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Best Rafael Lovato Jr Instructional: Top Picks Ranked
A data-backed ranking of Rafael Lovato Jr instructionals on BJJ Fanatics. Lovato is a 5th degree black belt under Saulo and Xande Ribeiro, the only person to win all four IBJJF majors in both gi and no-gi, and a former Bellator MMA champion.
We earn affiliate commissions when you buy through our BJJ Fanatics links, at no extra cost to you. Rankings cross-reference BJJ World reviews, Ze Grapplez, Part-Time Grappler (Liam Wandi), and r/bjj threads, not commission rates.
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The top picks, up front
2026 editionPressure Passing and Top Game
Rafael Lovato JrLovato’s most complete top-game package, built on a repeatable checkpoint method.
5 h 12 m – all levels – gi – $$Timeless No Gi Headquarters Passing
Rafael Lovato JrThe most relevant Lovato course if you live in no-gi, with no collar dependence.
1 h 49 m – all levels – no-gi – $$Timeless Half Guard Passing
Rafael Lovato JrControl-first answers for sticky knee shields and lockdowns that transfer to gi and no-gi.
2 h 42 m – all levels – gi/no-gi – $$How I ranked these
We cross-referenced three BJJ World reviews (Top Game Devastation, Side Butterfly Guard, Timeless Knee Shield rated 9/10 by Ognen Dzabirski), Ze Grapplez’s detailed pressure passing review, Part-Time Grappler Liam Wandi’s guard mastery breakdown, and multiple r/bjj threads (including a 75-upvote discussion calling Lovato flying below the radar). We weighted system clarity and cohesion highest, then considered gi/no-gi applicability, Lovato’s competitive authority on the topic, and value for money. Ties went to sets with distinct approaches or more modern updates.
Eight Rafael Lovato Jr instructionals currently on BJJ Fanatics, reviewed as of June 2026.
Pressure Passing and Top Game
Rafael Lovato JrIf you want a structured top game, this is Lovato’s most complete package.
What it covers
The 4-part set walks you through his checkpoint method: from Headquarters stance (pinning a leg between yours while squatting to control hips) into knee slice, side smash, shin staple, three-quarter mount, and cross choke finishes.
The checkpoint framing (Checkpoint 1 = modified HQ, Checkpoint 2 = shin staple/arm triangle zone) makes live decision-making faster because you always know the next control to chase. Groundnevermisses.com noted you don’t have to be ultra athletic to hit his moves because proper weight distribution creates the pressure.
Why it stands out
- Gives you a stepwise framework instead of loose moves.
- Excellent details for side smash, shin staple, and mount transitions.
- Pairs pressure with real finishing sequences, not just pins.
Immediately implementable techniques with professional production quality, blending old-school pressure with modern techniques.
Ze Grapplez and BJJ World
Heavy use of gi grips limits direct no-gi transfer. Ze Grapplez felt the set was a bit short changed at $147 for the technique quantity, and Paul Schreiner’s Precise Pressure Passing covers similar ground with more body mechanics detail at a lower runtime. No flow drills or sparring footage, unlike Lucas Lepri’s guard passing sets which show live application.
Gi players who want one connected pressure-passing system with clear checkpoints and finishes.
You train mostly no-gi or want flow drills and live sparring footage.
his Timeless No Gi Headquarters Passing for the no-gi version of the same checkpoint framework
Timeless No Gi Headquarters Passing
Rafael Lovato JrA clear blueprint for no-gi headquarters without relying on collars or sleeves.
What it covers
The structure helps you force half guard, attack knee slice, and shut down seated guards. If you live in no-gi, this is the most relevant Lovato course.
The squatting HQ cues make it easier to balance pressure with leg-entanglement safety.
Why it stands out
- Purpose-built for no-gi with no collar dependence.
- Great for forcing half guard into knee slice or smash.
- Complements other HQ resources without bloating runtime.
At 1h49m, less depth than Andrew Wiltse’s Buzzsaw Passing (5+ hours) or Gordon Ryan’s Systematically Attacking from Top (8+ hours). Repeats several concepts from the gi Pressure Passing set, so if you own both expect 30-40% overlap in the checkpoint framework. No leg lock defense coverage, which matters in modern no-gi, while Lachlan Giles’ Half Guard Anthology addresses passing-to-leg-lock transitions that Lovato skips.
No-gi-centric players who want Lovato’s headquarters system without gi grips.
You already own the gi Pressure Passing set or need leg lock defense built in.
his Pressure Passing and Top Game for the deeper gi version of the same method
Timeless Half Guard Passing
Rafael Lovato JrIf you struggle with sticky knee shields and lockdowns, this will help.
What it covers
The focus is control first, then pass: crossface underhook establishment, knee shield killing mechanics, and backstep options when the standard knee slice gets blocked.
Lovato’s approach here connects directly to his Headquarters system, treating forced half guard as a deliberate checkpoint rather than a scramble position. Forcing half guard removes decision overload and funnels opponents into predictable defenses.
Why it stands out
- Bridges HQ to half guard with clear triggers.
- Excellent troubleshooting for lockdown and knee shield battles.
- Transfers well to gi and no-gi with minimal changes.
Grind-heavy pace may not suit dynamic passers. Lachlan Giles’ Half Guard Passing covers both pressure and speed-based approaches. There is significant overlap with Pressure Passing and Top Game, so if you own that set about 40% of the half guard concepts are already covered there. No backstep-to-leg-lock sequences, and Lucas Lepri’s half guard passing shows more finishing variety from the same positions.
Anyone who keeps getting stuck on knee shields and wants a control-first passing answer.
You already own Pressure Passing and Top Game or prefer a speed-based passing style.
his Pressure Passing and Top Game, which it connects to as a checkpoint
Timeless Closed Guard
Rafael Lovato JrIf your closed guard feels passive, this gives you structure.
What it covers
Lovato teaches Xande sweep combos (developed directly with Xande Ribeiro during his years at Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu), collar-and-sleeve posture break chains, flower sweeps, sit-up sweeps, and overhook attack sequences.
The side closed guard entries are a highlight, creating off-angles for armbars and back takes with less strength. Note there is also a separate Timeless Closed Guard by Rafael Lovato Sr. on BJJ Fanatics, which is by his father, not him.
Why it stands out
- Clear posture-breaking sequences and grip priorities.
- Links classic sweeps with submission threats.
- Fits well with HQ counters when opponents stand.
Gi emphasis limits no-gi transfer. For a no-gi-first closed guard system, John Danaher’s Go Further Faster: Closed Guard covers similar attacks without gi grips. At 1h47m, less depth than Roger Gracie’s closed guard instructional, which spends more time on positional nuance from the greatest closed guard player ever. No leg lock entries from closed guard, which modern sets like Mikey Musumeci’s guard work increasingly include.
Gi players who want a proactive, sweep-and-submit closed guard with clear posture breaks.
You train mostly no-gi or want leg lock entries from closed guard.
his Timeless Open Guard Foundations for when opponents stand and open the guard
Timeless Kimura
Rafael Lovato JrLovato has finished the kimura more than any other submission across 20+ years of elite competition.
What it covers
This includes his MMA comeback win, a first-round kimura over Taiga Iwasaki at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye in 2022. The set teaches shoulder line control before the finish, with entries from mount, side control, half guard, and closed guard.
The kimura-to-back-take and kimura-to-armbar chains give you options when opponents defend the primary lock. The finish gets easy once the shoulder line is isolated early. His companion set, Timeless Kimura Seatbelt, extends this into a full back control system using the kimura grip.
Why it stands out
- High-percentage mechanics that suit gi and no-gi.
- Great linkage to armbars and back takes on defenses.
- Clear positional heuristics for safe setup and finish.
Vagner Rocha’s Kimura Funnels is more aggressive and no-gi-focused, so if you primarily train no-gi Rocha’s version may suit you better. At 2h18m, less exhaustive than Danaher’s kimura coverage across the Enter the System and New Wave series (10+ hours combined on upper body submissions). No leg lock defense or counter-attacking from kimura positions, which matters when opponents pull guard into ashi garami entries.
Anyone who wants a high-percentage kimura built on shoulder line control with armbar and back-take linkages.
You want the most aggressive no-gi kimura hunting or the most exhaustive coverage available.
his Pressure Passing and Top Game, since kimura entries open up from his top positions
Timeless Open Guard Foundations
Rafael Lovato JrLovato’s foundational open guard set, organized around three gripping systems.
What it covers
The three systems are collar and sleeve, two-on-one, and spider guard grips. You get priorities for posture, distance management, and grip sequences that prevent guard passing chaos.
The set covers shin-to-shin entries, X-guard transitions, and wrestle-up options. It feeds directly into his Advanced Open Guard set, which adds De La Riva X Spider, the Lovato Z, the Romulo Spider, and the Lo guard variations. Beginners need priorities more than variations, and this delivers that filter.
Why it stands out
- Easy-to-follow priorities for new guard players.
- Pairs well with side butterfly and HQ counters.
- Clear grip and distance heuristics.
Lovato’s guard material is overwhelming for beginners and best suited for the competition oriented purple or brown belt or even higher.
Liam Wandi, Part-Time Grappler
No inversion or leg entanglement coverage. Jon Thomas’ open guard series and Lachlan Giles’ Guard Retention Anthology cover these modern elements. Gi-only gripping systems, so for no-gi open guard Marcelo Garcia’s butterfly and X-guard sets remain the gold standard.
Newer guard players who want a clear set of priorities before chasing variations.
You want inversion, leg entanglement, or no-gi-first gripping systems.
his Gripless Guard for the defensive, retention-first complement
The Gripless Guard
Rafael Lovato JrGripless Guard teaches you to survive and reset when opponents strip grips.
What it covers
It is retention- and reattachment-focused: hook frames, seated guard, inversion escapes, and inside and outside passing defense. Use it as a second layer under your main open guard.
It works well as a safety net before reattaching to your main guard.
Why it stands out
- Practical answers when you lose fabric grips.
- Improves survival into reset and re-attack opportunities.
- Pairs well with side butterfly and HQ counters.
Narrower scope with fewer finishes, less community feedback than the flagship sets, and the price feels high for defense-heavy content.
Guard players who keep getting their grips stripped and need a retention and reattachment layer.
You want offense and finishes rather than survival and resets.
his Timeless Open Guard Foundations as the offense-first base it backs up
Timeless Sweeps and Submissions: The Side Butterfly Guard
Rafael Lovato JrSide butterfly gives you strong upper-body control without inverting.
What it covers
The 4-volume set covers positioning, grips, and hook mechanics (Vol 1), hook sweeps, scissor sweeps, tripod sweeps, and X-guard transitions (Vol 2), reverse armbar, side closed guard, and back attacks (Vol 3), and combination drilling with side switching and standing opponent options (Vol 4).
A small angle shift unlocks two-on-one control and easy wrestle-ups, which is why it suits older athletes avoiding extreme inversions.
Why it stands out
- Easy to apply for immediate sweeps and back takes.
- Pairs naturally with open guard foundations and clamps.
- Good for older athletes avoiding extreme inversions.
The side butterfly angle is the secret behind his success from the bottom at the highest levels.
BJJ World
Not a full-spectrum open guard course. For complete butterfly guard coverage, Adam Wardzinski’s Butterfly Guard Re-Discovered (6+ hours) covers more variations and entries. Some positional overlap with Lovato’s Open Guard Foundations and Advanced Open Guard sets, and at $127 Marcelo Garcia’s butterfly guard material on MGinAction offers more depth for a similar investment.
Grapplers who want fast sweeps and back takes from a control-heavy butterfly angle without inverting.
You want full-spectrum butterfly coverage or are a brand-new white or blue belt.
his Timeless Open Guard Foundations for the broader open guard base
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pressure Passing and Top Game | Rafael Lovato Jr | 5 h 12 m | All levels | Gi | Overall top game | $$ | Check price → |
| 2 | Timeless No Gi Headquarters Passing | Rafael Lovato Jr | 1 h 49 m | All levels | No-Gi | For no-gi passing | $$ | Check price → |
| 3 | Timeless Half Guard Passing | Rafael Lovato Jr | 2 h 42 m | All levels | Gi/No-Gi | For half guard top | $$ | Check price → |
| 4 | Timeless Closed Guard | Rafael Lovato Jr | 1 h 47 m | All levels | Gi/No-Gi | For closed guard | $$ | Check price → |
| 5 | Timeless Kimura | Rafael Lovato Jr | 2 h 18 m | All levels | Gi/No-Gi | Kimura system | $$ | Check price → |
| 6 | Timeless Open Guard Foundations | Rafael Lovato Jr | 2 h 44 m | Beginner | Gi | Open guard for beginners | $$ | Check price → |
| 7 | The Gripless Guard | Rafael Lovato Jr | 1 h 31 m | Intermediate | Gi/No-Gi | For guard retention | $$ | Check price → |
| 8 | Timeless Sweeps and Submissions: The Side Butterfly Guard | Rafael Lovato Jr | 2 h 12 m | All levels | Gi/No-Gi | For butterfly sweeps | $$ | Check price → |
FAQ
Gi or no-gi: where to start?
If you train mostly gi, start with Pressure Passing and Top Game or Timeless Closed Guard. If you are no-gi-centric, pick Timeless No Gi Headquarters Passing. For mixed training, add Timeless Half Guard Passing since it transfers well with minimal changes.
What is the Headquarters position?
Headquarters is a top player stance where you pin one of your opponent’s legs between yours while squatting low to control their hips. From HQ, you can launch knee slice passes, side smash passes, shin staple pressure, or force half guard entries. Lovato popularized and systematized HQ as a checkpoint-based passing hub, and it remains his go-to position in competition at age 42. His checkpoint approach (Checkpoint 1 = modified HQ, Checkpoint 2 = shin staple/arm triangle zone) distinguishes him from other passing instructors like Bernardo Faria (over-under focused) and Lucas Lepri (standing knee slice focused).
Who is Rafael Lovato Jr?
Rafael Lovato Jr is a 5th degree black belt under Saulo and Xande Ribeiro (Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu), with additional training under Carlos Machado. He earned his black belt in August 2004 at age 21, the youngest American to do so at the time. His record includes 2007 IBJJF World Champion, 3x No-Gi World Champion, 2x ADCC silver medalist, 3x Pan American Champion, and the first non-Brazilian to win the Brasileiros at black belt. He went 11-0 in MMA and won the Bellator Middleweight title over Gegard Mousasi in 2019 before a cerebral cavernoma diagnosis forced him to vacate it. He returned in December 2022 and by 2025 became the first person to win all four IBJJF majors in both gi and no-gi. He runs Lovato’s BJJ and MMA in Oklahoma City and the online platform Timeless Jiu-Jitsu.
Which Rafael Lovato Jr instructional should you buy?
Start with Pressure Passing and Top Game for gi top game, or Timeless No Gi Headquarters Passing if you live in no-gi. Both are built on the same checkpoint method, so you can layer half guard, closed guard, and kimura on top later.