We ranked the best Demian Maia instructionals on BJJ Fanatics by community reception, system clarity, and on-mat usefulness. Get the right course for your back game.
The Maia Backpack System: Controlling The Back
Turn your back control into a human backpack that opponents cannot shake.
The Maia Backpack System: Transitions To The Back
Learn reliable back entries from side control, guard, mount, and standup.
Maia Backpack System: Submissions From The Back
Learn Maia’s high-percentage finishes once you have back control locked.
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🥋 #1 The Maia Backpack System: Controlling The Back by Demian Maia
Instructor: Demian Maia
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 41 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Retention before submission.
Techniques: Back Retention, Body Triangle, Seat Belt, Hand Fighting, Turtle Attacks, Readjustments, Rear Naked Choke
- The Maia Backpack System Bundle – All three series together if you plan to study the whole system.
- Maia Backpack System: Submissions From The Back – Pairs well once your retention improves and you need finish details.
- Science of Jiu-Jitsu (1 & 2) – Classic Maia concepts; not on BJJ Fanatics, but often referenced.
You get a complete retention-first approach to back control with seat belt, hooks, and body triangle options. Maia shows how to counter common escapes and re-attach when you lose a hook. Store reviews show a 5.0 average from 28 reviews, indicating high buyer satisfaction (product page).
✅ Pros
- Retention-first system that fixes the real reason people fail on the back.
- Concepts are explained simply and map to sparring fast.
- Production and structure make it easy to revisit exact chapters.
⚠️ Cons
- Shorter than some mega-series and may leave you wanting more depth.
- No gi-specific collar grips are covered.
- Full price is high unless discounted.
💡 I improved my finish rate most by learning to re-attach the back before hunting the choke. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 The Maia Backpack System: Transitions To The Back by Demian Maia
Instructor: Demian Maia
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Create back exposure on purpose.
Techniques: Back Takes, Arm Drag, Single Leg Counters, Half Guard To Back, Guard Pass To Back, Turtle Entries, Mount To Back
- The Maia Backpack System: Controlling The Back - Pair entries with retention for maximum results.
- How To Take The Back (Garry Tonon) - If you want a faster-paced, wrestling-influenced entry set.
- The Maia Backpack System Bundle - Get all entries, control, and finishes in one purchase.
Maia connects passes and sweeps to back exposure using simple triggers. The curriculum covers top and bottom entries plus standup counters like single-leg whizzer switches. Store feedback shows a 5.0 average from 13 reviews, signaling strong buyer approval (product page).
✅ Pros
- Covers back exposure triggers from many common positions.
- Built-in defensive rules keep you advancing without risk.
- Concise format makes it easy to drill specific paths.
⚠️ Cons
- Not as comprehensive as mega-series competitors.
- Less emphasis on wrestling-chain entries.
- No gi collar grip options for kimono specialists.
💡 I started catching more backs when I hunted exposure moments instead of forcing a specific move. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 Maia Backpack System: Submissions From The Back by Demian Maia
Instructor: Demian Maia
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Hand fighting wins chokes.
Techniques: Rear Naked Choke, Maia Leao, Neck Crank, Crucifix, Arm Triangle, Hand Fighting, Belly Up Finishes
- The Maia Backpack System: Controlling The Back - If your issue is losing position before finishing.
- Enter The System: Back Attacks (Danaher) - Useful contrast if you want straight-jacket style finishing.
- The Maia Backpack System Bundle - Finish plus control and entries together.
This course adds ruthless efficiency to your chokes and joint locks from the back. Expect hand-fighting sequences, chin manipulation, crucifix attacks, and pressure tips that work at all levels. Store reviews show a 5.0 average from 25 reviews, indicating strong buyer satisfaction (product page).
✅ Pros
- Finish mechanics that work even when the chin is buried.
- Crucifix paths give a second win condition without losing control.
- Efficient pressure saves energy over long rounds.
⚠️ Cons
- Less collar-based content for kimono specialists.
- Some attacks lean MMA, which may not fit every ruleset.
- You still need retention skills to apply finishes consistently.
💡 I finished more RNCs by treating hand fighting as the submission, not a prelude. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
Why Maia over Danaher for back control?
Danaher’s straight-jacket emphasizes two-on-one hand traps and very long-form detail. Maia prefers overhook-side control, constant readjustments, and efficiency. If Danaher feels too slow or dense, Maia’s concise, retention-first approach may click faster. Both work well; pick the style that matches your training culture and attention span.
Gi vs no-gi: will this work with collars?
Yes. Replace wrist or shoulder posts with collar and sleeve grips when available. The retention principles (seat belt, hip follow, hook fights, body triangle lines) stay the same. Add collar chokes as parallel threats, but keep Maia’s re-attachment sequences to stop escapes before you chase lapels.
Should beginners start with Maia?
If you lose the back or cannot finish RNCs, starting with Controlling The Back is smart. Beginners benefit from clear rules on seat belt, hooks, and readjustments. Add Submissions From The Back only after your retention survives typical white/blue belt escape attempts.
Bundle vs single titles: which is better value?
If you plan to study for months, the bundle makes sense during a Daily Deal. Otherwise, buy Controlling The Back first, then add Transitions or Submissions as needed. Check BJJ Fanatics daily deals to time your purchase.
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