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Best Lachlan Giles Instructionals: Ranked and Reviewed
Lachlan Giles is one of the most respected leg-lock and half-guard coaches in BJJ. All 10 of his BJJ Fanatics instructionals ranked from best to worst by a black belt, with BJJ World ratings and my own verdict after pressure-testing the techniques on the mats.
Heads up: the BJJ Fanatics links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes the rankings – every pick is tested on the mat first. Submeta links use code BJJMORE.
Jump to a pick
- 1. Leg Lock Anthology: 50/50
- 2. Guard Retention Anthology Bundle
- 3. The Body Lock Pass
- 4. The Saddle
- 5. Guard Passing Anthology: Half Guard
- 6. The No Gi Open Guard Bundle
- 7. Fundamentals of BJJ Escapes (Gi & No-Gi)
- 8. The Half Guard Anthology
- 9. High Percentage Chokes: No Gi
- 10. Under the Legs Passing Anthology
- Comparison table
- FAQ
The top picks, up front
2026 editionLeg Lock Anthology: 50/50
Lachlan GilesLachlan at his absolute best. The definitive 50/50 system, called one of the best instructionals ever made.
≈12 h · 8 vols · no-gi · $$Submeta (Lachlan’s Platform)
Lachlan GilesMore content than all 10 BJJ Fanatics sets combined, with study tools built in. Use code BJJMORE.
174+ courses · ~$25/mo · all levelsFundamentals of BJJ Escapes
Lachlan GilesThe most recommended first purchase. The only set covering both gi and no-gi escapes.
≈10 h · 8 vols · gi + no-gi · $Lachlan Giles is a 3rd-degree black belt, a physiotherapist by training, and head coach at Absolute MMA Melbourne. He’s famous for heel-hooking three opponents 20+ kg heavier at the 2019 ADCC absolute, and for coaching Craig Jones from purple belt to world-class. His instructionals are concept-first, concise, and informed by his physiotherapy background.
Below are all 10 of his BJJ Fanatics sets, ranked from best to worst, with specific technique breakdowns, named community quotes, weaknesses with competitor comparisons, and who should (and shouldn’t) buy each one. If you want broad access to his full catalog rather than a single deep-dive, his subscription platform Submeta (code BJJMORE) is the best value, more content than all 10 BJJ Fanatics sets combined.
Leg Lock Anthology: 50/50
Lachlan GilesThe system that powered the most memorable ADCC performance in recent history. Twelve hours of 50/50 mastery built on physiotherapy-informed biomechanics and competition-tested finishing sequences.
What it covers
Volumes 1-2 establish heel hook fundamentals and 50/50 position mechanics, including knee anatomy from Lachlan’s physiotherapy expertise. Volumes 3-4 cover non-heel hook attacks, sweeps, and back takes from 50/50 against standing opponents. Volumes 5-7 contain the entry system: counter leg locking from saddle and reaping positions, entries from K Guard, De La Riva, Reverse De La Riva, inverted positions, and leg drag backsteps. Volume 8 features narrated rolling plus complete narrated ADCC competition footage against Kaynan Duarte and Patrick Gaudio.
Why it stands out
- Narrated ADCC match footage shows the system working against elite opponents 20+ kg heavier
- K Guard entry system became the foundation for his full No Gi Open Guard series
- Physiotherapy-informed knee safety and rotational control guidance
- Counter leg locking section teaches defense-to-offense transitions from dangerous positions
One of the best instructionals I’ve ever bought, and among the best instructionals ever made.
The Grappling Conjecture
Does not cover kneebars, outside heel hooks, or ankle locks. For a broader leg lock system covering more submission types, Craig Jones’ or Mikey Musumeci’s leg lock sets are more comprehensive. Danaher’s Enter the System: Leg Locks covers more positions for a similar price.
Blue belts and up who want to turn 50/50 from a stalling position into a finishing position. Especially valuable if you compete in no-gi or submission grappling.
You’re brand new to leg locks (start with Danaher’s Enter the System or The Saddle first) or you want kneebar and straight ankle lock coverage.
The Saddle (covers the finishing mechanics from inside sankaku that this set feeds into). Also on Submeta (code BJJMORE).
Guard Retention Anthology Bundle
Lachlan Giles & Ariel TabakThe most comprehensive guard retention analysis ever published. Two instructors, 16 volumes, and a systematic framework that covers every major passing style from both seated and supine positions.
What it covers
Part 1 (Around and Under the Legs) covers guard pummeling fundamentals, the guard layers concept, torreando defense, stack pass defense, leg drag prevention, and recovery into attacks. Part 2 (Through the Legs and Close Range) covers knee cut defense, cross knee cut, over-under defense, K-Guard counterattacks, and gi-specific retention. Both parts include narrated rolling and training methodology sections for structuring retention practice.
Why it stands out
- Guard pummeling and guard layers concepts are genuinely original frameworks
- Co-instructor Ariel Tabak brings Pan-Pacific championship-level retention perspective
- Covers both gi and no-gi in the same instructional, showing differences and similarities
- Training methodology volumes teach you how to drill retention effectively
The most in-depth analysis of guard retention ever seen… you’ll save yourself years of frustration on the mats.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9/10)
16 volumes and 13+ hours is a massive time investment. Jon Thomas’ guard retention content on YouTube covers core concepts for free in a fraction of the time. Some inversion-heavy techniques may not suit heavier or less flexible grapplers.
Anyone tired of getting their guard passed. The concepts scale from white belt to black belt and apply across gi and no-gi.
You want a quick fix. This requires serious study time, and you need decent hip mobility for some sections.
Gordon Ryan’s Systematically Attacking from Guard (covers what to do once you’ve retained guard). Also on Submeta (code BJJMORE).
The Body Lock Pass
Lachlan GilesThe gold standard for body lock passing instruction. A five-stage framework that takes you from initial grip to consolidated side control, with the Sao Paulo guard opening as a standalone bonus system.
What it covers
Volume 1 establishes the five stages of the body lock pass with weight distribution and head positioning principles. Volume 2 covers entries from seated, lying, and half guard opponents. Volume 3 addresses clearing the knee line against butterfly, knee shield, and guillotine counters. Volume 4 covers completing the pass through half guard, half-butterfly, and lockdown. Volume 5 is a dedicated Sao Paulo guard opening system. Volume 6 features narrated rolling plus assisted learning troubleshooting sessions.
Why it stands out
- Five-stage framework gives a clear mental model for the entire passing sequence
- Sao Paulo guard opening is a standalone bonus system worth the price alone
- Assisted learning section in Volume 6 where students attempt with live corrections is unique
- Lighthearted teaching approach without wasting time
The gold standard for organization and clarity, and the first place I’d look for anyone interested in the bodylock pass.
The Grappling Conjecture
Body lock passing has limited gi effectiveness due to grip options. The Grappling Conjecture noted Giles warns against some viable techniques (knee trap position, float passing) based on instructor preference. B-Team’s body lock material on Submeta covers more recent ADCC competition application.
No-gi grapplers who want a systematic, high-percentage passing approach. Great first passing instructional.
You primarily train in the gi or want a broader passing system covering multiple pass families.
Under the Legs Passing Anthology (covers double under, over-under for a complete passing game). Also on Submeta (code BJJMORE).
The Saddle
Lachlan GilesA masterclass in the inside sankaku position. Covers entries from five different positions, the Double Trouble principle for controlling both legs, and physiotherapy-informed knee safety guidance you won’t find anywhere else.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers entries from backsteps, butterfly guard, stepovers, reverse X guard, and reaping. Volume 2 establishes control principles and heel hook finishing mechanics. Volume 3 introduces the Double Trouble principle for attacking both legs, including ankle locks legal at all belt levels. Volume 4 covers primary leg attacks with exposed and hidden heel scenarios. Volume 5 covers bottom saddle entries, control, and recovery. Volume 6 features narrated rolling with troubleshooting.
Why it stands out
- Double Trouble principle (controlling both legs before attacking) is an original contribution
- Physiotherapy-informed knee safety guidance is unique to Giles
- Entry variety (backsteps, butterfly, stepovers, reverse X, reaping) is comprehensive
- Bottom saddle coverage fills a gap most leg lock instructionals ignore
A true masterclass in each volume, where he organizes the content so that people of different experience levels know where to start.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9/10)
Not ideal as a first leg lock program. Beginners should start with Danaher’s Enter the System: Leg Locks or Giles’ own Leg Lock Anthology first. At 5 hours, it’s relatively short compared to Giles’ other anthologies. Craig Jones’ Battle Tested Leg Attacks covers similar territory with more ADCC-level competition footage.
Grapplers who already have 50/50 fundamentals and want to add inside sankaku finishing to their game.
You’re new to leg locks entirely. Start with the Leg Lock Anthology: 50/50 first.
Leg Lock Anthology: 50/50 (provides the entries and positional understanding that feeds into saddle attacks). Also on Submeta (code BJJMORE).
Guard Passing Anthology: Half Guard
Lachlan GilesTen hours dedicated to passing every half guard variation. The passing layers concept in Volume 1 alone is worth the price, and the dedicated smash pass volume is the most thorough treatment of that technique on the market.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers passing philosophy, principles, and the crucial passing layers concept. Volume 2 covers back takes and cross knee through passing. Volume 3 covers three-quarter mount and near side knee through. Volume 4 is a dedicated smash pass volume with entries, pressure details, and mount transitions. Volume 5 covers traditional half guard with underhook variations. Volume 6 covers lockdown defense, half butterfly, and base switching. Volume 7 covers underhook counters, deep half, and reverse half guard. Volume 8 features six narrated rolling demonstrations.
Why it stands out
- Passing layers concept provides a framework that applies beyond half guard
- Dedicated smash pass volume is the most comprehensive available
- Covers both gi and no-gi applications throughout
- Troubleshooting for knee shield, lockdown, and deep half covers problem positions
Both fun and crazy informative, with material that would take the better part of a year to integrate.
BJJ World (5/5)
10+ hour runtime is massive. Lucas Lepri’s half guard passing covers the essentials in roughly half the time. Volume 1 is half concepts and philosophy, which may frustrate learners who want technique-first instruction. Gordon Ryan’s Systematically Attacking from Half Guard covers the modern competition meta with more recent footage.
Grapplers who get stuck in half guard when passing. The systematic troubleshooting approach helps you solve specific problems.
You want a quick overview. This is a deep study program, not a highlights reel.
The Body Lock Pass (body lock entries frequently lead to half guard passing situations). Also on Submeta (code BJJMORE).
The No Gi Open Guard Bundle
Lachlan GilesThe complete modern no-gi guard system in one package. Three sets covering K Guard, De La Riva, Waiter Guard, Reverse De La Riva, and leg entanglements, all linked into a cohesive game plan.
What it covers
Volume 1 (K Guard, ~6.5 hours) covers open guard strategy, K Guard entries vs kneeling and standing opponents, attacking from K Guard with backside 50/50 heel hooks, and troubleshooting. Volume 2 (DLR and Waiter Guard, ~7 hours) covers modern no-gi De La Riva, DLR sweeps, heel hook entries, and the Waiter Guard system with crab hooks. Volume 3 (RDLR and Leg Entanglements, ~5 hours) covers Reverse De La Riva, inversion timing, entries to 50/50 and 70/30, and integration with X-Guard and berimbolo.
Why it stands out
- Guards are linked into a complete system rather than taught in isolation
- K Guard to backside 50/50 heel hook pathway is competition-proven
- DLR and RDLR coverage fills gaps that most no-gi instructionals skip
- Each volume includes narrated rolling showing the system in live sparring
A complete blueprint for modern No-Gi guard systems, with emphasis that No-Gi doesn’t mean no grips.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (8.5/10)
24 volumes and 17+ hours is overwhelming without a study plan. In the current competition meta the K Guard entries here are getting predictable, and Mikey Musumeci and Josh Cisneros offer alternative K Guard approaches worth studying alongside this. Some sections require significant flexibility for inversions and lateral closed guard.
No-gi competitors who want a complete guard system. Buy the bundle if you plan to study all three, or buy the K Guard volume individually to test the waters.
You primarily train in the gi, are a beginner who needs fundamentals first, or lack the hip flexibility for inversion-heavy guards.
Leg Lock Anthology: 50/50 (the finishing system for the positions this bundle creates). Also on Submeta (code BJJMORE).
Fundamentals of BJJ Escapes (Gi & No-Gi)
Lachlan GilesThe best beginner instructional in Lachlan’s catalog. Covers escapes from every major position in both gi and no-gi, with 11 fundamental movements that form a unified escape framework.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers escape philosophy, frames, and 11 fundamental movements including hip escape, bridge, and leg pendulum. Volume 2 covers back escapes with choke defense and side selection. Volume 3 covers turtle escapes through staged progressions. Volume 4 covers front headlock escapes with hand fighting and the sucker drag. Volume 5 covers side control escapes including crossface management and kesa gatame. Volume 6 covers north-south and knee-on-belly escapes. Volume 7 covers low mount escapes. Volume 8 covers high mount and S-mount escapes.
Why it stands out
- Dual gi and no-gi coverage in every volume is unique among escape instructionals
- 11 fundamental movements create a unified framework across all positions
- Staged progression system (no grips, far underhook, seatbelt, one hook, two hooks) is excellent
- Rolling footage with voiceover connects theory to timing
No other BJJ DVDs have managed to bring together the similarities and differences when it comes to escapes in the Gi and without it.
BJJ World
Danaher’s Pin Escapes and Turtle Escapes provide deeper position-specific detail for advanced practitioners. At 10+ hours, it may be excessive for fundamental escapes. Priit Mihkelson’s Defense DVD covers defensive posture concepts more concisely. The gi/no-gi dual coverage means some sections feel split in focus.
White and blue belts looking for their first instructional purchase. The breadth of positions covered at $77 is hard to beat.
You’re a purple belt or above wanting advanced escape details for specific positions. Danaher’s series goes deeper on individual positions.
Guard Retention Anthology Bundle (defense continues once you recover guard). Also on Submeta (code BJJMORE).
The Half Guard Anthology
Lachlan GilesA concept-based half guard system covering knee shield, underhook half, dogfight, sit-up guard, shin-to-shin, and RDLR. Regularly available at 40-50% off during sales, making it one of the best value instructionals in Lachlan’s catalog.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers entries and upper body framing. Volume 2 covers half guard recovery and crossface underhook situations. Volume 3 covers knee shield (Z-Guard) attacks. Volume 4 covers underhook half guard attacks and the choibar technique for escaping crossface. Volume 5 covers backstep half, reverse half guard, and dogfight. Volume 6 covers sit-up guard and shin-to-shin. Volume 7 covers Reverse De La Riva with spinning back attacks and waiter position sweeps. Volume 8 features narrated rolls including the Z-guard Kimura system with rolling partner Kit Dale.
Why it stands out
- Concept-based approach builds a layered game rather than isolated techniques
- Choibar technique for escaping crossface is a practical gem
- Covers more half guard variations than most dedicated half guard instructionals
- Regularly discounted to $39-46 during sales, making it excellent value
A concept-based rather than technique-focused approach, with a structured progression system encouraging individual adaptation.
BJJ World (5/5)
Published in 2018, predates some modern half guard developments. Lucas Lepri’s Half Guard instructional is more concise for competition-oriented learners. Bernardo Faria’s Battle Tested Half Guard is the gold standard for gi-specific half guard bottom. The RDLR content in Volume 7 is essentially a teaser for his full No Gi Open Guard series.
Anyone building a half guard game who wants variety beyond a single style. The price during sales makes it a low-risk purchase.
You want the most current material (his 2024 releases are more up-to-date) or need gi-specific half guard (get Bernardo Faria instead).
Guard Passing Anthology: Half Guard (learn both sides of the position). Also on Submeta (code BJJMORE).
High Percentage Chokes: No Gi
Lachlan GilesA position-based choking system that organizes guillotines, D’arce, Anaconda, and north-south chokes by where they occur rather than by submission type. The if-then decision trees make this immediately applicable.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers concepts and systematization of choke types. Volume 2 covers the front headlock position with guillotine variations and link-up options. Volume 3 covers guard-based choke attacks from closed guard. Volume 4 covers top half and mount chokes including mounted guillotine and Japanese necktie. Volume 5 covers the inverted north-south position with Anaconda and guillotine variations. Volume 6 covers D’arce and north-south choke applications. Volume 7 covers defense including Von Flue choke as a counter. Volume 8 features seven narrated rolling sessions plus a comprehensive Q&A.
Why it stands out
- Position-based organization (where am I?) rather than submission-based (what choke?) is innovative
- If-then decision trees for the front headlock create a systematic approach
- Von Flue choke as a guillotine counter is immediately useful
- Seven narrated rolling sessions is generous
The teaching on this set is great, with if/then scenarios based on what your opponent does, providing a true if this then that system.
R. Bradford, Awesome Jiu Jitsu
Released in 2018, predates modern front headlock developments. Gordon Ryan’s Systematically Attacking the Front Headlock (2023) covers the position with updated competition meta. Danaher’s Strangles series provides deeper systematic coverage of rear strangles. No collar chokes due to no-gi focus.
Grapplers who want a structured approach to no-gi chokes rather than random technique collection. The front headlock and guard choke sections are particularly strong.
You want the most current choking meta (Gordon Ryan’s 2023 front headlock set is more up-to-date) or need gi collar chokes.
Fundamentals of BJJ Escapes (the front headlock escape section complements this set’s front headlock attacks). Also on Submeta (code BJJMORE).
Under the Legs Passing Anthology
Lachlan GilesThe modern complement to the Body Lock Pass, covering double under, over-under, and single under pass families. Specifically designed to beat K Guard, inversions, and leg lock threats from bottom.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers concepts of under-the-legs passing and how the passes connect as a system. Volume 2 covers entries: double under, over-under, single under, single under with knee pin, Miragaia, and bicep ride. Volume 3 covers double under passing including clearing K Guard and inversions. Volume 4 covers over-under passing with transitions based on opponent reactions. Volume 5 covers single under variations, reverse half guard navigation, and back takes. Volume 6 features narrated rolling and troubleshooting.
Why it stands out
- Designed to counter modern guard innovations (K Guard, inversions, leg lock threats)
- Sequencing across knee cuts, smash, and back takes, not just the initial pass
- Consolidation after passing is covered, not just getting past the legs
- 2024 release means the material reflects the current competition meta
A modern complement focused on double/over-under families where you will learn sequencing across knee cuts, smash, reverse and deep half, and see consolidation and back takes, not just the pass.
Max van den Broek, BJJMore
Fewer third-party reviews available as one of Giles’ newer releases. Bernardo Faria’s Over-Under the Guard Pass covers the over-under specifically with more depth at a lower price. Gordon Ryan’s Passing the Guard Systematically covers similar territory as part of a broader system.
Grapplers who already have body lock passing and want to add under-the-legs passes as a complement. Particularly useful against modern guard players.
You’re a beginner (start with Body Lock Pass first) or already own Bernardo Faria’s over-under system.
The Body Lock Pass (combine body lock with under-legs for a complete no-gi passing toolkit). Also on Submeta (code BJJMORE).
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leg Lock Anthology: 50/50 | Lachlan Giles | ~12h 18m across 8 volumes | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi | Leg lock system | $$ | Check price → |
| 2 | Guard Retention Anthology Bundle | Lachlan Giles & Ariel Tabak | ~13+ hours across 16 volumes (two 8-volume sets) | All levels (concepts scale with skill) | Gi and No-Gi | For guard retention | $$ | Check price → |
| 3 | The Body Lock Pass | Lachlan Giles | ~6+ hours across 6 volumes | All levels | No-Gi (limited gi applicability) | Body lock passing | $ | Check price → |
| 4 | The Saddle | Lachlan Giles | ~5+ hours across 6 volumes | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi (applicable to Gi) | Saddle / inside sankaku | $ | Check price → |
| 5 | Guard Passing Anthology: Half Guard | Lachlan Giles | ~10+ hours across 8 volumes | All levels | Gi and No-Gi | Half guard passing | $ | Check price → |
| 6 | The No Gi Open Guard Bundle | Lachlan Giles | ~17+ hours across 24 volumes | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi | No-gi open guard system | $$$ | Check price → |
| 7 | Fundamentals of BJJ Escapes (Gi & No-Gi) | Lachlan Giles | ~10+ hours across 8 volumes | White belts to purple belts | Gi and No-Gi (dual coverage) | For beginners / escapes | $ | Check price → |
| 8 | The Half Guard Anthology | Lachlan Giles | ~10-11 hours across 8 volumes | All levels | No-Gi (applicable to Gi) | Half guard bottom | $ | Check price → |
| 9 | High Percentage Chokes: No Gi | Lachlan Giles | ~8+ hours across 8 volumes | All levels | No-Gi | No-gi chokes | $ | Check price → |
| 10 | Under the Legs Passing Anthology | Lachlan Giles | ~6+ hours across 6 volumes | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi (some gi applicability) | Modern under-legs passing | $ | Check price → |
About Lachlan Giles
3rd-degree black belt, PhD in physiotherapy, head coach at Absolute MMA Melbourne. Famous for heel-hooking three +20kg opponents at 2019 ADCC absolute and coaching Craig Jones from purple belt to world-class. He also runs Submeta (code BJJMORE), his subscription learning platform.
Best Lachlan Giles instructional by goal
Best Lachlan Giles instructional by goal
| Instructional | Topic | Vols | Runtime | Price | Level | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leg Lock Anthology: 50/50 | Leg locks | 8 | ~12h | $147 | Int-Adv | 9.5/10 |
| Guard Retention Bundle | Guard retention | 16 | ~13h | $127 | All | 9/10 |
| The Body Lock Pass | Passing | 6 | ~6h | $77 | Int-Adv | 9/10 |
| Guard Passing: Half Guard | Passing | 8 | ~10h | $77 | Int-Adv | 8.5/10 |
| The Saddle | Leg locks | 6 | ~5h | $77 | Int-Adv | 8.5/10 |
| No Gi Open Guard Bundle | Guard | 24 | ~17h | $197 | Int-Adv | 8.5/10 |
| Half Guard Anthology | Guard | 8 | ~11h | $79 | All | 8/10 |
| Fundamentals of BJJ Escapes | Escapes | 8 | ~10h | $77 | Beg-Int | 8/10 |
| High % Chokes: No Gi | Chokes | 8 | ~8h | $77 | Int-Adv | 7.5/10 |
| Under the Legs Passing | Passing | 6 | ~6h | $77 | Int-Adv | 7.5/10 |
Quick Picks
- Best for Leg Locks: Leg Lock Anthology: 50/50 + The Saddle
- Best for Guard: Guard Retention Anthology + Half Guard Anthology
- Best for Passing: The Body Lock Pass + Guard Passing Anthology
- Best for Beginners: Fundamentals of BJJ Escapes
- Best Overall Value: Submeta (~$25/month for 174+ courses)
Which Lachlan Giles instructional is right for you?
Pick the area you want to improve, then answer one more question.
Pricing & deals
BJJ Fanatics runs frequent sales (40-50% off). At time of writing, many of these sets are available at significant discounts. Lachlan’s sets are among the best value on the platform.
| Instructional | Retail | Volumes | Runtime | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leg Lock Anthology: 50/50 | $147 | 8 | ~12h | Community 9+/10 |
| Guard Retention Bundle | $127 | 16 | ~13h+ | BJJ World 9/10 |
| The Body Lock Pass | $77 | 6 | ~6h | BJJ World 5/5 |
| The Saddle | $77 | 6 | ~5h | BJJ World 9/10 |
| Guard Passing: Half Guard | $77 | 8 | ~10h+ | BJJ World 5/5 |
| No Gi Open Guard Bundle | $197 | 24 | ~17h+ | BJJ World 8.5/10 |
| BJJ Escapes (Gi & No-Gi) | $77 | 8 | ~10h+ | Community favorite |
| Half Guard Anthology | $79 | 8 | ~10-11h | BJJ World 5/5 |
| High Percentage Chokes | $77 | 8 | ~8h+ | BJJ World 5/5 |
| Under the Legs Passing | $77 | 6 | ~6h+ | New release |
Tip: BJJ Fanatics regularly offers 40-50% off sitewide. At those discounts, sets like the Half Guard Anthology ($79 retail) drop to ~$39-46, which is exceptional value for 10+ hours of instruction.
Glossary
- 50/50 – A leg entanglement where both grapplers mirror each other’s leg position, creating equal offensive and defensive options. Lachlan’s system turns this neutral position into an offensive finishing platform.
- K Guard – An open guard position where one knee blocks the opponent’s hip while the other leg creates an angle for entries to leg locks or back takes. Lachlan’s signature guard innovation.
- Saddle (Inside Sankaku) – A dominant leg entanglement where your legs triangle around your opponent’s leg, controlling their knee line. Also called inside sankaku or honeyhole.
- Double Trouble Principle – Lachlan’s concept of controlling both of your opponent’s legs before attacking the primary target, creating a dilemma that prevents escape.
- Guard Pummeling – Using your legs like underhooks, fighting for inside position against a passer’s legs. A core concept from the Guard Retention Anthology.
- Body Lock Pass – A no-gi passing technique where you lock your arms around your opponent’s waist/hips and use body pressure to clear their guard.
- Waiter Guard – A guard position inspired by deep half guard mechanics where you use an underhook on your opponent’s leg similar to a waiter carrying a tray.
- Choibar – A technique for escaping the crossface position in half guard, taught in the Half Guard Anthology. Named by Lachlan.
Submeta: Lachlan Giles’ learning platform
If you want broad access to Lachlan Giles’ teaching rather than a single deep-dive, Submeta is the best value. 174+ structured courses for ~$25/month, with study tools that BJJ Fanatics doesn’t offer.
Quick facts: 174+ structured courses · ~$25/month (code BJJMORE) · Gi + No-Gi content · all levels · spaced repetition, progress tracking, autoplay.
What you get
Submeta covers every major BJJ position with structured courses from Lachlan and his team (including B-Team members). The content goes beyond what’s available on BJJ Fanatics: positions like berimbolo, mount attacks, and gi-specific guards have dedicated courses on Submeta that don’t exist as BJJ Fanatics releases.
The platform includes study tools built specifically for learning BJJ: spaced repetition (it resurfaces techniques you haven’t practiced), progress tracking across courses, autoplay for drilling sessions, and completion indicators so you know where you left off.
What makes it stand out
- More content than all 10 BJJ Fanatics sets combined, for the price of ~3 months
- Study tools (spaced repetition, progress tracking) that no other BJJ platform offers
- New courses added regularly, so the library keeps growing
- B-Team content included (Robert Degle, Izaak Michell, and others)
What the community says
“Giles speaks clearly, like an educated person, and with humility, admitting there are multiple ways to do things.”
Dana Hooshmand (hooshmand.net)
When to buy individual sets instead
If you only want one specific instructional (like the Leg Lock Anthology) and don’t plan to study multiple Lachlan Giles topics, buying it on BJJ Fanatics during a sale (40-50% off) is cheaper long-term. You own it forever vs. paying monthly. The break-even point is roughly 3 individual sets: if you’d buy 3+ sets, Submeta saves you money within a few months.
My recommendation
Best for: Anyone who wants to study multiple Lachlan Giles topics, or who prefers structured learning with progress tracking over standalone video sets.
Avoid if: You only want one specific instructional and prefer lifetime ownership over subscription.
Pairs with: Individual BJJ Fanatics sets for topics where you want the deepest possible coverage (the Leg Lock Anthology goes deeper on 50/50 than any single Submeta course).
FAQ
Which Lachlan Giles instructional should a beginner buy first?
Fundamentals of BJJ Escapes (Gi and No-Gi) is the best starting point. At $77, it covers escapes from every major position in both gi and no-gi, giving you a complete defensive foundation. I recommend it as the best first instructional purchase for a beginner.
Is the Leg Lock Anthology worth $147?
Yes, especially during BJJ Fanatics sales when it drops to ~$78. The Grappling Conjecture called it one of the best instructionals ever made. The 12 hours include narrated ADCC match footage and a complete K Guard entry system. If you compete in no-gi, this is Lachlan’s masterpiece.
Should I buy individual BJJ Fanatics sets or subscribe to Submeta?
It depends on your learning style. Submeta ($25/month, code BJJMORE) gives you access to 174+ structured courses with spaced repetition tools and progress tracking. BJJ Fanatics sets are one-time purchases you own forever. If you want to study Lachlan’s complete catalog, Submeta is more cost-effective. If you want one or two specific topics, individual BJJ Fanatics purchases during a sale make more sense.
What’s the difference between the Leg Lock Anthology and The Saddle?
The Leg Lock Anthology: 50/50 covers the 50/50 position system with entries, attacks, and finishing. The Saddle covers the inside sankaku (saddle) position specifically. They complement each other: the Leg Lock Anthology gets you to leg entanglements, and The Saddle teaches you to finish from inside sankaku. Buy the Leg Lock Anthology first, then add The Saddle.
Are Lachlan Giles instructionals good for gi training?
Some are explicitly dual-format: Guard Retention Anthology Bundle and Fundamentals of BJJ Escapes cover both gi and no-gi. Guard Passing Anthology: Half Guard also works for gi. However, his leg lock sets, K Guard, and Body Lock Pass are primarily no-gi focused. If you only train gi, the Escapes and Guard Retention sets are your best picks.
How does Lachlan Giles compare to John Danaher as an instructor?
Both are systematic, concept-first instructors. Danaher goes deeper on individual topics with more verbose explanation. Giles is more concise and practical, with his physiotherapy background adding unique biomechanical insights. Comparing their escape sets myself, my read is that Danaher wins on depth while Giles wins on breadth. Most practitioners benefit from studying both.
Still deciding which Lachlan Giles set to get?
If you want one deep-dive, start with the Leg Lock Anthology: 50/50 (or Fundamentals of BJJ Escapes if you’re newer). If you want his full catalog with study tools built in, Submeta (code BJJMORE) gives you more content than all 10 sets combined.