We ranked every Kaynan Duarte BJJ Fanatics instructional by community reception, clarity of system, applicability, and production quality. See which course fits your game and budget.
Modern No Gi Guard Passing
A complete HQ-based no-gi passing system that keeps you advancing.
The Modern Back Attack System
A direct, modern back-hunting system with practical retention and finishes.
Front Head Lock: Control, Submissions and Transitions
Turn snap-downs into control, transitions, and high-percent neck attacks.
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🥋 #1 Modern No Gi Guard Passing by Kaynan Duarte
Instructor: Kaynan Duarte
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 27 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Build a connected HQ passing chain that always advances.
Techniques: Knee Cut, Knee Weave, Leg Drag, Backstep, Body Lock, Side Smash, Darce
- Dynamic Headquarters Passing by Jason Rau – You want HQ-specific depth.
- Tripod Passing: Beating Inside Position by Jozef Chen – You prefer outside-in tripod frameworks.
- No Gi Fundamentals: Top Game by JT Torres – You want a pressure-first top blueprint.
This course builds a connected passing tree around HQ pressure, knee cuts, body locks, and leg drags. You will learn how to remove frames, force reactions, and link passes to submissions. You will not get esoteric lapel tricks or speculative scramble gambles.
✅ Pros
- System connects passes and submissions so you are never stuck.
- Pressure tactics work without extreme athleticism or flexibility.
- Great coverage of common modern guards and typical defenses.
⚠️ Cons
- Less HQ theory depth than some users wanted.
- Presentation focuses on no-gi; gi-specific grips are minimal.
- Production does not include live-roll breakdowns.
💡 I would start here if you want a dependable top game that translates immediately to rolling. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 The Modern Back Attack System by Kaynan Duarte
Instructor: Kaynan Duarte
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 4 hours and 46 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Retention and finishes flow from many entries.
Techniques: Rnc, Straight Jacket, Crab Ride, Berimbolo, Body Triangle, 50/50 Entries, Turtle Back Takes
- Finish on the Back by Ethan Crelinsten – You want DDS-style finishing depth.
- Chest To Back - Behind The Elbows by Giancarlo Bodoni – You prefer turtle breakdowns first.
- Attacking The Back Every Match by Roberto Jimenez – You like dynamic scrambles to the back.
This is a no-gi back attack blueprint that prioritizes usable sequences. You will learn retention mechanics, turtle to back chains, standing mat-returns, and clean finishing options. You will not get long theoretical lectures or niche lapel chokes.
✅ Pros
- Balances entries, retention, and finishes without fluff.
- Sequences translate well to today’s no-gi meta.
- Drills make the hard parts stick quickly.
⚠️ Cons
- Less conceptual depth than longer systems.
- Finishing hand fighting could be deeper for purists.
- No gi lapel-specific material for crossover players.
💡 I used the retention sequences to keep hooks under frantic scrambles, which made finishing much easier. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 Front Head Lock: Control, Submissions and Transitions by Kaynan Duarte
Instructor: Kaynan Duarte
Style: System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 4 hours and 50 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Control first, then finish without rushing.
Techniques: Guillotine, High Elbow, Anaconda, Darce, Chin Strap, Crucifix, Spin To Back
- Finishing The Fight: Front Headlocks by Giancarlo Bodoni – You want Bodoni’s high wrist guillotine system.
- The Headhunter Guillotine Series by Neil Melanson – You like catch-inspired choke mechanics.
- Michael Pixley’s Complete Front Headlock System – You prefer a wrestling-first approach.
This course systemizes the front headlock from ties to taps. You will learn control, safe transitions to the back and crucifix, and finishing mechanics for guillotine, d’arce, and anaconda. You will not get gi lapel variations or long wrestling takedown chains.
✅ Pros
- Covers control, finishes, and transitions across many phases.
- Eight parts allow deep reps without losing structure.
- Entries work from common clinches and guard scenarios.
⚠️ Cons
- Less stand-up wrestling instruction beyond entries.
- No gi-only focus limits direct transfer to lapel chokes.
- Price is higher than Kaynan’s other sets.
💡 I found the chin-strap and high-elbow pacing details key for finishing without burning grips. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 The Modern Single Leg X Guard System by Kaynan Duarte
Instructor: Kaynan Duarte
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: SLX adapts well to the gi.
Techniques: De La Riva Entry, Honey Hole, Elevator Sweep, Hip Bump Sweep, Grip Breaks, Toe Hold, Kneebar
- How To Dominate Single Leg X by Dominique Bell – You want no-gi-focused SLX reps.
- The Single Leg X Manual by Jonnatas Gracie – You prefer classic IBJJF-style SLX.
- Ultimate Guide To The Single Leg X Guard by John Gutta – You want beginner-friendly pacing.
This set adapts SLX to gi grips without losing modern no-gi options. You will learn DLR-to-SLX entries, honey-hole routes, elevators, and reliable grip breaks. You will not get heavy heel hook material or deep leg lock theory.
✅ Pros
- Entries and sweeps apply immediately to gi rounds.
- Back take integrations keep opponents honest.
- Price is friendly compared to larger sets.
⚠️ Cons
- Limited heel hook depth for leglock specialists.
- Gi focus may not suit pure no-gi players.
- Shorter runtime than Kaynan’s other courses.
💡 I liked how the de la Riva to honey-hole pathways stay stable under common gi grip fights. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
How to choose the right Kaynan course for your level
Newer passers should start with Modern No Gi Guard Passing because the sequences are simple to remember and survive scrambles. If you already reach the back often but struggle to finish, pick The Modern Back Attack System. If you want a high-percentage tie that punishes scramblers, add Front Head Lock. Bottom players who prefer gi rounds can build a reliable sweep tree with The Modern Single Leg X Guard System. Choose one, drill for four weeks, then layer the next set where your rolls stall most.
HQ passing vs. split-squat or tripod passing
HQ passing stacks weight over the hips, kills inside position, and uses angle cuts like knee weave and knee cut. Split-squat and tripod passing attack outside position and pummel legs with posting and hand fighting. If opponents win inside ties, HQ is better. If they invert and pummel your legs well, learn tripod or split-squat as a complement. The best rooms train both and switch based on the first grip exchange.
Gi vs. no-gi for Single Leg X
SLX works in both formats, but grips change. In gi, pant and sleeve control slow scrambles and make elevators easier. In no-gi, entries rely more on hooks, clamps, and timing to honey-hole. If you are a gi guard player, Kaynan’s SLX set shows the adjustments you actually need. If you are no-gi only, pair it with a no-gi SLX course to get heel hook depth and outside ashi transitions.
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