We ranked Paul Schreiner’s best BJJ Fanatics instructionals using r/bjj sentiment, real-user feedback, and system quality. Pick the right course for your game and budget.
Connected Reaction: Half Guard
A complete half guard system that links defense, sweeps, and back takes.
Tripod Float Passing
A pressure-first tripod passing system with built-in counters.
Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Connecting Pin Escapes with Half Guard Sweeps
Escape pins and score immediately with half guard sweeps.
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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 that works against strong passing. You will connect overhook and underhook games with leg-bundle dilemmas. You will not get a random move list.
✅ Pros
- System links escapes to sweeps and back takes for immediate rollover into offense.
- Teaching is concise with reactions mapped for common passes.
- Carries across gi and no-gi without heavy grip dependence.
⚠️ Cons
- Four volumes can feel dense for newer blue belts.
- Less emphasis on lapel-based gi tricks if that is your style.
- 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 and manage hook pummels. You will chain float positions into passes and mount. You will not rely on athletic speed or risky dives.
✅ 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.
- 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 to reliable sweeps. You will learn underhook-driven reversals from common pins. You will not waste time re-setting into static guards.
✅ 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 stylists.
- 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 common guards. You will learn base-breaking and reliable sweeps. 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 its reverse setup. You will chain triangles, tomoe nage, and transitions to SLX. You will not get generic spider guard drills.
✅ 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 forced half guard. You will learn safe entries and deep half counters. You will not depend on scramble-heavy sequences.
✅ 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 how to beat frames and build shoulder pressure. You will get clean routes to mount, back, and chokes. You will not rely on static pinning.
✅ Pros
- Organizes a chaotic position into clear phases.
- Finishing mechanics hold up under resistance.
- Fits both gi and no-gi rooms.
⚠️ Cons
- Long series requires planning your study.
- Limited lapel-based chains.
- Less emphasis on arm triangles.
💡 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 your back control around seat belt reactions. You will get arm-trap paths and crucifix options. You will not rely on one choke-only approach.
✅ Pros
- Side-based framework reduces scramble losses.
- 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 use an underhook clinch to control posture. You will flow to back takes, butterfly sweeps, and armlocks. You will not sit and wait for openings.
✅ 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 armlocks to top control. You will learn spiral and monoplata variations that beat common escapes. You will not get bottom-focused armbars.
✅ 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 is gi-only. Half Guard, Pin Escapes, and Side Control transfer well across formats. If you split training time, start with Half Guard or Tripod Passing and add Collar Sleeve only if you play gi collar grips often.
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