We ranked Paul Schreiner’s best BJJ Fanatics instructionals using reviews from BJJ World and Meerkatsu, r/bjj threads with 700+ combined upvotes, and hands-on system quality. Schreiner spent 14 years as head coach at Marcelo Garcia Academy and survived 17 surgeries, so his material favors precision over athleticism. Pick the right course for your game and budget.
Connected Reaction: Half Guard
Leite half guard variations with leg-bundle sweeps and constant-threat back takes. BJJ World: 5/5.
Tripod Float Passing
Tripod base passing with leg drags, float transitions, and seated guard solutions. No athleticism required.
Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Connecting Pin Escapes with Half Guard Sweeps
Escape-to-sweep linking system that solves the white-blue belt problem of escaping but never scoring.
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🥋 #1 Connected Reaction: Half Guard by Paul Schreiner
Instructor: Paul Schreiner
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 4 hours and 1 minute
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Connect defense to offense
Techniques: Half Guard, Leg Bundle, Back Takes
- Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Connecting Pin Escapes with Half Guard Sweeps – Pairs escapes with half guard entries if you get pinned a lot.
- The Half Guard Anthology by Lachlan Giles – Broader competitor view to cross-check concepts.
You will learn a cohesive half guard built around Leite half guard variations, leg-bundle dilemmas, and constant-threat sequencing from bottom. Schreiner connects overhook and underhook games so each reaction funnels into sweeps, back takes, or submissions. BJJ World gave his Digitsu half guard set 5/5, calling it “high-level simplicity” with “battle-tested techniques.” This BJJ Fanatics version systematizes that same approach with tighter reaction mapping.
✅ Pros
- Leg-bundle system links escapes to sweeps and back takes, so you score immediately instead of resetting to neutral.
- Schreiner’s teaching is famously concise. One r/bjj user in a 62-point PSA thread wrote: “I had never heard of him but figured it was worth a shot… I’m completely sold.”
- Carries across gi and no-gi without heavy grip dependence.
⚠️ Cons
- Four volumes can feel dense for newer blue belts. Lachlan Giles’ Half Guard Anthology covers similar ground with more visual diagrams.
- No lapel-based gi tricks. If you want gi-specific half guard, Lucas Leite’s Coyote Half Guard is the standard.
- Requires mat time to internalize connection points.
💡 I ranked this first because r/bjj consistently credits it with practical gains in live rounds within weeks, not months. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Tripod Float Passing by Paul Schreiner
Instructor: Paul Schreiner
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Control before passing
Techniques: Tripod Passing, Mount Transitions, Circle Pass
- Tripod Passing: Beating Inside Position by Jozef Chen - Another tripod framework to compare troubleshooting paths.
- Zone Jiu-Jitsu by Paul Schreiner - Zooms out to the wider passing system with leg drags.
You will flatten seated guards using tripod base and manage hook pummels with systematic leg drag entries. Schreiner chains float positions into passes and mount using the same pressure principles Meerkatsu called "scientific" in his review of Precise Pressure Passing: "intersecting lines, zones and grids." One r/bjj user in a 13-point thread said "the way he teaches is really easy [to follow]." No athletic speed or risky dives required.
✅ Pros
- Excellent troubleshooting against modern seated guards.
- Energy management advice keeps your pace sustainable.
- Transitions to mount are clearly mapped.
⚠️ Cons
- Intermediate learning curve for float timing. Gordon Ryan's Systematically Attacking The Guard covers similar passing with more beginner-friendly progressions.
- Some gi examples may not fit strict no-gi rooms.
- Less focus on mid-passing submissions.
💡 I placed it second because the specific solutions for hook pummeling solve a common bottleneck many passers report on r/bjj. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #3 Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Connecting Pin Escapes with Half Guard Sweeps by Paul Schreiner
Instructor: Paul Schreiner
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 29 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Escape into offense
Techniques: Pin Escapes, Underhook Escapes, Half Guard Sweeps
- Zone Jiu-Jitsu Side Control - More detail for top-side follow-ups and finishes.
You will connect classic escapes directly into half guard sweeps, solving the white-to-blue belt pain point of escaping but never scoring. Schreiner teaches underhook-driven reversals from side control and mount that flow into immediate sweeps rather than resetting to closed guard. In a 6-point r/bjj comparison thread, users rated Schreiner favorably against both Danaher's Pin Escapes (GFF) and Lachlan Giles' LGGA for escape content.
✅ Pros
- Clear path from survival to scoring without pauses.
- Great underhook mechanics that scale with belt level.
- Tight lesson scaffolding makes solo review easy.
⚠️ Cons
- Half guard centric follow-ups may not suit collar-sleeve players. Priit Mihkelson's defensive systems offer more guard-agnostic escape frameworks.
- Advanced counters to lapel pins are brief.
- Less coverage of turtle-specific chains.
💡 I ranked it third because the escape-to-sweep link solves a common white-blue belt pain point and still helps advanced players. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Single Leg X Guard by Paul Schreiner
Instructor: Paul Schreiner
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 3 hours and 47 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Connection over chasing feet
Techniques: Single Leg X, X Guard Sweeps, Foot Locks
- Tripod Float Passing - Counter-study for beating SLX from top.
You will connect SLX entries from collar-sleeve, butterfly, and seated guards. Schreiner teaches base-breaking mechanics and reliable sweeps that pair directly with his Collar Sleeve instructional for a collar-sleeve-to-SLX chain. This set is no-gi friendly despite the collar-sleeve pairing. You will not rely on one off-balance trick.
✅ Pros
- Entries are diverse and realistic for live grips.
- Solid counters to backstep and mount threats.
- Explains when to switch to full X or seated variations.
⚠️ Cons
- Limited heel hook focus for submission hunters.
- Berimbolo chapter assumes rolling comfort.
- Less coverage of standing reaps.
💡 I rated it high because it keeps SLX honest and connected, not a loose ankle-chasing position. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Collar Sleeve / Reverse Collar Sleeve by Paul Schreiner
Instructor: Paul Schreiner
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 19 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Strong collar control wins
Techniques: Collar Sleeve, Triangle, Knee Cut Defense
- Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Single Leg X Guard - Pairs well for collar-sleeve to SLX transitions.
You will systemize collar-sleeve and reverse collar-sleeve with triangle setups, tomoe nage, and knee cut defense. The BJJ Fanatics community rates this 8.5/10. Schreiner chains these grips into SLX transitions, making this a natural companion to his Single Leg X Guard set. Gi-only, but the collar control principles are specific and immediately applicable.
✅ Pros
- Targets a staple gi guard with modern connectors.
- Addresses late-stage pressure instead of only early frames.
- Reverse variant broadens attack chains.
⚠️ Cons
- No-gi athletes will skip much of it.
- Lasso specifics are lighter than collar-sleeve cores.
- Less emphasis on lapel entanglement tricks.
💡 I rated it here because it rounds out Schreiner’s bottom game in the gi with clear pathways to finishes. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 Connected Reaction: No Gi Passing by Paul Schreiner
Instructor: Paul Schreiner
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 4 hours and 31 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Force your entanglement
Techniques: No-Gi Passing, Half Guard Passing, Double Unders
- Tripod Float Passing - Pairs well as a no-gi seated guard answer.
You will build no-gi passing around concept-driven half guard pressure. Schreiner preserves chest pressure and chains reactions, the same passing style his students at Marcelo Garcia Academy became known for. You will learn safe entries, deep half counters, and systematic path selection. Murillo Santana covers similar pressure passing territory, but Schreiner's concept-first approach makes the material transfer better across body types.
✅ Pros
- Prioritizes control in slippery no-gi rounds.
- Deep half counters reduce leg exposure.
- Balanced mix of pressure, mobility, and submissions.
⚠️ Cons
- Not ideal if you prefer footlock-centric passing.
- Requires comfort forcing half guard repeatedly.
- Production notes are text-heavy; plan to rewatch.
💡 I ranked it midlist as a practical complement to Tripod Passing for no-gi rooms. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Side Control by Paul Schreiner
Instructor: Paul Schreiner
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 3 hours and 13 minutes
Volumes: 6
Biggest takeaway: Beat frames, then finish
Techniques: Side Control, North South Choke, Knee On Belly
- Connected Reaction: Armlocks and Spiral Armlocks - Layer submissions onto your top control.
You will learn shoulder pressure themes, frame destruction, and clean routes to mount, back, and chokes. Schreiner covers arm-trap paths and crucifix options from top side control. The set works gi and no-gi. Compared to Danaher's side control material in Go Further Faster, Schreiner's approach is more concise and less lecture-heavy while covering similar positional dominance principles.
✅ Pros
- Organizes a chaotic position into clear phases.
- Finishing mechanics hold up under resistance.
- Fits both gi and no-gi rooms.
⚠️ Cons
- Four volumes require planning your study sessions. Danaher's GFF Pin Escapes and Pinning covers the same position in roughly similar depth.
- Limited lapel-based chains.
- Less emphasis on arm triangles. If that's your primary finish from side control, check Danaher's specific arm triangle content.
💡 I slotted it here because it strengthens consolidation, which many passers on r/bjj admit is their weak link. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 Connected Reaction: Seat Belt Back Attacks by Paul Schreiner
Instructor: Paul Schreiner
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 5 hours and 50 minutes
Volumes: 6
Biggest takeaway: Work both back sides
Techniques: Seat Belt, Arm Trap, Crucifix
- Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Side Control - More entries to the back via top routes.
You will structure back control around seat belt grip reactions, with clear processes for maintaining control and setting up submissions from both sides. Schreiner covers arm-trap paths and crucifix options. The approach maps well to no-gi and gi. If you consistently take the back but lose position before finishing, this set addresses that specific problem.
✅ Pros
- Side-based framework (choking side vs. arm-trap side) reduces scramble losses and makes decision-making clearer.
- Choke progression works for gi and no-gi.
- Crucifix chapter adds redundancy.
⚠️ Cons
- Fewer standing back-take entries.
- Some sequences assume strong grips.
- Volume count may intimidate newer belts.
💡 I placed it here as the best follow-up for passers who expose backs but fail to secure finishes. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #9 Connected Reaction: Clinch Closed Guard by Paul Schreiner
Instructor: Paul Schreiner
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: Beginner
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 28 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Clinch before attacking
Techniques: Underhook Clinch, Back Takes, Butterfly Sweep
- Pistol Grip 2-on-1 Volume 1: Closed Guard - Expands grip-based control once clinch feels natural.
You will master the clinch position inside closed guard with new variations for sweeps, back takes, and submissions. Schreiner's approach makes closed guard purposeful and proactive rather than stalling. The underhook clinch controls posture and opens direct paths to butterfly sweeps, armlocks, and back takes without waiting for your opponent to move first.
✅ Pros
- Very accessible for white and blue belts.
- Reactions to failed back takes keep momentum.
- Price is friendly compared to larger sets.
⚠️ Cons
- Less depth on lapel wrap guards.
- Fewer advanced collar submissions.
- Not focused on modern open guard chains.
💡 I ranked it for accessibility and value; it makes closed guard purposeful again. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #10 Connected Reaction: Armlocks and Spiral Armlocks by Paul Schreiner
Instructor: Paul Schreiner
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 27 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Spiral armlock utility
- Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Side Control - Improve control to set cleaner armlocks.
You will add high-percentage armlock strategies from top positions, including spiral armlock mechanics and monoplata variations that counter common hitchhiker escapes. This pairs naturally with Schreiner's Side Control set. Strictly a finisher add-on, not a standalone system. If you already pin well but struggle to submit, this fills that gap.
✅ Pros
- Unique spiral mechanics that many have not studied.
- Hitchhiker counters preserve finishing rate.
- Pairs naturally with side control curriculum.
⚠️ Cons
- Specialized focus; less value if you struggle to pin.
- Not aimed at guard armbars.
- Fewer no-gi grip adaptations discussed.
💡 I put it last because it is a great finisher add-on but not foundational for most readers. Recommendation: Skip.
Are Paul Schreiner instructionals better for gi or no-gi?
Most sets are format-agnostic with concepts that work in both. Tripod Float Passing and No Gi Passing lean no-gi friendly. Collar Sleeve / Reverse Collar Sleeve is gi-only. Half Guard, Pin Escapes, Side Control, and Seat Belt Back Attacks transfer well across formats. This cross-format flexibility comes from Schreiner's "non-denominational" teaching philosophy, as he calls it, drawing from multiple lineages rather than one gi-centric system. If you split training time, start with Half Guard or Tripod Passing and add Collar Sleeve only if you play gi collar grips regularly.
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