Our evidence-based ranking of the best BJJ Fanatics closed guard instructionals in 2025, with Reddit sentiment, instructor context, prices, and who each course suits.
The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System
Roger Gracie teaches a precise, no-fluff closed guard system that turns posture breaks into chokes, armlocks, back takes, and sweeps.
New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Closed Guard – Building a Complete Closed Guard System
Danaher gives a complete no-gi closed guard system with rules for posture, elbow, height, and chains that cover every common scenario.
The Closed Guard
Bernardo’s gi-focused closed guard gives you simple posture breaks and dependable sweeps and chokes you can use this week.
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🥋 #1 The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System by Roger Gracie
Instructor: Roger Gracie
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 28 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Break posture first, finish second.
Techniques: Cross Choke, Armbar, Scissor Sweep, Hook Sweep, Back Take
- New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Closed Guard by John Danaher – Best structured no-gi closed guard system.
- The Closed Guard by Bernardo Faria – Beginner-friendly gi fundamentals and sequences.
- Next Generation Closed Guard by Mica Galvao – Modern gi updates and high-percentage combos.
You will learn a tight posture-breaking framework with direct paths to collar chokes, armlocks, and back takes. Roger prioritizes control first so your finishes land clean in the gi. You will not find leg entanglement detours or flashy variations; this is a fundamentals masterclass.
✅ Pros
- Elite fundamentals taught with crystal-clear sequencing.
- Relies on grips and structure, not athleticism or length.
- Covers key sweeps plus signature cross choke with fine details.
⚠️ Cons
- Light coverage of modern no-gi problems and leg locks.
- Does not deeply address Sao Paulo pass counters.
- Shorter than some encyclopedic sets at a similar price.
💡 I found Roger’s emphasis on posture breaking and angle creation simplifies closed guard choices under pressure. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Closed Guard - Building a Complete Closed Guard System by John Danaher
Instructor: John Danaher
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 9 hours and 38 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Structure beats guesswork in no-gi.
Techniques: Side Scissor, Clamp, Top Lock, Hip Sweep, Trap Triangle
- The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System – Cleaner gi-focused fundamentals with minimal jargon.
- Efficiently Executing From Closed Guard by Giancarlo Bodoni – Shorter, actionable no-gi options with modern flavor.
You will learn closed guard as linked positions that solve posture, elbow, and height problems. The decision-making rules reduce guesswork during tough no-gi rounds. You will not get a quick move dump; expect dense concepts and long-form instruction.
✅ Pros
- Covers the modern no-gi posture battle in depth.
- Clear pathways whether you are winning or losing a fight.
- Addresses standing opponents and leg attacks from guard.
⚠️ Cons
- High price may deter budget buyers.
- Lengthy delivery requires patience and note-taking.
- Can feel overlapping with other Danaher series.
💡 I use Danaher’s posture and elbow battle rules as a checklist when stuck in closed guard. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #3 The Closed Guard by Bernardo Faria
Instructor: Bernardo Faria
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 58 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Simple chains, real-world results.
Techniques: Pendulum Sweep, Scissor Sweep, Cross Choke, Kimura, Armbar
- Closed Guard Domination by Tom DeBlass – No-gi friendly basics with tough posture breaks.
- The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System – A more precise gi fundamentals masterclass.
You will learn the high-percentage pendulum, scissor, and overhook chains that suit most bodies. The teaching is simple and practical, ideal for new and returning students. You will not find cutting-edge no-gi entanglements or long theoretical sections.
✅ Pros
- Clear, approachable sequences for quick wins.
- Leverages grips and angles, not flexibility.
- Strong overhook triangle and omoplata details.
⚠️ Cons
- Organization can feel scattered at times.
- Minimal no-gi application guidance.
- Not aimed at advanced competitors.
💡 I recommend this as a first closed guard course because the sweeps and chokes convert fast for most students. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 Closet (Closed) Guard by Craig Jones
Instructor: Craig Jones
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours
Biggest takeaway: Overhooks unlock triangles reliably.
Techniques: Overhook Series, Triangle, Armbar, Hip Heist Sweep, Back Take
- Overhook Closed Guard by Adele Fornarino – Great focused study of the overhook game.
- New Wave Closed Guard by John Danaher – More formal no-gi structure if you want rules.
You will learn to set overhooks, attack triangles, and create angle changes that break strong posture. Craig explains when to switch to hip-heist sweeps and back takes. You will not get gi-specific collar chains.
✅ Pros
- Strong overhook framework for no-gi finishes.
- Clear entries and angle changes to create attacks.
- Keeps you proactive instead of stalling closed guard.
⚠️ Cons
- Less helpful for short, stocky body types.
- No gi-collar chokes or lapel tricks.
- Price and volume details vary over time.
💡 I see the overhook as a posture insurance policy that funnels straight into triangles and armbars. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 Closed Guard Domination by Tom DeBlass
Instructor: Tom DeBlass
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 18 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Posture breaks drive everything.
Techniques: Overhook Triangle, Kimura, Hip Bump, High Guard Back Take
- The Closed Guard by Bernardo Faria – Beginner-friendly gi fundamentals.
- Next Generation Closed Guard by Mica Galvao – Modern gi-based overhook and sweep chains.
You will learn to create pressure, break posture, and attack with direct submissions and sweeps. DeBlass shows stack and knee-up counters that plague lower belts. You will not get deep theory or gi collar chains.
✅ Pros
- Easy to implement in no-gi rooms.
- Strong overhook and hip-bump chains.
- Good counters to common stacking and knee-up defenses.
⚠️ Cons
- Less conceptual depth than newer systems.
- Older production and pacing.
- Persona may be polarizing for some buyers.
💡 I like this as a pragmatic no-gi primer before moving to more complex systems. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 Next Generation Closed Guard by Mica Galvao
Instructor: Mica Galvao
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 11 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Combos multiply finishing chances.
Techniques: Two On One, Pendulum Sweep, Armbar, Triangle, Omoplata
- The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System – Cleaner finishing mechanics and control focus.
- Closet (Closed) Guard by Craig Jones – A no-gi overhook path if you cross-train.
You will learn reliable entries into closed guard and chain attacks without stalling. Mica balances fundamentals with modern combos for fast adoption. You will not get deep lectures on long control or no-gi specifics.
✅ Pros
- Competition-tested chains delivered clearly.
- Affordable price for a four-part set.
- Great entries and posture-break options.
⚠️ Cons
- Some sequences feel trendy or duplicative.
- Light on deeper control strategies.
- Not focused on no-gi applications.
💡 I like Mica for getting blue belts moving from closed guard instead of stalling for stand-ups. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 Efficiently Executing From Closed Guard by Giancarlo Bodoni
Instructor: Giancarlo Bodoni
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 4 hours and 27 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Compact map, quick finishes.
Techniques: Posture Breaks, Triangle, Armbar, Clamp, Hip Sweep
- New Wave Closed Guard by John Danaher – Deeper theory and bigger map of positions.
- Closet (Closed) Guard by Craig Jones – More overhook-focused finishing ideas.
You will learn efficient entries, posture breaks, and direct finishing chains. Giancarlo keeps the structure tight so you can remember and drill. You will not get long lectures or extensive collar-based gi work.
✅ Pros
- Straightforward structure that is easy to drill.
- Good clamp and elbow-control transitions.
- Competition credibility from an ADCC champion.
⚠️ Cons
- Less detailed than full New Wave systems.
- Pricey relative to runtime and scope.
- Limited gi-specific instruction.
💡 I view this as a no-gi quick-start that still scales up for competitors. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 The Black Hole: No-Gi Closed Guard by Henry Akins
Instructor: Henry Akins
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: Advanced
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 5 hours and 2 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Invisible pressure wins posture.
Techniques: Posture Collapses, Armbar, Triangle, Scissor Sweep, Omoplata
- New Wave Closed Guard by John Danaher – Cheaper, broader no-gi system coverage.
- Closet (Closed) Guard by Craig Jones – Modern overhook paths at a lower price.
You will learn subtle leverage that makes familiar armbars, triangles, and sweeps more certain. Henry’s method rewards patient, detail-focused players. You will not get budget pricing or a quick-hit beginner curriculum.
✅ Pros
- Unique pressure and structure insights from a Rickson lineage.
- Refines standard moves for higher finishing rates.
- Stays effective without speed or flexibility.
⚠️ Cons
- Highest price in this roundup.
- Not ideal for beginners who want quick wins.
- Some topics feel under-explored for the cost.
💡 I recommend this only if you love nuanced mechanics and can justify the premium. Recommendation: Skip.
How we ranked these closed guard instructionals
We weighted community reception most, pulling 3–7 r/bjj opinions per item for balanced love and hate. Next we scored system clarity and cohesion, then applicability by skill and ruleset (gi vs no-gi). Instructor authority and production quality rounded out the model. Ties were broken by recency and distinctiveness. If a claim could not be verified from primary sources (product pages, r/bjj, YouTube, BJJ Heroes), we omitted it. Prices and volumes reflect the product pages at the time of writing and may change during sales.
Which closed guard course should you start with?
If you train mostly gi, start with Roger Gracie or Bernardo Faria. For no-gi rooms, pick Danaher for structure or DeBlass for quick wins. Chasing modern overhook attacks? Craig Jones or Mica will suit. Competitors who drill love Bodoni’s compact map. Detail fanatics with bigger budgets can consider Akins. Choose one, run it twice, then build a sparring plan around its posture breaks and two go-to finishes.
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