We ranked the best JT Torres instructionals on BJJ Fanatics using r/bjj feedback, teaching quality, and applicability. See who each course helps most and the smart buy order.
No Gi Fundamentals: Top Game by JT Torres
A clear, step-by-step nogi top system that turns HQ and knee cuts into reliable guard passes and finishes.
No-Gi Pressure Mastery by JT Torres
A detailed, modern pressure-passing encyclopedia that turns crossfaces and HQ into consistent, exhausting guard breaks.
No Gi Fundamentals Bottom Game by JT Torres
A practical nogi bottom roadmap for closed, knee shield, and X-guard that turns defense into sweeps and submissions.
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đĽ #1 No Gi Fundamentals: Top Game by JT Torres
Instructor: JT Torres
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 23 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Make HQ a real system.
Techniques: Headquarters, Knee Cut, Over Under, Reverse Weave, Long Step, Darce, Leg Drag
- No-Gi Pressure Mastery by JT Torres â More focused on pressure sequences and updates.
- Understanding The Distance On Top by Gui Mendes â Concepts for managing passing distance in gi.
- Mateusz Diniz No-Gi Passing â Another pressure-first nogi approach.
You get a structured path from opening guards to securing passes and finishing sequences. JT shows how to enter HQ safely, dismantle knee shields, and flow to mount or submissions. If you want practical nogi passing that scales from white to black belt, this is the most complete starting point.
â Pros
- Structured progression that connects entries, passes, and finishes.
- Teaches pressure without sacrificing mobility or safety.
- High rewatch value as details stack cleanly.
â ď¸ Cons
- Not aimed at modern leg entanglement hunters.
- Price can sting unless you catch a sale.
- Less useful if you only train gi.
đĄ I found the HQ sequences remove guesswork, letting you pressure, switch sides, and finish without giving space back. Recommendation: Buy it now.
đĽ #2 No-Gi Pressure Mastery by JT Torres
Instructor: JT Torres
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 16 minutes
Volumes: 6
Biggest takeaway: Make pressure your plan A.
Techniques: Double Under, Over Under, Knee Cut, Body Lock, Headquarters, Half Guard Smash, Butterfly Pass
- No Gi Fundamentals: Top Game by JT Torres â Broader top-game fundamentals if you want a start-here course.
- PJ Barch HQ Passing â Different HQ flavor with slick back takes.
- Lachlan Giles Guard Retention (counter-study) â Study the counters to pressure to round your game.
JT maps pressure options against the guards you face most: butterfly, half, and knee shield. You learn when to switch from double-under to over-under and when to staple legs. If you already pass well but want opponents to feel stuck, this is the upgrade.
â Pros
- Covers multiple pressure families with smart transitions.
- Strong troubleshooting for common bottom counters.
- Clear positional goals keep you from stalling.
â ď¸ Cons
- High list price compared to other sets.
- Less emphasis on leg entanglement defense.
- Not focused on submissions from bottom.
đĄ I saw how JT layers pressure: pin a hip line, win the head, then use leg staples to force predictable reactions. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
đĽ #3 No Gi Fundamentals Bottom Game by JT Torres
Instructor: JT Torres
Style: System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 41 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Bottom chains that actually score.
Techniques: Closed Guard, Triangle, Omoplata, Single Leg X, X Guard, Knee Shield, Hook Sweep
- Half Guard Anthology by Lachlan Giles â Deep dive if half guard is your home.
- Open Guard Concepts by Marcelo Garcia â Classic open-guard ideas to complement this set.
JT covers the core bottom positions you will actually use under pressure. The entries and follow-ups are simple enough to drill and robust enough to survive resistance. Pair it with his Top Game to have a complete, unified approach.
â Pros
- Gives a connected plan from closed to X-guard.
- Shows when to chase submissions versus stand-ups.
- Balanced mix of attacks and sweeps.
â ď¸ Cons
- Not a leg-lock curriculum.
- Less concept talk than some competitors.
- Production is functional, not fancy.
đĄ I like how the knee-shield underhook series funnels to either back takes or easy stand-ups without overcomplication. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
đĽ #4 Submissions From Everywhere by JT Torres
Instructor: JT Torres
Style: Technique Collection
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 3 minutes
Volumes: 6
Biggest takeaway: Tighten your endgame.
Techniques: Armbar, Triangle, Kimura, Bow And Arrow, Brabo Choke, Americana, Wristlock
- Ryan Hall Back Attacks (context study) â Different style of principled finishing routes.
- Tainan Dalpra Backtake Masterclass â Modern gi back takes if that is your priority.
You get JTâs favorite finishes across the main positions with clean cues. The back-control volume includes his trademark bow-and-arrow and collar work. Nogi-only players will still learn armbars, triangles, and kimuras, but some gi chapters will not apply.
â Pros
- Broad finishing options from the positions you reach most.
- Easy to cherry-pick submissions to drill.
- Pairs well with his Top or Bottom fundamentals.
â ď¸ Cons
- Mixes gi and nogi; not ideal if you avoid gi entirely.
- Less conceptual than system-based courses.
- Not a leg-lock curriculum.
đĄ I like how the collar-choke sequences reinforce back control mechanics that also improve your nogi RNCs. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
đĽ #5 Passing, Back Takes & Finishes by JT Torres
Instructor: JT Torres
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 26 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Pass directly to the back.
Techniques: Knee Cut, Stack Pass, Leg Drag, Back Takes, Bow And Arrow, Clock Choke, Turtle Control
- No Gi Fundamentals: Top Game by JT Torres â More modern and nogi-focused.
- Lucas Lepri Guard Passing Science â Highly regarded gi passing curriculum.
This set connects passes to back takes and chokes with straightforward steps. It includes older gi staples like lapel chokes and clock chokes. If you train mainly nogi, pick his newer sets first and save this for a deal.
â Pros
- Clear pathways from passes straight to back exposure.
- Affordable list price and frequent sales.
- Still relevant mechanics for gi choke finishes.
â ď¸ Cons
- Dated feel and gi-heavy chapters.
- Production and pacing show age.
- Less applicable to current nogi meta.
đĄ I would treat this as a budget add-on once you own JTâs newer nogi systems. Recommendation: Skip.
How to choose between Top Game and Pressure Mastery
Pick Top Game if you want a start-here structure that goes from opening guards to passes to submissions. Choose Pressure Mastery if you already pass competently and want deeper double-under, over-under, and HQ pressure options. If you are buying both, study Top Game first to establish flow, then Pressure Mastery to tighten clamps, crossfaces, and leg staples against stubborn half guards and knee shields.
Do you need both Top and Bottom to see progress?
If you do nogi rounds often, yes. The Top and Bottom fundamentals mirror each other and give you predictable exchanges: posture breaks and underhooks from bottom versus HQ and knee cuts from top. Training both sides accelerates recognition and timing. If budget limits you, start with the side you play most and add the other during a Daily Deal.
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