Home / Reviews / The 2026 Ranking
Best Mikey Musumeci Instructionals: All 12 Ranked and Reviewed
Mikey Musumeci is a 5x IBJJF black belt world champion and one of the most systematic guard and leg-lock teachers in BJJ. All 12 of his BJJ Fanatics instructionals ranked from best to worst by a black belt, with BJJ World ratings and named community feedback cross-checked against real mat testing.
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.
Jump to a pick
- 1. K Guard & Matrix System – Attacking The Legs From The Knees
- 2. Power Switch Guard Retention & Genius Back Takes – The Retention Blueprint
- 3. The Berimbolo System Part 1 – The Foundation
- 4. The Reverse De La Riva System – Sweeps, Back Takes & Submissions
- 5. Death From Below – IBJJF-Legal Footlocks
- 6. The Mikey Lock – Mikey’s Signature Heel Hook
- 7. Slicin’ Calves – The Calf Slicer System
- 8. The Collar and Sleeve System Part 1 – Outside Control On The Knees
- 9. Foundations of Guard: Attacking – BJJ Foundations
- 10. Leg Pummeling Mastery – Double Pull Pummeling
- 11. No Gi Berimbolo System Part 1 – Berimbolo Without The Gi
- 12. Foundations of Passing & Breaking Their Guard – Guard Passing Fundamentals
- Comparison table
- FAQ
The top picks, up front
2026 editionK Guard & Matrix System
Mikey MusumeciPhysics-based K guard to Matrix back-take roadmap. The opening conceptual chapters alone are worth the price.
≈5 h · 8 vols · no-gi · $$$Power Switch Guard Retention
Mikey MusumeciMikey’s best seller. Maps torreando, knee-cut and over/under defenses into kiss-of-the-dragon back-takes.
4+ h · 4 vols · gi + no-gi · $$The Berimbolo System Part 1
Mikey MusumeciThe definitive berimbolo instructional. 25+ hours across the full 4-part series.
≈6 h · 8 vols · gi · $$$Mikey Musumeci is a 5x IBJJF Black Belt World Champion (4 Gi, 1 No-Gi) and the first American to win multiple World titles at black belt. He earned his black belt at age 18 from Gilbert Burns, holds a 60-5 competitive record, and is the inaugural ONE Championship Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion and current UFC BJJ Bantamweight Champion. He started training at age 4, turned down a full law school scholarship to pursue professional BJJ, and has released 19 instructionals on BJJ Fanatics focused on guard play: berimbolo, RDLR, collar-sleeve, K guard, and leg pummeling.
Below are 12 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. I’ve watched 40+ hours of his material as a black belt, and the rankings combine that mat testing with community feedback from Reddit and BJJ forums plus production-quality ratings from BJJ World reviewers.
K Guard & Matrix System – Attacking The Legs From The Knees
Mikey MusumeciMikey’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.
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.
Why it stands 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
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
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.
Intermediate grapplers who play seated open guard and want a systematic back-take game from K guard.
You never play seated guard or inversions. The system assumes comfort with supine positions.
Leg Pummeling Mastery (builds the pummeling that underpins K guard entries).
Power Switch Guard Retention & Genius Back Takes – The Retention Blueprint
Mikey MusumeciMikey’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.
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.
Why it stands 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
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
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.
Guard players who get their guard passed by athletic opponents and want to turn defensive scrambles into back-takes.
You are a larger grappler who avoids inversions, or you prefer pressure-based guard retention.
RDLR System (deepens the RDLR retention game that Power Switch builds on).
The Berimbolo System Part 1 – The Foundation
Mikey MusumeciThe 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.
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).
Why it stands 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
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)
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.
Dedicated berimbolo players who want the deepest possible resource and plan to study it over months.
You only train no-gi, or you want a quick-start bolo guide without 25 hours of homework.
Berimbolo Part 2: Crab Ride & Leg Drags (the natural next step after mastering Part 1 foundations).
The Reverse De La Riva System – Sweeps, Back Takes & Submissions
Mikey MusumeciBJJ 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.
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.
Why it stands 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
Every instructional covering the guard position needs to follow this structure from now on. The best-formatted BJJ sweep instructional I’ve ever seen.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9.5/10)
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.
Guard players who want a structured, reaction-based RDLR system that scales across belt levels.
You already own 2+ other Musumeci guard sets and want something genuinely new.
Power Switch Guard Retention (adds retention mechanics that feed directly into RDLR attacks).
Death From Below – IBJJF-Legal Footlocks
Mikey MusumeciMikey’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.
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.
Why it stands 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
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)
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.
IBJJF competitors who want to add reliable footlocks to their game without worrying about rule legality.
You primarily train no-gi/sub-only and need heel hooks. This instructional skips them entirely.
The Mikey Lock (adds the heel hook system for no-gi/sub-only rule sets).
The Mikey Lock – Mikey’s Signature Heel Hook
Mikey MusumeciThe 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.
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.
Why it stands 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
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 discussion (r/bjj/comments/qifg40, 43 comments)
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.
No-gi grapplers who want a unique heel hook that opponents have not drilled defenses for.
You train at a gym that restricts heel hooks, or you need a complete leg lock defense system alongside offense.
Death From Below (covers IBJJF-legal leg locks for when heel hooks are off-limits).
Slicin’ Calves – The Calf Slicer System
Mikey MusumeciBJJ 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.
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.
Why it stands 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
The calf slicer is exactly that – a move that has that X factor which is a surprise.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9.5/10)
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.
Grapplers who already play K guard or SLX and want to add a surprise submission that most opponents have not drilled defenses for.
You rarely find yourself in SLX or K guard positions.
K Guard & Matrix System (the K guard entries feed directly into calf slicer setups).
The Collar and Sleeve System Part 1 – Outside Control On The Knees
Mikey MusumeciOgnen 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.
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.
Why it stands 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
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)
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.
Gi competitors who want a proven collar-and-sleeve system from a 5x world champion.
You primarily train no-gi, or you already own another Musumeci collar-sleeve set.
Foundations of Guard: Attacking (broader guard framework that includes collar-sleeve as one component).
Foundations of Guard: Attacking – BJJ Foundations
Mikey MusumeciPart 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.
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.
Why it stands 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
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)
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.
White to purple belts who want a complete gi guard curriculum from a world champion.
You only train no-gi, or you are already a brown/black belt with an established guard game.
Foundations of Passing (the natural companion – buy them as the BJJ Foundations Bundle for the best value).
Leg Pummeling Mastery – Double Pull Pummeling
Mikey MusumeciA 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.
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.
Why it stands 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
Mikey taught for 3.5 hours covering leg pummeling, K guard entries, and Matrix back-takes with personalized corrections. Amazing.
r/bjj seminar review (Island Jiujitsu Honolulu, r/bjj/comments/1lthdur, 228 upvotes)
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.
Competitors who play double pull or seated guard and want to win the initial pummeling exchange.
You prefer standing or top-position grappling and rarely end up in double pull.
K Guard & Matrix System (pummeling skill feeds directly into K guard entries).
No Gi Berimbolo System Part 1 – Berimbolo Without The Gi
Mikey MusumeciMikey’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.
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.
Why it stands 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
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)
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.
No-gi competitors who already berimbolo in the gi and want to adapt the skill set for ADCC-style events.
You have never drilled berimbolos, or you compete exclusively in the gi.
Berimbolo Part 1: The Foundation (learn the gi version first, then adapt with this set).
Foundations of Passing & Breaking Their Guard – Guard Passing Fundamentals
Mikey MusumeciTwo 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.
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.
Why it stands 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
Simplify it, focusing your attention on exactly what is essential.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9/10)
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.
White to purple belts who want structured passing frameworks from a guard specialist who understands what passes work and why.
You are already a competent passer at brown/black belt level.
Foundations of Guard: Attacking (buy both as the BJJ Foundations Bundle for the complete package).
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | K Guard & Matrix System – Attacking The Legs From The Knees | Mikey Musumeci | ~5 hours across 8 volumes | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi | Leg lock / k guard system | $$$ | Check price → |
| 2 | Power Switch Guard Retention & Genius Back Takes – The Retention Blueprint | Mikey Musumeci | 4+ hours across 4 volumes | Intermediate | Gi and No-Gi | Guard retention / back takes | $$ | Check price → |
| 3 | The Berimbolo System Part 1 – The Foundation | Mikey Musumeci | ~6 hours across 8 volumes (Part 1); 25+ hours total for all 4 parts | Intermediate to advanced | Gi | Berimbolo system (gi) | $$$ | Check price → |
| 4 | The Reverse De La Riva System – Sweeps, Back Takes & Submissions | Mikey Musumeci | 3+ hours across 4 volumes | Intermediate | Gi and No-Gi | Rdlr sweeps system | $$$ | Check price → |
| 5 | Death From Below – IBJJF-Legal Footlocks | Mikey Musumeci | ~3h 33m across 4 volumes | All levels | Gi and No-Gi | Ibjjf-legal leg locks | $$$ | Check price → |
| 6 | The Mikey Lock – Mikey’s Signature Heel Hook | Mikey Musumeci | ~3h 33m across 4 volumes | Intermediate | No-Gi | Signature heel hook | $$$ | Check price → |
| 7 | Slicin’ Calves – The Calf Slicer System | Mikey Musumeci | ~2 hours across 3 volumes | Intermediate | No-Gi | Calf slicer system | $$ | Check price → |
| 8 | The Collar and Sleeve System Part 1 – Outside Control On The Knees | Mikey Musumeci | ~2+ hours across 4 volumes | Intermediate | Gi | Gi guard play | $$ | Check price → |
| 9 | Foundations of Guard: Attacking – BJJ Foundations | Mikey Musumeci | ~4.5 hours across 6 volumes | White to purple belt | Gi | Gi guard foundations | $$ | Check price → |
| 10 | Leg Pummeling Mastery – Double Pull Pummeling | Mikey Musumeci | ~3-4 hours across 6 volumes | Intermediate | No-Gi | Double pull / pummeling | $$ | Check price → |
| 11 | No Gi Berimbolo System Part 1 – Berimbolo Without The Gi | Mikey Musumeci | ~5-6 hours across 8 volumes | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi | No-gi berimbolo | $$$ | Check price → |
| 12 | Foundations of Passing & Breaking Their Guard – Guard Passing Fundamentals | Mikey Musumeci | ~5 hours total across 8 volumes (two sets) | White to purple belt | Gi and No-Gi | Guard passing fundamentals | $$ | Check price → |
Who is Mikey Musumeci?
Mikey Musumeci is a 5x IBJJF Black Belt World Champion (4 Gi, 1 No-Gi) and the first American to win multiple World titles at black belt. He earned his black belt at age 18 from UFC fighter Gilbert Burns and holds a 60-5 competitive record. He is the inaugural ONE Championship Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion and the current UFC BJJ Bantamweight Champion (defending his title in February 2026 via footlock).
He started training at age 4, turned down a full law school scholarship to pursue professional BJJ, and has released 19 instructionals on BJJ Fanatics. His teaching catalog focuses heavily on guard play: berimbolo, RDLR, collar-sleeve, K guard, and leg pummeling.
What Makes Mikey a Good Instructor
- Physics-based explanations. Meerkatsu (Seymour Yang) described his teaching style as “like a scientist – he shows you the theory and concepts then demonstrates it in practice.” Mikey explains WHY positions work, not just what to do.
- Contingency mapping. His systems map decision trees for when Plan A fails. The berimbolo series alone covers stacking defenses, grip breaks, leg drag alternatives, and re-entry points across 8 volumes.
- Obsessive detail. BJJ World reviewer Filip Zanki called him “a true BJJ nerd, one that is as eloquent with his words when teaching.” Some find this overwhelming, but it means nothing is left vague.
Mikey’s guard systems explained
Mikey’s guard systems explained
Mikey’s 19 instructionals cluster into five main systems:
Berimbolo System (4 parts, 25+ hours total) – His signature. Parts 1-4 cover the foundation, crab ride and leg drags, wedges and hooks, and defending gi leg locks. This is the deepest berimbolo resource ever created.
K Guard / Matrix System – A no-gi back-take system from seated guard. Uses physics-based leg placement and the Matrix back-exposure concept. Pairs with Leg Pummeling Mastery for entry development.
Collar and Sleeve System (3+ parts) – Gi-specific. Outside control, inside control, and connections between double sleeve and deep lasso. Ognen Dzabirski scored Part 1 at 9.5/10.
Foundations Series – Entry-level guard attacking and guard passing. Rated 10/10 as a bundle by BJJ World. The best starting point for white-purple belts.
Leg Lock System – Death From Below (IBJJF-legal footlocks), The Mikey Lock (his signature heel hook), and Slicin’ Calves (calf slicer from K guard entries).
Recommended Combos
- Bolo specialist: Berimbolo Part 1 + No Gi Berimbolo + Leg Pummeling Mastery
- Guard retention: Power Switch + RDLR System
- Leg locks: Death From Below + The Mikey Lock + Slicin’ Calves
- Complete beginner: Foundations of Passing + Foundations of Guard: Attacking
Suggested watch order
Suggested watch order
| Path | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Foundations of Passing | Foundations of Guard | Death From Below | — |
| Guard Player | Power Switch | RDLR System | Berimbolo Part 1 | K Guard |
| Leg Lock | Death From Below | Leg Pummeling | Mikey Lock | Slicin’ Calves |
Best Mikey Musumeci instructional by goal
Best Mikey Musumeci instructional by goal
| Goal | Best Pick | Also Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Back takes (no-gi) | K Guard & Matrix | Power Switch |
| Back takes (gi) | Berimbolo Part 1 | RDLR System |
| Guard retention | Power Switch | RDLR System |
| IBJJF-legal leg locks | Death From Below | Slicin’ Calves |
| Heel hooks (no-gi) | The Mikey Lock | — |
| Guard passing | Foundations of Passing | Foundations of Guard |
| Gi guard play | Collar & Sleeve | Foundations of Guard |
| Complete beginner | Foundations of Passing | Foundations of Guard |
| Berimbolo specialist | Berimbolo Part 1 | No Gi Berimbolo |
| Double pull / seated | Leg Pummeling Mastery | K Guard & Matrix |
Which Mikey Musumeci instructional fits your game?
Mikey has 12 instructionals covering leg locks, guard systems, and more. Tell us your priority and we’ll point you to the right one.
Pricing & deals
BJJ Fanatics runs daily deals where individual instructionals drop to $47-77. Check the daily deals page before buying at full price.
| Instructional | Price | Runtime | Volumes |
|---|---|---|---|
| K Guard & Matrix System | $197 | ~5h | 8 vols |
| Power Switch Guard Retention | $77 | 4+ h | 4 vols |
| Berimbolo System Part 1 | $197 | ~6h | 8 vols |
| RDLR System | $197 | 3+ h | 4 vols |
| Death From Below | $197 | ~3.5h | 4 vols |
| The Mikey Lock | $197 | ~3.5h | 4 vols |
| Slicin’ Calves | $77 | ~2h | 3 vols |
| Collar & Sleeve Part 1 | $77 | ~2h | 4 vols |
| Foundations of Guard: Attacking | $77 | ~4.5h | 6 vols |
| Leg Pummeling Mastery | $77 | ~3-4h | 6 vols |
| No Gi Berimbolo Part 1 | $197 | ~5-6h | 8 vols |
| Foundations of Passing + Breaking Guard | $77 each | ~5h total | 8 vols |
Best value combo: The BJJ Foundations Bundle (Foundations of Guard + Foundations of Passing) is often available as a discounted bundle, saving ~30% vs. buying separately.
Free Mikey Musumeci content
Before buying, you can preview Mikey’s teaching style through free content:
- BJJ Fanatics Blog: Free Leg Pummeling Technique – a sample from the Leg Pummeling Mastery set.
- YouTube: Search “Mikey Musumeci technique” for seminar clips and breakdowns. His Flo Grappling match footage shows the techniques in live competition.
- ONE Championship: His title fights are available on YouTube and the ONE app, showing the Mikey Lock and berimbolo system at the highest level.
Glossary
- Berimbolo – An inversion-based back-take from DLR or RDLR guard. Mikey’s signature position with 25+ hours of instructional content across 4 parts.
- K Guard – A seated open guard with specific knee and shin placement that generates leverage for back-takes and leg entries. Named for the shape of the legs.
- Matrix – Mikey’s system for converting K guard entries into back exposure. Uses specific leg and hip angles to force opponents to concede the back.
- Mikey Lock – A modified heel hook with an 8-step finishing sequence, distinct from traditional 50/50 heel hooks. Named after Musumeci.
- Kiss of the Dragon – An inversion under the opponent from RDLR that lands you on their back. Central to Mikey’s guard retention and back-take systems.
- Crab Ride – A back-control position using twister hooks and crab-style leg placement. Featured in Power Switch and the Berimbolo System.
- Leg Pummeling – The skill of winning foot and shin position against an opponent from seated or double-pull positions. Foundational for K guard entries.
- Three Boxes – Mikey’s organizational concept for RDLR attacks. Categorizes opponent reactions into three response types, each with a prescribed attack path.
- RDLR – Reverse De La Riva guard. A guard where your outside foot hooks behind the opponent’s lead knee from the outside.
- Double Pull – When both competitors sit to guard simultaneously. Common in IBJJF competition and the starting point for leg pummeling exchanges.
FAQ
What is the best Mikey Musumeci instructional for beginners?
The BJJ Foundations Bundle (Foundations of Guard: Attacking + Foundations of Passing) is the best starting point. Ognen Dzabirski scored it 10/10 at BJJ World and recommended spending 6-12 months on each DVD. If you can only pick one, start with Foundations of Passing for the gentler learning curve.
Is the Mikey Lock worth it?
Yes, if you train no-gi or sub-only. The Mikey Lock is a unique heel hook that most opponents have not drilled defenses for. The 8-step finishing sequence makes it surprisingly learnable. Skip it if your gym restricts heel hooks.
Which Mikey Musumeci instructional has the best reviews?
Power Switch Guard Retention has 74 five-star reviews on BJJ Fanatics, making it his best-reviewed set. The Berimbolo System bundle scored a perfect 10/10 from BJJ World reviewer Ognen Dzabirski.
Should I buy the Berimbolo System Part 1 or the full bundle?
Start with Part 1 alone. At 6 hours across 8 volumes, it is a significant study commitment. Only buy Parts 2-4 (25+ hours total) after you have drilled Part 1 material for several months and want to go deeper.
How does Mikey’s K Guard compare to Lachlan Giles’ K Guard?
Mikey’s K Guard focuses exclusively on back-takes via the Matrix system. Lachlan Giles’ K Guard covers heel hook attacks from backside 50/50 alongside back-takes. If you want leg locks from K guard, pick Lachlan. If you want the deepest back-take system, pick Mikey.
Is Power Switch Guard Retention good for bigger grapplers?
It is inversion-heavy and favors lighter, more flexible practitioners. Bigger grapplers who prefer pressure-based retention should consider Lachlan Giles’ Guard Retention Anthology, which covers non-inversion options.
What order should I watch Mikey Musumeci instructionals?
For guard players: Power Switch first, then RDLR System, then Berimbolo Part 1, then K Guard. For leg lockers: Death From Below first, then Leg Pummeling Mastery, then The Mikey Lock, then Slicin’ Calves. For beginners: Foundations of Passing first, then Foundations of Guard.
Are Mikey Musumeci instructionals too detailed?
Some practitioners find the depth overwhelming. BJJ World reviewer Filip Zanki praised his eloquence, but community feedback on Reddit confirms that his longer sets (8 volumes) can feel repetitive. Start with a 4-volume set like Power Switch or RDLR System to test whether his teaching style works for you before committing to 8-volume sets.
Still deciding which Mikey Musumeci set to get?
If you want one deep-dive, start with the K Guard & Matrix System (or Foundations of Passing if you’re newer). Power Switch Guard Retention is his best seller with 74 five-star reviews, and the Berimbolo System is the gold standard if the gi bolo is your game.