A research-backed ranking of the best Mikey Musumeci instructionals on BJJ Fanatics. We analyzed r/bjj discussions, product pages, and credible bios to help you choose wisely.
K Guard & Matrix System: Attacking The Legs From The Knees Part 1
A step-by-step K guard and Matrix back-take roadmap that turns entries into reliable back exposure.
The Berimbolo System Part 1: The Foundation
A structured bolo blueprint with contingencies from double pull to secure back control.
Death From Below
IBJJF-legal footlocks with crisp finishing mechanics and leg pummeling that boost taps fast.
📋 Jump to a review (Click to expand)
🥋 #1 K Guard & Matrix System: Attacking The Legs From The Knees Part 1 by Mikey Musumeci
Instructor: Mikey Musumeci
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 4 hours and 55 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Back exposure from K guard
Techniques: K Guard, Matrix, Back Takes
- The Berimbolo System Part 1: The Foundation – Classic bolo mechanics if you prefer traditional entries.
- No Gi Berimbolo System Part 1 – Back-takes without the gi if grips are not your game.
- Leg Pummeling Mastery – Sharpen the pummeling that underpins K guard entries.
You learn a coherent K guard to Matrix system with clear decision points. It focuses on posture control, hook mechanics, and back exposure without gi grips. You will not get grip-based collar-sleeve chains.
✅ Pros
- System shows how pieces connect from entry to finish.
- Detailed contingencies keep you attacking when plans change.
- Modern back-take mechanics transfer well to no-gi.
⚠️ Cons
- Long runtime can feel repetitive in parts.
- Requires comfort in supine open guard and inversions.
- Not ideal if you only train collar-sleeve gi play.
💡 I ranked this first because it teaches a repeatable back-take framework that works across body types without relying on gi grips. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 The Berimbolo System Part 1: The Foundation by Mikey Musumeci
Instructor: Mikey Musumeci
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 6 hours and 23 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Contingency-driven bolo
Techniques: Berimbolo, Crab Ride, Leg Drag
- The Berimbolo System Part 2: Crab Ride & Leg Drags – Deepen crab-ride chains after mastering Part 1.
- No Gi Berimbolo System Part 1 – Train bolo mechanics without collar-and-sleeve.
- K Guard & Matrix System: Attacking The Legs From The Knees Part 1 – Alternate back-exposure route when bolo stalls.
You learn the classic bolo tree with hip control, hooks, and leg drags. The curriculum anticipates common stalls and steers you to sweeps or drags. You will not get collar-choke chains here.
✅ Pros
- Covers bolo mechanics end-to-end with clear contingencies.
- Transfers directly to competition-style double pulls.
- Volume depth helps you troubleshoot unusual defenses.
⚠️ Cons
- Eight volumes and repeated themes increase study time.
- Limited payoff if you avoid inversions entirely.
- Gi-focused grips reduce crossover for some no-gi gyms.
💡 I moved this to the top tier because it teaches thinking patterns for bolo players, not just isolated moves. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #3 Death From Below by Mikey Musumeci
Instructor: Mikey Musumeci
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 3 hours and 33 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Cleaner ankle-lock breaks
Techniques: Straight Ankle Lock, Finishing Mechanics, Leg Pummeling
- Leg Pummeling Mastery – Double down on the pummeling mechanics that boost finishes.
- The Mikey Lock – A modern heel-hook style for no-gi metas.
You learn how to structure straight-ankle finishes and protect entries. The emphasis is on pummeling and mechanics more than heel-hook trees. You will not get reaping-based heel hooks here.
✅ Pros
- Finishing principles transfer across many IBJJF positions.
- Clear leg pummeling concepts increase control.
- Accessible for white to black belt.
⚠️ Cons
- Limited heel-hook coverage for no-gi specialists.
- Some entries skew toward double-pull situations.
- Volume info like runtime is not disclosed.
💡 I value how this course upgrades the least-scary leg lock into a consistent weapon for gi and no-gi rooms. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 The Mikey Lock by Mikey Musumeci
Instructor: Mikey Musumeci
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 33 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Eight-step finish
Techniques: Mikey Lock, Heel Hook, 50/50
- Death From Below – IBJJF-legal leglocks if heel hooks are restricted.
- No Gi Berimbolo System Part 1 – Back exposure routes that blend with leg entries.
You get a structured heel-hook system that differs from classic 50/50. Entries map from K guard, knee shield, and RDLR. You will not learn IBJJF-only straight ankles here.
✅ Pros
- Makes a complex finish feel repeatable.
- Entries integrate with common modern guards.
- Four parts keep study time manageable.
⚠️ Cons
- Not useful in heel-hook-restricted gyms.
- New mechanics warrant careful partner safety.
- Less coverage on defense and counter leglocks.
💡 I see this as Mikey’s clearest heel-hook curriculum to date, organized for adoption in today’s rule sets. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 The Reverse De La Riva System by Mikey Musumeci
Instructor: Mikey Musumeci
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 34 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Timing-based flanking
Techniques: Reverse De La Riva, Kiss Of The Dragon, Berimbolo
- The Collar and Sleeve System Part 1: Outside Control On The Knees – If you prefer classic collar-sleeve trees from kneeling opponents.
- Foundations of Guard: Attacking – A broader open-guard framework when you are not RDLR-centric.
You learn how to control, off-balance, and flank from RDLR. The approach favors sweeps and back-takes with clear timing cues. You will not get lapel-heavy worm guard branches.
✅ Pros
- Timing and flanking ideas simplify RDLR decisions.
- Useful in both gi and no-gi with minor tweaks.
- Concise four-volume structure is easier to finish.
⚠️ Cons
- Concept overlap if you own other Musumeci guard sets.
- Less emphasis on lapel-based offense.
- Some repetition across volumes reported by users.
💡 I rate this highly for coaches who need a teachable RDLR structure that scales across belt levels. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 Leg Pummeling Mastery by Mikey Musumeci
Instructor: Mikey Musumeci
Style: Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 4 hours and 29 minutes
Volumes: 6
Biggest takeaway: Better leg exposure
Techniques: Leg Pummeling, Entries, Control
- Death From Below – Apply pummeling to IBJJF-legal finishes.
- K Guard & Matrix System: Attacking The Legs From The Knees Part 1 – Seat pummeling inside a full back-take system.
You drill how to pummel and repummel to create exposure. The focus is transferable to ankle locks and back-takes. You will not find full heel-hook trees here.
✅ Pros
- A core skill that boosts many systems.
- Drill emphasis accelerates adoption.
- Pairs with ankle-lock and bolo courses.
⚠️ Cons
- Narrow scope if you want an all-in-one course.
- Overlap with his leglock sets.
- Volume count still demands time commitment.
💡 I see this as a multiplier course: improve pummeling and many other instructionals pay off more. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 No Gi Berimbolo System Part 1 by Mikey Musumeci
Instructor: Mikey Musumeci
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: Advanced
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 12 hours and 19 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Bolo minus gi grips
Techniques: No-Gi Berimbolo, Crab Ride, Back Takes
- The Berimbolo System Part 1: The Foundation – If your training is mostly gi-based.
- K Guard & Matrix System: Attacking The Legs From The Knees Part 1 – A less grip-dependent route to the back.
You learn behind-control and crab hooks for no-gi bolos. The set emphasizes options when back exposure fails. You will not get gi-specific collar-sleeve chains.
✅ Pros
- Contingencies keep you scoring when back is denied.
- Good bridge for bolo players entering no-gi.
- Reps build safe inversion mechanics.
⚠️ Cons
- Repetitive pacing for some learners.
- Advanced movement demands flexibility and timing.
- Little on top game follow-ups after back is secured.
💡 I recommend this when you bolo in gi and want no-gi equivalence without losing decision structure. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 Foundations of Passing: Neutralizing The Guard by Mikey Musumeci
Instructor: Mikey Musumeci
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 23 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Beat frames, not moves
Techniques: Guard Passing, Frame Removal, Alignment
- Fundamentals of Guard Passing: Breaking Their Guard - Wall to Wall – If you want a no-gi-oriented passing starter.
- Power Switch Guard Retention and Genius Back Takes – Budget guard-retention ideas that complement your passing.
You learn how to frame from top, align, and remove legs. The focus is beating spider, lasso, and collar-sleeve structure. You will not get pressure-based half guard smashing here.
✅ Pros
- Teaches why passes work via frames and alignment.
- Great primer for newer passers.
- Compact four-part format lowers study burden.
⚠️ Cons
- Gi emphasis limits pure no-gi crossover.
- Less drilling than some prefer.
- Overlap if you own similar conceptual passers.
💡 I like this as a foundation course for people who struggle with spider and lasso rather than a specific pass list. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #9 Fundamentals of Guard Passing: Breaking Their Guard - Wall to Wall by Mikey Musumeci
Instructor: Mikey Musumeci
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: Beginner
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 26 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Walls guide choices
Techniques: Guard Passing, Outside Passing, Inside Passing
- Foundations of Passing: Neutralizing The Guard – If you prefer gi-centric frame removal.
- Power Switch Guard Retention and Genius Back Takes – Budget-friendly retention ideas to pair with passing.
You get a clean framework to start passing safely. The course teaches when to switch directions and expose the back. You will not find deep lapel sequences here.
✅ Pros
- Approachable runtime for beginners.
- Back-take exposure keeps you scoring.
- Decision rules reduce analysis paralysis.
⚠️ Cons
- Shallower than his advanced passing content.
- Little gi-grip depth.
- Concept overlap with his other passing sets.
💡 I recommend this to beginners because it gives structure without drowning you in details. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #10 The Collar and Sleeve System Part 1: Outside Control On The Knees by Mikey Musumeci
Instructor: Mikey Musumeci
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 53 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Elite grip breaking
Techniques: Collar Sleeve, Scissor Sweep, Grip Breaking
- Collar Sleeve Inside Control System – A shorter complement if you prefer inside control chains.
- Foundations of Guard: Attacking – Broader open-guard overview if you do not specialize.
You learn outside-control collar-sleeve with precise grips and sweeps. The system is deep and gi-specific. You will not find no-gi adaptations here.
✅ Pros
- Exceptional detail on collar-sleeve grip fights.
- Highly technical scissor sweep mechanics.
- A full outside-control game for kneeling opponents.
⚠️ Cons
- Heavy time investment across eight volumes.
- Minimal no-gi crossover.
- Some overlap with his other open-guard sets.
💡 I include this for gi-first players who want a structured, grip-dominant open guard with real sweep power. Recommendation: Skip.
How to choose your first Musumeci instructional
Start from your most common position. If you invert and play supine, pick K guard or bolo. If you need a legal leglock weapon for gi, start with Death From Below. If you pass more, use Neutralizing The Guard for concept-first progress and Wall-to-Wall for no-gi structure. Prefer shorter four-part sets if you struggle to finish eight-volume courses; you can always layer deeper systems later.
💙 Was this article helpful?
Share it with your training partners!
