A ranked, research-backed list of the best BJJ Fanatics instructionals to master single leg X (ankle-X). We weighted r/bjj sentiment, system clarity, applicability, instructor authority, and production quality.
Single Leg X Reimagined
A concept-first SLX system that ties entries, control, and counters into an actionable plan.
Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Single Leg X Guard
A coach-grade SLX framework with precise grips, sequencing, and problem-solving.
How To Dominate Single Leg X
An approachable SLX system with crisp entries, reliable sweeps, and a proven get-up series.
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🥋 #1 Single Leg X Reimagined by Adam Wardzinski
Instructor: Adam Wardzinski
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 32 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: SLX is a hub
Techniques: Single Leg X, Elevator Sweep, Honey Hole
- How To Dominate Single Leg X – More beginner-friendly pacing with clean get-ups and sweeps.
- The Modern Single Leg X Guard System – Gi-focused SLX with Atos-style transitions to honey hole.
- Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Single Leg X Guard – Highly structured system with exceptional coaching detail.
You learn a connected SLX that flows to x, reverse x, and leg attacks. Entries, control, and counters are taught as one system. You will not get a simple move dump.
✅ Pros
- Integrates entries, control, and exits as one system.
- Strong explanations of levers and off-balancing mechanics.
- Clear pathways to reverse x and leg entanglements.
⚠️ Cons
- Concept density can feel heavy early on.
- Gi emphasis limits immediate no-gi replication.
- No total runtime listed on product page.
💡 I found the best SLX sets teach the hub idea first, then layer attacks and counters without breaking the flow. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Single Leg X Guard by Paul Schreiner
Instructor: Paul Schreiner
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 47 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Structure beats guesswork
Techniques: Single Leg X, Waiter Sweep, Back Take
- Single Leg X Reimagined - More concept-first approach at a lower price.
- The Single Leg X Manual - Gi-focused SLX with flowchart option for learners.
You get a structured SLX plan with clear objectives. The focus is grip-led control into high-percentage sweeps and back takes. You will not get no-gi specific variations.
✅ Pros
- Excellent sequencing and troubleshooting depth.
- Ideal reference for coaches building curriculum.
- High transfer to gi competition and advanced rolling.
⚠️ Cons
- Premium price compared to peers.
- Limited no-gi translation for grip sequences.
- No total runtime visible on page.
💡 I rate Schreiner highly when you want a reproducible gameplan that answers common defensive reactions. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #3 How To Dominate Single Leg X by Dominique Bell
Instructor: Dominique Bell
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 34 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Get-up seals the sweep
Techniques: Single Leg X, Tilt Sweep, Technical Stand Up
- Single Leg X Reimagined - More concept-first with links to reverse x and leglocks.
- Ultimate Guide To The Single Leg X Guard - Entry-rich blueprint with beginner-friendly pacing.
You get practical SLX that plugs into your current guard. Expect entries, sweeps, and get-ups you can use tonight. You will not get extensive no-gi variants.
✅ Pros
- Beginner friendly without dumbing it down.
- Good drill sections to hardwire grips and angles.
- Back-take pathways add finishing threats.
⚠️ Cons
- Mostly gi-based grips and entries.
- Limited leglock depth beyond ankle lock and toe hold.
- No runtime listed for planning study blocks.
💡 I see fastest progress when learners combine Bell's get-up with one standby sweep and one back take. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 The Modern Single Leg X Guard System by Kaynan Duarte
Instructor: Kaynan Duarte
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: DLR to SLX works
Techniques: Single Leg X, Honey Hole, Elevator Sweep
- Single Leg X Beyond The Basics - More drills and troubleshooting for common passes.
- X Guard Evolution - Broader x-guard that still feeds one leg X entries.
You learn gi-grip SLX with Atos fundamentals. It emphasizes DLR entries, honey hole transitions, and back takes. You will not get no-gi focused sequences.
✅ Pros
- Clear gi entries and transitions to leg attacks.
- Efficient elevator paths to sweep and back take.
- Competitive pedigree supports tactics.
⚠️ Cons
- Gi-only emphasis limits no-gi transfer.
- Less time on defensive counters compared with others.
- Three volumes may feel brief for advanced users.
💡 I recommend this if your gym plays heavy DLR and you want SLX to connect to leglocks without abandoning the gi. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 The Single Leg X Manual by Jonnatas Gracie
Instructor: Jonnatas Gracie
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 59 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Posture dictates options
Techniques: Single Leg X, 50/50, Back Take
- Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Single Leg X Guard - More troubleshooting depth for coaches.
- Single Leg X Beyond The Basics - Adds drills and reactions vs common passes.
You learn SLX by opponent posture and grip families. The flowchart option helps you remember paths under pressure. You will not get no-gi focused variations or heel hook depth.
✅ Pros
- Flowcharts encourage faster recall in sparring.
- Clear links to 50/50 and back takes.
- Solid blend of entries and sweeps for gi.
⚠️ Cons
- Gi-only grip sets limit no-gi use.
- Less emphasis on modern leglock counters.
- No runtime or year listed.
💡 I like posture-based indexing because it mirrors real decision points when opponents kneel, stand, or mix bases. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 Single Leg X Beyond The Basics by Thomas Lisboa
Instructor: Thomas Lisboa
Style: Drill Heavy, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 42 hours and 29 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Drill reactions matter
Techniques: Single Leg X, Maintenance, Scissor Sweep
- The Single Leg X Manual - Posture-indexed reference pairs well with drills.
- Single Leg X Reimagined - Adds concepts and reverse x pathways.
You learn to hold SLX against real pass attempts. Drills reinforce the reactions into sweeps and ankle locks. You will not get a no-gi focused leglock curriculum.
✅ Pros
- Maintenance details stop early pass attempts.
- Drills make study time efficient.
- Good balance of sweeps and basic footlocks.
⚠️ Cons
- Gi-only framing reduces no-gi value.
- Less emphasis on back-take chains.
- No product runtime listed.
💡 I like pairing this with a concept set to cover both why and how for SLX. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 The Belly Down Footlock From Single Leg X by Tarik Hopstock
Instructor: Tarik Hopstock
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 12 minutes
Volumes: 2
Biggest takeaway: Threaten immediate taps
Techniques: Belly Down Ankle Lock, Single Leg X, 50/50
- How To Dominate Single Leg X - Broader SLX base with sweeps and get-ups.
- Fundamental X Guards - Adds x-guard options that set up footlocks.
You add a high-percentage footlock threat to SLX. Entries, lapel variations, and switches keep opponents guessing. You will not get a full SLX sweep system here.
✅ Pros
- Increases finishing rate from SLX quickly.
- Budget price for high-impact technique.
- Includes lapel and position switches to stay ahead.
⚠️ Cons
- Not a comprehensive SLX course.
- Gi emphasis for lapel variants.
- Less focus on defensive troubleshooting.
💡 I use targeted finish modules like this to make opponents respect SLX enough to concede sweeps. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 Ultimate Guide To The Single Leg X Guard by John Gutta
Instructor: John Gutta
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 7 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Simple entries work
Techniques: Single Leg X, Technical Stand Up, Reverse X Guard
- How To Dominate Single Leg X - Similar accessibility with stronger drill sections.
- Single Leg X Reimagined - Adds conceptual depth and reverse x transitions.
You get a straight path into SLX from guards you already play. The finishes are simple and reliable. You will not get advanced counters or modern no-gi paths.
✅ Pros
- Beginner accessible without fluff.
- Solid mix of entries and safe finishes.
- Step-by-step structure reduces hesitation.
⚠️ Cons
- Gi-only framing.
- Shallow leglock ecosystem compared to no-gi sets.
- Runtime not listed for planning.
💡 I recommend this as a first pass before committing to deeper concept sets. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #9 Fundamental X Guards by Tony Trammell
Instructor: Tony Trammell
Style: Technique Collection
Best for: Beginner
Format: Gi
Runtime: 57 hours and 12 minutes
Volumes: 2
Biggest takeaway: Basics in one place
Techniques: Single Leg X, X Guard, Ankle Lock
- The Belly Down Footlock From Single Leg X - Add a sharp finishing threat to basic SLX.
- X Guard Evolution - Deep dive that includes one leg X pathways.
You learn the basics of x and SLX plus how to pass them. It is compact and beginner friendly. You will not get advanced chains or no-gi focus.
✅ Pros
- Covers both offense and defense.
- Short format is easy to finish.
- Good primer before specialized sets.
⚠️ Cons
- Shallow for advanced learners.
- Gi grip bias.
- No runtime or year on page.
💡 I use two-way primers to give white and blue belts a shared language before deeper study. Recommendation: Skip.
🥋 #10 X Guard Evolution: Set Ups, Control, Sweeps, Back Attacks and Submissions by Andy Murasaki
Instructor: Andy Murasaki
Style: System Based, Footage Breakdown
Best for: Advanced
Format: Gi
Runtime: 7 hours and 15 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Depth plus context
Techniques: X Guard, Single Leg X, Saddle Entry
- Single Leg X Reimagined - SLX-first focus at lower cost.
- Zone Jiu-Jitsu: Single Leg X Guard - Coach-friendly structure with targeted control.
You get exhaustive x-guard control, sweeps, and finishes. It shows clear transitions to one leg X and saddle. You will not get a budget-priced set.
✅ Pros
- Massive coverage including match studies.
- Clear x to one leg X pathways.
- High-level details for competition pacing.
⚠️ Cons
- Expensive compared to others.
- Broader than SLX if you only need ankle-X.
- Gi focus on grips and sleeves.
💡 I like this when x-guard is already in your game and you want explicit links into SLX and saddle for points or finishes. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
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