We ranked Bruno Malfacine's BJJ Fanatics instructionals by community reception, structure, and who benefits most. Clear takeaways and links to in-depth reviews.
How to Beat Bigger Guys: Open Guard Passing by Bruno Malfacine
A fast, chain-based open guard passing system built for smaller passers who face bigger bodies.
How To Beat Bigger Guys: Half Guard Passing by Bruno Malfacine
Beat stubborn half guard by mixing fast knee slices with finish-first threats.
How To Beat Bigger Guys: Guard by Bruno Malfacine
Butterfly and x-guard chains that let smaller players off-balance and finish.
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🥋 #1 How to Beat Bigger Guys: Open Guard Passing by Bruno Malfacine
Instructor: Bruno Malfacine
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 38 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Chain passes before frames set.
Techniques: Toreando, Long Step, Leg Drag, Knee Slice, X Guard Passing, De La Riva Passing, Cartwheel Pass
- The Science of Guard Passing by Lucas Lepri – More structure for classic knee cut and collar-sleeve problems.
- Precision Collar and Sleeve Guard Passing by Lucas Lepri – Deep dive on collar-sleeve where many struggle.
- Battle Tested Pressure Passing by Bernardo Faria – If you want a slower, pressure-first style instead.
You learn a linked system of long steps, leg drags, knee slices, cross steps, and a full Toreando module. The focus is beating frames, switching sides fast, and converting to north-south, side control, or back takes. You will not get a slow smash approach, so pressure-only players may want a different primary resource.
✅ Pros
- Cohesive standing and movement passing roadmap rather than a loose move dump.
- Great fit for smaller athletes who struggle to impose pressure.
- Covers modern guards with clear sequences and reactions.
⚠️ Cons
- Requires timing and mobility that some hobbyists lack.
- Less emphasis on heavy pins and pressure maintenance.
- Not designed for no-gi specifics.
💡 I found the side-to-side tempo and immediate re-entries the fastest way to stop grips from stabilizing. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 How To Beat Bigger Guys: Half Guard Passing by Bruno Malfacine
Instructor: Bruno Malfacine
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 34 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Threaten while you pass.
Techniques: Knee Slice, Reverse Half Guard, Brabo Choke, Kimura, Rear Triangle, Mount Transition, Back Take
- Precise Half Guard Passing by Lucas Lepri - Structured knee cut and lapel-based answers for sticky half guard.
- The Science of Guard Passing by Lucas Lepri - Broader passing concepts to integrate with your half guard game.
- Battle Tested Pressure Passing by Bernardo Faria - If you prefer over-under style and slow control.
You learn a proactive half guard passing system anchored by knee slice variations, reverse half solutions, and brabo or baseball bat choke threats. The idea is to pass while threatening submissions so frames never settle. If you want a pure over-under grind, this is not that system.
✅ Pros
- Clear sequences to stop deep half and coyote entries.
- Submission-first passing keeps opponents defensive and static.
- Good companion to a movement passing primary game.
⚠️ Cons
- Gi grips reduce transfer to no-gi rooms.
- Less detail on pressure pinning phases.
- Athletic entries may intimidate brand-new students.
💡 I saw the brabo and knee slice pairing make half guard feel like a passing lane instead of a stall. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 How To Beat Bigger Guys: Guard by Bruno Malfacine
Instructor: Bruno Malfacine
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 52 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Off-balance first, finish later.
Techniques: Butterfly Guard, X Guard, Single Leg X, Sit Up Guard, Collar Drag, Leg Drag, Back Take
- The Science of Guard Passing by Lucas Lepri - Pairs well after learning sweep-to-pass links.
- Precision Collar and Sleeve Guard Passing by Lucas Lepri - Targets common gi open-guard problems you will face after sweeping.
You learn how to move from butterfly and sit-up guard to x-guard and single leg X, then convert to leg drags, back takes, or armbars. The focus is early kuzushi and safe collar or pants grips. If you train only no-gi or dislike dynamic entries, consider a pressure-first course instead.
✅ Pros
- Clear entries from butterfly and sit-up guard against larger partners.
- Attack trees end in back takes or immediate top control.
- Pairs well with Bruno's passing courses for a full cycle.
⚠️ Cons
- Price is higher than many single-topic courses.
- Athletic sequences may intimidate newer students.
- Less focus on slow-control strategies from bottom.
💡 I like how the butterfly to x-guard chain gives you layered options before size becomes a factor. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
How to choose between Bruno's three courses
If you want an immediate jump in top effectiveness against active guards, start with Open Guard Passing. If half guard is the main roadblock, pick Half Guard Passing and add pressure options as needed. Prefer to attack from bottom against bigger partners? Start with Guard. Most players benefit from Guard plus one passing course to complete the sweep-to-pass cycle.
Gi vs no-gi transfer
All three courses are gi-focused with collar and pants grips. The movement, angles, and sequencing still translate to no-gi if you replace grips with head, elbow, and hip control. If your training is no-gi only, add a dedicated no-gi passing system for grip substitutions and entries specific to bodylock-heavy games.
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