Best Mikey Musumeci Instructionals: Ranked Picks

Mikey’s most modern and unique system. The opening disc is a masterclass on the physics of open guard that applies to any seated guard, not just K guard. The Matrix back-take chain is the real prize here.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~5 hours across 8 volumes
• 📅 Released: 2022
• 🥋 No-Gi
• 🎯 Intermediate to advanced
• 🕸 Guard Play & Back Takes

What It Covers

The first volume covers conceptual foundations: open guard physics, why specific leg positions generate leverage, and how to break your opponent’s posture from the knees. Volumes 2-8 build the Matrix system for back exposure, covering K guard grip and leg positioning, breaking kneeling opponent posture, Matrix-style back-takes with counter-reactions, and troubleshooting when opponents defend the initial entry.

The primary objective is back control from K guard. Mikey does not cover sweeps, leg locks, or upper body attacks from this position.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Seymour Yang (Meerkatsu) wrote that the opening conceptual chapters are “incredible and well worth studying as a general guide that apply to other open guards”
• Physics-based teaching style explains WHY positions generate force, not just what to do
• Thorough drilling sequences with 9-10 repetitions per technique shown

What the Community Says

“The way Mikey explains things is like a scientist. He shows you the theory and concepts then demonstrates it in practice.”

— Seymour Yang (Meerkatsu), K Guard Instructionals Comparison Review

Weakness

Meerkatsu noted a gap between the beginner conceptual material and the advanced Matrix back-takes, with limited intermediate bridging content. For a K guard system that also covers heel hook attacks (not just back-takes), Lachlan Giles’ K Guard and 50/50 instructional is more versatile.

My Recommendation

Best for: Intermediate grapplers who play seated open guard and want a systematic back-take game from K guard.

Avoid if: You never play seated guard or inversions. The system assumes comfort with supine positions.

Pairs with: Leg Pummeling Mastery (builds the pummeling that underpins K guard entries)

Mikey’s best-selling instructional with 74 five-star reviews on BJJ Fanatics. Part retention manual, part back-exposure system. Maps defenses against torreando, knee-cut, and over/under passes directly into kiss-of-the-dragon entries and crab ride back-takes.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ 4+ hours across 4 volumes
• 📅 Released: 2019
• 🥋 Both (Gi & No-Gi)
• 🎯 Intermediate
• 🕸 Guard Retention & Back Takes

What It Covers

Covers RDLR retention, DLR retention, and knee shield half guard defenses. For each major pass (torreando, knee cut, long step, over/under, X pass), Mikey shows how to block the pass and immediately transition into back exposure via kiss of the dragon, crab ride, or twister hooks. Also includes triangle and omoplata setups from retention positions, plus kneebar entries.

The core concept: rather than just stopping a pass, you redirect the passer’s energy into your own back-take chain.

What Makes It Stand Out

• 74 five-star reviews on BJJ Fanatics, Mikey’s most popular instructional by far. BJJ World scored it 5/5, praising “innovative moves” and “100% certain submission” sequences
• Sherdog reviewer called it “super good… concise and to the point… heavy focus on what is the main thing needed to stop the pass”
• Teaches the “block the body part he is putting his power in” concept rather than brute-force resistance
• Ideal for smaller-framed grapplers and guard specialists seeking modern open guard retention

What the Community Says

“Super good… concise and to the point… heavy focus on what is the main thing needed to stop the pass or accomplish something.”

— Sherdog Forums reviewer

Weakness

The approach is inversion-heavy and assumes comfort with kiss-of-the-dragon entries. Bigger grapplers who prefer pressure-based retention should look at Lachlan Giles’ Guard Retention Anthology, which covers non-inversion options for heavier body types.

My Recommendation

Best for: Guard players who get their guard passed by athletic opponents and want to turn defensive scrambles into back-takes.

Avoid if: You are a larger grappler who avoids inversions, or you prefer pressure-based guard retention.

Pairs with: RDLR System (deepens the RDLR retention game that Power Switch builds on)

The gold standard of berimbolo instructionals. Part 1 alone covers 6 hours across 8 volumes, and the full 4-part series spans 25+ hours. BJJ World reviewer Ognen Dzabirski gave the complete bundle a perfect 10/10.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~6 hours across 8 volumes (Part 1); 25+ hours total for all 4 parts
• 📅 Released: 2020
• 🥋 Gi
• 🎯 Intermediate to advanced
• 🕸 Berimbolo & Back Takes

What It Covers

Vol 1: Berimbolo basics and history, double pull as launching pad. Vol 2: Inverting mechanics including shoulder mechanics and “Facebolo.” Vol 3: Arm posts and grip placement with one-arm/two-arm/no-arm drill progressions. Vol 4: Stacking (middle/far hip stack, ladder bolo stack). Vol 5: Hip and shoulder pulls, collar grip applications. Vol 6: Attacking chains with twister hook integration. Vol 7: Mikey’s “uninverting” concept (a technique he developed) for converting back leg berimbolo into mount, plus multiple directional twister hook entries. Vol 8: Top position bolo entries, arm-triangle choke applications, and chaining/trap-setting.

The complete 4-part bundle adds crab ride and leg drags (Part 2), wedges and hooks (Part 3), and defending gi leg locks and counters (Part 4).

What Makes It Stand Out

• Ognen Dzabirski (BJJ World) rated the complete bundle 10/10: “not many DVD collections pick one BJJ move and go so deep”
• Contingency-driven system that anticipates stalls and redirects to sweeps or leg drags
• Transfers directly to competition-style double pulls

What the Community Says

“Not many DVD collections pick one BJJ move and go so deep into it that it takes more than 20 hours to just watch the material.”

— Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (10/10)

Weakness

8 volumes for Part 1 alone is a serious study commitment, and users report repetitive pacing across volumes. The Miyao Brothers cover similar bolo mechanics in less volume. Also, this is gi-only, so no-gi grapplers should look at the No Gi Berimbolo instead.

My Recommendation

Best for: Dedicated berimbolo players who want the deepest possible resource and plan to study it over months.

Avoid if: You only train no-gi, or you want a quick-start bolo guide without 25 hours of homework.

Pairs with: Berimbolo Part 2: Crab Ride & Leg Drags (the natural next step after mastering Part 1 foundations)

BJJ World reviewer Ognen Dzabirski called this “the best-formatted BJJ sweep instructional I’ve ever seen” and scored it 9.5/10. Mikey’s “three boxes” concept for organizing guard attacks is a breakthrough in instructional structure.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ 3+ hours across 4 volumes
• 📅 Released: 2021
• 🥋 Both (Gi & No-Gi)
• 🎯 Intermediate
• 🕸 Guard Play & Sweeps

What It Covers

Part 1: RDLR control points, foundational positioning, grips, hooks, and tripod sweeps. Part 2: Reaction-based sweep timing against specific opponent defenses. Part 3: Back exposure via Kiss of the Dragon and berimbolo inversions (the longest section). Part 4: Upper and lower body submissions including triangles, omoplatas, and kneebars.

Mikey organizes everything into “three boxes” – a decision framework that tells you which attack category to pursue based on how your opponent reacts.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Ognen Dzabirski (BJJ World, 9.5/10): “Every instructional covering the guard position needs to follow this structure from now on”
• The “three boxes” concept simplifies RDLR into a clear decision tree
• Works in both gi and no-gi with minor grip adjustments

What the Community Says

“Every instructional covering the guard position needs to follow this structure from now on.”

— Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9.5/10)

“The best-formatted BJJ sweep instructional I’ve ever seen.”

— Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World

Weakness

If you already own Power Switch or the Berimbolo System, there is significant concept overlap in the back-take sections. For a free RDLR introduction, Mikey Nickel’s RDLR Masterclass on YouTube covers similar ground in condensed form.

My Recommendation

Best for: Guard players who want a structured, reaction-based RDLR system that scales across belt levels.

Avoid if: You already own 2+ other Musumeci guard sets and want something genuinely new.

Pairs with: Power Switch Guard Retention (adds retention mechanics that feed directly into RDLR attacks)

Mikey’s footlock system for IBJJF-legal submissions. Covers straight ankle locks, toe holds, kneebars, and calf slicers with clean finishing mechanics. BJJ World scored the underlying system 5/5.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~3h 33m across 4 volumes
• 📅 Released: 2021
• 🥋 Both (Gi & No-Gi)
• 🎯 All levels
• 🕸 Leg Locks (IBJJF-Legal)

What It Covers

Vol 1: Introductory ankle locks covering the tripod ankle lock and straight knee position. Vol 2: Footlocks and berimbolo toe holds, including baby bolo entries. Vol 3: Kneebars across 4 chapters (each 20+ minutes), with kiss-of-the-dragon and baby bull entries. Vol 4: Leg hug series with 3 extended chapters on leg drag transitions.

The curriculum also covers Aoki locks, DLR footlocks, belly-down footlocks, and calf slicers. The emphasis is on pummeling mechanics and finishing details rather than reaping-based heel hooks.

What Makes It Stand Out

• IBJJF-legal focus means everything here is competition-safe at every belt level
• Finishing principles transfer across multiple positions, not just one entry point
• Clear leg pummeling concepts improve overall lower-body control

What the Community Says

“Filled with giant-killing techniques that will allow you to tap out people much larger than you. A perfect fit for ladies and smaller-framed grapplers.”

— BJJ World, 10 Best Leg Locks DVDs (5/5)

“Many people just called it a cash grab on day 1, but the techniques are niche but effective.”

— r/bjj blue belt reviewer (r/bjj/comments/nvqexb)

Weakness

No heel hook coverage at all. For no-gi grapplers who need heel hooks alongside straight ankles, Dean Lister’s K.A.T.C.H. Leg Attack System or John Danaher’s Feet to Floor cover the full spectrum of legal and illegal leg locks.

My Recommendation

Best for: IBJJF competitors who want to add reliable footlocks to their game without worrying about rule legality.

Avoid if: You primarily train no-gi/sub-only and need heel hooks. This instructional skips them entirely.

Pairs with: The Mikey Lock (adds the heel hook system for no-gi/sub-only rule sets)

The instructional on Mikey’s namesake submission – a modified heel hook he used to submit Richard Alarcon in competition. The 8-step finishing sequence is distinct from the standard Danaher/Gordon Ryan 50/50 approach.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~3h 33m across 4 volumes
• 📅 Released: 2022
• 🥋 No-Gi
• 🎯 Intermediate
• 🕸 Leg Locks (Heel Hooks)

What It Covers

The Mikey Lock is a modified heel hook where Mikey positions the opponent’s foot in his “neck pit” (between neck and shoulder) instead of under the armpit. This creates simultaneous pressure on both the knee and ankle, using head positioning to control the foot while the hips apply pressure on the knee for enhanced leverage. As BJJ World described it, Mikey “broke down the most complicated technique to its simplest form” by realizing head control gives more leverage than the traditional armpit grip.

The instructional covers the 8-step finishing sequence, entries from K guard, knee shield, and RDLR, plus 50/50 variations distinct from Danaher-style leg lock trees. Competition-proven: Mikey used it to submit Richard Alarcon at Who’s Number One.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Competition-proven submission (used to tap Richard Alarcon)
• The 8-step finish makes a complex submission feel repeatable and learnable
• Entries integrate with K guard, knee shield, and RDLR – positions most guard players already use

What the Community Says

“The part that’s actually interesting about the Mikey Lock” – the submission existed before, but Mikey’s innovation is the specific finishing mechanics and the systematic teaching of entries.

— r/bjj discussion (r/bjj/comments/qd0rmb, 42 upvotes, 32 comments)

“Mikey Musumeci just invented a new amazing foot lock that can revolutionize Jiu Jitsu. With his shoulder and neck, he creates the mechanics of the heel hook.”

— r/bjj (r/bjj/comments/qifg40, 43 comments)

Weakness

Less coverage on defense and counter-leglocks compared to comprehensive systems. John Danaher’s Feet to Floor or Craig Jones’ False Reap Accusations cover a broader heel hook ecosystem including defense, counter-attacks, and escapes alongside finishing.

My Recommendation

Best for: No-gi grapplers who want a unique heel hook that opponents have not drilled defenses for.

Avoid if: You train at a gym that restricts heel hooks, or you need a complete leg lock defense system alongside offense.

Pairs with: Death From Below (covers IBJJF-legal leg locks for when heel hooks are off-limits)

BJJ World scored this 9.5/10. A focused system on the calf slicer from SLX and K guard positions, with back-attacking follow-ups when the slicer fails. Covers mechanics, setups, and troubleshooting across 3 concise volumes.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~2 hours across 3 volumes
• 📅 Released: 2025
• 🥋 No-Gi
• 🎯 Intermediate
• 🕸 Leg Locks (Calf Slicer)

What It Covers

Part 1 (longest): Calf slicer prerequisites, mechanics, setups from SLX and K guard, hip bite concept, tension control, breaking mechanics, and troubleshooting. Part 2: Alternative finishing sequences from guard positions with back-take follow-ups when the slicer stalls. Part 3: Varied finishing positions based on opponent reactions, including alternative wrapping positions.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Ognen Dzabirski (BJJ World, 9.5/10): “The calf slicer is exactly that – a move that has that X factor which is a surprise”
• Covers back-attacking follow-ups when the slicer fails, so you never dead-end
• Concise 2-hour runtime – the shortest of Mikey’s focused systems

What the Community Says

“The calf slicer is exactly that – a move that has that X factor which is a surprise.”

— Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9.5/10)

Weakness

Niche topic that only helps if you regularly play SLX or K guard. For a more complete lower-body attack system, Death From Below covers straight ankles, toe holds, kneebars AND calf slicers in one package.

My Recommendation

Best for: Grapplers who already play K guard or SLX and want to add a surprise submission that most opponents have not drilled defenses for.

Avoid if: You rarely find yourself in SLX or K guard positions.

Pairs with: K Guard & Matrix System (the K guard entries feed directly into calf slicer setups)

Ognen Dzabirski scored this 9.5/10 and wrote: “If there’s one guard you need to use when rolling/competing with the Gi it is the collar sleeve.” Covers the complete outside-control system with omoplatas, shotgun armbars, and dilemma/trilemma sweep chains.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~2+ hours across 4 volumes
• 📅 Released: 2022
• 🥋 Gi
• 🎯 Intermediate
• 🕸 Guard Play (Gi)

What It Covers

Part 1: Combat base collar sleeve guard positioning, grip work, and drilling. Part 2: Sweeping (~30 minutes of sweep chains with dilemma/trilemma attacks). Part 3: Overhook collar sleeve, the longest volume, covering submissions and De la Riva variations. Part 4: Modifications for different body types.

Key techniques include omoplata attacks, shotgun armbar, flanking attacks, back-take sequences, DLR collar-sleeve hybrid positions, and combat base destruction methods.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Ognen Dzabirski (BJJ World, 9.5/10): “If there’s one guard you need to use when rolling/competing with the Gi it is the collar sleeve”
• Dedicated drilling sections included in each volume
• Part 4 covers modifications for different body types – rare for BJJ instructionals

What the Community Says

“If there’s one guard you need to use when rolling/competing with the Gi it is the collar sleeve.”

— Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9.5/10)

Weakness

Gi-only with zero no-gi transferability. For a guard that works across rule sets, the RDLR System or K Guard covers both. Also, Mikey has 3+ collar-sleeve instructionals – if you buy one, the others overlap significantly.

My Recommendation

Best for: Gi competitors who want a proven collar-and-sleeve system from a 5x world champion.

Avoid if: You primarily train no-gi, or you already own another Musumeci collar-sleeve set.

Pairs with: Foundations of Guard: Attacking (broader guard framework that includes collar-sleeve as one component)

Part of the BJJ Foundations Bundle that Ognen Dzabirski scored 10/10. Filip Zanki (BJJ World, 8/10) called Mikey “a true BJJ nerd, one that is as eloquent with his words when teaching.” Covers guard priorities, grip mechanics, and the complete open guard toolkit.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~4.5 hours across 6 volumes
• 📅 Released: 2020
• 🥋 Gi
• 🎯 White to purple belt
• 🕸 Guard Play (Foundations)

What It Covers

Vol 1: Guard fundamentals, grip control, the “two bases and three boxes” attack system, double ankle and tripod sweeps. Vol 2: Sweep chains (Tomoe Nage with tripod and double ankle combos), triangle/omoplata/armbar submissions, foundational drills. Vol 3: Spider guard introduction with Tomoe Nage and triangle setups, plus the “De la Spider” hybrid that bridges spider guard into DLR. Vol 4: Advanced spider variations including spider stomp sweeps, seated spider for triangles, side spider, and connections back to collar-sleeve. Vol 5: Back takes integrated with the box system, collar-sleeve guard attacks, omoplata/triangle combinations. Vol 6: DLR Tomoe Nages, angle switching from front to side sweeps, belt grip sweeps, defense and counter responses.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Filip Zanki (BJJ World, 8/10): “a true BJJ nerd, one that is as eloquent with his words when teaching”
• BJJ Foundations Bundle scored 10/10 by Ognen Dzabirski when paired with the passing DVD
• HD production with multiple camera angles and well-organized progression

What the Community Says

“A true BJJ nerd, one that is as eloquent with his words when teaching.”

— Filip Zanki, BJJ World (8/10)

“Spend 6 months to a year on each of the two DVDs and your guard skills are going to skyrocket.”

— Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (10/10 for the bundle)

Weakness

Gi-specific focus limits no-gi transfer, and Filip Zanki noted that Volumes 3-6 require purple belt experience to fully benefit from. For a more beginner-friendly starting point, the Foundations of Passing set has a gentler learning curve.

My Recommendation

Best for: White to purple belts who want a complete gi guard curriculum from a world champion.

Avoid if: You only train no-gi, or you are already a brown/black belt with an established guard game.

Pairs with: Foundations of Passing (the natural companion – buy them as the BJJ Foundations Bundle for the best value)

A specialized set on the leg pummeling skills that underpin K guard entries, berimbolo setups, and double pull positions. Six volumes covering everything from basic sweeps to crab ride and honey hole entries via pummeling.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~3-4 hours across 6 volumes
• 📅 Released: 2021
• 🥋 No-Gi
• 🎯 Intermediate
• 🕸 Guard Play (Pummeling)

What It Covers

Vol 1: Introduction to leg pummeling, broadness of pummeling, gi vs. no-gi control differences, basic sweep, how to get to double pull, worlds of double pull, eliminating frames from the legs, basic leg drag with double leg control, eliminating arm frames. Vol 2: Leg drag going on shoulder, dropping hip variation, X variation with double leg control. Volumes 3-6 cover crab ride entries, honey hole setups, and leg drag chains from pummeling positions.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Foundational skill that improves every other Musumeci guard set you own
• Covers both sides of the pummeling exchange – how to win and how to recover
• Essential for anyone working double pull or seated guard in competition

What the Community Says

Seminar attendee at Island Jiujitsu Honolulu called it “amazing” – Mikey taught for 3.5 hours covering leg pummeling, K guard entries, and Matrix back-takes with personalized corrections.

— r/bjj seminar review (r/bjj/comments/1lthdur, 228 upvotes)

Weakness

Niche topic. Only useful if you regularly play seated guard or double pull positions. Lachlan Giles’ Guard Passing Anthology has a pummeling chapter that shows both the passing AND the guard side, giving broader context if you want to understand pummeling from both perspectives.

My Recommendation

Best for: Competitors who play double pull or seated guard and want to win the initial pummeling exchange.

Avoid if: You prefer standing or top-position grappling and rarely end up in double pull.

Pairs with: K Guard & Matrix System (pummeling skill feeds directly into K guard entries)

Mikey’s adaptation of his world-class berimbolo system for no-gi competition. Covers twister hooks, ladder bolos, crab hooks, and grip replacement strategies across 8 volumes.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~5-6 hours across 8 volumes
• 📅 Released: 2021
• 🥋 No-Gi
• 🎯 Intermediate to advanced
• 🕸 Berimbolo & Back Takes (No-Gi)

What It Covers

Adapts the gi berimbolo system for no-gi by replacing collar-and-sleeve grips with underhooks, wrist control, and body locks. Covers twister hooks, ladder bolos, crab hooks, and chaining together effective back-takes without gi grips. Includes troubleshooting common defenses and addressing the flexibility concerns that stop many grapplers from attempting berimbolos.

What Makes It Stand Out

• One of the few dedicated no-gi berimbolo resources available
• Addresses grip replacement strategies that make bolo viable without the gi
• Troubleshooting section addresses flexibility concerns directly

What the Community Says

“Does anyone know of any nice berimbolo instructionals (no-gi)? I think Mikey Musumeci’s was too repetitive so I’m trying to find another good one.”

— r/bjj user (r/bjj/comments/156jsc7)

Weakness

8 volumes is a heavy commitment for a position many grapplers never use. For no-gi back-takes without inversions, Craig Jones’ Power Bottom covers a more accessible seated-guard-to-back pathway that works for heavier body types.

My Recommendation

Best for: No-gi competitors who already berimbolo in the gi and want to adapt the skill set for ADCC-style events.

Avoid if: You have never drilled berimbolos, or you compete exclusively in the gi.

Pairs with: Berimbolo Part 1: The Foundation (learn the gi version first, then adapt with this set)

Two complementary passing sets. Foundations of Passing covers frame understanding and guard structure concepts. Breaking Their Guard adds the “walls” concept for choosing inside vs. outside passing routes and scored 9/10 from Ognen Dzabirski.

Quick Facts

• ⏰ ~5 hours total across 8 volumes (two sets)
• 📅 Released: 2020-2024
• 🥋 Both (Gi & No-Gi)
• 🎯 White to purple belt
• 🕸 Guard Passing

What It Covers

Foundations of Passing (~2.5h, 4 vols): Guard structure breakdown, frame understanding, passing angles, and how to systematically dismantle open guard layers.

Breaking Their Guard (~2.5h, 4 vols): Part 1: Layers of Guard (“walls” concept, inside/outside passing avenues). Part 2: Box concept of passing (submission threats, back attacks). Part 3: Removing knee from chest (half guard solutions). Part 4: Baiting and misdirection strategies. Specific passes include torreando (including reverse torreando for no-gi), knee cut, duck under, long step, double arm frame, cross step, folding pass, and crazy dog pass.

What Makes It Stand Out

• Ognen Dzabirski (BJJ World, 9/10) on Breaking Their Guard: helps “simplify it, focusing your attention on exactly what is essential”
• The “walls” framework gives beginners a decision tree for choosing pass direction
• Covers both gi and no-gi passing approaches in one curriculum

What the Community Says

“Simplify it, focusing your attention on exactly what is essential.”

— Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9/10)

Weakness

These are fundamentals-level sets. Advanced passers should look at Gordon Ryan’s Systematically Attacking the Guard or Gordon Ryan’s Passing the Guard for brown/black belt-level passing systems. Also, Mikey is known as a guard player, not a passer, so some prefer learning passing from a passer-first competitor.

My Recommendation

Best for: White to purple belts who want structured passing frameworks from a guard specialist who understands what passes work and why.

Avoid if: You are already a competent passer at brown/black belt level.

Pairs with: Foundations of Guard: Attacking (buy both as the BJJ Foundations Bundle for the complete package)