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Best K Guard Instructionals
K guard changed modern no-gi jiu-jitsu when Lachlan Giles used it to submit three world-class heavyweights at ADCC 2019. I ranked every K guard instructional on BJJ Fanatics by teaching quality, attack coverage, and real-world applicability.
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The top picks, up front
2026 editionK Guard
Lachlan GilesThe definitive K guard system from the man who proved it at ADCC 2019.
≈6.5 h · all levels · no-gi · $Shotgun K Guard
Mateusz SzczecinskiThe only K guard set covering leg locks, upper body attacks, AND sweeps.
≈4 h · all levels · no-gi · $$Understanding the K Guard
Jason RauReddit’s most recommended K guard set for practical results in sparring.
≈4 h · intermediate · no-gi · $K guard changed modern no-gi jiu-jitsu when Lachlan Giles used it to submit three world-class heavyweights at ADCC 2019. The position gives smaller grapplers a systematic path to inside heel hooks, back takes, and sweeps from underneath. I’ve studied every K guard instructional available on BJJ Fanatics, cross-referenced community reviews from BJJ World, Meerkatsu, Reddit, and specialist blogs, and ranked them by teaching quality, attack coverage, and real-world applicability.
Each review below covers what the instructional teaches, who it’s best for, what the community says about it, and where it falls short. Rankings factor in teaching quality, attack coverage, competition credentials, value, and real community feedback.
No Gi Open Guard Vol 1: K Guard
Lachlan GilesThe definitive K guard instructional from the man who made the position famous. 6.5 hours of systematic coverage, from fundamental entries to advanced troubleshooting, with narrated rolling footage that shows every concept applied live.
What it covers
Volumes 1-2 cover open guard strategy and game planning before getting into K guard specifics. The K guard essentials start in Volume 3 with positioning, then Volumes 4-5 break down entries against kneeling opponents (2-on-1 grip setup, heavy pressure, fleeing/sprawling opponents), half-kneeling opponents, and standing opponents. Volume 6 covers guard retention and follow-ups. Volume 7 dives into attacking: backside 50/50 heel hooks, X guard transitions, and lateral closed guard setups. Volume 8 is pure troubleshooting for common defensive reactions like clearing legs, leg drags, and back takes from top.
Why it stands out
- Most comprehensive entry coverage: handles every opponent position (kneeling, half-kneeling, standing)
- Narrated rolling footage demonstrates live application of every concept
- Systematic “layered learning” approach builds understanding progressively
- Full troubleshooting section addresses real defensive reactions you’ll face
Stellar job of organizing the material. Practical, non-athletic approach accessible to all levels.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (8/10)
The intro sections feel drawn out. Volumes 1-2 cover general open guard strategy before K guard specifics begin, which can frustrate impatient learners. Mateusz Szczecinski covers broader attack options (upper body + legs) in 4 hours, and Jason Rau delivers faster rolling results with his counter-first approach at half the price. You also need Lachlan’s separate 50/50 and guard retention instructionals for the complete ecosystem.
No-gi grapplers who want the most thorough K guard system available, including the backside 50/50 heel hook pathway that Lachlan proved at ADCC.
you want a quick introduction or primarily care about upper body attacks from K guard. At 6.5 hours, this is a commitment.
Lachlan Giles’ 50/50 Guard and Guard Retention Anthology for the complete open guard system.
Shotgun K Guard
Mateusz SzczecinskiThe most well-rounded K guard instructional on the market. Four hours covering leg locks, upper body attacks, sweeps, and back takes, plus a novel Far Side K variation you won’t find anywhere else. From a competitor with a 91% submission win rate.
What it covers
Part 1 breaks down K guard fundamentals: mechanical reasoning, knee positioning, grip configurations (especially the scoop grip), and the difference between backside and frontside K guard variations. Part 2 attacks from backside K guard: inside heel hooks, reverse Aoki locks, 50/50 positioning, Matrix sweeps, and X-hook back takes. Part 3 shifts to frontside K guard with outside ankle locks, outside heel hooks, Aoki lock entries, dilemma attacks that combine leg locks with sweeps, and the novel “Far Side K” variation. Part 4 covers upper body submissions: shotgun armbar (with details Ognen Dzabirski called “mind-blowing”), Choi bar, Mir lock, and triangle chokes from K guard.
Why it stands out
- Only K guard set covering leg locks AND upper body attacks AND sweeps
- “Far Side K Guard” is a novel variation not taught anywhere else
- Dilemma-based attack philosophy forces opponents to choose between two bad options
- Best information density: 4 hours covering what takes others 6+ hours
An elaborate trap system covering multiple guard variations. Systematic approach connecting sweeps with submissions.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (8.5/10)
Less troubleshooting coverage than Lachlan Giles’ 6.5-hour set. Doesn’t cover entries from as many positions as Giles, and Mateusz is less known than Lachlan or Mikey, which makes some buyers hesitate. Jason Rau’s set has more counter-to-counter coverage for competitive settings.
No-gi competitors who want a complete K guard attack system without investing 6+ hours. Submission hunters who want both leg locks and upper body threats from the same position.
you specifically want deep troubleshooting for every K guard shutdown, or you need extensive entry coverage from multiple positions.
Lachlan Giles’ K Guard for deeper entry and troubleshooting coverage, creating a complete K guard library.
Understanding the K Guard
Jason RauReddit’s most consistently recommended K guard instructional for getting results on the mat. The counter-first approach means your K guard works in live rolling sooner than any competitor, with built-in answers to the passes that shut most people down.
What it covers
Complete K guard entries and positioning, backside 50/50 entries, Matrix back take, Z Lock (a unique inclusion), and outside Ashi transitions. The key differentiator is the counter sections: Rau dedicates significant time to defending against leg drags from K guard, scoop pass counters, and V-grip passing counters. Also covers connections to crab ride and leg entanglements.
Why it stands out
- Best counter/troubleshooting coverage of any K guard set
- Translates to live rolling faster than competitors
- Balanced attack coverage: leg locks, back takes, sweeps, submissions
- Danaher system-compatible (trained under Danaher at Renzo Gracie/Blue Basement)
The most complete middle-ground system with practical counters that translate directly to rolls. Buy it now.
Reddit r/bjj community recommendation
Jason Rau has a smaller competitive resume than Lachlan Giles (ADCC medalist) or Mikey Musumeci (multiple world champion). Fewer entry variations compared to Giles’ 6.5-hour encyclopedia, and no formal BJJ World or Meerkatsu review exists for independent verification. Neil Melanson’s set covers more upper body options, and Szczecinski offers the unique Far Side K variation.
Intermediate practitioners frustrated by getting their K guard passed. If you want K guard that works in live rolling immediately, Rau delivers the fastest practical results.
you’re a complete K guard beginner needing foundational entries, or you specifically want upper body attacks as your primary K guard pathway.
Lachlan Giles’ K Guard for deeper entry coverage, or Neil Melanson’s Special K Guard for upper body attack options.
Special K Guard
Neil MelansonThe highest-rated K guard instructional on BJJ World (9/10), and the best option for upper body attacks. Melanson’s robust positioning keeps the knee pointing up with minimal inversion, making this the safest and most immediately usable K guard framework available.
What it covers
Part 1 opens with unexpected K guard attacks: arm triangles, Peterson rolls, kneebars, heel hooks, armbars, and the unique “Lazy Susan” finishing technique. Part 2 covers fundamental K guard positioning, grips, drills, off-balancing, and pendulum mechanics in extended chapters (30+ minutes each). Part 3 dives into submission combinations: triangle variations (Melanson’s primary K guard attack), armbar combos, kimura attacks, and chain-linking techniques. Part 4 adds more triangle variations, elbow-snapping armbars, the unique “K Bar” submission, back takes, and roll-out transitions.
Why it stands out
- Highest BJJ World rating (9/10) of any K guard instructional
- Most upper body attack coverage: triangles, armbars, kimuras, Lazy Susan, K Bar
- Robust, safe positioning with minimal inversion required
- Immediately usable after first viewing (per Meerkatsu)
I would go as far to say that his K is my preferred go-to posture when using it in sparring. I like how robust it feels.
Meerkatsu (Seymour Yang)
Significantly less leg lock coverage than Lachlan Giles or Szczecinski, which is the primary reason most people learn K guard. Limited detail on accessing the underhook when opponents deny it (per Meerkatsu). Neil is a coach rather than an active competitor, and his MMA-focused background may not appeal to pure sport BJJ practitioners. Mikey Musumeci’s set provides a more detailed back-take pathway.
Upper body attack specialists who want K guard as a platform for triangles, armbars, and kimuras. MMA grapplers and self-defense oriented practitioners. Anyone who prefers robust positioning without deep inversions.
your primary K guard goal is heel hooks and leg entanglements. Giles and Szczecinski cover leg attacks far more thoroughly.
Lachlan Giles’ K Guard or Szczecinski’s Shotgun K Guard for leg lock pathways, creating a complete upper + lower body K guard system.
K Guard & Matrix System
Mikey MusumeciA masterclass on open guard physics followed by the most detailed Matrix back take system available. If you specifically want K guard for taking the back (not leg locks), this is your set. Just know what you’re getting: this is 90% back takes, 10% everything else.
What it covers
Discs 1-5 build conceptual foundations: open guard physics, posture breakdown against kneeling opponents, grip and positioning breakdowns, with effective use of props to demonstrate concepts. Disc 6 onward reveals the main objective: the Matrix back take system. Techniques include the Matrix back take, Baby Bolo, Twister hooks, and climb variations. Mikey argues the Matrix is easier to use than the berimbolo for back takes.
Why it stands out
- Excellent conceptual foundations on open guard physics
- Most detailed Matrix back take system available
- From a multiple-time IBJJF World Champion who uses this in competition
- Argues Matrix is easier than berimbolo for back takes
Opening chapters are a masterclass on the physics of using the open guard. My interest waned as I was more interested in leglock attacks rather than back takes.
Meerkatsu (Seymour Yang)
The biggest gap: no detailed leglock content. If you want K guard for heel hooks (its most common use), look elsewhere. No sweep content, no upper body attacks. At $197, it’s the most expensive K guard instructional while covering the narrowest attack range. Lachlan Giles covers leg locks comprehensively for half the price, and Szczecinski covers legs AND upper body AND sweeps for ~$77 less. The gap between beginner fundamentals and advanced Matrix techniques is also noticeable.
Advanced practitioners who specifically want K guard for back taking via the Matrix. Those who already have a leg lock game and want to add a back take pathway to their K guard.
you want heel hooks from K guard (the most common reason people learn the position). At $197 for back takes only, the value proposition is weak compared to alternatives.
Lachlan Giles’ K Guard for the leg lock component that Musumeci’s set completely lacks.
Now That’s What I Call K Guard
Adam BenayounA Ryan Hall black belt bringing 50/50 guard system knowledge into the K guard context. Features inverting heel hook entries, wrestling-based body lock sweeps, and Matrix back take variations. Limited review data makes this harder to assess, but the lineage and recent competition success (2024 IBJJF Miami Open gold) are promising.
What it covers
Inverting into heel hook finishes from K guard, wrestling-based body lock sweeps, Matrix back takes, rolls to dominant positions. The system emphasizes constant attacking with dangerous submission locks. Adam’s Ryan Hall lineage means deep 50/50 guard knowledge is baked into the K guard framework.
Why it stands out
- Ryan Hall lineage brings deep 50/50 and inversion knowledge to K guard
- Recent competition success validates current relevance (2024 gold medal)
- Featured on BJJ Mental Models podcast (Ep. 196) for conceptual depth
- Accessible entry price at ~$77
Adam discussed K guard concepts in depth on the BJJ Mental Models podcast, bringing a conceptual framework that goes beyond just technique collection.
BJJ Mental Models Podcast, Ep. 196
Limited review data available: no BJJ World or Meerkatsu review found, and less community discussion compared to Giles, Rau, or Melanson. Smaller competitive resume than the top 3 options. Runtime and volume details are unconfirmed. Hard to assess content quality without independent reviews.
Practitioners who appreciate the 50/50 / Ryan Hall approach to guard and want that conceptual framework applied to K guard.
you want extensively reviewed content with proven community feedback. The top 4 options all have significantly more independent validation.
Any of the top 3 K guard sets for a more complete system, since Benayoun’s inversion focus complements their approaches.
Leg Lock Strategies: K Guard and Cross Ashi
Jack StapletonK guard as one component of a broader leg lock strategy, with a unique focus on the K guard to cross ashi pathway (most sets focus on backside 50/50 instead). Includes both offensive and defensive leg lock strategies, making it valuable for grapplers who face leg lockers regularly.
What it covers
K guard entries and positioning as a leg lock platform, cross ashi garami positioning and dominance (less common than the backside 50/50 pathway most K guard sets teach), heel exposure denial and defense, rolling through toeholds, and straight ankle lock defense. Part of a broader “Leg Lock Strategies” series that includes a companion volume on navigating entanglements.
Why it stands out
- K guard to cross ashi is a less common but effective pairing
- Includes defensive leg lock strategies alongside offensive
- From a 2023 IBJJF Pan Am Champion
- Companion volume available for complete leg lock system
Stapleton’s approach connects K guard to cross ashi rather than the standard backside 50/50, giving you a different angle that opponents don’t expect.
BJJ Fanatics product description
K guard is secondary to the overall leg lock strategy focus. Less pure K guard instruction than dedicated sets like Giles or Szczecinski. Limited review data available, no BJJ World review found. The companion volume suggests the system is split across two purchases.
Leg lock specialists who want K guard integrated into a broader entanglement system, specifically the cross ashi pathway rather than the standard backside 50/50.
you want a dedicated, comprehensive K guard system. Lachlan Giles, Szczecinski, or Rau all provide more complete K guard instruction.
Stapleton’s companion “Leg Lock Strategies: Navigating Entanglements” for the complete leg lock system.
No Gi Open Guard Bundle
Lachlan GilesNot a standalone K guard instructional but the ultimate investment for serious guard players. 17+ hours across three sets: K Guard + DLR/Waiter Guard + RDLR/Leg Entanglements. K guard entries come from DLR, RDLR, and waiter guard, all covered in the other two volumes, creating a complete open guard ecosystem.
What it covers
Vol 1: K Guard (8 volumes, ~6.5 hours, reviewed as #1 above). Vol 2: De La Riva and Waiter Guard (8 volumes, ~7 hours covering the guards that feed into K guard entries). Vol 3: RDLR and Leg Entanglements (8 volumes, ~5 hours covering the positions K guard transitions to). Together, every connection point is covered.
Why it stands out
- Complete no-gi open guard ecosystem with all connection points
- Saves ~$100 vs buying volumes individually ($197 vs ~$297)
- DLR and RDLR volumes directly support K guard entries and exits
- BJJ World 8.5/10 for the bundle
Systematic integration of multiple open guard positions into one cohesive game plan. K guard coverage linking cleanly to other guards.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (8.5/10)
17+ hours is a massive time investment. At $197, the upfront cost is significant even with the bundle savings. Most grapplers don’t need all three volumes to build an effective K guard. If you only want K guard, the standalone at $99 is sufficient.
Serious no-gi guard players who plan to build K guard as the centerpiece of a complete open guard system. Best value if you’d buy 2+ Lachlan volumes individually.
you just want to add K guard as one tool. The standalone K Guard volume (#1 in our rankings) is plenty for most people.
Lachlan Giles’ 50/50 Guard instructional for the complete Lachlan Giles guard system.
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No Gi Open Guard Vol 1: K Guard | Lachlan Giles | 6.5 hours | All levels (best for intermediate) | No-Gi (principles apply to gi) | Overall k guard system | $ | Check price → |
| 2 | Shotgun K Guard | Mateusz Szczecinski | 4 hours | All levels | No-Gi | All-round attack system | $$ | Check price → |
| 3 | Understanding the K Guard | Jason Rau | ~4 hours | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi | For live rolling | $ | Check price → |
| 4 | Special K Guard | Neil Melanson | 5 hours | All levels | No-Gi (MMA applicable) | For upper body attacks | $ | Check price → |
| 5 | K Guard & Matrix System | Mikey Musumeci | 5 hours | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi | For back takes | $$$ | Check price → |
| 6 | Now That’s What I Call K Guard | Adam Benayoun | Not confirmed | All levels | No-Gi | For inversions and 50/50 | $ | Check price → |
| 7 | Leg Lock Strategies: K Guard and Cross Ashi | Jack Stapleton | Not confirmed | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi | For cross ashi leg locks | $ | Check price → |
| 8 | No Gi Open Guard Bundle | Lachlan Giles | 17+ hours | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi | Complete open guard bundle | $$$ | Check price → |
Why these three?
Why these three?
These three picks each dominate a different K guard niche:
- Lachlan Giles (#1) earns the top spot because he literally popularized K guard at the highest level. His 6.5-hour set covers entries from every opponent position (kneeling, half-kneeling, standing), provides extensive troubleshooting, and includes narrated rolling footage. Ognen Dzabirski at BJJ World gave it 8/10 and praised the systematic organization.
- Mateusz Szczecinski (#2) gets the nod for well-roundedness. At 4 hours with an 8.5/10 BJJ World rating, Shotgun K Guard is the only set that covers leg locks, upper body attacks (shotgun armbar, Choi bar, Mir lock, triangles), AND sweeps. His novel Far Side K variation is not taught anywhere else.
- Jason Rau (#3) is the community favorite for practical results. His counter-first approach (leg drag defense, scoop pass counters, V-grip shutdowns) means your K guard works in live rolling sooner. At ~$77, the value is hard to beat. Reddit users consistently recommend this as the set that “makes K guard stick in sparring.”
Which K Guard Instructional Fits Your Game?
Answer a few questions to find the right K guard instructional for your game.
What Is K Guard?
K guard is an open guard position where the bottom player creates a scissoring leg configuration: one leg hooks the opponent’s thigh while the other hooks behind their lat or armpit, with a knee placed on the opponent’s chest to control distance. An underhook on the near leg connects the upper body to the opponent’s lower half. The name honors MMA legend Karo Parisyan, who pioneered an early version of the position years before its modern rise.
Lachlan Giles put K guard on the world stage at ADCC 2019, using it to submit three world-class heavyweights in the absolute division via inside heel hook. He beat Kaynan Duarte, Patrick Gaudio, and Mahamed Aly, all outweighing him by 50-100 lbs, to earn a bronze medal in one of the most famous ADCC performances ever.
K guard feeds primarily into backside 50/50 for inside heel hooks (Lachlan’s signature path), Matrix back takes (Mikey Musumeci’s preferred option), sweeps via X guard transitions, and upper body attacks like triangles and armbars. Entries come from closed guard, De La Riva, Reverse De La Riva, butterfly guard, seated guard, and half guard. The community often describes K guard as “the closed guard of open guards” because it has become a fundamental modern position everyone should know.
Pricing & Deals
BJJ Fanatics runs frequent sales (50-80% off), so rarely pay full retail. Here’s the comparison at listed prices:
| Instructional | Price | Runtime | $/Hour | BJJ World |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K Guard – Lachlan Giles | $99 | 6.5 hrs | $15/hr | 8/10 |
| Shotgun K Guard – Szczecinski | ~$120 | 4 hrs | ~$30/hr | 8.5/10 |
| Understanding K Guard – Rau | ~$77 | ~4 hrs | ~$19/hr | N/A |
| Special K Guard – Melanson | ~$77 | 5 hrs | ~$15/hr | 9/10 |
| K Guard & Matrix – Musumeci | $197 | 5 hrs | ~$39/hr | N/A |
| Now That’s What I Call K Guard | ~$77 | TBC | TBC | N/A |
| Leg Lock Strategies – Stapleton | ~$77 | TBC | TBC | N/A |
| Open Guard Bundle – Giles | ~$197 | 17+ hrs | ~$12/hr | 8.5/10 |
Best value: Neil Melanson’s Special K Guard at ~$77 with a 9/10 BJJ World rating and 5 hours of content. Best per-hour value: Lachlan Giles’ Open Guard Bundle at ~$12/hour for 17+ hours of interconnected content.
K Guard Terminology
- K Guard: Open guard position with scissoring leg configuration. One leg hooks opponent’s thigh, other hook behind lat/armpit, knee on chest for distance control. Named after Karo Parisyan.
- Backside 50/50: Leg entanglement where both players’ legs are intertwined but the attacker has the inside position. Primary heel hook attack position from K guard.
- Matrix Back Take: Back take technique popularized by Mikey Musumeci where you use K guard positioning to take the back without traditional grip-based methods like the berimbolo.
- Far Side K Guard: Novel K guard variation introduced by Mateusz Szczecinski, expanding attack options beyond standard K guard positioning.
- Aoki Lock: Leg lock submission (named after Shinya Aoki) targeting the ankle/foot. Szczecinski’s Shotgun K Guard features multiple Aoki lock entries from frontside K guard.
- Shotgun Armbar: Armbar variation executed from K guard position, a signature technique in Szczecinski’s system.
- Shallow K Guard: Advanced K guard variation covered extensively by Lachlan Giles on Submeta. Entries to backside 50/50, saddle, and 70/30 positions.
- Lateral Closed Guard: Guard variation that connects to K guard in Lachlan Giles’ system. Requires some flexibility to execute.
- Cross Ashi: Leg entanglement position. Jack Stapleton’s instructional focuses on K guard as an entry to cross ashi rather than the more common backside 50/50.
- Scoop Grip: Grip configuration used in K guard to underhook the opponent’s near leg, connecting the upper body to opponent’s lower half.
FAQ
What is the best K guard instructional for beginners?
Neil Melanson’s Special K Guard ($77, 9/10 BJJ World rating) is the most immediately usable for beginners. Meerkatsu called the fundamentals “so good that they’re very easy to use immediately after watching just the once.” The positioning is robust with minimal inversion required. For a quick 1-hour introduction, Josh Cisneros’ K Guard Kulture on JiuJitsuX covers the basics in a gi context.
Is K guard good for smaller grapplers?
K guard is excellent for smaller grapplers. Lachlan Giles proved this at ADCC 2019, submitting three opponents who outweighed him by 50-100 lbs using K guard entries to inside heel hooks. The position is designed to get underneath an opponent’s center of gravity, which makes size advantages less relevant. The scissoring leg configuration creates powerful off-balancing mechanics that don’t depend on strength.
K guard vs De La Riva guard: which should I learn first?
Learn De La Riva first. DLR is a more fundamental open guard position with broader applicability, and several K guard entries come directly from DLR transitions. Lachlan Giles’ No Gi Open Guard Bundle includes both for this reason. Once you have basic DLR, K guard becomes a natural progression for leg lock entries.
Does K guard work in the gi?
Yes, though most instructionals focus on no-gi. Josh Cisneros’ K Guard Kulture is the only dedicated gi-focused K guard instructional, using cross-sleeve and collar grips. Under IBJJF rules (no heel hooks), K guard feeds more into omoplata, sweeps, and back takes rather than the leg locks that are its primary no-gi weapon.
Is K guard getting shut down at high levels?
At the highest competitive levels, K guard entries are becoming more scouted. Some elite competitors have developed specific counters. But for 99% of practitioners, K guard remains highly effective. Jason Rau’s instructional specifically addresses common K guard shutdowns (leg drags, scoop passes, V-grip passing), making it the best pick if you’re facing opponents who know how to counter K guard.
What’s the cheapest good K guard instructional?
Jason Rau’s Understanding the K Guard and Neil Melanson’s Special K Guard both retail around $77 (often cheaper during BJJ Fanatics sales). Rau offers the best balanced system for live rolling, while Melanson excels at upper body attacks. Both represent excellent value compared to Musumeci’s $197 price tag for a narrower system.
Should I buy Lachlan Giles’ standalone K Guard or the full Open Guard Bundle?
If K guard is your primary focus, the standalone at $99 is plenty. The bundle ($197 for all three volumes) makes sense if you want to build a complete no-gi open guard system where K guard, DLR, RDLR, and leg entanglements all connect. The bundle saves about $100 vs buying individually and earned an 8.5/10 from BJJ World.
Still deciding on a K guard set?
For most no-gi grapplers, Lachlan Giles’ K Guard is the safe pick: the most complete system from the man who proved it at ADCC. Want it to stick in live rolling faster, or spend less? Jason Rau and Neil Melanson both deliver at around $77.