We ranked the most useful open guard instructionals on BJJ Fanatics for gi and no-gi, combining r/bjj sentiment, clarity of systems, and practical results.
The No Gi Open Guard Bundle
A complete, learnable no-gi open guard system that links K guard, DLR, X and leg attacks into one path.
New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Open Guard The Two Foundations Of Guard Play
A rigorous no-gi open guard framework that links retention, grips, and leg entries with uncommon clarity.
The Sit Up Guard
A simple, sweep-first sit-up guard you can use immediately in gi rounds.
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🥋 #1 The No Gi Open Guard Bundle by Lachlan Giles
Instructor: Lachlan Giles
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Biggest takeaway: Connected game flow
Techniques: K Guard, De La Riva, X Guard
- New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Open Guard The Two Foundations – Pairs a high-level conceptual layer with leg-entry focus.
- Systematically Attacking From Open Guard: Seated Position – Deep dive on the seated half of modern open guard.
- Open Guard Compendium: Lower Body Guards – Structured gi-focused lower-body guard pathways.
You get a coherent no-gi open guard you can run tomorrow. It ties entries, retention, sweeps, and leg locks together. If you want a plan, start here.
✅ Pros
- Bundles three series into one connected system that progresses logically.
- Great teaching economy with clear objectives and consistent terminology.
- Positions translate well to modern rule sets and sparring intensity.
⚠️ Cons
- No-gi emphasis means fewer sleeve-based sequences.
- Runtime is large; you must plan study blocks.
- Less cinematic production than some premium releases.
💡 I ranked this first because it balances structure, practicality, and community approval better than anything else for no-gi open guard. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Open Guard The Two Foundations Of Guard Play by John Danaher
Instructor: John Danaher
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 8 hours and 9 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Dynamic energy model
Techniques: Guard Retention, Leg Entries, Grip Dominance
- Systematically Attacking From Open Guard: Seated Position – Practical application of seated half of the model.
- Open Guard Compendium: Upper Body Guards – Gi pathways when you want sleeve-based control.
- The No Gi Open Guard Bundle – Comparable completeness with different voice.
You get principles first, then precise mechanics. Expect to pause, take notes, and drill. If you like reasons as much as reps, this is for you.
✅ Pros
- Coherent model that improves decision-making under pressure.
- Retention to offense pathway mirrors modern competition.
- Dense content repays long-term study and drilling.
⚠️ Cons
- High cognitive load and runtime demand patience.
- Primarily no-gi; fewer gi grip pathways.
- Less sparring footage than some may prefer.
💡 I placed this second because the model changes how you think about open guard, even if you ultimately prefer another instructor’s style. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 The Sit Up Guard by Lucas Lepri
Instructor: Lucas Lepri
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Runtime: 44 hours and 29 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Sweep-first mindset
Techniques: Sit Up Guard, Tripod Sweep, Wrestle Up
- Collar & Sleeve Guard: A Systematic Approach – Similar price and gi-friendly sleeve control.
- The World Championship Open Guard System – Broader gi open guard with sweeps and triangles.
- Zone Jiu Jitsu: Collar Sleeve/Reverse Collar Sleeve – Concept-first sleeve control for progression.
You learn the wrestle-up game with proven sweeps. The structure helps white to purple belts most. If you want sleeves and trips, this is a win.
✅ Pros
- Beginner friendly with quick wins in rolling.
- Affordable price compared to most big sets.
- Builds a base for collar-sleeve and x-guard.
⚠️ Cons
- Limited no-gi transferability.
- Less coverage of modern leg entanglements.
- Camera and editing feel dated.
💡 I put this third because many readers need a reliable, low-cost on-ramp that produces sweeps quickly. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 The World Championship Open Guard System by Bia Mesquita
Instructor: Bia Mesquita
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 48 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Sweep trees matter
Techniques: Triple Sweep, X Guard, Triangles
- The Sit Up Guard – Another affordable gi-first open guard route.
- Mastering The Lasso Guard – Specialize your sleeve control after basics.
- New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Open Guard The Two Foundations – Add theory and no-gi mechanics.
You get a clear sweep-first plan. The gi grips and transitions are easy to add to class sparring. If you want results without fluff, it delivers.
✅ Pros
- Affordable price for a complete gi system.
- Competition pedigree gives confidence and focus.
- Good balance of supine and seated options.
⚠️ Cons
- Limited retention theory compared to conceptual sets.
- Some sequences move quickly, rewatches required.
- Less leg entanglement content.
💡 I rated this high because many gi players want a direct plan anchored by proven sweeps and X-guard transitions. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 The Reverse De La Riva System by Mikey Musumeci
Instructor: Mikey Musumeci
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Advanced
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 34 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Timing beats strength
Techniques: Reverse De La Riva, Tripod Sweep, Back Takes
- De La Riva System Part 1: The Foundation – Pair DLR with RDLR for a complete picture.
- No-Gi Open Guard Vol 2: DLR & Waiter – Giles covers no-gi DLR links inside a full bundle.
- Modern Reverse De La Riva – Alternate voice and applications for RDLR.
You learn how to control RDLR and attack in three boxes. The back take mechanics are a highlight. It is best for experienced guard players.
✅ Pros
- Balances concepts with step-by-step sequences.
- Works across gi and no-gi with small tweaks.
- Back take routes are well explained and repeatable.
⚠️ Cons
- Some sections feel thin for the price.
- Advanced guard context is assumed.
- Less focus on counters to specific passes.
💡 I slotted this mid-list because it is excellent for specialists, but the on-ramp is steeper than beginner sets. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 Mastering The Lasso Guard by Marcos Tinoco
Instructor: Marcos Tinoco
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 14 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Control first, then attack
Techniques: Lasso Guard, Omoplata, X Guard Entries
- Collar & Sleeve Guard: A Systematic Approach – Another sleeve-based gi route with triangles.
- Zone Jiu Jitsu: Collar Sleeve/Reverse Collar Sleeve – Concept-first control that complements lasso.
- The Sit Up Guard – Add wrestle-up options to the lasso base.
You learn sleeves, angles, and off-balances that frustrate pressure and mobility passers. The transitions to X and submissions keep you attacking. Best for gi intermediates.
✅ Pros
- Helpful reaction-based organization.
- Strong control mechanics against explosive passers.
- Affordable pricing for a focused system.
⚠️ Cons
- Gi-only content reduces crossover.
- Would benefit from dedicated drill section.
- Some camera angles could be wider.
💡 I placed this here because lasso remains a meta-stable answer for gi athletes who need control and clear chains. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 Systematically Attacking From Open Guard: Seated Position by Gordon Ryan
Instructor: Gordon Ryan
Style: System Based, Footage Breakdown
Best for: Advanced
Format: No-Gi
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Create early pressure
Techniques: Shoulder Crunch, Double Kouchi, Ashi Garami
- New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Open Guard The Two Foundations – Cheaper, theory-forward companion for seated and supine.
- The No Gi Open Guard Bundle – Comparable depth, better value when discounted.
- They Shall Not Pass (Guard Retention) – Pairs retention with seated attacks.
You get a complete seated game with drills and live context. The price is steep but the content is sharp. Best for advanced no-gi students.
✅ Pros
- Includes sparring footage and detailed breakdowns.
- High-percentage sequences used at the top level.
- Integrates with broader New Wave methodology.
⚠️ Cons
- Highest price in the category.
- Runtime and scope can overwhelm new learners.
- Limited gi transfer due to grip choices.
💡 I ranked this behind budget-friendly options because the price dampens broad community reception despite strong content. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 The Pillars: Open Guard Mastery System by Stephen Whittier
Instructor: Stephen Whittier
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 5 hours and 29 minutes
Volumes: 6
Biggest takeaway: Connection before attacks
Techniques: Tripod Sweep, Sickle Sweep, Arm Drag
- New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Open Guard The Two Foundations – More exhaustive theory and leg-entry mapping.
- The No Gi Open Guard Bundle – Alternative concept-driven, live-ready system.
- Open Guard Compendium: Lower Body Guards – Gi-friendly structure for lower-body guards.
You focus on connection, frames, and simple sweeps. It is friendly to older or smaller athletes. If you want concepts over flash, it fits.
✅ Pros
- Strong principles improve decision-making.
- Good for longevity and energy management.
- Blend of retention and offense in one track.
⚠️ Cons
- Production value criticism from some buyers.
- Less specific to current competition meta.
- Fewer live rolling breakdowns.
💡 I included this for readers who want a durable guard via fundamentals rather than hot meta. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #9 Zone Jiu Jitsu: Collar Sleeve/Reverse Collar Sleeve by Paul Schreiner
Instructor: Paul Schreiner
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 19 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Own the sleeve first
Techniques: Collar Sleeve, Scissor Sweep, Triangle
- Collar & Sleeve Guard: A Systematic Approach – Budget gi sleeve option.
- The Sit Up Guard – Add wrestle-up and tripod integrations.
- Open Guard Compendium: Upper Body Guards – Broader gi overview with structured paths.
You learn how to set collar-sleeve reliably and build attacks. The structure reduces guesswork against standing and kneeling passers. It is a strong mid-price gi option.
✅ Pros
- Highly organized and concept-driven sleeve game.
- Emphasis on posture breaking and pass prevention.
- Bridges to K guard and SLX for future growth.
⚠️ Cons
- No-gi players will not benefit much.
- Midrange price versus cheaper gi sets.
- Limited live sparring footage shown.
💡 I included this to give gi readers a structured sleeve route that scales into modern guards. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #10 Collar & Sleeve Guard: A Systematic Approach by Isaac Doederlein
Instructor: Isaac Doederlein
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 22 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Entries to omoplata chains
Techniques: Collar Sleeve, Omoplata, Triangle
- Zone Jiu Jitsu: Collar Sleeve/Reverse Collar Sleeve – More concept depth when you are ready.
- The Sit Up Guard – Complement sleeve play with wrestle-ups.
- World Championship Open Guard System – Add X-guard and triangle transitions.
You get clear entries, retention, and attacks. It is ideal for building a first gi open guard. Advanced players may prefer deeper systems.
✅ Pros
- Friendly price with organized curriculum.
- Strong triangle and omoplata mechanics.
- Good base for further gi development.
⚠️ Cons
- Less advanced content and counters.
- Gi-only; minimal transfer to no-gi.
- Production is simple.
💡 I added this as a budget entry point for gi athletes who want a clear path into open guard. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
How to choose between gi and no-gi open guard instructionals
Pick based on your weekly training split and competition goal. If most rounds are no-gi or you chase leg entanglements, a no-gi system with shin-to-shin, K guard, and ashi entries will pay off faster. If you roll mostly in the gi, sleeve-and-collar frameworks and sit-up guard teach posture breaks, trips, and triangle chains that fit your grips. When in doubt, learn retention and connection concepts first, then layer your preferred entries and finishes.
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