A ranked, evidence-backed guide to the best Eduardo Telles instructionals on BJJ Fanatics, with who each course serves best, pros and cons, and credible sources.
The Turtle Guard Revisited by Eduardo Telles
Turn turtle into a reliable attack platform with clear defenses, reversals, and submissions.
The Naked Turtle by Eduardo Telles
A no-gi turtle plan to stop back takes, wrestle up, and counter.
Surf Passing by Eduardo Telles
Adopt a moving, angle-first passing style that rides and redirects guards.
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🥋 #1 The Turtle Guard Revisited by Eduardo Telles
Instructor: Eduardo Telles
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Volumes: 2
Biggest takeaway: Turtle can start your offense.
Techniques: Turtle Guard, Turtle Plata, Front Headlock Defense, Crucifix Defense, Back Escape, Steamroller, Kimura Options
- The Turtle System by Henry Akins – More traditional, step-by-step turtle curriculum.
- The Sitting Turtle by Priit Mihkelson – Deep posture-first defensive framework.
- Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes by John Danaher – Highly structured back-escape fundamentals.
You will learn to build a robust turtle that denies front headlocks, blocks hooks, and shuts down chokes. The course then connects reversals, back takes, and submissions like turtle-plata into a repeatable sequence. You will not get endless lapel tricks; the focus is a system you can pressure test in gi or no-gi.
✅ Pros
- A coherent turtle-first system that covers defense, reversals, and submissions.
- Applies to gi and no-gi with clear entries and counters.
- Concise format that is easy to rewatch and drill.
⚠️ Cons
- Less posture theory than Priit-style defensive frameworks.
- Delivery feels casual; some desire tighter structure.
- Limited live footage; you must test concepts in sparring.
💡 I found the biggest gains came from drilling hook-blocking and immediate wrestle-ups before hunting the back. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 The Naked Turtle by Eduardo Telles
Instructor: Eduardo Telles
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 32 hours and 52 minutes
Volumes: 1
Biggest takeaway: Block hooks before anything else.
Techniques: Back Defense, Seatbelt Fighting, Turtle Roll, Wrestle Up, Ankle Pick, Leg Trap, Turtleplata
- The Ultimate Turtle Bundle by Priit Mihkelson – Posture-first defense that many prefer for no-gi.
- Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes by John Danaher – Structured survival and back-escape methodology.
- The Turtle System by Henry Akins – Broader gi/no-gi turtle curriculum.
You will learn practical no-gi tactics to deny hooks, peel seatbelts, and safely turn defense into top position. Chapters focus on stand-ups, ankle picks, and the turtle trap concept without lapel reliance. You will not find long theoretical lectures; it is a concise, do-this-first blueprint.
✅ Pros
- Clear no-gi answers for common back-take threats.
- Actionable stand-up and ankle-pick sequences from turtle.
- Good option if you often end up turtling in scrambles.
⚠️ Cons
- Shorter runtime than premium systems.
- Mixed community feedback on recent Telles releases.
- Less posture theory than Priit or Danaher sets.
💡 I got immediate results by prioritizing hook denial before any grip fighting or rolling counters. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 Surf Passing by Eduardo Telles
Instructor: Eduardo Telles
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 38 hours and 53 minutes
Volumes: 1
Biggest takeaway: Movement creates the pass.
Techniques: Surf Pass, Circle Pass, Reverse Half Guard, Torreando, Knee Collapse, Ninja Roll, Reverse Armbar
- Tripod Passing: Beating Inside Position by Jozef Chen – Modern, structured outside passing blueprint.
- The Relentless Toreando Passing System by Ronaldo Junior – Speed-based passing with clear sequences.
- They Shall Not Pass by Gordon Ryan – Guard-retention counter study to sharpen passing choices.
You will learn to pass by surfing: circling, switching directions, and attacking when balance breaks. The curriculum blends timing-based entries with surprise finishes like reverse armbars. You will not get a smash-only plan; the focus is movement and momentum.
✅ Pros
- Distinct passing philosophy that pairs with open guard games.
- Short, actionable chapters you can test the same day.
- Excellent price for a focused skillset.
⚠️ Cons
- Lighter on step-by-step sequences than modern mega-systems.
- Single-volume scope may leave advanced players wanting more.
- Timing-based moves require mat reps to internalize.
💡 I improved passing by prioritizing angle changes and grip resets before driving pressure. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 Octopus With Pajamas by Eduardo Telles
Instructor: Eduardo Telles
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 43 hours and 11 minutes
Volumes: 1
Biggest takeaway: Octopus opens easy back takes.
Techniques: Octopus Guard, Half Guard, Butterfly Entries, Back Takes, Toptopus, Kata Gatame Counters, Reverse Half Guard
- The Reach Around AKA Octopus Guard by Craig Jones – Modern no-gi octopus mechanics and scrambles.
- The Roger Gracie Turtle Attack System – If your octopus aims at back takes, consider a back-attack masterclass.
- The Reverse Seat Belt by David Avellan – Alternative upper-body harness to create reversals and back takes.
You will connect octopus from half, closed, and butterfly to back takes and sweeps. Defensive chapters address common smashes with kata gatame and ezekiel counters. You will not get a broad guard curriculum; this is a focused, niche toolkit for octopus lovers.
✅ Pros
- Position creator teaching detailed entries and finishes.
- Practical transitions across half, closed, and butterfly.
- Includes counters to common shut-down pressures.
⚠️ Cons
- Single volume; advanced players may want more depth.
- Mixed community feedback on recent Telles releases.
- Highly specialized and gi-centric; limited no-gi transfer.
💡 I found octopus shines when opponents overcommit grips; angle off first, then climb to the back. Recommendation: Skip.
How we ranked the Telles catalog
We weighted r/bjj sentiment most, then judged clarity and cohesion of each system. We favored instructionals that gave you a step-by-step pathway over loose move dumps. Applicability mattered: no-gi utility and gi transfer scored points. We also considered Telles' authority and whether the production helped retention (short, clean chapters). Tie-breakers were recency and distinctiveness. That is why Turtle Guard Revisited outranks the niche Octopus course and why Surf Passing edges into the top three thanks to positive community notes and practical, affordable content.
Should beginners learn turtle early?
Yes, if you frame it correctly. Start with hook-blocking and front headlock defense. Treat turtle as a temporary stop to stand up or reverse, not a camping spot. Telles' material gives you key blocks and entries; pairing it with a posture-first set like Priit's helps white and blue belts avoid bad habits. Drill short chains: block hooks, post, stand or roll, then recover guard or attack the back. Keep reps short and add sparring rounds that begin from bad turtle to pressure test safely.
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