We researched the most relevant Miyao Brothers titles on BJJ Fanatics, compared r/bjj sentiment, structure, and applicability, and ranked the best options for berimbolo and baratoplata hunters.
Berimbolo 2.0: The Modern System by Paulo Miyao
Paulo updates the berimbolo with a clear, competition-tested gi system that turns De La Riva entries and common reactions into controlled back takes.
Mastering The Baratoplata by Joao Miyao
Joao gives you a focused gi blueprint to hunt baratoplatas from common guards and as counters to stack passes.
The Berimbolo and Beyond by The Miyao Brothers
The original Miyao library blends DLR, inverted guard, and berimbolo with dozens of entries and chained finishes for back-take specialists.
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🥋 #1 Berimbolo 2.0: The Modern System by Paulo Miyao
Instructor: Paulo Miyao
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 17 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Upgrade bolo timing and reactions
Techniques: Berimbolo, De La Riva, Back Takes, Leg Drag, Inversion, Twister Hook
- The Berimbolo System Part 1: The Foundation by Mikey Musumeci – More exhaustive bolo curriculum if you want maximal depth.
- No Gi Berimbolo System Part 1 by Mikey Musumeci – Best non-gi option if you play bolo without grips.
- The Berimbolo System Bundle by Mikey Musumeci – All-in bundle when you want the entire Musumeci series.
If you already play DLR and want higher conversion on back takes, this gives you a mapped flow from entries to reactions. You will drill inversion mechanics, leg-drag finishes, and twister-hook control. You will not get a no-gi path or a broad open-guard encyclopedia.
✅ Pros
- A true system with reactions and finishes instead of a loose move list.
- Clearer English instruction than older Miyao releases, easier to follow.
- Strong competitive pedigree backs each sequence and decision point.
⚠️ Cons
- Inversion-heavy approach may not suit every body type or rule set.
- Gi-only focus limits transfer for strict no-gi players.
- Production quality is functional but not the best in the market.
💡 I found the biggest gains came from drilling Paulo's reaction trees, which cut guesswork when opponents kick, sit, or stuff the bolo. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Mastering The Baratoplata by Joao Miyao
Instructor: Joao Miyao
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 24 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Trap passes with a shoulder lock
Techniques: Baratoplata, Triangle Defense, Omoplata, Closed Guard, Spider Guard, K Guard, Pass Counters
- The Straight Armlock Anthology by Lachlan Giles - Wider arm attack framework if you want more than baratoplata.
- Attacking The Arm From Everywhere No Gi by Mica Galvao - No-gi arm attacks to complement this gi-focused set.
- The Wristlock Bible by Pete Letsos - More sneaky upper-limb finishes to round out your traps.
If you like trap-based guards, this set gives clear grips, angles, and finishes for baratoplata. You will learn entries from spider, DLR, K guard, and closed guard, plus pass counters. You will not get a general arm-attack overview or significant no-gi coverage.
✅ Pros
- Tightly focused system that turns common defenses into shoulder locks.
- Entries work from guards many hobbyists already play daily.
- Countering double-under and over-under adds real utility against pressure.
⚠️ Cons
- Niche submission focus may feel narrow for beginners.
- Success depends on timing and quick angle changes.
- Editing and pacing can feel slower than more premium productions.
💡 I saw the biggest jump using Joao's pass-counter sequences, which turned defense into fast submissions without changing my base guard game. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 The Berimbolo and Beyond by The Miyao Brothers
Instructor: The Miyao Brothers
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Advanced
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 55 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Historic but less structured
Techniques: Berimbolo, De La Riva, X Guard, Leg Drag, Lapel Guards, Inverted Guard
- Berimbolo 2.0: The Modern System by Paulo Miyao - Cleaner, more structured teaching of the same core game.
- The Berimbolo System Part 1: The Foundation by Mikey Musumeci - Deeper, stepwise framework with extensive counters and drills.
This classic four-volume set captures the Miyaos' core positions and transitions. You will see many entries, lapel options, and bolo finishes from DLR and inverted guard. You will not get the same systematic decision-making and clarity as newer releases.
✅ Pros
- Broad catalog of Miyao-era techniques and transitions in one place.
- Great value for experienced students who can connect the dots.
- Still relevant for back-take specialists in gi competition.
⚠️ Cons
- Teaching feels like a move dump compared to modern systems.
- Overdubbing and translation issues make details easier to miss.
- Less beginner-friendly; assumes comfort with inversion and lapel grips.
💡 I recommend treating this as a reference library and pairing it with a structured bolo system for day-one sequencing. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
How to pick the right Miyao title for your game
Play DLR and already invert comfortably? Start with Berimbolo 2.0 for reaction trees that immediately raise your back-take conversion. Prefer trap-based submissions from common guards? Choose Mastering the Baratoplata and add a shoulder-lock threat that doubles as a pass counter. Already advanced and want a broad reference? The Berimbolo and Beyond is cost-effective as a library, but pair it with a modern system for structure.
Will berimbolo work if I am not super flexible?
You need enough mobility to invert safely, not contortionist flexibility. Use warm-ups and controlled reps, and prioritize posture and frames during inversion. Many successful bolo players are average-flexibility athletes who drill angles and grips. If you avoid inversion entirely, focus on leg-drag chains, collar drags, and seated guard back takes until mobility improves.
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