We ranked Satoshi Ishii's most useful BJJ Fanatics instructionals using r/bjj feedback, clarity, and value so you can pick the right takedown system for your game.
New Wave Judo
A clear no-gi-first standup system built on safe trips and foot sweeps.
New Wave Foot Sweeps For Lazy People
Turn common ties into effortless foot sweeps that spare your body.
New Wave Uchi Mata For Everyone
A practical uchi mata blueprint tailored to BJJ stances and ties.
📋 Jump to a review (Click to expand)
🥋 #1 New Wave Judo by Satoshi Ishii
Instructor: Satoshi Ishii
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Safe takedowns without shots.
Techniques: Foot Sweeps, Sasae, Uchi Mata, Osoto Gari, Ouchi Gari, Russian Tie, Body Lock
- Feet To Floor: Standing To Ground by John Danaher – Deeper stance, grip, and motion theory.
- Low Risk Judo Throws For BJJ by Shintaro Higashi – Conservative, BJJ-friendly throw selection.
- Precision Foot Sweeps by Steve Mocco – Another perspective on timing-based sweeps.
You learn a structured standing game around foot sweeps, trips, and New Wave-style entries that avoid guillotine traps. Setups start from common BJJ ties like collar ties, underhooks, and Russian ties. You will not get a wrestling-heavy shot system or deep stance science.
✅ Pros
- Cohesive, low-risk path to takedowns for BJJ.
- Entries fit common no-gi hand fights and ties.
- Great coverage of foot sweeps that scale to all sizes.
⚠️ Cons
- Less emphasis on detailed stance theory.
- Presentation is dry compared to other instructors.
- Not a wrestling fundamentals course.
💡 I found it the easiest way to add real takedowns without switching to a wrestling-first style. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 New Wave Foot Sweeps For Lazy People by Satoshi Ishii
Instructor: Satoshi Ishii
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 18 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Timing beats horsepower.
Techniques: Okuri Ashi Barai, De Ashi Barai, Sasae, Inside Sweep, Counter Sweeps, Russian Tie
- Precision Foot Sweeps by Steve Mocco – Wrestler's take on foot-sweep timing.
- Low Risk Judo Throws For BJJ by Shintaro Higashi – Broader low-impact throw menu.
You learn timing-based sweeps that punish movement without needing strength. The focus stays on entries from BJJ collar ties, underhooks, and Russian ties. You will not get heavy wrestling shots or big sacrifice throws.
✅ Pros
- Easy on knees and back; high mat mileage.
- Entries map directly to BJJ hand fighting.
- Great companion to any clinch-first standup plan.
⚠️ Cons
- Not a complete takedown system.
- Less detail on stance theory than some sets.
- Monotone delivery may reduce engagement.
💡 I used these sweeps to score takedowns without changing my guard-focused style. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 New Wave Uchi Mata For Everyone by Satoshi Ishii
Instructor: Satoshi Ishii
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Make uchi mata BJJ-proof.
Techniques: Uchi Mata, Whizzer Entry, Underhook Entry, Tai Otoshi, Ankle Pick Feints, Post Throw Control
- New Wave Tai Otoshi No Gi – Easier body-drop option if uchi mata feels tough.
- Low Risk Judo Throws For BJJ by Shintaro Higashi – Conservative options while you learn turn throws.
You learn uchi mata from common BJJ ties with clear stance rules and timing cues. The set includes defenses and links into osoto, kouchi, and takedown counters. You will not get a full wrestling or sacrifice-throw curriculum.
✅ Pros
- Shows multiple no-gi entries that actually map to rolls.
- Teaches when to switch off uchi mata cleanly.
- Covers control after impact to stop scrambles.
⚠️ Cons
- Steep learning curve for newer students.
- Less content on ground follow-ups beyond control.
- Turn-throw focus may not fit every body type.
💡 I gained confidence hitting uchi mata off the whizzer without gifting my back. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 New Wave Tai Otoshi No Gi by Satoshi Ishii
Instructor: Satoshi Ishii
Style: Technique Collection, Drill Heavy
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Volumes: 2
Biggest takeaway: Low tai otoshi fits BJJ stance.
Techniques: Tai Otoshi, Russian Tie, One Hand Tai, Ouchi To Tai, Defense, Drills
- New Wave Uchi Mata For Everyone – If you prefer a classic turn-throw focus.
- Low Risk Judo Throws For BJJ by Shintaro Higashi – Broader low-risk options for BJJ.
You learn low and one-hand tai otoshi variations that fit no-gi clinches. The course shows practical combos and defenses plus a drill progression. You will not get a full standup system beyond tai otoshi chains.
✅ Pros
- Practical entries from ties BJJ players already use.
- Short, focused, easy to drill.
- Good complement to foot-sweep-based plans.
⚠️ Cons
- Execution speed matters; steeper barrier.
- Narrow scope compared to bigger sets.
- Less guidance on ground follow-ups.
💡 I finally made tai otoshi work by going low and tying it to Russian tie. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 No Gi Judo For Grapplers by Satoshi Ishii
Instructor: Satoshi Ishii
Style: Technique Collection
Best for: Beginner
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 27 minutes
Volumes: 2
Biggest takeaway: Affordable way to start.
Techniques: Underhook, Russian Tie, Osoto Gari, Ouchi Gari, Uchi Mata, North South Choke
- New Wave Judo – More cohesive no-gi system.
- Standing To Ground by John Danaher – Deeper stance and hand-fighting pedagogy.
You get a fast tour of no-gi judo entries that map to BJJ ties and finishes. It includes simple pins and a few chokes. You will not get the New Wave-level structure or modern production.
✅ Pros
- Great price-to-value for beginners.
- Covers ties BJJ players already use.
- Includes some ground follow-ups.
⚠️ Cons
- Aging production and pacing.
- Not a fully cohesive system.
- Light on detailed stance mechanics.
💡 I would start here if you just want no-gi throw basics on a budget. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #6 Japanese Judo Grip Fighting Secrets by Satoshi Ishii
Instructor: Satoshi Ishii
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Win grips, win throws.
Techniques: Grip Breaks, Overhead Grip, Back Grip, Aiyotsu, Kenka Yotsu, Kuzushi Entries
- Japanese Judo Secrets – Broader mix of throws and attacks.
- American Judo System: Ashi Waza Encyclopedia – More ashi-waza options for gi players.
You learn how to secure and break grips across same- and opposite-stance matchups. The sequences lead to kuzushi and safer throw entries. You will not get no-gi adaptations or a ground game segment.
✅ Pros
- Stance-specific grip maps clarify decision making.
- Great for shorter athletes vs tall opponents.
- Pairs well with foot sweep-focused sets.
⚠️ Cons
- Not applicable to no-gi.
- Japanese terms may slow new learners.
- Less detail on finishes after throws.
💡 I improved throw entries just by winning sleeves and lapel positions earlier. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 Japanese Judo Secrets by Satoshi Ishii
Instructor: Satoshi Ishii
Style: Technique Collection
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 36 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Classic dojo fundamentals.
Techniques: Osoto Gari, Ouchi Gari, Uchi Mata, Tani Otoshi, Canto Choke, Kimura Series
- New Wave Judo – Modernized structure and no-gi focus.
- New Wave Foot Sweeps For Lazy People – Cleaner, timing-first takedowns.
You get a wide mix of grips, throws, and simple chokes with a gi focus. The content is useful but not as structured as newer Ishii releases. You will not get polished production or no-gi systems.
✅ Pros
- Good breadth for gi players on a budget.
- Clear classic entries for osoto and ouchi.
- Includes simple choke options and drills.
⚠️ Cons
- Aged production and pacing.
- Limited no-gi relevance.
- Lacks cohesive system flow.
💡 I would only grab this if you want gi variety and do not mind older production. Recommendation: Skip.
How to pick the right Ishii set for your goals
If you want a cohesive no-gi plan, start with New Wave Judo. Prefer low impact takedowns? Choose New Wave Foot Sweeps For Lazy People. Want a single signature throw? Pick New Wave Uchi Mata or New Wave Tai Otoshi based on which motion suits your body. Training mostly in the gi? Japanese Judo Grip Fighting Secrets teaches how to win sleeves and lapels before you throw. On a budget or testing the waters, No Gi Judo For Grapplers is a fine starter.
Does uchi mata really work in no-gi BJJ?
Yes, when you enter from ties BJJ players already use. r/bjj discussions highlight underhook and whizzer entries and switching to counters if posture kills the throw. Expect a learning curve and commit to timing, not force. If you dislike turn throws, tai otoshi or foot-sweep chains may be a better fit.
Gi vs no-gi focus: what changes in your takedowns
In the gi, grip fighting decides everything; learn aiyotsu/kenka-yotsu and break sequences to earn kuzushi. In no-gi, ties like collar tie, underhook, and Russian tie replace sleeves and lapels. Ishii’s New Wave material maps throws to those ties and favors safer landings. Pick based on where you train most.
💙 Was this article helpful?
Share it with your training partners!
