Home / Reviews / The 2026 Ranking
Best Open Guard Instructionals on BJJ Fanatics (2026)
Open guard is where modern jiu-jitsu lives. From K guard heel hooks to collar sleeve triangles, these 10 instructionals cover every major open guard system on BJJ Fanatics. I studied all of them, cross-referenced reviews from BJJ World, Meerkatsu, and Reddit, and ranked them by teaching quality, system depth, and real-world results on the mat.
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 judged on teaching quality, system depth, and real-world results first.
Jump to a pick
- 1. The No Gi Open Guard Bundle
- 2. The Reverse De La Riva System
- 3. New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Open Guard
- 4. Systematically Attacking From Open Guard: Seated Position
- 5. The Sit Up Guard
- 6. The Pillars: Open Guard Mastery System
- 7. Zone Jiu Jitsu: Collar Sleeve/Reverse Collar Sleeve
- 8. The World Championship Open Guard System
- 9. Mastering The Lasso Guard
- 10. Collar & Sleeve Guard: A Systematic Approach
- Comparison table
- FAQ
The top picks, up front
2026 editionNo Gi Open Guard Bundle – Lachlan Giles
Lachlan GilesThree interconnected guard systems (K guard, DLR, RDLR) forming the most complete no-gi open guard package on the market.
17+ h · all levels · no-gi · $$$Reverse De La Riva System – Mikey Musumeci
Mikey MusumeciBJJ World’s 9.5/10 masterpiece. The “three boxes” system and reaction-based sweeps set a new standard for guard instruction.
2h 34m · intermediate+ · gi · $$$New Wave Open Guard – John Danaher
John DanaherDynamic energy theory, constant threat theory, and wrestling integration. The deepest conceptual open guard framework ever recorded.
10h 43m · all levels · no-gi · $$$Open guard is where modern jiu-jitsu lives. From K guard heel hooks to collar sleeve triangles, these 10 instructionals cover every major open guard system available on BJJ Fanatics. I studied all of them, cross-referenced reviews from BJJ World, Meerkatsu, and Reddit, and ranked them by teaching quality, system depth, and real-world results on the mat.
Last updated: March 2026. Prices checked at time of writing.
The No Gi Open Guard Bundle
Lachlan GilesThree interconnected guard systems forming the most complete no-gi open guard package on the market. K guard entries, DLR sweeps, waiter guard, RDLR leg entanglements, and X guard follow-ups all chain together into one cohesive bottom game.
What it covers
The bundle contains three distinct instructionals that form one integrated system. Volume 1 (K Guard) covers K-guard entries vs. kneeling, half-kneeling, and standing opponents, DLR to K-guard transitions, backside 50/50 heel hooks, and troubleshooting against leg clears, leg drags, and fleeing opponents. Volume 2 (DLR & Waiter) teaches modern no-gi De La Riva applications, waiter guard (inspired by deep half guard), sweep combinations, and back takes. Volume 3 (RDLR & Leg Entanglements) covers reverse De La Riva, ashi garami positions (50/50 and 70/30), heel hooks, ankle locks, X guards, and berimbolos.
Every section includes drills, narrated rolling, and live footage showing the techniques applied against resistance.
Why it stands out
- Three guard systems that feed into each other, giving you answers against every common reaction
- Includes drills and narrated rolls in every section, not just technique demonstration
- Modular structure lets you study K guard, DLR, or RDLR independently before connecting them
- $14.65 per hour of content makes it the best value per hour on this list
Lachlan’s emphasis on inverted leg attacks compares favorably against Josh Cisneros’s gi-focused upper body attacks, Neil Melanson’s uncommitted K-position, and Mikey Musumeci’s Matrix-focused back takes. The investment is worth it. Lachlan doesn’t hide any secrets.
Seymour Yang, Meerkatsu (BJJ black belt and reviewer)
17+ hours is a massive commitment. Mikey Musumeci covers RDLR in 2.5 hours with tighter focus if you only need one guard type. K guard entries are also becoming more predictable at elite competition level. Part 3 is occasionally drawn out more than needed, per Ognen Dzabirski at BJJ World.
No-gi grapplers who want a complete open guard system that connects K guard, DLR, RDLR, and leg locks into one game plan. Excellent for competitors and hobbyists alike.
you only train gi (the bundle is no-gi specific), or you want a quick 2-3 hour study on a single guard type.
Gordon Ryan’s Seated Guard for the seated half of open guard, or Danaher’s New Wave for deeper conceptual foundations.
The Reverse De La Riva System
Mikey MusumeciBJJ World’s highest-rated guard instructional at 9.5/10. Mikey’s “three boxes” attack system, reaction-based sweep formatting, Kiss of the Dragon entries, and berimbolo attacks represent what Ognen Dzabirski called “the perfect template” for guard instruction.
What it covers
Volume 1 establishes control with the “three boxes” system: body positioning, grips, and hooks. Covers tripod sweep variations and side sweeps. Volume 2 focuses on sweep timing with reaction-based counters to inside hook removal and hip frames. Volume 3 covers back exposure through Kiss of the Dragon (multiple variations with heel and underhook control), hook insertion, and berimbolo attacks. Volume 4 adds submissions: triangle, omoplata, triangle-omoplata combos, kneebar attacks, and guard chaining transitions.
Every sweep is taught by covering what the opponent does and how to punish each reaction, making it immediately applicable in rolling.
Why it stands out
- “Three boxes” concept provides a clear mid-roll decision framework that simplifies a complex position
- 43 chapters in 2.5 hours is the most information-dense instructional on this list
- Reaction-based sweep format shows you exactly what to do when your opponent moves
- From a 5x World Champion and former ONE FC Flyweight Champion
Every instructional covering the guard position needs to follow this structure from now on. Mikey has found the perfect template. Part 2 is the best-formatted BJJ sweep instructional I have ever seen. He is breaking down guard like nobody else did in an instructional to date.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9.5/10)
At $197 for 2.5 hours, this has the highest cost-per-hour on the list ($76.62). Bia Mesquita offers similar runtime for $39.50. Gi-only, and Lachlan Giles covers RDLR in his no-gi bundle with leg entanglement connections that Musumeci doesn’t address. Dense material that requires focused study blocks.
Gi competitors who want the most refined RDLR system available. The reaction-based format is ideal for purple belts and above who already know basic guard positions.
you primarily train no-gi (Lachlan Giles is the better RDLR option for that), or you want a broader open guard system covering multiple guard types.
Paul Schreiner’s Collar Sleeve for a second gi guard system, or Lucas Lepri’s Sit Up Guard for a complementary seated game.
New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Open Guard
John DanaherThe deepest conceptual open guard framework ever recorded. Dynamic energy theory, constant threat theory, and the knowledge/denial model for guard retention give you principles that apply to every guard position, not just the specific techniques shown.
What it covers
Volumes 1-2 cover grip fundamentals (four-limbed gripping, handle theory, gripping tempo) and dynamic energy theory (shoulder/hip dynamics, heel/toe dynamics, head positioning). Volumes 3-4 address retention: three critical retention elements, demarcation theory, foot pummeling, crossovers, inverted spin, and countering both mobility and pressure passes. Volume 5 introduces constant threat theory with direct leg attacks and inversions. Volume 6 integrates wrestling: single leg, double leg, and reverse double leg entries from guard. Volumes 7-8 cover X guard, RDLR, DLR, and closed guard integration.
Why it stands out
- Unified theoretical framework (dynamic energy, constant threat, knowledge/denial) that applies to ANY guard
- Wrestling integration from guard (single leg, double leg entries) rarely seen in guard instructionals
- Guard retention AND offense covered in one system
- The system behind Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, and Craig Jones
By far Danaher’s easiest instructional to follow. Everyone can use it from white to red belt.
BJJ World (Go Further Faster version review)
Extremely verbose. Lachlan Giles covers similar concepts in a more concise, drill-friendly format. The first 4 volumes are almost entirely conceptual before any attacks, which tests patience. No narrated rolling footage. Gi version (Go Further Faster) and no-gi version (New Wave) are sold separately at $197 each. BJJ Equipment notes the instruction is dense and analytical but the techniques work on the mat, while Sherdog forum users complain Danaher repeats himself.
Conceptual learners who want to understand WHY guard works, not just WHAT to do. Coaches who want frameworks to teach their students. Grapplers building a complete mental model of open guard.
you want fast-paced technique instruction with drilling. Gordon Ryan’s Seated Guard offers a more technique-dense, direct approach to no-gi open guard.
Gordon Ryan’s Seated Guard for the attacking complement to Danaher’s conceptual foundations.
Systematically Attacking From Open Guard: Seated Position
Gordon RyanThe most comprehensive seated guard instructional ever produced. 52 chapters covering ashi garami entries, the signature shoulder crunch sumi gaeshi, wrestling integration, and two full volumes of narrated rolling. BJJ World called it “perhaps his best work to date.”
What it covers
Parts 1-2 cover ashi garami entries from seated, kouchi entries, 2-on-1 grips, arm drags, imanari roll entries, ankle picks, and collar ties. Parts 3-4 focus on attacks vs. kneeling opponents: sumi gaeshi variations (including the signature shoulder crunch sumi gaeshi), sticky hooks, forehead-on-mat positioning, and back takes via arm drag. Parts 5-6 add shoulder crunch combinations, Russian tie applications, double under sweeps, bodylock pass counters, no-gi berimbolos, and leg lock progressions. Parts 7-8 are narrated rolling with detailed commentary breakdowns.
Why it stands out
- Shoulder crunch sumi gaeshi is immediately applicable and high-percentage at every level
- Integrates wrestling (de ashi harai, hiza guruma) with modern no-gi guard in ways no other set does
- Two full volumes of narrated rolling with live commentary
- Breaks conventional seated guard “rules” with innovative positioning
I have to give credit to the Seated Guard instructional for teaching effective moves like the shoulder crunch sumi gaeshi. It helped me succeed against higher belt opponents.
Joshua Richards, JoshRichBJJ (competitor and BJJEE reviewer)
$349 is the most expensive instructional on this list. Danaher’s New Wave covers broader concepts for $197. Only covers the seated side of open guard; the supine guard is sold separately for another $349. Gordon’s teaching style is less structured than Lachlan Giles or Danaher, and can feel scattered at times. BJJ World still called it one of the best DVDs of 2020.
No-gi competitors who want the most detailed seated guard system available. Anyone who prioritizes offensive sweeping and wrestling-based guard play.
you’re on a budget (Danaher or Lachlan Giles offer more content per dollar), or you want a complete open guard system covering retention and supine positions too.
Danaher’s New Wave Open Guard for the conceptual retention layer, or Lachlan Giles’ bundle for K guard and leg lock entries.
The Sit Up Guard
Lucas LepriA 7-time IBJJF World Champion distills his signature guard into two hours of pure technique with zero filler. BJJ World gave it 5/5 and called it a “masterpiece” that turns a simple position into one of the most potent guards in jiu-jitsu.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers cross sleeve grip sweeps (overhead, single leg variations), cross lapel grip sweeps, shin-to-shin entries, ankle pick variations, a calf slicer from sit-up guard, back takes from sitting position, and counters to both knee slide and backstep passes. Volume 2 adds sit-up guard sweeps in multiple directions, DLR integration, X-guard to kneebar transition, pants grip system with standup sweeps, and posture control techniques.
Why it stands out
- Covers everything needed in ~2 hours with no filler or repetition
- Proven by a 7-time IBJJF World Champion who built his competitive career on this guard
- Simple, precise approach effective against larger opponents
- Affordable price point with exceptional teaching clarity
A Lucas Lepri masterpiece. Takes a fairly simple guard that almost everyone gets wrong and turns it into one of the most potent positions in BJJ. Suitable for anyone with minimal restrictions.
BJJ World (5/5)
Only 2 hours of content. Stephen Whittier’s Pillars provides 5+ hours covering retention, defense, and broader open guard concepts that Lepri skips entirely. No guard retention section. Gi-focused grips (cross lapel, pants) limit direct no-gi application; Danaher or Lachlan Giles are better for no-gi players. No drilling sections or narrated rolling.
Gi players who want a quick, high-impact addition to their open guard. Beginners who want a simple, effective seated guard they can use in their next rolling session.
you need guard retention instruction (Whittier or Danaher cover that), or you primarily train no-gi.
Mikey Musumeci’s RDLR System for a second gi guard, or Paul Schreiner’s Collar Sleeve for a complementary grip system.
The Pillars: Open Guard Mastery System
Stephen WhittierThe only instructional on this list that covers both offense and defense. 82 chapters spanning guard connection, grip breaking, foot pummeling, recovery mechanics, butterfly sweeps, scissor sweeps, and attacks against standing opponents. Built specifically to work for older and less athletic grapplers.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers guard connection fundamentals, grip breaking, guard recovery mechanics, and foot pummeling. Volume 2 adds tripod sweep, sickle sweep, closed guard entries, and the “magic handle” defense. Volume 3 covers over/under pass defense, double under pass counters, and Rickson scissor sweep variations. Volume 4 adds weight transfer techniques, X-choke, loop choke, and omoplata entries. Volume 5 covers butterfly guard fundamentals, multiple sweep variations, and arm drags. Volume 6 handles standing opponents: single leg X entries, X-guard entries, and ankle picks.
Why it stands out
- Only set that builds offense on top of retention fundamentals
- 82 chapters across 6 volumes is the most granular breakdown on this list
- Works for both gi and no-gi with concept-first approach
- Designed for older, less athletic grapplers (Whittier runs 40PlusBJJ)
He showed positions that as BJJ black belts we were all familiar with, and what was impressive is how he showed less than a handful of concepts that could transform a number of these positions in ways we had never imagined.
BJJ World (5/5 for Whittier’s teaching method)
Whittier is a coach, not an elite competitor. Bia Mesquita, Gordon Ryan, and Mikey Musumeci bring proven World Championship pedigree. Teaching style can feel slow for advanced students who want rapid-fire technique. No leg lock integration; Lachlan Giles and Gordon Ryan both build leg entries into their open guard systems. $177 for conceptual instruction that may feel basic to purple belts and above.
White-to-blue belts building their first open guard system, and older grapplers (30+) who want technique over athleticism. Coaches looking for a structured curriculum to teach open guard fundamentals.
you’re an advanced competitor looking for cutting-edge techniques, or you specifically want leg lock entries from open guard.
Zone Jiu Jitsu: Collar Sleeve/Reverse Collar Sleeve
Paul SchreinerFrom the most popular BJJ instructor on Reddit. Covers both collar sleeve AND reverse collar sleeve (unique on this list), with K guard integration, barataplata, roleta sweep, and a late-stage knee cut defense section that every guard player needs.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers collar sleeve foundation: pass prevention, scissor sweep sequences, and establishing position vs. standing and seated opponents. Volume 2 focuses on triangles: tomoe nage from collar sleeve, triangle from foot on hip, triangle from DLR hook, and three triangle variations vs. combat base. Volume 3 adds omoplata finishing, K guard transitions from collar sleeve, and advanced guard pass defense including late-stage knee cut defense. Volume 4 covers reverse collar sleeve: the sleeve grip secret, triangle setups, barataplata, triangle trap, roleta sweep, and single leg X transitions.
Why it stands out
- Covers both collar sleeve and reverse collar sleeve (no other set does this)
- K guard and single leg X transitions provide modern no-gi crossover
- Barataplata, roleta sweep, and triangle trap are rarely taught techniques
- Late-stage knee cut defense section is immediately applicable for all guard players
Possibly the most popular BJJ instructor in the r/bjj community. The best teacher in any discipline, with close attention to detail unmatched by any instructor.
r/bjj community polls and discussions
Gi-only grips (collar, sleeve) with limited no-gi application compared to Gordon Ryan or Lachlan Giles. $127 for 2.5 hours; Isaac Doederlein covers similar collar sleeve content for $79 in 1 hour 45 minutes. Schreiner is a teacher, not a high-level competitor; Doederlein brings IBJJF World Championship and European titles. No live rolling or drilling sections.
Gi players who want the most refined collar sleeve system with modern transitions. Intermediate grapplers who appreciate detailed, methodical teaching.
you primarily train no-gi, or you want competition credentials backing the instruction (Doederlein has World Championship titles).
Isaac Doederlein’s Collar Sleeve for a complementary perspective and DLR integration, or Mikey Musumeci’s RDLR for a second guard system.
The World Championship Open Guard System
Bia MesquitaAttack-first mentality from a 6-time Gi World Champion and ADCC title holder. At $39.50 on sale, this has the best price-to-value ratio on the list. The progressive structure from simple sweeps to combination attacks gives beginners quick wins they can use immediately.
What it covers
Volume 1 introduces the triple sweep foundation (3 variations covering different opponent reactions). Volume 2 covers X guard entries, forward and backward X sweeps, and a triangle from X guard described as a completely new setup. Volume 3 adds shin-to-shin applications: single leg takedown sweep, ankle pick, and an overhead shin-to-shin sweep with armbar finish. Volume 4 covers combination attacks: the signature “chiropractic triangle choke,” armlock from kneeling opponent, triangle variations, and reverse armbar.
Why it stands out
- Best price-to-value ratio at $18.81/hour on sale
- Attack-first mentality focused on aggressive sweeping, not stalling
- Progressive structure from simple sweeps to combo attacks
- 6x World Champion and ADCC holder credentials
Just what the doctor ordered to freshen up the open guard game. In a world of stalling guards, it is a real breath of fresh air to see a system focused on nothing but aggressive attacks.
BJJ World
Only 2 hours and 18 chapters is thin. Danaher covers open guard concepts in 10+ hours, Lachlan Giles in 17+ hours. No guard retention instruction; Whittier devotes 2+ volumes to defensive guard maintenance. No DLR, RDLR, or collar-sleeve coverage, limiting system completeness. Gi-only techniques with limited no-gi transfer.
Beginners who want quick wins from open guard at a budget price. Gi competitors who want an attack-focused system they can implement fast.
you want a comprehensive system that covers retention, or you train primarily no-gi.
Whittier’s Pillars for the retention instruction Mesquita skips, or Lepri’s Sit Up Guard for a complementary seated game.
Mastering The Lasso Guard
Marcos TinocoBernardo Faria says Tinoco has “the best lasso guard I have ever seen and trained against.” BJJ World gave it 5/5 and called it “one hell of a DVD with a crazy simple approach.” At $39.50 on sale, this is the cheapest way to add a complete guard system to your game.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers lasso sweep concepts, multiple armbar variations, inverted rolling straight armbar, arm drag back take, sumi gaeshi to mount, clock sweep, loop choke off lasso, and omoplata. Volume 2 adds helicopter sweep, inverted donkey kick sweep, triangle from lasso, the “Super Marcos Sweep” (Tinoco’s signature creation), and opposite side elbow lock. Volume 3 covers leg lasso variations, tripod sweep, inverted armbar from standing, kneebar applications, and X-guard transitions with leg drag.
Why it stands out
- Endorsed by Bernardo Faria (5x World Champion, BJJ Fanatics co-founder)
- Reaction-based system: opponent stays still = one attack, reacts = different attack
- Simplified teaching makes a complex position accessible to all levels
- $39.50 on sale is the cheapest complete guard system on this list
Marcos has the best lasso guard I have ever seen and trained against. Every time he sets up the lasso guard, it will be really hard to get out.
Bernardo Faria (5x World Champion, BJJ Fanatics co-founder)
Gi-only position with zero no-gi transfer, unlike Lachlan Giles’ bundle or Danaher’s New Wave. No guard retention content. 2018 release is the oldest on this list with no updates for modern meta changes. Narrow niche: only lasso guard, not a broader open guard system. If your gym predominantly does no-gi, this instructional has limited applicability. BJJ World still rated it 5/5.
Gi players who want to add a frustrating, hard-to-pass guard to their game at a budget price. Great secondary guard for anyone already playing DLR or collar sleeve.
you train primarily no-gi (lasso guard requires a sleeve grip), or you want a broader open guard system covering multiple positions.
Lepri’s Sit Up Guard for a seated option that chains with lasso entries, or Schreiner’s Collar Sleeve for a complementary grip system.
Collar & Sleeve Guard: A Systematic Approach
Isaac DoederleinThe most affordable collar sleeve system from a genuine World Champion. Flash armbar, stretch omoplata, and DLR integration from a Cobrinha lineage competitor who won the 2022 IBJJF Worlds, European Championship, and Brazilian Nationals using this exact game.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers collar and sleeve entries from seated guard, retention fundamentals, foundational omoplata, and elbow line recovery. Volume 2 adds three omoplata finishing variations, cross grip counter to triangle, and the Achilles omoplata. Volume 3 covers guard positioning vs. combat base, flash armbar, scissor sweep variations (including shin wedge), and scissor sweep to triangle transition. Volume 4 integrates DLR: collar sleeve from DLR, stretch omoplata, tripod and overhead transition sweeps, and single leg takedown from sit-up guard.
Why it stands out
- Most affordable option at $79 for a well-structured collar sleeve system
- Competition-proven: 2022 IBJJF World Champion, European Champion, Brazilian National Champion
- Flash armbar and stretch omoplata are unique high-percentage techniques
- Cobrinha lineage brings legitimate technical pedigree
The Brown Belt Featherweight Giant Killer after his breakout performance at the 2015 Europeans, with collar sleeve guard central to his competition success.
BJJEE (profile feature)
Only 1 hour 45 minutes is the shortest instructional on this list. Paul Schreiner’s collar sleeve set is 50 minutes longer with more depth on pass prevention and reverse collar sleeve. No reverse collar sleeve coverage, no K guard or single leg X transitions that Schreiner integrates. Gi-only with zero no-gi application. The 2020 release doesn’t include updates from Doederlein’s 2022 World Championship run; his 2.0 version on DoederleinJJ.com ($147) covers those improvements.
Budget-conscious gi players who want World Championship-proven collar sleeve techniques. Beginners who want a simple, structured entry into collar sleeve guard.
you want the most complete collar sleeve system (Schreiner covers more ground), or you train no-gi.
Schreiner’s Zone Jiu Jitsu for reverse collar sleeve and K guard transitions, or Lepri’s Sit Up Guard for a complementary seated game.
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The No Gi Open Guard Bundle | Lachlan Giles | 17+ h (3 instructionals | All levels (concept-first) | No-Gi | No-gi system | $$$ | Check price → |
| 2 | The Reverse De La Riva System | Mikey Musumeci | 2h 34m (4 volumes | Intermediate to advanced (purple belt+) | Gi | Highest rated (rdlr specialist) | $$$ | Check price → |
| 3 | New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Open Guard | John Danaher | 10h 43m (8 volumes | All levels (especially conceptual learners) | No-Gi (Go Further Faster version available for Gi) | Deepest conceptual system | $$$ | Check price → |
| 4 | Systematically Attacking From Open Guard: Seated Position | Gordon Ryan | 9 hours (4 volumes | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi | Seated guard system | $$$ | Check price → |
| 5 | The Sit Up Guard | Lucas Lepri | ~2 hours (2 volumes) | All levels | Gi (principles transfer to no-gi with grip adjustments) | Sit-up guard specialist | $$ | Check price → |
| 6 | The Pillars: Open Guard Mastery System | Stephen Whittier | 5h 24m (6 volumes | All levels (especially 30+ grapplers) | Both Gi and No-Gi applicable | For retention + offense | $$$ | Check price → |
| 7 | Zone Jiu Jitsu: Collar Sleeve/Reverse Collar Sleeve | Paul Schreiner | 2h 33m (4 volumes | Intermediate to advanced | Gi | Collar sleeve specialist | $$$ | Check price → |
| 8 | The World Championship Open Guard System | Bia Mesquita | 2h 6m (4 volumes | Beginner to intermediate | Gi | Budget competition system | $ | Check price → |
| 9 | Mastering The Lasso Guard | Marcos Tinoco | 2h 2m (3 volumes | All levels | Gi only | Lasso guard specialist | $ | Check price → |
| 10 | Collar & Sleeve Guard: A Systematic Approach | Isaac Doederlein | 1h 45m (4 volumes | Beginner to intermediate | Gi | Budget collar sleeve | $$ | Check price → |
Which Open Guard System Fits Your Game?
Answer a few questions to find the right open guard instructional for your game.
Why these 3?
Why these 3?
These three picks dominate different niches of open guard instruction:
- Lachlan Giles (#1) takes the top spot because no other product bundles three interconnected guard systems into one cohesive no-gi strategy. BJJ World rated the bundle 8.5/10. Meerkatsu’s Seymour Yang praised the systematic approach and said Lachlan “doesn’t hide any secrets.” The K guard, DLR/Waiter, and RDLR volumes give you a complete bottom game with drills and narrated rolls in every section.
- Mikey Musumeci (#2) earns the featured slot because BJJ World’s Ognen Dzabirski gave it 9.5/10 and said “every instructional covering the guard position needs to follow this structure from now on.” The “three boxes” attack system and reaction-based sweep format are genuinely new contributions to how guard is taught. Dense at 43 chapters in 2.5 hours, it rewards focused study.
- John Danaher (#3) gets the nod for conceptual depth. Dynamic energy theory, the knowledge/denial model for guard retention, and wrestling integration (single leg, double leg entries from guard) are concepts you won’t find anywhere else. The system behind Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, and Craig Jones.
Each remaining review below covers a different guard type or budget level, so you can find the right fit regardless of experience, format (gi vs. no-gi), or price sensitivity.
Pricing & Deals
BJJ Fanatics runs frequent sales (30-50% off). Prices below are regular retail. Use the links on this page to check current deals.
| Instructional | Instructor | Price | Runtime | $/Hour | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Championship Open Guard | Bia Mesquita | $39.50* | 2h 6m | $18.81 | Gi |
| Mastering The Lasso Guard | Marcos Tinoco | $39.50* | 2h 2m | $19.43 | Gi |
| The Sit Up Guard | Lucas Lepri | $77 | ~2h | $38.50 | Gi |
| Collar & Sleeve Guard | Isaac Doederlein | $79 | 1h 45m | $45.14 | Gi |
| Zone Jiu Jitsu: Collar Sleeve | Paul Schreiner | $127 | 2h 33m | $49.80 | Gi |
| The Pillars: Open Guard | Stephen Whittier | $177 | 5h 24m | $32.78 | Gi/No-Gi |
| New Wave: Open Guard | John Danaher | $197 | 10h 43m | $18.38 | No-Gi |
| Reverse De La Riva System | Mikey Musumeci | $197 | 2h 34m | $76.62 | Gi |
| No Gi Open Guard Bundle | Lachlan Giles | $249 | 17h+ | $14.65 | No-Gi |
| Seated Guard | Gordon Ryan | $349 | 9h | $38.78 | No-Gi |
* Sale price; regular price is $79.
Open Guard Glossary
- K Guard: An inverted guard position where the player hooks the opponent’s far leg with their knee, creating a “K” shape. Popularized by Lachlan Giles for heel hook entries.
- DLR (De La Riva): An open guard where one foot hooks behind the opponent’s lead leg while the other foot controls the hip. Named after Ricardo De La Riva.
- RDLR (Reverse De La Riva): A guard where the bottom player’s inside leg hooks behind the opponent’s lead knee from the outside. Creates access to berimbolos and back takes.
- Waiter Guard: A half-guard variant where the bottom player extends the top leg upward like holding a tray. Related to deep half guard positions.
- Collar Sleeve: A gi guard built on controlling one collar and one sleeve, creating a framework for sweeps, triangles, and omoplatas.
- Lasso Guard: A gi guard where the bottom player wraps their leg around the opponent’s arm through a sleeve grip, controlling the arm and creating sweep and submission opportunities.
- Berimbolo: An inverted rolling technique used from DLR or RDLR guard to take the back. Popularized by the Mendes Brothers and Miyao Brothers.
- Kiss of the Dragon: An inverted back take from RDLR where the bottom player ducks under the opponent’s leg and rolls through to take the back.
- Ashi Garami: A family of leg entanglement positions where the attacker controls the opponent’s leg using their legs. Foundation of modern leg lock systems.
- Sumi Gaeshi: A sacrifice throw/sweep from seated or butterfly guard. Gordon Ryan’s “shoulder crunch” variant adds upper body control before the sweep.
- Sit-Up Guard: A seated open guard where the player sits up with one hand posted behind them, using the other hand to fight for grips. Lucas Lepri’s specialty.
- X Guard: A guard played from underneath the opponent with both feet hooking the legs in an “X” pattern, typically used for off-balancing sweeps.
FAQ
What is the best open guard instructional for beginners?
Stephen Whittier’s Pillars: Open Guard Mastery System is the best starting point. It covers retention fundamentals before offense, works for both gi and no-gi, and was designed specifically for less athletic grapplers. For a budget option, Bia Mesquita’s World Championship Open Guard ($39.50 on sale) provides quick wins you can use immediately.
What is the best no-gi open guard instructional?
Lachlan Giles’ No Gi Open Guard Bundle takes the top spot for no-gi. It bundles K guard, DLR/Waiter guard, and RDLR into one interconnected system with drills and narrated rolling in every section. For conceptual depth, John Danaher’s New Wave Open Guard provides the theoretical framework, and Gordon Ryan’s Seated Guard covers the attacking side.
Is Mikey Musumeci’s RDLR instructional worth $197 for 2.5 hours?
If you train gi and specifically want RDLR, yes. BJJ World gave it 9.5/10, the highest rating on this list. The 43 chapters are extremely dense with zero filler, and the reaction-based sweep format is immediately applicable. If you train no-gi, Lachlan Giles covers RDLR with leg lock connections in his bundle for $249 with 17+ hours total.
Should I buy a specialist guard instructional or a complete system?
It depends on your level. Beginners benefit from complete systems like Whittier’s Pillars or Lachlan Giles’ bundle that teach retention alongside offense. Intermediate and advanced players who already have a base guard game benefit more from specialist sets like Musumeci’s RDLR (9.5/10) or Schreiner’s Collar Sleeve that add a specific weapon.
What is the cheapest open guard instructional worth buying?
Bia Mesquita’s World Championship Open Guard and Marcos Tinoco’s Mastering The Lasso Guard are both $39.50 on sale. Mesquita’s set is better for beginners (sweep-first approach from a 6x World Champion), while Tinoco’s is better for intermediate gi players who want a frustrating guard to add. Bernardo Faria himself endorsed Tinoco’s lasso guard.
Do I need a gi-specific or no-gi-specific open guard instructional?
Train primarily no-gi? Go with Lachlan Giles’ bundle, Danaher’s New Wave, or Gordon Ryan’s Seated Guard. Train primarily gi? Musumeci’s RDLR, Schreiner’s Collar Sleeve, or Lepri’s Sit Up Guard. Train both? Whittier’s Pillars is the only set explicitly designed for dual application.
How does Danaher’s New Wave compare to Lachlan Giles’ bundle?
Danaher’s New Wave ($197, 10h 43m) is more conceptual, spending the first 4 volumes on theory (dynamic energy, retention frameworks) before techniques. Giles’ bundle ($249, 17+ hours) is more technique-dense with drills and narrated rolling in every section. Danaher gives you principles; Giles gives you a game plan. Advanced learners often benefit from both.
Which open guard instructional has the best value per hour?
Lachlan Giles’ No Gi Open Guard Bundle at $14.65 per hour and Danaher’s New Wave at $18.38 per hour offer the most content per dollar. Bia Mesquita’s set at $18.81/hour (sale price) is the best budget option. The most expensive per hour is Mikey Musumeci’s RDLR at $76.62/hour, though its BJJ World 9.5/10 rating suggests the density justifies the price.
Still deciding on an open guard instructional?
If you train mostly no-gi and want one complete bottom game, start with Lachlan Giles’ No Gi Open Guard Bundle. Gi players who want a specialist weapon should look at Mikey Musumeci’s RDLR (9.5/10) or Paul Schreiner’s Collar Sleeve. On a budget, Bia Mesquita and Marcos Tinoco are both $39.50 on sale. Check the current price before you buy, since BJJ Fanatics runs sitewide codes almost year-round.