We ranked the best Jason Rau BJJ Fanatics instructionals by community reception, clarity, and applicability. Compare prices, formats, and who each course helps most.
Understanding The K-Guard
A tight K-guard system with built-in counters that you can use immediately.
Modern No-Gi De La Riva
Make no-gi De La Riva practical with clear off-balances and finishes.
Modern Split Squat Passing
A structured way to pass by mixing pressure and tempo on demand.
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🥋 #1 Understanding The K-Guard by Jason Rau
Instructor: Jason Rau
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 44 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: K-guard with built-in counters.
Techniques: K Guard, Backside 50/50, Matrix, Z Lock, Outside Ashi, Leg Drag Defense, Scoop Pass Counters
- K Guard And Matrix System Part 1 by Mikey Musumeci – Popular competitor option for matrix-style entries and back takes.
- No Gi Open Guard Vol 2: DLR & Waiter by Lachlan Giles – Complements K-guard with DLR and waiter mechanics.
- No Gi Open Guard Vol 3: RDLR & Leg Entanglements by Lachlan Giles – Pairs well if you favor reverse-side entries from K-guard.
This course gives you a clear K-guard map: how to enter, stabilize, and attack. It also shows fixes for the passes that shut down sloppy K-guard. You will not get gi-specific grips; this is optimized for no-gi and modern passing counters.
✅ Pros
- Organized, no-filler structure that moves from positioning to entries to counters.
- Troubleshooting section solves common scoop, V-grip, and leg drag problems.
- Directly connects to backside 50/50, matrix, and Z-lock finishes.
⚠️ Cons
- Price can feel high unless you catch a sale.
- No gi-only focus limits transfer if your gym is gi-first.
- Shotgun K-Guard fans may prefer that style and pacing.
💡 I found the counter-focused first volume makes K-guard stick in sparring much faster. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Modern No-Gi De La Riva by Jason Rau
Instructor: Jason Rau
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 29 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: DLR that works in no-gi.
Techniques: De La Riva, Waiter Guard, Berimbolo, Backside 50/50, False Reap, Wrestle Up, Leg Drag Defense
- No Gi Open Guard Vol 2: DLR & Waiter by Lachlan Giles – Deeper bolo/waiter integration and system continuity.
- Reverse De La Riva: A Precise Guide by Junny Ocasio – Alternative lens if you prefer Junny's RDLR framework.
- Modern Reverse De La Riva by Jason Rau – Pairs well if you use reverse-side entries often.
This set reframes DLR for no-gi realities: less sleeves, more structure. You learn off-balances that lead to wrestle-ups, backside 50/50, and strong finishes. If you want old-school lapel grips, look elsewhere.
✅ Pros
- Focuses on what actually transfers to no-gi.
- Solid balance of concepts and actionable sequences.
- Connects to modern finishes like false reap and backside 50/50.
⚠️ Cons
- Less depth on classic bolo chains than some competitors.
- Information density can feel high to brand-new white belts.
- Not aimed at gi-specific collar-sleeve play.
💡 I like how the set reframes DLR around off-balance directions you can feel, not memorize. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #3 Modern Split Squat Passing by Jason Rau
Instructor: Jason Rau
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 21 minutes
Volumes: 5
Biggest takeaway: Blend inside and outside seamlessly.
Techniques: Split Squat, Knee Cut, Over Under, North South, Tripod Pass, Throw By, Hip And Knee Post
- Dynamically Combining Inside & Outside Passing by Jason Rau – For switching styles mid-pass based on reactions.
- Outside Passing by Jason Rau – Focuses the loose side of the passing game.
This is a passing blueprint, not a random move dump. You learn posture and positions that let you change speeds without losing control. It assumes basic passing literacy; true beginners should rewatch sections.
✅ Pros
- Clear decision tree for inside vs outside passing.
- Positions and grips scale well to different body types.
- Pairs nicely with HQ and outside-passing instructionals.
⚠️ Cons
- Intermediate pacing means novices may need extra rewatches.
- Less focus on bodylock than some modern systems.
- Full price is premium compared to shorter sets.
💡 I like how the series forces you to define posture first, then add speed only when safe. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 Dynamic Reverse Guard by Jason Rau
Instructor: Jason Rau
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 22 minutes
Volumes: 5
Biggest takeaway: R-guard can be systemized.
Techniques: Reverse Guard, Rdlr, K Guard Entries, Standard Ashi, Saddle, Calf Cutter, False Reap
- Modern Reverse De La Riva by Jason Rau – Reverse DLR focus if you prefer that entry tree.
- Reverse De La Riva: A Precise Guide by Junny Ocasio – Another respected no-gi RDLR framework.
If you have ever seen R-guard and wondered how to use it, this fills the gap. You learn positioning options, entries, and counters that chain into strong finishes. It is transitional by design; expect to move rather than hold.
✅ Pros
- Rare, thorough coverage of an under-taught guard.
- Multiple body-position variants with clear transitions.
- Integrated counters to knee-cut, smash pass, and leg weave.
⚠️ Cons
- Transitional emphasis may frustrate pin-seeking passers.
- Niche topic if you only play classic DLR.
- Pricey for a specialized position unless on sale.
💡 I think learning R-guard improved my timing into K-guard and ashi more than expected. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 Outside Ashi Reloaded by Jason Rau
Instructor: Jason Rau
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 44 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Create the ankle/heel dilemma.
Techniques: Outside Ashi, Ankle Lock, Outside Heel Hook, Z Lock, Backside 50/50, Long Butterfly, Y Guard
- Dynamic Outside Ashi: Leg Attacks by Jason Rau – Earlier, shorter take on the same theme.
- Dynamic Cross Ashi by Jason Rau – Complements with cross ashi options and transitions.
You learn to create dilemmas that expose the heel or the ankle. The course adds entries and defenses that keep you safe while hunting finishes. It assumes reaping/heel hook rules; IBJJF-gi players will skip sections.
✅ Pros
- Strong finishing mechanics explained with bite and direction specifics.
- Coverage across standing, kneeling, and seated phases.
- Pairs well with 50/50 and RDLR entries.
⚠️ Cons
- Heavy leg-lock emphasis may not fit every academy.
- Rule-set limitations reduce applicability for some competitors.
- High price unless discounted.
💡 I think building dilemmas first made my outside ashi finishes more reliable than drilling single moves. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 Dynamically Combining Inside & Outside Passing by Jason Rau
Instructor: Jason Rau
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 27 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Switch styles on purpose.
Techniques: Hip And Knee Post, Split Squat, Over Under, North South, Flying Knee Cut, Shin Pin, Throw By
- Modern Split Squat Passing by Jason Rau – Deeper dive on split-squat lanes.
- Outside Passing by Jason Rau – Focus on the looser side of the tree.
You learn to recognize reactions that call for a style change. The course anchors each switch to a grip or posture so you do not lose control. It expects you to already know basic passes.
✅ Pros
- Clarifies when to change passing gears.
- Useful grips and postures to anchor each transition.
- Pairs well with other Rau passing sets.
⚠️ Cons
- Assumes intermediate passing literacy.
- Not bodylock-focused if that is your main style.
- Premium pricing outside sales.
💡 I like the emphasis on grips as cues for when to switch styles. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 Outside Passing by Jason Rau
Instructor: Jason Rau
Style: System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Angles beat stubborn guards.
Techniques: Outside Passing, Cross Scoop, Leg Drag, North South, Stack Pass, Hip And Knee Post, Throw By
- Modern Split Squat Passing by Jason Rau – Adds pressure-based options.
- Dynamic Headquarters Passing by Jason Rau – Great tie-in for central HQ lanes.
You learn how to force reactions that open outside lanes. The course shows how to secure the pass instead of chasing endlessly. If you only bodylock, this is the missing half.
✅ Pros
- Great at solving extended-leg and knee-to-chest frames.
- Clear north-south securing sequences.
- Complements pressure-first styles.
⚠️ Cons
- Not a bodylock tutorial.
- Some sequences require good footwork timing.
- Value is best during sales.
💡 I think committing to north-south securing steps reduced my scramble rate dramatically. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 Dynamic No Gi 50/50 by Jason Rau
Instructor: Jason Rau
Style: System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Make 50/50 dynamic again.
Techniques: 50/50, Backside 50/50, Heel Hook, Kneebar, Heist Entries, Hand Fighting, Exits
- Outside Ashi Reloaded by Jason Rau – Complements 50/50 with outside entries and dilemmas.
- Understanding The Reap by Jason Rau – Adds the reaping mechanics that feed 50/50.
You learn to separate feet, hide heels, and follow for finishes. Defensive sequences help you survive savvy opponents. If you never heel hook, you will only use the escapes and sweeps.
✅ Pros
- Balanced offense and defense reduce stall-outs.
- Strong focus on following the heel to the finish.
- Affordable baseline price for a four-part set.
⚠️ Cons
- Leg-lock heavy; not for everyone.
- Rule-set limitations for IBJJF competitors.
- Lacks upper-body submissions outside transitions.
💡 I think the backside 50/50 defense section alone is worth the time if you get stuck there. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #9 Dynamic Headquarters Passing by Jason Rau
Instructor: Jason Rau
Style: System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 28 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: HQ is a real base.
Techniques: Headquarters, Knee Cut, Stack Pass, Leg Drag, Backstep, Front Headlock, Butterfly Half
- Movement Art Passing: Concepts For Headquarters by Nick Salles & Danny Maira – A different look at HQ concepts.
- Modern Split Squat Passing by Jason Rau – Pairs pressure with your HQ base.
HQ can feel like limbo if you do not know what to look for. This course gives you posture, grips, and those first steps into knee cuts, stacks, and drags. It helps you connect attempts rather than reset.
✅ Pros
- Organizes the chaos when guards feel sticky.
- Clear posture and grip details for stability.
- Easy to combine with Rau's other passing sets.
⚠️ Cons
- Not a deep dive into any single pass.
- Less useful if you already have a strong bodylock system.
- As with most series, full price is best avoided.
💡 I like how defining HQ postures reduced stalled rounds and restarts. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #10 Half Guard Passing by Jason Rau
Instructor: Jason Rau
Style: System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 31 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Control first, then pass.
Techniques: Half Guard Passing, Crossface Underhook, Backstep, Stack Pass, Wrestle Up Counters, North South, Hq Entries
- Outside Passing by Jason Rau – If you prefer movement-focused passing.
- Modern Split Squat Passing by Jason Rau – If you want a pressure-first lane.
You learn to stop knee shields from stalling your top game. The course emphasizes crossface-underhook control before choosing a finish. If you already dominate half guard, this is a refinement set.
✅ Pros
- Prioritizes control before risky backsteps.
- Clear cues to transition to HQ or north-south.
- Good complement to other Rau passing material.
⚠️ Cons
- Narrower scope than his bigger systems.
- Less applicable if you avoid half guard entirely.
- Value depends on catching a discount.
💡 I think the crossface-underhook details plug the biggest leak in most half-guard games. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #11 Understanding The Reap by Jason Rau
Instructor: Jason Rau
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 22 minutes
Volumes: 6
Biggest takeaway: Control the knee line first.
Techniques: Reap, Diagonal Ashi, Shoelace Reap, Z Lock, Backstep Counters, Knee Line Control, Heel Hook Mechanics
- Dynamic No Gi 50/50 by Jason Rau – Pairs well for heel exposure finishes.
- Outside Ashi Reloaded by Jason Rau – Adds outside-entry dilemmas to your reaping threats.
This course explains leg positions that control the knee line and expose heels. The counters to backsteps and common escapes keep you in control. If reaping is illegal in your comps, consider 50/50 and outside ashi first.
✅ Pros
- Breaks down complex leg positioning simply.
- Strong safety and counter mechanics throughout.
- Complements 50/50 and outside ashi paths.
⚠️ Cons
- Rule-set dependent utility.
- Six volumes may feel long for newcomers.
- Buyers often wait for discount codes.
💡 I think learning reaping defense first made my offense less risky. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
How we ranked these Jason Rau instructionals
We weighted r/bjj community reception most, then clarity of system, applicability for common training goals, instructor authority, and production quality. Tie-breakers were recency and distinctiveness. We also de-duplicated overlapping SKUs, listing the definitive product and moving near-duplicates into Alternatives.
Should beginners start with leg locks or passing?
If your gym allows reaping and heel hooks, Outside Ashi Reloaded or Dynamic No Gi 50/50 teach safe mechanics early. If heel hooks are banned, start with Modern No-Gi De La Riva or Outside Passing to build a reliable guard or top game first.
Best pairings based on your goal
Open-guard offense: K-Guard + Modern No-Gi De La Riva. Leg-lock path: Understanding The Reap + Dynamic No Gi 50/50 + Outside Ashi Reloaded. Passing overhaul: Modern Split Squat Passing + Outside Passing + Dynamic Headquarters Passing. These combos give you entries, counters, and finishes without gaps.
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