We researched every Roberto Jimenez instructional and ranked the most useful options based on r/bjj sentiment, teaching cohesion, applicability for gi and no-gi, and production quality.
Closed Guard Yin Yang Series
A practical no-gi closed guard roadmap that turns clamps into sweeps, back takes, and quick finishes.
Attacking The Back Every Match
A fast, competition-tested blueprint for creating back exposure from scrambles and finishing reliably.
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🥋 #1 Closed Guard Yin Yang Series by Roberto Jimenez
Instructor: Roberto Jimenez
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Clamp, off-balance, then finish.
Techniques: Closed Guard, Arm Drag, Wrestle Up, Kimura, Triangle, Armbar, Back Takes
- Side Closed Guard Attacks by Xande Ribeiro – Classic closed-guard system with crisp structure and back-take links.
- Effective Closed Guard Sweeps by Marcos Tinoco – Sweep-focused curriculum if you want simpler, repeatable entries.
You learn when to clamp, when to open, and how to off-balance without extreme flexibility. The material favors arm drags, wrestle-ups, and body-lock entries that translate to live rounds. If you want easy-to-grasp paths from closed guard to the back or mount, this is the most community-validated Roberto option.
✅ Pros
- Clear clamp-to-attack framework that suits no-gi or gi sparring.
- Back takes and wrestle-ups feel plug-and-play for intermediates.
- Strong community reception with multiple positive user reports.
⚠️ Cons
- Some tornado-style details feel niche for general use.
- Limited guided drills for structured practice plans.
- Production does not include explicit troubleshooting trees.
💡 I found the yin-yang framing helps you decide when to squeeze and when to chase angles, which stops closed guard from becoming a stalling shell. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Attacking The Back Every Match by Roberto Jimenez
Instructor: Roberto Jimenez
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 51 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Create exposure, lock seatbelt, finish.
Techniques: Back Takes, Seatbelt Control, Rear Naked Choke, Arm Drag, De La Riva, Crab Ride, Mat Return
- Systematically Attacking The Back by Gordon Ryan - Most comprehensive no-gi back system for advanced students.
- The MG Back Attack System 2.0 by Marcelo Garcia - Classic seatbelt mechanisms and finishing details with timeless pedagogy.
You learn to turn common entries into controlled back exposure, then close with strong seatbelt and RNC mechanics. The system is aggressive but still structured around reliable hooks and chest control. If you like constant offense and chase the back often, this fits your game.
✅ Pros
- Clear pathways from DLR, scrambles, and top pressure sequences.
- Strong focus on maintaining hooks during dynamic transitions.
- Finish-oriented coaching keeps you hunting submissions, not just position.
⚠️ Cons
- Less emphasis on leg lock safety nets or heel hook defense.
- Risk-forward sequences may lead to losing back control for some.
- Older release means fewer modern meta counters are addressed.
💡 I would pair this with a turtle-control or hand-fighting micro-course to keep the back as opponents roll and peel grips. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
How to choose between Roberto’s two best sellers
Pick Closed Guard Yin Yang if you already default to guard or want reliable no-gi offense that does not need lapels. Choose Attacking The Back if you often force scrambles or prefer pressure passing that converts to back exposure. If you are a beginner, start with Yin Yang for clearer decision rules; if you are an aggressive passer, go Back Every Match. Pair either course with a short hand-fighting or turtle-control add-on to keep the back longer.
Gi or no-gi: does it matter here?
Both courses translate across uniforms. Yin Yang emphasizes grips that still work without sleeves and adds wrestle-up paths, so it is safe for no-gi. Back Every Match uses seatbelt mechanics and exposure principles that are universal. If your room is mostly no-gi, prioritize wrestle-ups, body-lock entries, and head-position rules. In gi-heavy rooms, add collar-based attacks to complement Roberto’s baseline systems.
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