Our evidence-based ranking of Dominique Bell instructionals on BJJ Fanatics, with who each course best fits, key strengths, and trustworthy sources.
Dubious De La Riva by Dominique Bell
A modern De La Riva system that keeps passers off-balance and funnels to clean sweeps and back takes.
Tarantula Guard by Dominique Bell
A collar-sleeve spider variant that controls posture and fires triangles, overhead sweeps, and back takes fast.
Cheat Code No Gi Passing by Dominique Bell
A no-gi passing system built on headquarters, knee cuts, and high steps that chain into back takes.
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🥋 #1 Dubious De La Riva by Dominique Bell
Instructor: Dominique Bell
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 31 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: DLR that creates dilemmas
Techniques: De La Riva, Tripod Sweep, Come Up Sweep, Back Takes, Berimbolo, Guard Retention, Leg Drag Sweep
- Dynamic De La Riva Guard by Otavio Sousa – If you want a classic GB take on DLR.
- De La Riva Guard System by Michael Langhi – Another proven DLR path with elite pedigree.
- The Modern Single Leg X Guard System by Kaynan Duarte – Pairs well as next step after DLR sweeps.
You get a complete DLR roadmap built around grips, posture breaks, and retention before attacks. Sweeps and back takes are chained so you always have a second threat. There is no no-gi module here, and bolo depth is present but focused on practicality, not acrobatics.
✅ Pros
- You get a cohesive DLR framework instead of a loose move dump.
- Chapters focus on grip fights and retention before attacks.
- Back takes are tied to sweeps with clear triggers.
⚠️ Cons
- No dedicated no-gi variants or leg entanglement depth.
- Some terminology may require pausing if you are brand new.
- Priced higher than Dom’s other courses.
💡 I found the retention cues make standing passers pause, which buys the time you need to attack. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Tarantula Guard by Dominique Bell
Instructor: Dominique Bell
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 56 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Collar grip kills posture
Techniques: Collar Sleeve, Triangles, Overhead Sweep, Elevator Sweep, Rolling Armbar, Shin To Shin, Back Takes
- Mastering The Lasso Guard by Marcos Tinoco – If you prefer a lasso-first gi game.
- Double Sleeve Spider Guard by Jon Thomas – Alternate spider framework with structured pedagogy.
- How To Dominate Single Leg X by Dominique Bell – A natural complement for tarantula to SLX transitions.
Tarantula gives you collar control plus a free leg, which shuts down posture and opens angles. You learn direct entries, then work reactions into sweeps and quick submissions. It is gi-only and assumes you will fight for grips.
✅ Pros
- Entries and reactions are sequenced so you always have a follow up.
- Posture control explains why the attacks work, not just how.
- Transitions to SLX and shin-to-shin are spelled out.
⚠️ Cons
- No no-gi variants are included.
- Grip intensity may tire beginners until timing improves.
- Less depth on lapel-based tricks than some spider sets.
💡 I realized the collar grip gives you posture control and angle at the same time, which is rare. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 Cheat Code No Gi Passing by Dominique Bell
Instructor: Dominique Bell
Style: System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 24 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Headquarters connects everything
Techniques: Headquarters, Knee Cut, High Step, Side Smash, Outside Pass, Back Takes
- Buzzsaw Passing by Andrew Wiltse – Gi-first pressure system many use as a base.
- Half Guard Passing Special Study – No-gi passing focus for knee shield problems.
- Polish Power Passing by Adam Wardzinski – Structured gi passing that complements headquarters ideas.
You learn to enter headquarters safely, then use high steps, knee cuts, and side smash as connected choices. The material emphasizes chaining and finishing to the back. It is not a pure bodylock study, but it gives you answers against common frames.
✅ Pros
- You get a compact but complete no-gi passing map.
- Back take integrations help you finish instead of stall.
- Clear reactions to frames keep the chain going.
⚠️ Cons
- Not a dedicated bodylock curriculum.
- Intermediate pacing may outpace newer white belts.
- Price is higher than Dom’s gi courses.
💡 I like how headquarters gives you a stable base to switch passes without resetting. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 How To Dominate Single Leg X by Dominique Bell
Instructor: Dominique Bell
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 34 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Get-up seals the sweep
Techniques: Single Leg X, Tilt Sweep, Stand Up Sweep, Ankle Lock, Back Takes, Entries
- Single Leg X Reimagined by Adam Wardzinski – Concept-first SLX with tight structure.
- The Modern Single Leg X Guard System by Kaynan Duarte – Atos-flavored gi SLX with honey hole links.
- The Single Leg X Manual by Jonnatas Gracie – Flowchart-driven SLX recall under pressure.
You will learn to access SLX reliably and keep opponents off balance. Sweeps link cleanly to technical stand-ups or back exposure. There are no no-gi heel hook sequences, and it stays focused on gi tactics.
✅ Pros
- Entries are organized by your current guard, so recall is easy.
- The stand-up series closes the loop after off-balances.
- Drills build the timing needed for live rounds.
⚠️ Cons
- No focused no-gi leglock module.
- Lapels make some entries less transferable to no-gi.
- Production does not list a total runtime.
💡 I like how the set treats SLX as a hub that feeds finishes, not just a one-off sweep. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 The Passing Answer by Dominique Bell
Instructor: Dominique Bell
Style: Technique Collection
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 12 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Breadth over depth
Techniques: Toreando, Long Step, Weave Pass, Pancake Pass, Split Pass, Side Smash
- Buzzsaw Passing by Andrew Wiltse – Deeper knee slice and pressure chains.
- Polish Power Passing by Adam Wardzinski – Structured gi passing progression.
You will shore up gaps across several guards with easy-to-apply passes. The course favors breadth over depth and keeps explanations simple. If you want a cohesive system, pick one of Dom’s other sets.
✅ Pros
- A cheap way to cover many guard families.
- Good refresher for posture and angle basics.
- Useful as a reference between sparring rounds.
⚠️ Cons
- Coverage is too shallow for advanced players.
- Organization feels like a sampler instead of a system.
- No no-gi material for cross-training.
💡 I would treat this as a fundamentals checklist rather than a primary passing roadmap. Recommendation: Skip.
How we ranked these Dominique Bell instructionals
We weighted community reception most, using r/bjj threads and credible reviews. Next came clarity and cohesion of the system, then applicability by level and gi/no-gi, followed by instructor authority and production quality. When evidence conflicted, we favored first-hand user reports and noted breadth versus depth tradeoffs. If a product page lacked hard numbers like review counts, we did not guess. Price and recency were tie-breakers, but structure and results on the mat mattered most.
Is Tarantula Guard just spider guard with a new name?
No. Tarantula keeps one foot on the bicep like spider but replaces the second sleeve grip with a collar, freeing a leg for angles. The collar grip adds posture control, which turns common spider problems into opportunities. That change makes triangles, overheads, and get-ups appear faster and makes it easier to transition to SLX and shin-to-shin. It is still gi-only and grip-intensive, so plan for hand fatigue early.
Gi vs no-gi: where to start with Dom Bell courses
Gi path: Tarantula or DLR if you want a connected bottom game, then SLX to turn off-balances into finishes. No-gi path: start with Cheat Code for a complete passing chain, then add a retention course from another instructor if needed. Beginners should pick one primary guard or passing lane and drill reactions before expanding. If budget is tight, wait for a sale and avoid overlapping styles.
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