We ranked every Chris Paines instructional on BJJ Fanatics using Reddit sentiment, clarity of system, and applicability for gi and no-gi.
How to Defend Against Everyone
Build bulletproof survival against common attacks so you become untappable and start countering with confidence.
Unstoppable Standups
Use the elbow frame and heist stand-ups to escape, re-guard, or finish from bottom without stalling.
How To Learn Jiu Jitsu
A clear roadmap for white to purple that teaches you how to learn faster, train smarter, and avoid wasted reps.
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🥋 #1 How to Defend Against Everyone by Chris Paines
Instructor: Chris Paines
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 9 minutes
Volumes: 5
Biggest takeaway: Survive first, then counter confidently
Techniques: Back Defense, Armbar Defense, Kimura Defense, Triangle Defense, Turtle, Running Man, Guard Retention
- Running Man & The Baby Bridge: Essential Postures To Keep You Safe – Deep dive on side control survival and defensive cycles.
- Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes: Go Further Faster – Highly structured escape fundamentals that complement this system.
- Just Stand Up – Alternative heist and stand up approach after surviving.
You learn posture-based defense that neutralizes common chokes, armbars, kimuras, and pins without muscling. Chris then shows how to regain height and turn escapes into sweeps or submissions. You will not get a move-dump; you will get a clear defensive framework that works in gi and no-gi.
✅ Pros
- Gives you a cohesive defense system that immediately reduces taps.
- Concepts transfer cleanly between gi and no-gi and across positions.
- Clear heuristics make troubleshooting easier during live rolls.
⚠️ Cons
- You must avoid camping in defensive cycles instead of progressing.
- Less focus on proactive submissions compared to offense-first courses.
- Requires mat time to internalize posture and timing under pressure.
💡 I would start here because safer rounds accelerate learning and make every other system easier to plug in. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Unstoppable Standups by Chris Paines & Charles Harriott
Instructor: Chris Paines & Charles Harriott
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 46 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Height beats bottom stalling
Techniques: Elbow Frame, Technical Stand Up, Wrestle Up, Turtle, Heist, Reguard, Frames
- Just Stand Up - Companion heist and get-up system from a top competitor.
- The B Team Bottom Game: Wrestling, Turtling, Heisting - A broader bottom game that integrates wrestle-ups.
- Protecting & Generating Dynamic Offense From The Turtle - Turtle entries and stand-ups that fit the same logic.
You will learn to build height from bottom using elbow frames, then heist into safe scrambles. The drills teach timing and leg freedom so you can stand or attack quickly. You will not get a gi-only or no-gi-only plan; the concepts apply in both formats.
✅ Pros
- Clear blueprint to regain height and initiate offense from bottom.
- Useful drill progressions to develop timing under pressure.
- Pairs well with defensive cycles and wrestle-up systems.
⚠️ Cons
- Execution window can be narrow against fast scramblers.
- Some dislike technical stand-ups in MMA contexts.
- Less depth on sustained top control after standing.
💡 I found the elbow frame to be the missing link between safe guard retention and explosive get-ups. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 How To Learn Jiu Jitsu by Chris Paines
Instructor: Chris Paines
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: Beginner
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 43 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Study smarter, not longer
Techniques: Training Structure, Guard Retention, Sweep Mechanics, Choke Accuracy, Mindset, Learning System, Inside Outside Theory
- BJJ Fundamentals: A Roadmap for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Popular concept-first primer often suggested with Paines.
- BJJ Mental Models Premium (concept library) - Structured concepts to pair with your technique study.
- Running Man & The Baby Bridge - Tangible defensive positions to apply the learning framework.
You get a practical syllabus of what to focus on at each early belt. The emphasis is on safety, positional goals, and drilling that sticks. You will not learn trendy move chains; you will learn how to study and progress efficiently.
✅ Pros
- Gives you a curriculum mindset for faster early progress.
- Explains how to pick drills and constraints that build skills.
- Bridges the gap between class techniques and live rolling.
⚠️ Cons
- Concept-first teaching can feel abstract without coach guidance.
- Less depth on advanced layers beyond purple belt.
- Fewer live-case studies than some competitors.
💡 I like using this as a compass so beginners stop guessing and start practicing what compounds. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 Turning Defensive Cycles Into Offensive Cycles by Chris Paines
Instructor: Chris Paines
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Volumes: 5
Biggest takeaway: Defense should create offense
Techniques: Turtle, Running Man, Hand Fighting, Regain Height, Apex Chokes, Distance Management, Stand Up
- Protecting & Generating Dynamic Offense From The Turtle - Offensive routes that naturally connect from turtle.
- The B Team Bottom Game: Wrestling, Turtling, Heisting - A competition-proven framework to attack after standing.
- Sideways Open Guard - Distance and angle management that set up wrestle-ups.
You will learn the exact hand fighting and distance rules that let you flip defense to offense. The focus is on regaining height and exploiting overcommitments. You will not stay in survival; you will actively cash out with sweeps, stand-ups, and strangles.
✅ Pros
- Directly solves the common defensive stalling problem.
- Gives clear triggers to transition from frames to attacks.
- Fits cleanly with wrestle-up and stand-up systems.
⚠️ Cons
- Requires prior familiarity with Paines or Priit postures.
- Timing windows can be tight against heavy pressure passers.
- Less focus on advanced submission chains after the entry.
💡 I like how it gives concrete triggers to flip the switch from safety to scoring. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
How we ranked Chris Paines instructionals
We weighted community reception most, prioritizing diverse r/bjj opinions from the last few years. Then we scored clarity of system and how well the material applies in gi and no-gi. Instructor authority and production quality were secondary tie-breakers. When threads disagreed, we favored repeatable outcomes over hot takes. Prices and volume counts came from BJJ Fanatics product pages. If a page did not list runtime or year, we left them null rather than guess.
Do you need Priit first to use these?
No. Paines explains the postures and rules he uses without assuming you studied Priit Mihkelson. If you already know running man, turtle, or baby bridge, you will ramp faster. If not, start with the defense course and add a turtle or running man resource later. Pairing with a wrestle-up or stand-up system helps you cash out the escapes.
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