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Best Henry Akins Instructional: Our Top Picks Ranked
A ranked, evidence-based guide to the best Henry Akins instructionals on BJJ Fanatics, who each course is for, and how they compare.
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Jump to a pick
- 1. Weight Distribution Masterclass
- 2. Understanding Connection In Jiu Jitsu
- 3. Guard Passing Mastery
- 4. The Black Hole: No-Gi Closed Guard
- 5. Cross Side Domination
- 6. No-Gi Guard Passing: The One Concept You Need
- 7. Dismantling and Passing the Half Guard (Top)
- 8. Half Guard Retention and Sweeps (Bottom)
- 9. The Turtle System
- 10. The Scarf Hold: The Soul Stealer
- 11. The Back System
- Comparison table
- FAQ
The top picks, up front
2026 editionWeight Distribution Masterclass
Henry AkinsLearn to make every position crushing with Henry Akins’ pressure-first system.
≈2h 36m · all levels · gi & no-gi · $$$Understanding Connection In Jiu Jitsu
Henry AkinsBuild real pressure and easy defense by learning how connection controls movement.
≈3h 33m · all levels · gi & no-gi · $$$Guard Passing Mastery
Henry AkinsUse weight and angle shifts to pass modern guards without speed or strength.
≈11h 17m · intermediate · gi & no-gi · $$$A ranked, evidence-based guide to the best Henry Akins instructionals on BJJ Fanatics, who each course is for, and how they compare.
Weight Distribution Masterclass
Henry AkinsStyle: conceptual, system based. Biggest takeaway: pressure comes from connection. List price $279.
What it covers
You learn to connect your body weight to opponents so your top game feels heavy without strength. The lessons show how small angle changes kill frames and make passes stick. You will not get a giant move list; you will learn one method to apply everywhere.
Techniques: Weight Distribution, Pressure, Angles, Frame Collapsing, Side Control.
Why it stands out
- Principles transfer to every top position quickly.
- Clear logic reduces guesswork while passing and pinning.
- Pairs well with any existing system or gi grips.
Speaking pace can feel slow for some learners. It is not a move encyclopedia; the focus is concept-heavy. And it is pricey unless you time a Daily Deal.
All levels who want one pressure method that transfers to every top position. My take: pin control improves most by shifting angles to load your mass onto their frames, not by squeezing harder. Recommendation: buy it now.
You want a move-by-move encyclopedia rather than a concept-first system, or you cannot wait for a Daily Deal at this price.
Notable alternatives: Understanding Connection In Jiu Jitsu (expands pressure with the broader concept of connection), Guard Passing Mastery (applies weight distribution directly to modern guards), and Cross Side Domination (builds specific side control control and attacks). Read the full review.
Understanding Connection In Jiu Jitsu
Henry AkinsStyle: conceptual, system based. Biggest takeaway: remove slack to control. List price $279.
What it covers
You learn to remove slack, align hips and shoulders, and connect your center to theirs. The material shows how this improves chokes, escapes, and sweeps. You will not get flashy entries; you will get universal timing and body mechanics.
Techniques: Connection, Angles, Scissor Sweep, Shin Lever Sweep.
Why it stands out
- Links offense and defense under one idea.
- B-roll clips show live-context usage clearly.
- Scales to any ruleset or size difference.
It is not a position-specific curriculum. Abstract sections may require rewatching. And the price is premium outside sales.
All levels who want a single connecting idea that ties offense and defense together. My take: small angle changes create connection an opponent cannot shake, which beats forcing moves. Recommendation: wait for daily deal.
You want a position-specific curriculum or dislike abstract, concept-first material that needs rewatching.
Notable alternatives: Weight Distribution Masterclass (pairs perfectly; pressure needs connection) and Guard Passing Mastery (applies connection ideas to real guard problems). Read the full review.
Guard Passing Mastery
Henry AkinsStyle: system based, conceptual. Biggest takeaway: angles beat frames. List price $279.
What it covers
You learn to collapse frames, soak space, then stabilize. The examples show how to beat knee shield, lasso, DLR, and butterfly using the same rules. You will not memorize dozens of passes; you will get a blueprint that repeats.
Techniques: Guard Passing, Knee Shield Solutions, Butterfly Passing, Pressure.
Why it stands out
- Consistent ruleset across many guards.
- Less grip dependence reduces fatigue.
- Live-minded Q&A clarifies tricky spots.
It is not a gi-grip encyclopedia. The runtime feels long in places. And the production focuses on content over polish.
Intermediate passers who want one repeatable blueprint that beats knee shield, lasso, DLR, and butterfly. My take: collapsing the right angle removes their last post, which beats chasing moves. Recommendation: wait for daily deal.
You want a gi-grip-heavy passing encyclopedia or a tightly edited, short course.
Notable alternatives: No-Gi Guard Passing: One Concept (same passing core focused on no-gi) and Cross Side Domination (turn passes into stable pins and finishes). Read the full review.
The Black Hole: No-Gi Closed Guard
Henry AkinsStyle: system based, conceptual. Biggest takeaway: kill posts, then attack. List price $279.
What it covers
You learn to remove posts, stop their stand-ups, and off-balance from seated or standing opponents. The course chains hip bump, kimura, guillotine, triangle and armlock entries. You will not rely on sleeve grips; everything works slick in no-gi.
Techniques: No-Gi Closed Guard, Posture Breaking, Hip Bump, Kimura, Triangle.
Why it stands out
- Purpose-built for no-gi without lapel dependence.
- Problem-solution layout mirrors sparring reality.
- Good posture control and stand-up counters.
The runtime is large for new white belts. Submission depth is broad, not ultra-deep. And it is pricey unless discounted.
No-gi players who want a closed guard that works without lapel grips. My take: collapse posts with the hips and legs first instead of pulling with the arms. Recommendation: buy it now.
You are a brand-new white belt who wants something shorter, or you train gi-only.
Notable alternatives: Inside The Closed Guard (focuses on posture and opening strategies) and Closed Guard Attacks (pairs posture control with finishing options). Read the full review.
Cross Side Domination
Henry AkinsStyle: system based, conceptual. Biggest takeaway: pin first, finish second. List price $279.
What it covers
You learn super chill control and how to load your mass into frames without muscling. The attack tree covers armlocks, paper cutter, kimuras, and wrist locks. You will not find lapel trickery; you will get pressure that makes submissions easy.
Techniques: Side Control, Paper Cutter Choke, Americana, Armbar, Wrist Lock.
Why it stands out
- Strong transition from pass to finish.
- Energy-efficient holding strategies.
- Covers common late-escape counters.
Less lapel-specific detail for gi specialists. The forward-weight bias may not fit every body type. And it is not focused on bottom escapes.
All levels who want energy-efficient side control that turns pins into finishes. My take: prioritize immobility before submissions to finish more. Recommendation: wait for daily deal.
You want lapel-specific gi detail, bottom escapes, or a system that suits a non-forward-weight body type.
Notable alternatives: The Scarf Hold: The Soul Stealer (integrates pressure from kesa gatame variants) and Weight Distribution Masterclass (core pressure theory behind this system). Read the full review.
No-Gi Guard Passing: The One Concept You Need
Henry AkinsStyle: system based, conceptual. Biggest takeaway: one concept passes. List price $279.
What it covers
You learn no-gi openings from knees and standing with posture rules that protect you. The passing sections show butterfly, seated, and DLR counters via angle shifts. You will not chase grips; you will pass with posture and pressure.
Techniques: No-Gi Guard Passing, Posture, Knee Shield Counters, Butterfly Solutions.
Why it stands out
- Posture-first openings reduce scrambles.
- Targets the most common no-gi guards.
- Pairs smoothly with side control systems.
Less useful for gi-only players. It is not a sport-meta specific lapel system. And some sections could be tighter.
Intermediate no-gi players who want a posture-first passing concept against butterfly, seated, and DLR. My take: angle-fighting beats grip-fighting for getting past hooks. Recommendation: wait for daily deal.
You train gi-only or want a sport-meta lapel passing system.
Notable alternatives: Guard Passing Mastery (same logic for gi and mixed rooms). Read the full review.
Dismantling and Passing the Half Guard (Top)
Henry AkinsStyle: system based. Biggest takeaway: home base beats frames. List price $279.
What it covers
You learn structured answers to common knee shield and Z-guard frames. The routes prioritize stable pins with quarter-guard clearing. You will not get a leglock meta; you will get pressure routes to dominant pins.
Techniques: Half Guard Top, Knee Shield Counters, Quarter Guard Clear, Knee Cut.
Why it stands out
- Logical routes from each knee-shield flavor.
- Gives answers to common half counters.
- Transitions reinforce pin-first mindset.
It is not aimed at leg entanglement systems. The pacing is moderate with less snappy editing. And gi-specific grip nuance is limited.
Intermediate players who keep getting stuck on knee shields and Z-guard and want pressure routes to pins. My take: change angles to melt a knee shield rather than fighting it head-on. Recommendation: wait for daily deal.
You want a leg entanglement system or detailed gi-grip nuance.
Notable alternatives: Half Guard Retention and Sweeps (Bottom) (pair with a complete half-guard game). Read the full review.
Half Guard Retention and Sweeps (Bottom)
Henry AkinsStyle: system based. Biggest takeaway: change base to breathe. List price $279.
What it covers
You learn to change base, bridge, and hook so pressure no longer pins you flat. The sweeps are direct and connect to back takes. You will not find lapel feeds; you will learn reliable no-frills direction changes.
Techniques: Half Guard Retention, Bridge Series, Hook Sweep, Underhook Back Take.
Why it stands out
- Addresses the most common bottom half problems.
- Sequences are short and repeatable.
- Back takes come naturally from sweeps.
It is not a comprehensive knee shield offense. Lapel-focused content is limited. And it has fewer volumes than other sets.
All levels who get flattened in bottom half and want reliable base changes, sweeps, and back takes. My take: change base before bridging instead of muscling out of half guard. Recommendation: wait for daily deal.
You want a comprehensive knee shield offense or lapel-heavy bottom-half material.
Notable alternatives: Guard Passing Mastery (study top and bottom together). Read the full review.
The Turtle System
Henry AkinsStyle: system based. Biggest takeaway: turtle can attack. List price $279.
What it covers
You learn to connect head and shoulder, deal with sprawls, and re-enter to offense. The attacks include clock chokes, crucifix, and clean back takes. You will not stall; you will move with structure that keeps you safe.
Techniques: Turtle Entries, Clock Choke, Crucifix, Back Takes.
Why it stands out
- Gives purpose and structure to turtle.
- Connects to dominant back and crucifix.
- Entries work for both gi and no-gi.
It is a philosophically polarizing position. It is not a full back control curriculum. And some will prefer alternative turtle frameworks.
All levels who want to turn turtle into an offensive entry to the back instead of a stall. My take: use turtle to enter the back rather than treating it as a timeout. Recommendation: wait for daily deal.
You dislike turtle on principle or want a complete standalone back control curriculum.
Notable alternatives: Cross Side Domination (convert turtle scrambles into stable pins). Read the full review.
The Scarf Hold: The Soul Stealer
Henry AkinsStyle: system based, conceptual. Biggest takeaway: pressure taps exist. List price $279.
What it covers
You learn safe entries, heavy control, and how to convert pressure into armlocks and chokes. The course addresses common escapes and how to shut them down. You will not get flashy transitions; you will get pressure mechanics that hold anyone.
Techniques: Scarf Hold, Pressure Pinning, Wrist Lock, Americana, Armbar.
Why it stands out
- Turns a stigmatized pin into a weapon.
- Entries from positions you already reach.
- Submission coverage is practical and direct.
Back exposure fears linger for some. It has less relevance for pure guard players. And it is not tournament-rule optimized content.
All levels who want to weaponize kesa-gatame with heavy control and direct submissions. My take: kesa-gatame becomes safe once you control the hips and head lines, not just the arm. Recommendation: wait for daily deal.
You are worried about back exposure, play mostly guard, or need tournament-rule-optimized material.
Notable alternatives: Cross Side Domination (pairs well to finish after passes). Read the full review.
The Back System
Henry AkinsStyle: technique collection, conceptual. Biggest takeaway: basics still finish. List price $279.
What it covers
You learn seatbelt, hook management, and clean choke mechanics. The focus is reliable control, not fancy traps. You will not get huge system depth; you will get a fundamentals refresh.
Techniques: Back Control, Seatbelt, Choke Finishes, Hook Management.
Why it stands out
- Clear teaching pace for newer belts.
- Connection tips make control stickier.
- Easy to implement alongside other material.
Less depth than leading back systems. It is not competition-meta specific. And it is pricey for fundamentals-only buyers.
Beginners who want a clean back-control fundamentals refresh with sticky connection tips. My take: prioritize chest connection over squeezing early to finish more chokes. Recommendation: skip.
You want a deep, competition-meta back system or already have a solid back game.
Notable alternatives: Cross Side Domination (if you prefer pin-to-finish routes). Read the full review.
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weight Distribution Masterclass | Henry Akins | 2h 36m across 4 volumes | All levels | Gi & No-Gi | Overall pressure system | $$$ | Check price → |
| 2 | Understanding Connection In Jiu Jitsu | Henry Akins | 3h 33m across 6 volumes | All levels | Gi & No-Gi | Conceptual foundation | $$$ | Check price → |
| 3 | Guard Passing Mastery | Henry Akins | 11h 17m across 6 volumes | Intermediate | Gi & No-Gi | Guard passing system | $$$ | Check price → |
| 4 | The Black Hole: No-Gi Closed Guard | Henry Akins | 5h 2m across 8 volumes | All levels | No-Gi | No-gi closed guard | $$$ | Check price → |
| 5 | Cross Side Domination | Henry Akins | 1h 48m across 4 volumes | All levels | Gi & No-Gi | Side control attacks | $$$ | Check price → |
| 6 | No-Gi Guard Passing: The One Concept You Need | Henry Akins | 5h 13m across 7 volumes | Intermediate | No-Gi | No-gi guard passing | $$$ | Check price → |
| 7 | Dismantling and Passing the Half Guard (Top) | Henry Akins | 3h 6m across 5 volumes | Intermediate | Gi & No-Gi | Half guard top | $$$ | Check price → |
| 8 | Half Guard Retention and Sweeps (Bottom) | Henry Akins | 2h 27m across 3 volumes | All levels | Gi & No-Gi | Half guard bottom | $$$ | Check price → |
| 9 | The Turtle System | Henry Akins | 4h 4m across 4 volumes | All levels | Gi & No-Gi | Turtle system | $$$ | Check price → |
| 10 | The Scarf Hold: The Soul Stealer | Henry Akins | 3h 33m across 4 volumes | All levels | Gi & No-Gi | Scarf hold pinning | $$$ | Check price → |
| 11 | The Back System | Henry Akins | 3h 1m | Beginner | Gi & No-Gi | Back control fundamentals | $$$ | Check price → |
How we ranked Henry Akins instructionals
We prioritized community reception from r/bjj discussions, then judged clarity of Henry’s systems (connection and weight distribution), applicability to common rooms (gi and no-gi), instructor authority, and production/pedagogy. When items tied, we favored recency and distinctiveness. We cited primary product pages, BJJ Heroes for instructor context, and relevant YouTube demos or podcast clips.
Should beginners start with Henry Akins?
Yes, if you value fundamentals. Start with Weight Distribution Masterclass or Understanding Connection. They reduce guesswork and make your existing techniques work better, regardless of style. If you need direct techniques first, pick Guard Passing Mastery and layer pressure concepts as you drill.
Daily deals vs full price
BJJ Fanatics runs frequent sales and daily deals. Given the $279 standard price, waiting for a Daily Deal is smart for most buyers. Exceptions: if a course solves your immediate problem (e.g., no-gi closed guard), buying now can accelerate progress. Otherwise, wishlist and watch for discounts.
Which Henry Akins instructional should you start with?
If you value fundamentals, start with Weight Distribution Masterclass or Understanding Connection In Jiu Jitsu. If you need direct techniques first, pick Guard Passing Mastery and layer the pressure concepts as you drill. Given the $279 list price, most buyers should wishlist and wait for a BJJ Fanatics Daily Deal.