A ranked roundup of the best Roger Gracie instructionals on BJJ Fanatics, with who each course suits, key pros and cons, and trusted sources from r/bjj, YouTube, and BJJHeroes.
The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System
Roger Gracie teaches a complete closed guard that turns simple grips into chokes, armlocks, sweeps and reliable back takes you can use against anyone.
The Roger Gracie Mount System
Build an unshakeable mount and finish with Roger's signature cross collar choke and other high-percentage attacks.
The Roger Gracie Side Control System
Pin first, then finish; Roger shows side control pressure and choke chains that flow cleanly to mount and back.
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🥋 #1 The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System by Roger Gracie
Instructor: Roger Gracie
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 28 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Posture breaks make chokes easy.
Techniques: Closed Guard, Cross Collar Choke, Armbar, Scissor Sweep, Back Take, Kimura
- Closed Guard: BJJ Fundamentals – Go Further Faster by John Danaher – Broader theory and contingencies for closed guard.
- Side Closed Guard Attacks by Xande Ribeiro – Alternative angle-based closed guard system.
- The Gracie Secrets: Closed Guard by Kyra Gracie – Budget-friendly classic closed guard attacks.
You learn Roger's exact sequence for breaking posture, controlling sleeves and collars, and finishing high-percentage chokes and armlocks from closed guard. He shows when to switch to sweeps or back attacks if the choke stalls. You will not find no-gi material here, but the gi fundamentals translate well if you already play closed guard in no-gi.
✅ Pros
- System is tight and teaches clear priorities for each grip exchange.
- Finishing details on the cross collar choke are best-in-class.
- Directly applicable to sparring without a steep learning curve.
⚠️ Cons
- No dedicated no-gi adaptations are taught.
- Runtime is modest compared to mega courses at similar prices.
- Fewer counters to modern lapel entanglements are covered.
💡 I saw how posture control before attacking doubles my submission rate from closed guard. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 The Roger Gracie Mount System by Roger Gracie
Instructor: Roger Gracie
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: High mount makes chokes effortless.
Techniques: Mount, High Mount, Cross Collar Choke, Ezekiel Choke, Armbar
- Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Mount by Gordon Ryan – Extensive no-gi mount system with live breakdowns.
- Foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Bernardo Faria – Budget path to solid mount basics.
You learn how to convert flat mount to high mount and isolate arms without losing base. The cross collar sequence is broken down so you can finish with minimal strength. If you want no-gi details, you will need a companion course.
✅ Pros
- Teaches a reliable pathway from control to submission.
- Cross collar mechanics are explained step by step and stick.
- Transitions to high mount make escapes much harder.
⚠️ Cons
- Focuses on gi grips and lapels only.
- Lighter athletes may need timing over pressure to mimic results.
- Less coverage of late-stage escape counters.
💡 I realized that winning the thumb battle early makes the cross collar choke inevitable. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #3 The Roger Gracie Side Control System by Roger Gracie
Instructor: Roger Gracie
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 9 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Pinning beats scrambling.
Techniques: Side Control, Kimura, Paper Cutter Choke, Baseball Bat Choke, Triangle
- Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Side Control & North-South by Gordon Ryan – Deep no-gi side control attacks with live footage.
You learn how to hold heavy without squeezing and when to free your hands for grips. The choke suite is classic and pairs well with slow, safe transitions. If you want lapel wizardry or no-gi variations, this is not that set.
✅ Pros
- Teaches chest-to-chest control so submissions open naturally.
- Progressions to mount or back are beginner-friendly and safe.
- Concise lessons make drilling efficient.
⚠️ Cons
- Light on no-gi adaptations or lapel guard counters.
- Less emphasis on late-escape recaptures.
- Traditional approach may feel slow to modern guard hunters.
💡 I stopped hunting submissions first and my side control finishes skyrocketed. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 Roger Gracie Guard Passing System by Roger Gracie
Instructor: Roger Gracie
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 52 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Pressure beats speed in passing.
Techniques: Pressure Passing, Knee Shield, Leg Weave, Knee Pin, Sao Paulo
- Passing the Guard: BJJ Fundamentals - Go Further Faster by John Danaher – Very deep theoretical framework for guard passing.
You get principled pressure mechanics first, then specific passes. The knee-shield, leg weave, knee pin, and closed guard openings are classic and durable for gi rounds. If you need modern lapel counters or pure no-gi sequences, look elsewhere.
✅ Pros
- Concepts-first pacing helps retention and transfer to sparring.
- Covers common guard archetypes with reliable pressure routes.
- Pairs well with Roger's side control and mount systems.
⚠️ Cons
- Sparse coverage of modern lapel guard entanglements.
- No-gi or heel hook era adaptations are not included.
- Some learners prefer larger decision trees and more drills.
💡 I finally felt how shoulder and head position kill frames before grips matter. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 The Roger Gracie Half Guard System by Roger Gracie
Instructor: Roger Gracie
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 24 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Underhook timing changes everything.
Techniques: Half Guard, Underhook Series, Rolling Sweep, Pendulum Sweep, Kimura, Kneebar
- Jiu Jitsu For Old Guys Bottom Game: Half Guard and Closed Guard by Bernardo Faria – Beginner-friendly half guard and closed guard package.
You learn to build frames, get the underhook, and decide between rolling or pendulum sweeps. Roger adds kimura and kneebar threats to keep opponents honest. If you want modern knee cut counters or no-gi variations, supplement elsewhere.
✅ Pros
- Teaches calm structure to survive and advance from bottom.
- Multiple sweeps with clear triggers keep you proactive.
- Submission threats force slow passers to open up.
⚠️ Cons
- Light on deep half troubleshooting sequences.
- Less emphasis on reverse half or knee shield entries.
- No-gi adaptations are minimal.
💡 I stopped forcing sweeps and started waiting for the underhook window. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 The Roger Gracie Turtle Attack System by Roger Gracie
Instructor: Roger Gracie
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 44 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Stay glued while you open.
Techniques: Turtle, Clock Choke, Crucifix, Reverse Omoplata, Back Take
- Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes: Go Further Faster by John Danaher – Robust turtle mechanics from the defender perspective.
You learn how to stabilize behind the turtle and create openings without losing contact. The attacks are classic gi staples that scale well to hobbyist rounds. If turtle is rare in your gym, prioritize Roger's mount or side control first.
✅ Pros
- Keeps you safe while opening stubborn turtle shells.
- Focuses on simple, high-percentage choke and crucifix chains.
- Integrates smoothly with side control and back systems.
⚠️ Cons
- Less comprehensive than premium turtle mega-courses.
- No-gi variants are scarce.
- Niche topic compared to guard or mount.
💡 I stopped chasing hooks and started forcing predictable openings from behind turtle. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
How we ranked these Roger Gracie courses
We weighted r/bjj reception most, then how well the material forms a coherent system you can apply quickly. We also weighed applicability for everyday gi rounds, Roger's authority, and production quality. When feedback conflicted, we favored repeated, specific comments about results in training over single hot takes.
Gi vs no-gi fit
These are gi-first systems. If you train mostly no-gi, prioritize the positional ideas and grips that do not rely on lapels, then pair with a no-gi companion like Danaher's Go Further Faster sets for adaptations.
Where to start if you are new
Start with Closed Guard or Mount. Both teach clear sequences with immediate sparring payoff. Add Side Control next to connect top control and submissions. Grab Passing or Half Guard once your core positional game feels stable.
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