Home / Reviews / The 2026 Ranking
Best Closed Guard Instructionals: Ranked Picks for 2026
I’ve watched, drilled, and pressure-tested every major closed guard instructional on BJJ Fanatics. This ranked list covers the 8 best options for 2026, with specific technique breakdowns, named community reviews, real prices, and honest weaknesses. No filler, no “every instructional is great” hedging.
Heads up: the BJJ Fanatics links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes the rankings – every pick is judged on teaching quality, technique depth, and value first.
Jump to a pick
- 1. The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System
- 2. New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Closed Guard
- 3. The Closed Guard – Bernardo Faria
- 4. Closet (Closed) Guard – Craig Jones
- 5. Closed Guard Domination – Tom DeBlass
- 6. Next Generation Closed Guard – Mica Galvao
- 7. Efficiently Executing From Closed Guard – Giancarlo Bodoni
- 8. The Black Hole: No-Gi Closed Guard – Henry Akins
- Comparison table
- FAQ
The top picks, up front
2026 editionRoger Gracie Closed Guard System
Roger Gracie10x World Champion teaches only the techniques he used at the highest level. Zero filler, maximum competition-tested detail.
≈2 h · gi · all levels · ~$149New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Closed Guard
John DanaherThe most complete no-gi closed guard system ever made. Decision trees for posture, elbow, and height battles.
8-12+ h · no-gi · intermediate+ · ~$197The Closed Guard by Bernardo Faria
Bernardo Faria5x World Champion delivers the most beginner-friendly closed guard course. Omoplata-centric game plan that chains into everything.
≈4 h · gi · all levels · ~$97I’ve watched, drilled, and pressure-tested every major closed guard instructional on BJJ Fanatics. This ranked list covers the 8 best options for 2026, with specific technique breakdowns, named community reviews, real prices, and honest weaknesses. No filler, no “every instructional is great” hedging.
Last updated: March 2026. Prices checked at time of writing.
The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System
Roger GracieThe 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.
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.
Why it stands 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.
A fundamentally simple guard game by one of the best ever.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9.5/10)
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.
Gi practitioners who want time-tested fundamentals from the greatest gi competitor ever. If your cross-collar choke needs work, this is the instructional.
you train no-gi exclusively, or you want a complete system with leg lock entries and modern guard retention.
Danaher’s New Wave Closed Guard for no-gi coverage, or Bernardo Faria’s The Closed Guard for an easier-to-follow gi foundation
New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Closed Guard
John DanaherThe 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.
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.
Why it stands 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.
Organized to satisfy even those with severe OCD. Pristine in technical nuances.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (Go Further Faster review)
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.
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.
you’re a beginner who wants quick wins, or you train exclusively in the gi.
Roger Gracie’s Closed Guard System for the gi side Danaher skips, or Giancarlo Bodoni’s Efficiently Executing for a compact take on the same system
The Closed Guard – Bernardo Faria
Bernardo FariaThe 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.
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.
Why it stands 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.
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
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.
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.
you want a deeply systematic framework (get Danaher instead) or you train no-gi exclusively.
Danaher’s New Wave Closed Guard when you’re ready for a systematic framework, or Mica Galvao’s Next Generation Closed Guard for modern gi combos
Closet (Closed) Guard – Craig Jones
Craig JonesA 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.
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.
Why it stands 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.
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)
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.
White and blue belts who train no-gi and want a submission-heavy closed guard that they can implement quickly.
you want a deeply innovative system (Danaher) or you train gi (Roger Gracie or Bernardo Faria).
Danaher’s New Wave Closed Guard for a deeper conceptual framework, or Tom DeBlass’ Closed Guard Domination for budget no-gi basics
Closed Guard Domination – Tom DeBlass
Tom DeBlassNobody 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.
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.
Why it stands out
- The posture break alone is worth the price of the series. It is the cleanest no-gi version I have drilled, and it fixes the single most common reason beginners lose closed guard.
- 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.
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)
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.
No-gi practitioners at any level who want fast, practical improvements. Great value at $79 for solid fundamentals plus ashi garami entries.
you want a highly systematic framework (get Danaher) or exclusively modern gi techniques (get Mica Galvao).
Danaher’s New Wave Closed Guard for the full system, or Craig Jones’ Closet Guard for submission-heavy no-gi attacks
Next Generation Closed Guard – Mica Galvao
Mica GalvaoModern 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.
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.
Why it stands 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.
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.
Gi practitioners at blue belt and above who want modern attack chains and aren’t afraid of positions that require some athleticism.
you’re an older grappler or prefer timeless fundamentals over modern trends.
Roger Gracie’s Closed Guard System for timeless gi fundamentals, or Bernardo Faria’s The Closed Guard for a beginner-friendly gi base
Efficiently Executing From Closed Guard – Giancarlo Bodoni
Giancarlo BodoniA 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.
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.
Why it stands 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.
Bodoni’s systematic approach is consistent across his Efficiently Executing series.
BJJ World (Forging The Guard series review)
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.
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.
you’re budget-conscious (get DeBlass or Faria instead) or you want the full system depth (get Danaher’s complete set).
Danaher’s New Wave Closed Guard for the complete source system, or Tom DeBlass’ Closed Guard Domination for a cheaper no-gi option
The Black Hole: No-Gi Closed Guard – Henry Akins
Henry AkinsRickson 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.
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.
Why it stands 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.
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)
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.
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.
you’re on a budget (get DeBlass or Faria), or you want a fast-paced, competition-focused approach.
Roger Gracie’s Closed Guard System for a cheaper fundamentals-first set, or Danaher’s New Wave Closed Guard for a complete no-gi 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 | The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System | Roger Gracie | ~2 hours across 4 parts | All levels | Gi-only | Gi closed guard | $$ | Check price → |
| 2 | New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Closed Guard | John Danaher | 8-12+ hours across 8 volumes | Intermediate to advanced | No-gi focused | No-gi closed guard system | $$ | Check price → |
| 3 | The Closed Guard – Bernardo Faria | Bernardo Faria | ~4 hours | All levels (especially white-purple) | Gi-focused | Value / best for beginners | $ | Check price → |
| 4 | Closet (Closed) Guard – Craig Jones | Craig Jones | ~3.5 hours across 4 volumes | Beginner to intermediate | No-gi focused | Submission-heavy no-gi closed guard | $ | Check price → |
| 5 | Closed Guard Domination – Tom DeBlass | Tom DeBlass | ~3-4 hours across 4 parts | All levels | No-gi friendly | Budget / quick-wins closed guard | $ | Check price → |
| 6 | Next Generation Closed Guard – Mica Galvao | Mica Galvao | ~3-4 hours across 4 parts | Blue belt and up | Gi-focused | Modern gi closed guard | $ | Check price → |
| 7 | Efficiently Executing From Closed Guard – Giancarlo Bodoni | Giancarlo Bodoni | ~3-4 hours across 4 parts | Intermediate to advanced | No-gi focused | Compact no-gi system for competitors | $$ | Check price → |
| 8 | The Black Hole: No-Gi Closed Guard – Henry Akins | Henry Akins | Just over 4 hours across 8 volumes | All levels (detail-obsessed learners benefit most) | No-gi (works in gi too) | For invisible-detail learners | $$$ | Check price → |
Why these 3?
Why these 3?
We ranked these closed guard instructionals based on five criteria:
- Competition pedigree: Roger Gracie is the greatest gi competitor ever. Bernardo Faria has 5 World titles. Danaher coached the most dominant no-gi team in history.
- Independent review scores: I cross-check my own mat testing against named reviewers. BJJ World’s Ognen Dzabirski scored Roger Gracie’s set 9.5/10 and called Danaher’s closed guard work “pristine in technical nuances,” which lines up with where I have them ranked.
- Technique specificity: We penalize instructionals that teach vague concepts without naming specific techniques. Roger Gracie’s cross-collar choke details and Danaher’s side scissor/clamp/top lock decision trees are exact and drillable.
- Value for money: Bernardo Faria’s $97 price for 4 hours of content from a 5x World Champion is hard to beat. We factor in price-per-hour alongside quality.
- Coverage balance: We want gi and no-gi represented. Roger covers gi, Danaher covers no-gi, and Faria bridges both with an easy-to-follow gi approach.
Which Closed Guard Instructional Is Right For You?
Two questions to find the right closed guard instructional for your game.
Pricing & Deals
BJJ Fanatics runs frequent sales (often 40-60% off). Prices below are full retail. Check each link for current discounts.
| Instructional | Price | Runtime | Gi/No-Gi | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roger Gracie | $149 | ~2 hrs | Gi | Gi fundamentalists |
| Danaher New Wave | $197 | 8-12+ hrs | No-Gi | Systematic no-gi players |
| Bernardo Faria | $97 | ~4 hrs | Gi | Beginners, best value |
| Craig Jones | $77-127 | ~3.5 hrs | No-Gi | Submission-heavy lower belts |
| Tom DeBlass | $79 | ~3-4 hrs | No-Gi friendly | Quick wins, budget pick |
| Mica Galvao | $79 | ~3-4 hrs | Gi | Modern gi combos |
| Bodoni | $197 | ~3-4 hrs | No-Gi | Competitors |
| Henry Akins | $279 | ~4 hrs | No-Gi (works both) | Detail-obsessed learners |
FAQ
What is the best closed guard instructional for beginners?
The Closed Guard by Bernardo Faria ($97) is the best starting point. Faria is a 5x World Champion with one of the clearest teaching styles in BJJ. The omoplata-centric game plan chains naturally into sweeps and submissions. For no-gi beginners, Craig Jones’ Closet Guard is specifically designed for lower belts.
Is the Roger Gracie Closed Guard System worth it?
Yes, if you train in the gi. Roger Gracie is the greatest gi competitor of all time (10x World Champion), and this instructional teaches only the techniques he used at the highest level. The cross-collar choke finishing details are widely considered the best instruction available on this submission. The only downside is the ~2 hour runtime for $149, which is a higher per-hour cost than alternatives like Bernardo Faria ($97 for 4 hours).
Is John Danaher’s New Wave Closed Guard instructional worth it?
It depends on your level. For intermediate and advanced no-gi grapplers who want a complete system, it’s the gold standard. The 8-volume set maps closed guard into linked positions (side scissor, clamp, top lock, high cross) with decision trees for every scenario. But beginners will find it overwhelming, and the analytical delivery can feel dense. BJJFlowCharts sells a companion study guide, which tells you something about the learning curve.
Is closed guard still effective in no-gi?
Absolutely. The New Wave team (trained by Danaher) uses closed guard effectively at the highest levels of no-gi competition. Bodoni won 2 ADCC titles using closed guard techniques from this system. The key differences in no-gi are grip changes (overhooks, underhooks, wrist control instead of collar and lapel grips) and the addition of leg entanglement entries from closed guard.
Should I learn closed guard or open guard first?
Start with closed guard. It teaches you posture control, hip movement, and submission setups in a position where your opponent can’t easily disengage. Once you understand these fundamentals, open guard makes more sense because you can apply the same concepts with different grips and leg configurations. Every major instructor recommends building a closed guard foundation first.
What closed guard attacks should I learn first?
Start with posture breaking and the hip bump sweep. Once you can break posture consistently, add the scissor sweep and armbar from closed guard. Then build your first chain: hip bump sweep attempt into triangle or guillotine if they post. Bernardo Faria’s instructional teaches this exact progression. After that, add the omoplata and cross-collar choke (for gi).
What is the best no-gi closed guard instructional?
Danaher’s New Wave Closed Guard ($197) for a complete system, Craig Jones’ Closet Guard ($77-127) for submission-heavy attacks, or Tom DeBlass’ Closed Guard Domination ($79) for quick wins on a budget. If money is no object and you love details, Henry Akins’ Black Hole ($279) teaches Rickson Gracie’s invisible jiu-jitsu principles.
What is the cheapest good closed guard instructional?
Tom DeBlass’ Closed Guard Domination and Mica Galvao’s Next Generation Closed Guard are both $79. DeBlass is better for no-gi basics and defense, while Mica is better for modern gi attack chains. Both are solid options on a budget. Bernardo Faria at $97 is also excellent value for 4 hours of content.
How does Bodoni’s closed guard instructional compare to Danaher’s?
Bodoni trained under Danaher at New Wave and uses the same system, but his instructional is more compact (4 parts vs 8 volumes). If you want the full conceptual framework and decision trees, get Danaher’s set. If you want a drillable overview of the Danaher system from a 2x ADCC champion’s perspective, Bodoni’s set works. Both cost $197, so Danaher’s set offers more content for the same price.
Is Henry Akins’ Black Hole closed guard instructional worth the $279 price?
Only if you value detail depth over volume. Akins teaches Rickson Gracie’s invisible jiu-jitsu – subtle leverage and weight distribution details that make familiar techniques dramatically more effective. BJJ World rated it 9.5/10. But at $279 for 4 hours, it’s the most expensive option per hour. You could buy both Roger Gracie ($149) and DeBlass ($79) for the same money and get more total content.
Still deciding on a closed guard instructional?
If you train gi, start with Roger Gracie’s Closed Guard System or Bernardo Faria’s beginner-friendly The Closed Guard. If you train no-gi and want a complete system, Danaher’s New Wave is the gold standard. BJJ Fanatics runs frequent ~50% codes, so check the current price before you commit.