three.
Under Pressure: Retention, Recovery and Attacking from Guard
Brian GlickPart of the 9.5/10-rated Under Pressure bundle. Five hours covering the full guard lifecycle: retention (the Clamp concept), recovery from bad positions, and counterattacking submissions. Staged knee cut defense (early, mid, late) is particularly practical.
What it covers
Covers Glick’s unique Clamp concept for guard retention, posture and grip principles, action-reaction dynamics, guard recovery from mount and side control, knee cut pass defense broken into early, mid, and late stages, body lock pass defense, counterattacking submissions (Kimuras, armbars, arm triangles, Omoplatas), and a system integration overview connecting retention to offense.
Why it stands out
- The Clamp concept for guard retention is unique to Glick’s system and not taught by any other instructor.
- Staged knee cut defense (early/mid/late) gives you specific responses for each timing window, not just don’t let them pass.
- Covers the full guard lifecycle: retention, recovery, counterattack, in one integrated title.
- BJJ World: with Glick delivering the material, you know you’re getting what you paid for; the man can solve problems in a way your local coach can’t.
With Glick delivering the material, you know you’re getting what you paid for; the man can not only teach, he can solve problems in a way your local coach can’t.
BJJ World (9.5/10 for the Under Pressure bundle)
Gordon Ryan’s The Ultimate Guard is the most comprehensive guard system on BJJ Fanatics, backed by the most dominant no-gi competition record in history. Jon Thomas offers excellent free YouTube content on guard retention that covers similar concepts at zero cost. Like other Glick titles, this lacks the competition proof that Ryan and Thomas can demonstrate.
Guard players who get passed too often and want a systematic approach to retention that connects to counterattacking. The staged knee cut defense is immediately useful for anyone facing pressure passers.
You want the most competition-proven guard system (Gordon Ryan’s Ultimate Guard), or you’d rather try free content first (Jon Thomas’s YouTube).
Pairs with Half Butterfly Mastery and Leg Entanglements to complete the Under Pressure system, or get the Under Pressure Bundle.
Under Pressure: Leg Entanglements
Brian GlickPart of the 9.5/10-rated Under Pressure bundle. 6.5 hours across 8 volumes covering Ashi Garami positioning, entries from DLR/X Guard/shin-to-shin/K Guard/half butterfly, ankle locks, heel hooks, toe holds, back takes from Ashi, and sweeps, all integrated with guard play.
What it covers
Covers distance, connection, and inside position concepts for leg entanglements. Ashi Garami positioning and variations. Funneling opponents into leg lock entries from guard. Multiple entry pathways: DLR, X Guard, shin-to-shin, K Guard, and half butterfly. Finishing mechanics for ankle locks, heel hooks, and toe holds. Back takes from various Ashi positions. Sweeps and Kuzushi applications from leg entanglement exchanges.
Why it stands out
- Uniquely integrated with guard playing: these aren’t standalone leg locks but attacks that emerge from your guard game.
- Multiple entry pathways (DLR, X Guard, shin-to-shin, K Guard) mean you can access leg locks from whatever guard you already play.
- Combines sweeps, back takes, and submissions from leg entanglements for a complete threat system.
- Part of the Under Pressure bundle that BJJ World rated 9.5/10.
This bundle will benefit everyone who picks it up.
BJJ World (9.5/10 for the Under Pressure bundle)
John Danaher’s leg lock system (Enter the System / New Wave) is the definitive leg lock instructional, from Glick’s own teacher, with more comprehensive coverage and the competition record of the entire DDS behind it. Lachlan Giles and Craig Jones offer competition-proven leg lock systems at various runtimes. This is supplementary to a guard-focused system rather than a dedicated leg lock curriculum, so if you want pure leg locks, Danaher is the better starting point.
Guard players who want leg attacks integrated with their guard game, not as a separate system. Particularly useful if you already play DLR, X Guard, or half butterfly and want to add leg lock threats.
You want a dedicated, comprehensive leg lock system (start with Danaher’s Enter the System), or you want competition-proven leg lock instruction (Lachlan Giles, Craig Jones).
Pairs with Half Butterfly Mastery and Retention/Recovery to complete the Under Pressure system, or get the Under Pressure Bundle.
Essence of Control: The Crucifix (Crucifix Masterclass)
Brian GlickGlick’s only standalone title outside his four series. Principle-first crucifix instruction covering control mechanics (grips, wedges, angles instead of chest-to-chest pressure), entries from scrambles/back/turtle, and attack chains for rear naked chokes, armlocks, and traps.
What it covers
Submission-based control concepts that replace traditional chest-to-chest pressure with grips, wedges, and angles. Systematic entries from scrambles, back takes, turtle, and other common positions. Attack chains covering rear naked chokes, armlocks, and traps from crucifix. Positional refinement for maintaining control, making real-time adjustments, and shutting down escape attempts.
Why it stands out
- Few comprehensive crucifix instructionals exist on the market; this fills a genuine gap.
- Unique control methodology using grips, wedges, and angles instead of traditional pin-based pressure.
- Entries from multiple positions (back, turtle, scrambles) connect the crucifix to situations you already encounter.
- Glick’s teaching clarity makes the crucifix accessible in a way that other resources don’t.
Light on rolling footage; some practitioners want to see techniques applied in live sparring. Alexandre Vieira’s crucifix system is the main competitor and has more competition pedigree behind it. The crucifix is also a niche position with a smaller potential audience than half guard, escapes, or guard passing. Some users find Glick’s delivery too measured or slow for this type of specialist content.
Practitioners who frequently reach the crucifix from back control or turtle and want a systematic approach to finishing from there. Also strong for grapplers who want an unusual position to add to their top game.
You want competition-proven crucifix instruction (Alexandre Vieira), or you’d rather invest in a broader system like half guard or escapes first.
Pairs with Front Headlock and Turtle Escapes for the defensive side of the positions that often lead to crucifix entries.
Pressure Drop: Dynamic Guard Passing – Outside Position
Brian GlickPressure-based guard passing from standing against supine guard players. Glick applies his signature methodical approach to dismantling the guard through positional dominance, timing, and control rather than speed or athleticism.
What it covers
Pressure-based, systematic guard passing from the outside (standing) position against supine guard players. Emphasis on pressure, timing, and control over speed and athleticism. Outside position strategy for passing around the guard. Methods for dismantling the opponent’s guard through positional dominance rather than explosive movement.
Why it stands out
- Glick’s signature clarity and methodical teaching applied to guard passing.
- Pressure-based approach makes it accessible for older or less athletic practitioners.
- Part of a complete three-title passing system (outside, inside, close range).
- No-speed, no-athleticism philosophy aligns with Glick’s core teaching identity.
Gordon Ryan’s Systematic Passing System is the dominant no-gi guard passing instructional, backed by the greatest passing record in ADCC history. Danaher’s Go Further Faster: Guard Passing covers passing comprehensively from Glick’s own teacher. These are newer releases with no BJJ World reviews yet, and Glick’s lack of competition record may concern pass-focused competitors who want proven tournament technique.
Practitioners who like Glick’s teaching style and want to extend his methodical approach to their top game. Works best as part of the complete three-title passing system.
You want the most competition-proven passing system (Gordon Ryan), or the most comprehensive passing coverage (Danaher’s GFF series).
Pairs with Inside Position and Close Range Passing for the complete Pressure Drop passing system.
Dynamic Guard Passing: Inside Position
Brian GlickSystematic approach to shutting down seated and supine guard players from standing using inside position dominance. Covers neutralizing leg entanglements, avoiding leg locks, and shutting down wrestle-up attacks through posture, pressure, and positioning.
What it covers
Systematic approach to shutting down both seated and supine guard players using standing inside position. Neutralizing leg entanglement attempts and avoiding leg locks. Shutting down wrestle-up attacks. Emphasis on posture, pressure, and positioning over speed or athleticism.
Why it stands out
- Specifically addresses modern no-gi guard threats: leg entanglement entries and wrestle-up attacks.
- Inside position complements the Outside Position title for complete standing passing coverage.
- Non-athletic approach makes it practical for hobbyists who face younger, more explosive guard players.
Same limitations as Outside Position: Gordon Ryan and Danaher cover this ground with more competition credibility and community validation. Newer release with minimal review data and no BJJ World rating. The lack of competition footage means you can’t see these passes working against elite-level guard players.
Part of the complete Pressure Drop passing system. Best purchased with the other passing titles for a unified approach.
You want proven competition passing (Gordon Ryan’s system), or you’d rather invest in Glick’s stronger guard-focused titles first.
Pairs with Outside Position and Close Range Passing for the complete Pressure Drop passing system.
Pressure Drop: Close Range Passing
Brian GlickClose-range pressure passing: how to replace space with pressure, shut down frames, and advance position with mechanical clarity. Meticulous, methodical, and Glick’s signature deceptive simplicity applied to the grind of close-range guard passing.
What it covers
Close-range/pressure passing methodology. How to replace space with pressure. Shutting down frames and advancing with mechanical clarity. Clear, repeatable steps for any grappler to implement. Meticulous, methodical approach to the grinding work of close-range passing.
Why it stands out
- Pressure passing is the most accessible passing style for non-athletes, and Glick’s methodology makes it even more systematic.
- Completes the three-title Pressure Drop system with the close-range phase.
- Deceptively simple approach, hallmark Glick teaching that makes complex passing feel achievable.
Bernardo Faria’s Pressure Passing series is the classic pressure passing reference with years of competition proof. Gordon Ryan’s Pressure Passing has the most competition credibility of any passing instructional. This is a newer release with minimal review data and no BJJ World rating. If you’re specifically looking for pressure passing, Faria’s material has a longer track record of community results.
Practitioners building the complete Pressure Drop passing system, or anyone who specifically wants Glick’s methodical teaching applied to close-range passing scenarios.
You want the proven pressure passing reference (Bernardo Faria), or the most dominant competition passer’s system (Gordon Ryan).
Pairs with Outside Position and Inside Position for the complete Pressure Drop passing system.
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Simplify The System: Half Guard Mastery | Brian Glick | 8+ hours across 8 volumes | Intermediate to Advanced (concepts benefit all levels) | No-Gi | Half guard system | $$$ | Check price → |
| 2 | Simplify the System: Side Scissor | Brian Glick | 5.5+ hours across 5 volumes | All levels | No-Gi | Most unique guard | $$$ | Check price → |
| 3 | Simplify The System: Sumi Gaeshi (The Butterfly Sweep) | Brian Glick | Part of Simplify the System series | All levels | No-Gi | Butterfly sweep | $$$ | Check price → |
| 4 | Knee Lever Masterclass | Brian Glick | All levels | No-Gi | Knee lever deep dive | $$$ | Check price → | |
| 5 | Only Way Out: Dynamic Pin Escapes | Brian Glick | 6 hours across 7 parts (+ outtakes) | All levels | No-Gi | Pin escapes | $$$ | Check price → |
| 6 | Only Way Out: Dynamic Back Escapes | Brian Glick | Part of Only Way Out series | All levels | No-Gi | Back escapes | $$$ | Check price → |
| 7 | Only Way Out: Front Headlock and Turtle Escapes | Brian Glick | 6+ hours across 6 parts | All levels | No-Gi | Turtle escapes | $$$ | Check price → |
| 8 | Under Pressure: Half Butterfly Mastery | Brian Glick | 4+ hours across 4 parts | Intermediate to Advanced | No-Gi | Half butterfly | $$$ | Check price → |
| 9 | Under Pressure: Retention, Recovery and Attacking from Guard | Brian Glick | 5+ hours across 4 parts | Intermediate to Advanced | No-Gi | Guard retention | $$$ | Check price → |
| 10 | Under Pressure: Leg Entanglements | Brian Glick | 6.5+ hours across 8 volumes | Intermediate to Advanced | No-Gi | Leg entanglements | $$$ | Check price → |
| 11 | Essence of Control: The Crucifix (Crucifix Masterclass) | Brian Glick | Intermediate to Advanced | No-Gi | Crucifix system | $$$ | Check price → | |
| 12 | Pressure Drop: Dynamic Guard Passing – Outside Position | Brian Glick | Intermediate to Advanced | No-Gi | Standing outside passing | $$$ | Check price → | |
| 13 | Dynamic Guard Passing: Inside Position | Brian Glick | Intermediate to Advanced | No-Gi | Standing inside passing | $$$ | Check price → | |
| 14 | Pressure Drop: Close Range Passing | Brian Glick | Intermediate to Advanced | No-Gi | Close-range pressure passing | $$$ | Check price → |
Who is Brian Glick?
Brian Glick is a 3rd degree BJJ black belt and Judo black belt under John Danaher and Renzo Gracie. He’s one of Danaher’s earliest black belts from the Blue Basement era at Renzo Gracie Academy in Manhattan, and he runs 555 Jiu Jitsu in Brooklyn, NY. He’s been teaching full-time since 2005, over 20 years.
The unusual part: Glick has never competed in a single BJJ match. His first instructor told him to quit. He started training in 2000 with zero athletic background; he was a professional saxophone player with a Columbia University degree who studied under MacArthur Fellow Anthony Braxton. He walked into Renzo’s academy looking for self-defense skills for NYC public transportation.
Despite never competing, he has trained alongside Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, GSP, Chris Weidman, Frankie Edgar, and Roger Gracie. Danaher singles him out as one of his senior black belts and a hidden gem among his most notable students.
What makes Glick a good instructor:
- Clarity that rivals Danaher. BJJ World says his teaching style and understanding of BJJ rivals his mentor’s. He explains the why behind every technique, not just the how.
- Problem-solving approach. His music background (improvisation, structure, pattern recognition) shows in how he teaches decision-making. His trilemma movements create escape combos resembling boxing combinations.
- Built for non-athletes. At 150 lbs with no athletic background, every technique he teaches was developed to work without relying on speed, strength, or flexibility. If you’re older, smaller, or just not naturally athletic, his material is optimized for you.
Glick’s four series explained
Glick’s four series explained
Brian Glick organizes his instructionals into four interconnected series. Understanding the structure helps you pick the right starting point.
| Series | Focus | Titles | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simplify the System | Guard positions | Half Guard Mastery, Side Scissor, Sumi Gaeshi, Knee Lever | Building a guard game from scratch |
| Under Pressure | Guard offense | Half Butterfly, Retention/Recovery, Leg Entanglements | Complete guard system with attacks |
| Only Way Out | Escapes | Pin Escapes, Back Escapes, Turtle/Headlock Escapes | Survival and defense |
| Pressure Drop | Guard passing | Outside Position, Inside Position, Close Range | Top game development |
The series are designed to work together. His guard positions (Simplify the System) feed into his guard offense (Under Pressure). His escapes (Only Way Out) connect defense to offense. And his passing (Pressure Drop) closes the loop by covering top game. You don’t need all four, but practitioners who own multiple series report that the concepts reinforce each other.
Brian Glick bundles – best value
Glick’s three bundles group his titles by series. If you plan to buy multiple titles from the same series, the bundles save significant money. Prices on BJJ Fanatics fluctuate with sales (40-50% off is common), and MMA Library/DiscountBJJ carries them at steep discounts ($59-69 per bundle).
| Bundle | Contains | Runtime | BJJ World | Retail | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simplify the System | Half Guard + Side Scissor + Sumi Gaeshi (+ Knee Lever) | 15+ hours | 10/10, 9/10 | $597 | Check Price |
| Under Pressure | Half Butterfly + Retention/Recovery + Leg Entanglements | 15+ hours | 9.5/10 | $497 | Check Price |
| Only Way Out | Pin Escapes + Back Escapes + Turtle/Headlock Escapes | 12+ hours | 7/10, 7.5/10 | $597 | Check Price |
FAQ
Who is Brian Glick BJJ?
Brian Glick is a 3rd degree BJJ black belt and Judo black belt under John Danaher and Renzo Gracie. He’s one of Danaher’s earliest black belts from the Blue Basement era at Renzo Gracie Academy, and he runs 555 Jiu Jitsu in Brooklyn, NY. He holds a Columbia University degree, was a professional saxophone player, and has been teaching BJJ full-time since 2005. He has 14 instructionals on BJJ Fanatics organized into four series.
Has Brian Glick ever competed in BJJ?
No, Brian Glick has never competed in a single BJJ match. This is unique among major instructional instructors. He is purely a teacher, not a competitor. Despite this, BJJ World gave his Half Guard Mastery a perfect 10/10 and his Under Pressure bundle a 9.5/10. John Danaher calls him a hidden gem among his most notable students, and he has trained alongside Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, GSP, and Roger Gracie.
What is the best Brian Glick instructional for beginners?
For beginners, start with Simplify The System: Half Guard Mastery. It’s Glick’s highest-rated title (10/10 from BJJ World), covers fundamental guard concepts with a decision-tree framework, and teaches you when to use each technique based on your opponent’s reactions. If you need escapes first, the Only Way Out: Dynamic Pin Escapes teaches principle-based escapes from all major pin positions.
How do Brian Glick instructionals compare to John Danaher’s?
Glick was one of Danaher’s first black belts, so the systems share conceptual DNA. The key differences: Glick’s instruction is more concise and some find it clearer than Danaher’s notoriously verbose style. Danaher covers more ground in each title. Both focus on principles over techniques. BJJ World says Glick’s teaching rivals his mentor’s. If you find Danaher too long or dense, Glick may explain the same concepts in a way that clicks faster. If you want the most comprehensive coverage, Danaher’s Go Further Faster series has more depth.
How many instructionals does Brian Glick have?
Brian Glick has 14 individual instructionals and 3 bundles on BJJ Fanatics, all in no-gi format. They’re organized into four series: Simplify the System (guard positions, 4 titles), Only Way Out (escapes, 3 titles), Under Pressure (guard offense, 3 titles), and Pressure Drop (guard passing, 3 titles), plus the standalone Crucifix Masterclass.
Are Brian Glick instructionals worth it if I’m an older practitioner?
Yes, Glick’s instructionals are specifically suited for older and smaller practitioners. He started training at 150 lbs with no athletic background, and every technique is designed to work without speed, strength, or flexibility. BJJ World specifically noted his Under Pressure material benefits old guys and those who are small-framed seeking efficiency-based grappling. His problem-solving approach emphasizes leverage and timing over athleticism.
What is the Under Pressure bundle by Brian Glick?
The Under Pressure bundle includes three titles: Half Butterfly Mastery (4+ hours), Retention, Recovery and Attacking from Guard (5+ hours), and Leg Entanglements (6.5+ hours). Together they cover 15+ hours of interconnected guard instruction. BJJ World rated the bundle 9.5/10. It retails for $497 on BJJ Fanatics but is often available for $59-69 on discount sites.
What are trilemma movements in Brian Glick’s system?
Trilemma movements are escape combinations that resemble boxing combinations, creating multiple simultaneous threats rather than linear step-by-step sequences. BJJ World highlighted this concept in their review of Glick’s Front Headlock and Turtle Escapes (7.5/10). Instead of attempting one escape and resetting if it fails, trilemma movements chain three options so that defending one opens the next. It reflects Glick’s music background, improvisation within a structure.
Still deciding which Glick set to buy first?
Half Guard Mastery (10/10 from BJJ World) is the clearest starting point and the single best Glick title. If you want the complete guard system, the Under Pressure Bundle (9.5/10) covers retention through leg attacks. For a position nobody else teaches, the Side Scissor stands alone. Prices on BJJ Fanatics swing 40-50% during sales, so check before you buy.