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Best Roger Gracie Instructionals on BJJ Fanatics
I watched every Roger Gracie instructional on BJJ Fanatics and ranked all six on technique quality, community reception, and real mat testing. Roger is the most dominant gi competitor in BJJ history, and these instructionals capture his exact systems.
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The top picks, up front
2026 editionThe Roger Gracie Closed Guard System
Roger GracieRoger’s cross collar choke gets 15 minutes of detail no other DVD matches.
≈2h · 4 volumes · gi · $$Roger Gracie Guard Passing System
Roger GracieThe only Roger instructional with a perfect 10/10 from BJJ World.
1h 43m · 3 volumes · gi · $$The Roger Gracie Mount System
Roger GracieThe exact mounted cross collar choke that submitted 13 world-class opponents.
1h 39m · 3 volumes · gi · $$Roger Gracie is widely considered the greatest gi competitor in BJJ history. Grandson of Carlos Gracie Sr. (the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), Roger won 10 IBJJF World Championships at black belt between 2004 and 2010. He was never submitted in competition across nearly two decades of elite grappling. His signature technique, the cross collar choke from mount, became legendary precisely because everyone knew it was coming and nobody could stop it.
At the 2009 IBJJF Worlds, Roger submitted every single opponent on his way to double gold. At the 2005 ADCC, he submitted all 8 opponents to win both his weight class and the absolute division with a 100% submission rate, a feat never achieved before or since. He also holds 2 ADCC titles, was the first inductee into the ADCC Hall of Fame (2021), and retired in 2017 after defeating Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida. His teaching philosophy mirrors his competition style: simple fundamentals executed to perfection.
Roger released six instructionals on BJJ Fanatics, each covering a single position in depth. Together they form a complete gi game built on pressure, control, and high-percentage submissions. All six are gi-focused. Roger does not cover no-gi in this series; if you need no-gi, look at Gordon Ryan or John Danaher. BJJ Fanatics also offers two bundles: the Guard System Bundle (Closed Guard + Half Guard) and the Side/Mount System Bundle (Side Control + Mount), which save money if you study multiple positions.
The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System
Roger GracieRoger’s closed guard breaks posture, attacks the collar, and finishes with the cross collar choke, explained in more detail here than any other instructional ever made.
What it covers
Four volumes covering chokes (cross collar, lapel variations), armlocks (wrist to shoulder, straight and bent), sweeps (scissor, hook, lumberjack with kneebar setup, Roger’s signature sweep, omoplata sweep), and combination attacks that chain everything together. The cross collar choke alone gets 15+ minutes of instruction in Part 1.
Why it stands out
- Roger spends 15 minutes on the cross collar choke with more finishing detail than any other closed guard DVD.
- Part 3 covers 30 minutes of sweeps including the rarely-taught lumberjack sweep with kneebar setup.
- Part 4 chains submissions and sweeps into combination attacks using lapel control.
- Zero filler, only techniques Roger used in competition against world-class opponents.
Roger explains more about [the cross collar choke] in 15 minutes of this instructional than all other BJJ DVDs do put together.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9.5/10)
Gi only with no no-gi adaptations. If you train no-gi, John Danaher’s Closed Guard: Go Further Faster ($197) covers both gi concepts and no-gi contingencies in 8+ hours. Roger also does not address the Sao Paulo pass from closed guard in this set (he covers it in his Guard Passing instructional instead). As u/whiteknight521 noted on r/bjj: ‘Very little of his instructional material covers the biggest hard counter to closed guard, which is the Sao Paulo pass.’ The ~2 hour runtime is modest compared to Danaher’s depth, though the trade-off is zero wasted time. Ognen Dzabirski compared it favorably to Ffion Davies and Henry Akins as a closed guard resource.
Any gi player who wants a tight, no-nonsense closed guard built on the cross collar choke and high-percentage sweeps.
You train exclusively no-gi or already own Danaher’s GFF Closed Guard and want more variety rather than refinement.
Roger Gracie Mount System – the closed guard feeds directly into mount transitions where the cross collar choke finishes.
Roger Gracie Guard Passing System
Roger GracieThe only Roger Gracie instructional with a perfect 10/10 rating from BJJ World. This teaches passing philosophy, not just passes.
What it covers
Part 1 explains pressure passing philosophy and body positioning before any specific technique, then demonstrates knee shield solutions transitioning to half guard and recovery prevention. Part 2 covers leg weaving and pinning mechanics, using half guard as the primary example, with pressure direction, recovery counters, the destination position (mount), and smash pass alternatives against knee shield. Part 3 features Roger’s closed guard pass: a progression from knee insertion to a spine-twisting pass, plus a standing variation and the Sao Paulo pass.
Why it stands out
- Opens with foundational pressure concepts before any specific technique, you learn the ‘why’ behind passing.
- Covers realistic guard scenarios: knee shield, half guard, closed guard, leg weave positions.
- Each chapter is 30+ minutes deep, giving real depth rather than surface-level overviews.
- Roger explains his thinking process alongside demonstrations, teaching decision-making.
One of the ‘new breeds’ of instructionals that transcend techniques. By far one of the best that ever stepped on the mats.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (10/10)
No coverage of modern lapel guard or leg lock integration during passing. Danaher’s Passing the Guard: Go Further Faster covers more guard types and includes contingency trees for modern guards. Roger’s approach is narrower but arguably more immediately applicable for gi practitioners.
Gi competitors who want a pressure passing framework that applies to any guard scenario.
You face primarily lapel guard or modern leg entanglement players who require specific counter-strategies.
Roger Gracie Side Control System – you pass the guard and land in side control, where Roger’s pin-to-submission system takes over.
The Roger Gracie Mount System
Roger GracieThe exact mount system that produced 13 cross collar choke submissions against the best grapplers on earth. Roger spends 15 minutes on control concepts before showing a single submission.
What it covers
Volume 1 opens with 15 minutes of mount control and positioning concepts: low mount to high mount transitions, grip tactics, and re-guard prevention. Volume 2 covers arm isolation and bent/straight armlocks. Volume 3 dedicates 20 minutes to the cross collar choke, plus the Ezekiel choke as an alternative.
Why it stands out
- 15-minute opening chapter on control concepts before any submissions, teaches you to stabilize mount first.
- Cross collar choke gets 20 minutes of detail: first hand placement fully palm up to ceiling, forearm on sternum, wrist curl that creates chest pressure and collar tightening simultaneously (per u/Sir-Tapsalot on r/bjj).
- Low-to-high mount progressions make escapes progressively harder for your opponent.
- Frame-breaking methodology shows how to clear arms systematically without losing base.
[This] will teach you more about the position than 15 months of training.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9.5/10 bundle rating)
Gi grips and lapel control only. Gordon Ryan’s Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Mount ($197) covers no-gi mount with extensive live rolling footage in 8+ hours. Roger’s 1h 39m is dense but limited. As u/P-Two put it on r/bjj: ‘Roger is an absolute specimen of a human and anything he says about positional dominance needs to be taken with that understanding.’ Lighter athletes may find some of the pressure-based retention harder to replicate, though the grip sequences and frame-breaking concepts are body-type neutral.
Gi grapplers who want to build an unshakeable mount with a clear path from control to submission.
You train exclusively no-gi or want exhaustive coverage of mount escapes and counters to modern defense.
Roger Gracie Side Control System – Roger’s side control transitions lead directly into mount.
The Roger Gracie Side Control System
Roger GraciePin first, submit second. Roger’s 4-volume side control system teaches the control mechanics that make submissions inevitable rather than desperate.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers control: classic side control vs. the 100 Kilos variation, arm placement, hip positioning, pressure distribution, and using the Kimura grip to maintain position. Volume 2 teaches chokes: paper cutter choke, lapel choke, baseball bat choke, plus wrist locks and mount transitions. Volumes 3-4 introduce ‘side control bully’ concepts, sequential attack patterns where defense to one submission opens the next, back exposure transitions to force turtle, triangle choke setups from isolated limbs, and safe transitions to mount without risking position.
Why it stands out
- Clear 4-volume progression: control > chokes > sequences > transitions mirrors how you actually use side control.
- Kimura grip as a positional tool (not just a submission) for maintaining side control.
- Paper cutter choke and lapel choke details from the most dominant pinner in competition history.
- Volume 4’s transition system moves forward to mount/back without gambling position.
The Side and Mount System Roger Gracie DVD Bundle is as close as you’ll ever get to grappling like Roger Gracie.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9.5/10 bundle rating)
No no-gi adaptations. Gordon Ryan’s Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Side Control & North-South provides deep no-gi coverage with live competition footage. Roger’s traditional approach also lacks counters to modern guard recovery techniques (berimbolos, inversions) that competition players face.
Gi grapplers who want to develop crushing side control with reliable submission chains.
You need no-gi side control or face opponents who use modern recovery (inversions, leg entanglements from bottom side control).
Roger Gracie Mount System – side control transitions lead to mount, and the Side/Mount Bundle saves money on both.
The Roger Gracie Half Guard System
Roger GracieRoger’s half guard is built on underhook timing and pressure management. This teaches you to slow opponents down and work methodically from a position many people rush through.
What it covers
Three volumes covering underhook series (primary focus), deep half guard sweeps, Kimura combinations with sweeps, kneebar finish, loop choke from bottom half guard, whizzer counters, and back takes from various half guard positions. Roger takes an attack-first approach: when a sweep fails, he immediately transitions to back take attempts rather than resetting. The system emphasizes arm placement, limb trapping, and control strategies post-sweep.
Why it stands out
- Underhook timing from a 10x world champion, the detail that changes half guard from survival to offense.
- Diverse attack options: sweeps, submissions, and back takes from one position.
- Connects with the closed guard material, both build on Roger’s grip-fighting philosophy.
- Simple enough for white belts, refined enough for black belts.
Roger kept it simple in his legendary BJJ performances. The closed guard and half guard are just as – or even more – effective. Guard tactics are what make guards work, not the positional details themselves.
Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World (9/10 Guard System Bundle)
At 1h 29m, this is the shortest Roger Gracie instructional. Bernardo Faria’s Battle Tested Half Guard is significantly longer and goes deeper into the deep half position specifically. Lachlan Giles covers half guard with modern leg lock integrations that Roger omits entirely. No dedicated deep half specialist content compared to what Ryan Hall or Jeff Glover offer. The GrappleDB community has not rated this individually, though the Guard System Bundle (Closed + Half together) scored 8.7/10.
Gi practitioners who want a fundamentals-first half guard built on underhooks and sweeps.
You want deep half guard specialization or need leg lock entries from half guard.
Roger Gracie Closed Guard System – or save money with the Guard System Bundle that packages both.
The Roger Gracie Turtle Attack System
Roger GracieRoger’s approach to breaking down the turtle with clock chokes, crucifix entries, and systematic back takes. Useful but not essential unless opponents regularly turtle against your passes.
What it covers
DVD 1 (30 min) covers positional control and turtle pressure concepts, the clock choke, crucifix transition, and reverse omoplata submission. DVD 2 (40+ min) teaches head control rolling techniques, forced side control transitions, back takes with first and second hook placement, and turtle position maintenance. DVD 3 (40+ min) covers reactive follow-up movements, guard recovery prevention, gap creation, and armlock entries.
Why it stands out
- Clock choke and crucifix chain attacks are classic, high-percentage finishes.
- Integrates smoothly with the side control and guard passing systems.
- Competition-tested techniques from a 10x world champion.
- Safe attacking methods that keep you in position if the finish fails.
The modern turtle game is basically bulletproof to all the bullets that Roger depicts. Will only work against people that have no idea how to play a solid BJJ turtle.
Filip Zanki, BJJ World (7/10)
BJJ World rated this 7/10 (technical quality: 10/10, content quality: 6/10). The techniques are executed flawlessly, but they are less effective against modern turtle defense specialists. Eduardo Telles offers more creative and current turtle work. At $127 (not $149 like the other sets), it is the cheapest Roger instructional, but Filip Zanki recommends exploring Roger’s other systems first.
Gi grapplers who frequently encounter turtle and want reliable choke and back take chains.
You face modern turtle defense regularly or train no-gi. Wait for a BJJ Fanatics daily deal to reduce the price.
Roger Gracie Guard Passing System – opponents often turtle after a failed guard, and this system picks up where passing ends.
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System | Roger Gracie | ~2 hours across 4 volumes | All levels | Gi | Closed guard system | $$ | Check price → |
| 2 | Roger Gracie Guard Passing System | Roger Gracie | 1h 43m across 3 volumes | All levels | Gi | Guard passing system | $$ | Check price → |
| 3 | The Roger Gracie Mount System | Roger Gracie | 1h 39m across 3 volumes | All levels | Gi | Mount system | $$ | Check price → |
| 4 | The Roger Gracie Side Control System | Roger Gracie | ~2h 9m across 4 volumes | All levels | Gi | Side control system | $$ | Check price → |
| 5 | The Roger Gracie Half Guard System | Roger Gracie | 1h 29m across 3 volumes | All levels | Gi | Half guard system | $$ | Check price → |
| 6 | The Roger Gracie Turtle Attack System | Roger Gracie | 1h 53m across 3 volumes | All levels | Gi | Turtle attack system | $$ | Check price → |
Recommended Watch Order
Roger’s instructionals are independent, but this order builds each position on the previous one:
- Closed Guard System – Start here. The cross collar choke and sweep concepts establish Roger’s grip philosophy that carries through every other instructional.
- Guard Passing System – Next, learn how Roger handles the position you just studied from the other side. His pressure passing concepts connect directly to his top game.
- Side Control System – You land in side control after passing. Roger’s pin-first approach sets up the submissions you will use from mount.
- Mount System – The crown jewel. Everything Roger does leads to mount and the cross collar choke. Study this after side control so you understand the transitions.
- Half Guard System – For when you get stuck on bottom. The underhook series pairs well with the closed guard material.
- Turtle Attack System – Situational. Study this if opponents turtle frequently against your passing.
If budget is limited, start with the Closed Guard System (#1) or the Guard Passing System (#2). Both stand alone and deliver the most value per dollar.
Best by Goal
- Best for beginners: Closed Guard System – clear priorities, simple concepts, immediately applicable.
- Best for competitors: Guard Passing System – 10/10 rated, teaches the philosophy behind pressure passing.
- Best for top game: Mount System + Side Control System – build an unstoppable pin-to-submission game.
- Best single purchase: Closed Guard System – highest overall value and broadest applicability.
- Best bundle deal: Side/Mount System Bundle – Roger’s top game in one package at a discount.
- Best for guard players: Guard System Bundle – closed guard + half guard covers your bottom game.
Pricing & Deals
All six Roger Gracie instructionals are priced at $149 each at full retail, except the Turtle Attack System at $127. Here is how to get the best value:
| Title | Full Price | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Closed Guard System | $149 | Check daily deals |
| Guard Passing System | $149 | Check daily deals |
| Mount System | $149 | Side/Mount Bundle |
| Side Control System | $149 | Side/Mount Bundle |
| Half Guard System | $149 | Guard System Bundle |
| Turtle Attack System | $127 | Wait for daily deal |
Money-saving tips: BJJ Fanatics runs daily deals that can drop prices by 50-80%. The two bundles (Guard System and Side/Mount System) are cheaper than buying the included instructionals separately. If you only buy one, get the Closed Guard System or Guard Passing System – both deliver the most value per dollar.
Free Roger Gracie Content
Free Roger Gracie Content
Roger Gracie TV: RogerGracieTV.com offers a subscription-based platform with technique videos, rolling footage against elite opponents (Braulio Estima, Rafael Lovato Jr.), and concept breakdowns. Separate from his BJJ Fanatics content.
YouTube: BJJ Fanatics posts free technique clips from Roger’s instructionals. Search ‘Roger Gracie BJJ Fanatics’ for previews of his cross collar choke details, mount control, and guard passing concepts.
Glossary
Glossary
- Cross Collar Choke: Roger’s signature submission from mount. Uses deep lapel grips and wrist rotation to create a blood choke. Roger finished 13 opponents at black belt with this single technique.
- 100 Kilos (Hundred Kilos): A heavy side control variation where you maximize downward pressure by positioning hips low and spreading weight across the opponent’s torso.
- Pressure Passing: Roger’s approach to guard passing – using body weight and positioning to nullify the guard rather than relying on speed or athleticism.
- Knee Shield: A defensive frame using the knee across the passer’s body to create distance. Roger teaches specific counters using shoulder pressure to flatten the knee.
- Leg Weave: A passing position where you thread your arm through the opponent’s legs to pin them together, controlling both legs with one arm.
- Sao Paulo Pass: A gi-based closed guard opening technique using sleeve and collar control, named after the Brazilian city.
- High Mount: An advanced mount position where hips ride high on the opponent’s chest. This limits escape options and opens direct access to chokes and armlocks.
- Paper Cutter Choke: A collar choke from side control that uses a cross-body grip with a slicing motion. One of Roger’s primary finishes from side control.
- Crucifix: A controlling position from behind the turtle where both of the opponent’s arms are trapped, opening direct choke access with no defense available.
- Clock Choke: A collar choke applied from behind the turtle by walking around the opponent’s head while maintaining lapel control. A staple of Roger’s turtle attack system.
FAQ
What is the best Roger Gracie instructional to buy first?
The Closed Guard System is the best starting point. It scored 9.5/10 on BJJ World, teaches Roger’s grip philosophy that carries through all his other instructionals, and the cross collar choke details alone justify the price. If you prefer a top game focus, the Guard Passing System (10/10 BJJ World) is equally strong.
Are Roger Gracie instructionals worth $149?
At full price, the Closed Guard System and Guard Passing System deliver clear value. The Turtle Attack System is actually $127, not $149 like the others. The two bundles (Guard System at $247, Side/Mount System at $247) save $51 each vs. buying individually. All six instructionals total roughly 10 hours of content, which is modest compared to Danaher’s series but contains zero filler. Roger teaches only what he used in competition.
Does Roger Gracie teach no-gi techniques?
No. All six Roger Gracie instructionals on BJJ Fanatics are gi-only. If you need no-gi content, look at Gordon Ryan’s Systematically Attacking series or John Danaher’s Go Further Faster series, both of which cover no-gi positions extensively.
What order should I watch Roger Gracie instructionals?
Start with Closed Guard System, then Guard Passing System, then Side Control System, then Mount System. Add Half Guard System when you need bottom-game depth, and Turtle Attack System as a situational supplement. This order builds each position on the previous one.
How does Roger Gracie compare to John Danaher as an instructor?
Roger is concise and competition-focused. He teaches only what he used to win 10 world titles, in 1.5-2 hour sets. Danaher is encyclopedic, covering every contingency in 8-20 hour series. As u/SwamyMaximus put it on r/bjj: ‘Danaher if you’re a newbie; Roger’s if you’re not.’ If you want depth and theory, choose Danaher. If you want immediately applicable gi fundamentals with zero wasted time, choose Roger.
What is Roger Gracie’s signature technique?
The cross collar choke from mount. Roger used this single technique to submit 13 opponents at black belt, including during his legendary 2009 double gold campaign where he submitted every opponent. Everyone knew it was coming, nobody could stop it. His Mount System and Closed Guard System both teach this technique in detail.
Is Roger Gracie TV better than his BJJ Fanatics instructionals?
They serve different purposes. Roger Gracie TV (rogergracietv.com) is a subscription platform with rolling footage, concept videos, and broader technique coverage. The BJJ Fanatics instructionals are structured, position-specific systems. For targeted learning, the Fanatics instructionals are better. For ongoing learning and seeing Roger roll against elite opponents, Roger Gracie TV complements them well.
What belt level are Roger Gracie instructionals for?
All levels. Roger’s focus on fundamentals means white belts can learn proper mechanics from day one, while black belts discover details they missed. Ognen Dzabirski of BJJ World noted the Mount System will teach you more about the position than 15 months of training. The techniques are simple enough for beginners and refined enough for advanced practitioners.
Still deciding which Roger Gracie set to buy?
Start with the Closed Guard System for the best all-around value, or the Guard Passing System if you compete and want a 10/10-rated pressure passing framework. Both stand alone, and watching the Daily Deal can drop the price 50-80% before you pay full retail.