Best Closed Guard Instructionals: Ranked Picks for 2026

The greatest gi competitor of all time teaches only the techniques he used to win 10 World titles. Two hours, zero filler, absolute precision on fundamentals that work at every level.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~2 hours across 4 parts
• 🥋 Gi-only
• 🎯 All levels
• 💰 ~$149

What It Covers

Part 1 covers cross-collar choke variations and posture-breaking framework. Part 2 breaks down straight armlocks, wrist locks to shoulder locks, and omoplata sweep setups. Part 3 teaches Roger’s signature scissor and hook sweep combination, the lumberjack sweep to kneebar, and leg-arm sweeps. Part 4 chains everything together with lapel-based combination attacks, triangle-to-crucifix chains, and back take transitions.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Every technique on this set was used by Roger in competition. 40 of his 62 submission wins came from armbars (10), back chokes (18), or cross-collar chokes (12).
• The cross-collar choke finishing details are widely considered the best instruction available on this submission.
• Tight posture-breaking framework creates direct paths to collar chokes, armlocks, and back takes.
• Concise runtime means no fluff and no repetition. Every minute counts.

What the Community Says

“A fundamentally simple guard game by one of the best ever.”

Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9.5/10)

“He can collar choke anyone (literally) from the closed guard. Precise, immaculately organized.”

BJJ World editorial

“Possibly the best closed guard in jiu-jitsu, built upon an exquisite mastery of the fundamentals.”

Roaming Rolls analysis

“Concise and easy to follow with zero fluff – only techniques he used extensively in competition.”

r/bjj recommendation threads

Weakness

Entirely gi-based with no no-gi adaptations. If you train no-gi, Danaher’s New Wave or Craig Jones’ Closet Guard cover that territory. At ~2 hours for $149, the per-hour cost is significantly higher than Bernardo Faria ($97 for 4 hours) or DeBlass ($79 for 3-4 hours). Also lacks modern content on Sao Paulo pass defense or leg entanglement entries that newer instructionals like Mica Galvao’s include.

My Recommendation

Best for: Gi practitioners who want time-tested fundamentals from the greatest gi competitor ever. If your cross-collar choke needs work, this is the instructional.

Avoid if: You train no-gi exclusively, or you want a complete system with leg lock entries and modern guard retention.

The coach behind Gordon Ryan and the New Wave team maps closed guard into a complete no-gi system. Eight volumes, linked positions, and decision trees that cover every posture battle scenario.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ 8-12+ hours across 8 volumes
• 🤼‍♂️ No-gi focused
• 🎯 Intermediate to advanced
• 💰 ~$197

What It Covers

Volume 1 lays out six vulnerabilities and the three-step closed guard control system. Volumes 2-4 cover the Danaher closed guard position, side scissor (with wrist sweep, elbow sweep, rolling armbar), and top lock (high guard, armbar details). Volumes 5-6 teach flower sweeps, hip sweeps, scissor sweeps, pendulum sweeps, and arm trapping. Volume 7 introduces the clamp position with catch wrestling transitions and trap triangles. Volume 8 handles standing opponents with scooping sweeps, handstand sweeps, and omoplata sweeps.

Key positions mapped into one decision tree: side scissor, clamp, top lock, high cross, double underhooks. Each connects depending on who wins the posture and elbow battles, with clear tactics for when you’re winning or losing each exchange.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Complete decision tree structure connecting side scissor, clamp, top lock, and high cross positions.
• Conceptual framework for posture, elbow, and height battles – not just “here’s a sweep.”
• Chains sweeps, submissions, AND leg entanglement entries from closed guard.
• Shorter athletes get specific modifications throughout.

What the Community Says

“Organized to satisfy even those with severe OCD. Pristine in technical nuances.”

Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (Go Further Faster review)

“The best structured no-gi closed guard system. Clear structure from footwork to chest-to-chest control feeling cohesive.”

r/bjj instructional review threads

“Simple, Not Easy” – logically laid out, but implementing it requires significant mat time.

Open Note Grappling newsletter

Weakness

The long runtime and analytical delivery will overwhelm beginners. Roger Gracie covers gi fundamentals in a fraction of the time. Significant conceptual overlap with Danaher’s Go Further Faster (gi version), so owning one reduces the value of the other. The complexity has spawned a cottage industry of companion flowcharts – BJJFlowCharts sells a dedicated PDF study guide, which says something about how hard the material is to digest alone. Strictly no-gi, so gi practitioners need Roger Gracie or Bernardo Faria instead.

My Recommendation

Best for: Intermediate and advanced no-gi grapplers who want a complete, systematic closed guard framework. If you like learning through concepts and decision trees, this is your instructional.

Avoid if: You’re a beginner who wants quick wins, or you train exclusively in the gi.

The best closed guard instructional for beginners. A 5x World Champion with one of the clearest teaching styles in BJJ delivers an omoplata-centric game plan that chains into sweeps, submissions, and guard retention.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~4 hours, 40+ lessons across 4 volumes
• 🥋 Gi-focused
• 🎯 All levels (especially white-purple)
• 💰 ~$97

What It Covers

Volume 1 builds the game plan around the omoplata with basic posture breaking and grip fighting. Volume 2 covers scissor sweep, pendulum sweep, hip bump, flower sweep, and sweep combinations. Volume 3 delivers the omoplata system (entries, finishes, sweep follow-ups), an innovative Kimura setup, inverted armbar, triangle setups, and cross choke. Volume 4 teaches guard retention and chaining submissions together.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Excellent value: $97 for 4 hours of content (40+ lessons) from a 5x World Champion.
• Bernardo explains concepts, not just techniques. You understand the “why” behind every move.
• Omoplata-centric game plan that naturally chains into sweeps, back takes, and other submissions.
• One of the few instructionals that covers both offensive attacks AND guard retention.

What the Community Says

“Bernardo is one of the best teachers in the BJJ world, and all of his instructions are very easy to follow. One of the most well-rounded closed guard instructionals in existence.”

BJJ World editorial

“He has such a cool setup for the Kimura that you’ll be raring to give it a try. And the inverted armbar is going to change your life, literally.”

BJJ World review

“Beginner-friendly gi fundamentals and sequences.”

r/bjj recommendation threads

Weakness

Production quality feels dated compared to Craig Jones’ Closet Guard or Mica Galvao’s Next Generation set, both released years later with sharper video and tighter editing. Less systematic than Danaher’s New Wave, which maps guard into linked positions with explicit decision trees. Faria’s approach is more technique-collection than decision-tree. Gi-only with no no-gi adaptation (DeBlass or Danaher cover that). No leg lock entries from closed guard, where Craig Jones and Bodoni both include ashi garami transitions.

My Recommendation

Best for: White through purple belts who want a complete, easy-to-follow gi closed guard foundation. The best starting point for anyone building their guard from scratch.

Avoid if: You want a deeply systematic framework (get Danaher instead) or you train no-gi exclusively.

A submission-heavy no-gi closed guard designed for lower belts. Craig’s overhook and arm-across systems turn stalling positions into constant attack opportunities, with the best triangle troubleshooting on any closed guard instructional.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~3.5 hours across 4 volumes
• 🤼‍♂️ No-gi focused
• 🎯 Beginner to intermediate
• 💰 ~$77-$127

What It Covers

Part 1 covers posture breaking, hand fighting strategies, three essential submissions, and an omoplata system. Part 2 delivers triangle setups, finishing details, troubleshooting stalled triangles, and armbar-triangle chains. Part 3 introduces overhook closed guard for sweeps and back attacks. Part 4 teaches arm-across position for side-guard sweeps, armbar setups, and back attack entries.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Submission-heavy approach with systematic chains, not random techniques thrown together.
• The triangle instruction is excellent, with detailed troubleshooting for common problems.
• Omoplata mini-system within the larger closed guard framework.
• Strong hand fighting emphasis that sets up everything else.

What the Community Says

“Craig delivers again, this time with a new take on the closed guard. Will you emerge with a better closed-guard game? Yes, and then some.”

Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (8.5/10)

“Arguably one of Craig’s best in terms of its technical worth.”

BJJ World review

Weakness

BJJ World’s Ognen Dzabirski noted the “Closet Guard” name is “marketing wordplay rather than technical innovation” – the techniques are classical closed guard repackaged. Danaher’s New Wave provides a more novel conceptual framework with side scissor, clamp, and top lock decision trees. At 3.5 hours across 4 volumes, it has less depth than Danaher’s 8-volume set. Craig is known primarily for Z-guard and leg locks, not closed guard. Roger Gracie (10x World Champion) and Henry Akins (Rickson Gracie lineage) both built their reputations on this position.

My Recommendation

Best for: White and blue belts who train no-gi and want a submission-heavy closed guard that they can implement quickly.

Avoid if: You want a deeply innovative system (Danaher) or you train gi (Roger Gracie or Bernardo Faria).

Nobody has passed Tom DeBlass’s guard in 17+ years. This basics-first approach delivers posture breaks, stack defense, and ashi garami entries that produce fast results for no-gi practitioners.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~3-4 hours across 4 parts
• 🤼‍♂️ No-gi friendly
• 🎯 All levels
• 💰 ~$79

What It Covers

Part 1 covers offensive fundamentals: posture break to omoplata, overhook positioning, triangle and armlock entries, Kimura and omoplata combinations, neck cranks. Part 2 delivers defensive systems: stack defense, guillotine choke details, bent armlock variations, and leg attacking options. Part 3 teaches advanced offense with ashi garami entries from closed guard, gogoplata, and scissor sweep to triangle variations. Part 4 is a private lesson with Q&A covering the previous material.

What Makes It Stand Out

• The posture break alone is described by the community as “making the whole series worth it.”
• Ashi garami entries from closed guard are unusual for his generation and add modern relevance.
• Strong defensive systems (stack defense, guard retention) that most other sets skip.
• Private lesson format in Part 4 gives Q&A context you don’t get elsewhere.

What the Community Says

“Tom’s philosophy is that of basics first, and fancy stuff later. Nobody has passed Tom’s guard in both training and competition during the last 17 years.”

BJJ World editorial (5/5)

“Perfect sound, crystal clear video and impressive camera work.”

BJJ World on production quality

Weakness

Less conceptual depth than Danaher’s New Wave – DeBlass is more “here’s what works” than “here’s the system.” Production and pacing feel dated compared to Craig Jones’ Closet Guard or Bodoni’s modern releases. No 2-on-1 underhook chains like Mica Galvao, no flowchart-style decision trees like Danaher. DeBlass’s motivational social media presence can be polarizing.

My Recommendation

Best for: No-gi practitioners at any level who want fast, practical improvements. Great value at $79 for solid fundamentals plus ashi garami entries.

Avoid if: You want a highly systematic framework (get Danaher) or exclusively modern gi techniques (get Mica Galvao).

Modern gi closed guard from a teenage phenom who compiled 100+ match win streaks. The 2-on-1 grip and underhook emphasis creates positions your opponents likely haven’t trained defenses for.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~3-4 hours across 4 parts
• 🥋 Gi-focused
• 🎯 Blue belt and up
• 💰 ~$79

What It Covers

Part 1 covers 2-on-1 grip fighting, underhook entries, and posture breaking mechanics. Part 2 teaches flower sweep, bump sweep, mermaid sweep, and combination chains from failed sweep attempts. Part 3 delivers 2-on-1 to back take to armbar chains, underhook to classic choke/armbar/omoplata/triangle/pendulum sweep/Mir lock sequences. Part 4 covers back takes, wrist locks from closed guard, and combining sweeps with submission threats.

What Makes It Stand Out

• 2-on-1 and underhook emphasis creates positions that many opponents haven’t trained defenses for.
• Competition-tested chains delivered clearly by one of the sport’s brightest young stars.
• Quick adoption – these techniques translate to sparring fast.
• Great value at $79 for a complete modern gi closed guard set.

What the Community Says

“He teaches crisp details and modern combo chains. Expect quick adoption in sparring.”

BJJMore review

“Good for getting blue belts moving from closed guard instead of stalling for stand-ups.”

r/bjj closed guard recommendation threads

Weakness

Some transitions work better for Mica’s athletic, flexible body type. Bernardo Faria or Tom DeBlass may suit older or less flexible grapplers better. Roger Gracie and Henry Akins provide more depth on the “invisible” control aspects of closed guard. Not as timeless as Roger Gracie’s fundamentals-focused approach – some sequences feel trendy. Gi-only, so no-gi practitioners should look at Danaher or Craig Jones. While talented, Mica doesn’t have the decades of teaching experience that Bernardo Faria or Henry Akins bring.

My Recommendation

Best for: Gi practitioners at blue belt and above who want modern attack chains and aren’t afraid of positions that require some athleticism.

Avoid if: You’re an older grappler or prefer timeless fundamentals over modern trends.

A 2x ADCC champion who trained under Danaher at New Wave delivers a compact, drillable map of modern no-gi closed guard. Covers the often-neglected scenarios of standing opponents and leg entanglement entries.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~3-4 hours across 4 parts
• 🤼‍♂️ No-gi focused
• 🎯 Intermediate to advanced
• 💰 ~$197

What It Covers

Part 1 covers posture breaking mechanics, elbow control transitions, the clamp position, and initial attack entries. Part 2 delivers triangle choke setups (including a “surprising” triangle highlighted by BJJEE), armbar transitions, and clamp-to-submission pathways. Part 3 teaches sweep combinations off failed submissions, back exposure techniques, and wrestle-up entries. Part 4 handles standing opponents, leg entanglement entries, and ashi garami transitions.

What Makes It Stand Out

• ADCC champion credibility: 2x champion at 88kg with submission wins over multiple IBJJF World Champions.
• Danaher-influenced systematic approach in a more compact format than the full New Wave set.
• Covers standing opponents and leg entanglement entries that many closed guard sets skip entirely.
• Good clamp and elbow-control transitions that reflect current elite no-gi trends.

What the Community Says

“Easy to drill, good clamp and elbow-control transitions, and competition credibility from an ADCC champion.”

BJJMore review

“Bodoni’s systematic approach is consistent across his Efficiently Executing series.”

BJJ World (Forging The Guard series review)

Weakness

Since Bodoni trained under Danaher, some may prefer the source material. Danaher’s 8-volume set covers more ground for the same $197. At $197 for ~3-4 hours across 4 parts, it’s expensive per hour compared to Bernardo Faria ($97 for 4 hours) or Tom DeBlass ($79 for 3-4 hours). No collar or lapel-based techniques, so gi practitioners need Roger Gracie or Mica Galvao. While Bodoni is an elite competitor (with submission wins over Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa and Gabriel Arges), he doesn’t have the teaching track record of Danaher, Bernardo Faria, or Henry Akins.

My Recommendation

Best for: Competitors who want a Danaher-system closed guard in a compact, drillable format. Good if you already know the New Wave system and want a student’s perspective.

Avoid if: You’re budget-conscious (get DeBlass or Faria instead) or you want the full system depth (get Danaher’s complete set).

Rickson Gracie’s “invisible jiu-jitsu” applied to closed guard. The subtle leverage and mechanics Akins teaches make techniques you already know (armbars, triangles, sweeps) work at dramatically higher success rates.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ Just over 4 hours across 8 volumes
• 🤼‍♂️ No-gi (works in gi too)
• 🎯 All levels (detail-obsessed learners benefit most)
• 💰 ~$279

What It Covers

Volume 1 teaches foundational leg mechanics and a no-arm posture break drill. Volume 2 covers clearing posts at hip, chest, and neck levels. Volumes 3-4 handle preventing stand-ups and sweeps against standing opponents (double ankle, overhead, arm lock combos). Volume 5 teaches hip motion variations and guillotine setups for kneeling opponents. Volume 6 delivers cowcatcher guillotine, inverted armbar, and Kimura combinations. Volume 7 troubleshoots common problems with triangle setups and clamp guard applications. Volume 8 covers back takes using posture breaks and seat belt grips.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Rickson Gracie’s “invisible jiu-jitsu” principles: subtle weight distribution and connection details that transform basic techniques.
• Systematic progression from legs to posts to sweeps to submissions to back takes.
• Troubleshooting volume directly addresses the most common closed guard problems.
• Techniques work in both gi and no-gi despite the no-gi marketing.

What the Community Says

“How to keep people inside your guard without any threats to the structure. Basic fundamentals with advanced invisible details.”

Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9.5/10)

“Henry is the only one that I can honestly say I use what he’s taught me for every roll.”

Paul Elliott, Simple BJJ blog

“Techniques I thought worked 20% of the time became effective around 90% of the time.”

Sherdog forum user

“Guard passing and closed guard defense/offense are the crown jewels of his teaching.”

Sherdog forum discussion

Weakness

At $279 for just over 4 hours, it’s the highest cost-per-hour on this list. Bernardo Faria covers similar ground for $97 (4 hours), and Tom DeBlass for $79 (3-4 hours). For the same $279, you could buy both Roger Gracie ($149) and DeBlass ($79) and still have money left. The concept-heavy, slow pace feels glacial compared to Craig Jones’ direct approach or Mica Galvao’s quick-hit combos. Unlike Roger Gracie (10x World Champion) or Bodoni (2x ADCC Champion), Akins’ competitive resume is modest – his credibility comes from lineage, not tournament results. No modern leg lock entries from closed guard.

My Recommendation

Best for: Detail-obsessed learners at any belt who love understanding the “why” behind every micro-movement. If you want to make your existing techniques dramatically more effective, Akins is unique.

Avoid if: You’re on a budget (get DeBlass or Faria), or you want a fast-paced, competition-focused approach.