We researched r/bjj threads, product pages, and reputable videos to rank Dan Vallimont’s best BJJ Fanatics instructionals for grapplers. Clear picks, who each is for, and value guidance.
Dominating The Front Headlock
Build a reliable front headlock system with clear setups, finishes, and drills tailored for grapplers who want takedowns that translate to BJJ.
The Russian Tie Formula
Use two-on-one control to create high-percentage takedowns without big shots and turn stubborn collar ties into scoring chances.
The Collar Tie Formula: Offensive Attacks
Master collar tie motion and convert it into high-crotch, swing singles, and ankle picks that hold up in BJJ rounds.
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🥋 #1 Dominating The Front Headlock by Dan Vallimont
Instructor: Dan Vallimont
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 3 hours and 33 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Snap to headlock to points.
Techniques: Front Headlock, Snapdown, Cradle, Ankle Pick, Knee Tap, Elbow Pass
- Inside Tie Tactics: The Offensive Blueprint – Builds similar snap chains from inside ties.
- The Collar Tie Formula: Offensive Attacks – More collar-tie paths to front headlock and picks.
- Whizzer Domination – Defensive tie that converts to front headlock.
You will learn to get to front headlock from shots, ties, and snaps, then finish cleanly with cradles, ankle picks, and knee taps. The structure teaches push-pull timing, head position, and when to chain to other ties. It does not cover judo gripping or extensive foot sweeps, so pair it with a collar grip course if you rely on the gi.
✅ Pros
- Tight system from entries to finishes with clear sequencing.
- Excellent snap mechanics that immediately help BJJ standup.
- Four volumes give options for different reactions.
⚠️ Cons
- Folkstyle terms need brief translation for BJJ newcomers.
- Minimal gi-specific gripping details.
- Volume can feel dense without pausing to drill.
💡 I found the push-pull punch drill makes snapdowns automatic, which turns stalled collar ties into fast front headlock scores. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 The Russian Tie Formula by Dan Vallimont
Instructor: Dan Vallimont
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 57 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Two-on-one unlocks easy picks.
Techniques: Russian Tie, Two On One, Ankle Pick, High Crotch, Inside Trip, Drag
- Clearing Ties and Creating Action - Boosts your hand fighting to reach Russian ties more often.
- Strategic Approach To Chain Wrestling: Head Inside Offense - Adds singles and doubles that pair with two-on-ones.
You will learn to secure, keep, and exploit the Russian tie for ankle picks, singles, and inside trips. The course shows how to counter their posts and frames, then re-grip to finish. Pure gi-grip sequences are limited, so add collar grips if you prefer sleeve-lapel games.
✅ Pros
- Two-on-one blueprint that reduces risk of counters.
- Applies fast in no-gi and adapts to gi collar grips.
- Chapters emphasize re-grips and off-balancing.
⚠️ Cons
- Requires solid hand fighting cardio to apply live.
- Less depth on finishing on the mat.
- Gi-specific details are brief.
💡 I saw immediate success using two-on-one to force ankle pick or snap dilemmas against defensive guard pullers. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #3 The Collar Tie Formula: Offensive Attacks by Dan Vallimont
Instructor: Dan Vallimont
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 43 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Motion before the shot matters.
Techniques: Collar Tie, Snapdown, Ankle Pick, High Crotch, Swing Single
- The Collar Tie Formula: Defense and Counter Attacks - Round out the system with counters to their ties.
- Clearing Ties and Creating Action - Improves hand fighting to reach collar ties safely.
You will learn contact methods, motion patterns, and takedown options from both sides of the collar tie. Strong sections cover snap-to-front-headlock and the ankle pick family. It lacks deep sleeve-lapel variations, so add your gi grips if you prefer classic judo entries.
✅ Pros
- Great primer for BJJ clubs that start from collar ties.
- Balanced left and right side options.
- Clear transitions to front headlock.
⚠️ Cons
- Limited sleeve-lapel specifics for gi.
- Neck comfort requires good posture cues.
- Assumes basic hand-fighting fitness.
💡 I like the push-pull-press-pass framework; it keeps your partner reacting until an ankle pick opens. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 The Single Leg Takedown Encyclopedia by Dan Vallimont
Instructor: Dan Vallimont
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 3 hours and 34 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: One family covers most takedowns.
Techniques: Single Leg, Run The Pipe, Tree Top, Back Trip, Knee Pound
- Effective High Crotch Attacks - Pairs well for head-inside finishes if you like High C.
- Elite Ankle Picks - Lower-risk scoring option when singles are defended.
You will get entries from ties and space, plus comprehensive finishes standing and on the mat. Drill lists make it easier to absorb the volume. There is less focus on collar-grip-first gi shots, so add your favorite sleeve setups if needed.
✅ Pros
- Huge library of finishes that address common defenses.
- Great structure for drilling progression.
- Translates well to BJJ scramble rules.
⚠️ Cons
- Lots of content to curate for beginners.
- Limited gi-specific sleeve setups.
- Requires level-change comfort.
💡 I would build one A-game single entry and two finishes, then expand with his drill lists. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 Elite Ankle Picks by Dan Vallimont
Instructor: Dan Vallimont
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 53 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Picks thrive on motion timing.
Techniques: Ankle Pick, Collar Tie, Two On One, Underhook, Cross Pick
- The Collar Tie Formula: Offensive Attacks - Adds motion patterns that feed ankle picks.
- Dominating The Front Headlock - Front headlock directly chains to ankle picks.
You will connect tie-ups to picks with simple motion rules and clear finishes. The chain wrestling chapter shows how to link picks to high-crotch or go-behind if blocked. It is lighter on pure sleeve-lapel entries, so add your favorite judo collar-drag triggers.
✅ Pros
- Applies day one in BJJ standup.
- Safer than doubles for hobbyists.
- Great chain drills for live rounds.
⚠️ Cons
- Timing heavy; drilling partners must resist correctly.
- Far-side versions can be reach dependent.
- Less depth on grips for gi specialists.
💡 I cue partners to lean back first; if they resist, the snapdown opens, if they post, the pick is there. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 Next Level Defensive Fundamentals by Dan Vallimont
Instructor: Dan Vallimont
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: Beginner
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 26 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Defense creates scoring chances.
Techniques: Sprawl, Whizzer, Limp Leg, Down Block, Crackdown
- Whizzer Domination - Deeper dive on the core defensive tie.
You will learn head and down blocks, baseline sprawl mechanics, and how to survive the crackdown. The course then flips positions into front headlocks or go-behinds. It assumes no prior wrestling, but you should add your favorite gi grip breaks for club rounds.
✅ Pros
- Beginner friendly structure and terminology.
- Addresses common BJJ standup scrambles.
- Short chapters fit into warmups.
⚠️ Cons
- Less depth on advanced reactions.
- Gi grip-breaking is minimal.
- Some drills need space and partners.
💡 I like using his whizzer kick as a trigger to re-attack instead of conceding guard. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 The Underhook Formula by Dan Vallimont
Instructor: Dan Vallimont
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 6 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Underhooks dictate posture.
Techniques: Underhook, Single Leg, High Crotch, Inside Trip, Ankle Pick
- Inside Tie Tactics: The Offensive Blueprint - Inside ties complement underhooks in clinch battles.
You will learn multiple entries to the underhook and a left-right attack tree. The course maps clean transitions to singles, trips, and picks. It is lighter on gi-specific sleeve battles, so add your collar habits as needed.
✅ Pros
- Balanced left-right options increase reliability.
- Good fake and snap triggers to create motion.
- Transitions cover common BJJ reactions.
⚠️ Cons
- Some sequences expect wrestling rule stalls.
- Less content for sleeve-lapel hand fights.
- Drills need partner buy-in.
💡 I use his fake-snap to elbow-pass as a safe way to open singles without exposing my neck. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 Clearing Ties and Creating Action by Dan Vallimont
Instructor: Dan Vallimont
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Motion unlocks offense.
Techniques: Collar Tie, Underhook, Two On One, Slide By, Elbow Pass
- The Russian Tie Formula - Natural follow-up tie after clears.
You will learn seven motion cues and practical clears from collar tie, underhook, and two-on-one. The emphasis is on creating action, not long finishing trees. Pair it with a finishing course like singles or ankle picks to complete your game.
✅ Pros
- Great complement to any takedown system.
- Short, digestible chapters for class warmups.
- Improves confidence in tie-up scrambles.
⚠️ Cons
- Finish depth is limited by design.
- Assumes basic stance and motion skills.
- Less gi-grip detail.
💡 I use his punch, push, pull sequence to break stubborn collars, then re-grip to Russian tie or ankle pick. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #9 The Winning Keys To Par Terre Defense by Dan Vallimont
Instructor: Dan Vallimont
Style: Technique Collection, Drill Heavy
Best for: Advanced
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 41 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Great, but niche for BJJ.
Techniques: Gut Wrench Defense, Leg Lace Defense, Quad Pod, Limp Leg
- Next Level Defensive Fundamentals - BJJ-relevant takedown defense paths and counters.
You will learn to prevent and break gut and leg lace locks with step-by-step drills. The content is excellent for freestyle wrestlers. For BJJ, it is niche and not essential unless you compete in wrestling too.
✅ Pros
- Highly specific lock-breaking instruction.
- Strong drill progression for reactions.
- Clear prevention-before-defense framework.
⚠️ Cons
- Low direct value for BJJ rulesets.
- Terminology and goals are freestyle-centric.
- Limited applicability to gi grip scenarios.
💡 I would only recommend this if you actively wrestle; otherwise focus on tie clears and picks. Recommendation: Skip.
How we ranked Dan Vallimont’s courses for BJJ
We weighted r/bjj sentiment (clarity, usefulness, teacher quality) most, then judged how system-based the material is and how easily it maps to BJJ rules. We prioritized tie-ups, front headlock, singles, and ankle picks because they are lower risk for hobbyists. We down-weighted niche freestyle content like par terre. When evidence conflicted, we looked for multiple independent comments and favored consistent themes over isolated praise.
What to buy first if you never wrestled
Start with front headlock or collar tie because you already see those ties in BJJ rounds. Add ankle picks for a safer first takedown. If you want one finishing tree, get the single leg encyclopedia and drill only two finishes at first. Use tie clears to avoid stalling. Save high-crotch or freestyle-only topics for later.
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