Best Submission Escape Instructionals: Ranked Picks That Actually Help You Survive

Submission defense is the skill that keeps you on the mat. A tight armbar or deep choke ends the round instantly, and knowing how to escape turns panic moments into recovery positions. I’ve studied every major escape instructional on BJJ Fanatics, cross-referenced community reviews from BJJ World, Reddit’s r/bjj, and specialist blogs, and ranked them by teaching quality, technique depth, and real-world applicability.

Last updated: March 2026. Prices checked at time of writing.

Why these 3? Selection criteria and methodology

These three picks each solve a different escape problem:

  • Garry Tonon (#1) takes the top spot because Exit The System is the most comprehensive single instructional for pure submission escapes. It covers every major submission family (armbars, kimuras, guillotines, triangles, arm triangles, heel hooks, toe holds, kneebars, omoplatas) with a four-phase approach: prevention, early escape, late escape, counter-attack. BJJ World called it “pure genius” and Jiu-Jitsu Times described it as “one of the most well-rounded systems out there.” Built on the Danaher conceptual framework but delivered in Tonon’s faster, more entertaining style.
  • Lachlan Giles (#2) earns the all-rounder spot for covering the most positions in a single set. Eight volumes span mount, side control, back, turtle, front headlock, north-south, and knee-on-belly with both gi and no-gi solutions. BJJ World gave it 5/5 and praised the mount escape organization as “never before seen.” At $77-97, the breadth-to-price ratio is unbeatable.
  • Tom DeBlass (#3) is the budget pick for beginners who need answers fast. Three volumes, $79, and coverage of all major submissions including dedicated leg lock escapes (heel hooks, Estima locks, kneebars). Adrien Breneman, a brown belt reviewer on BJJ World, rated it 5/5 and said the leg lock escapes “worked 100% for me.”

The remaining seven reviews cover specialized picks for advanced grapplers, conceptual learners, and specific submission categories.

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Which Escape Instructional Fits Your Game?

Answer 2-3 quick questions to get a personalized pick

Answer a few questions to find the right escape instructional for your game.

💧 Submission EscapesArmbars, chokes, leg locks, kimuras
💪 Positional EscapesMount, side control, back, turtle
🎯 Both / Complete SystemI want everything in one place
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Intermediate (blue-purple)
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What’s your experience level?
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Submission Escapes – Tom DeBlass
Fast crash course covering all major submissions including leg locks. 3 volumes, $79, zero filler. Consumable in a weekend.💰 BJJ World reviewer Adrien Breneman rated it 5/5.
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Edging Your Way Out – Craig Jones
Under 3 hours of practical escape solutions with Craig’s engaging style. Front headlock defense material stands out for clarity.⚡ White and blue belts implemented these within a week.
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Exit The System – Garry Tonon
The most comprehensive submission escape system available. Four-phase approach (prevention, early, late, counter) for every submission family. 10+ hours.🏆 BJJ World: “pure genius.”
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Exit The System – Garry Tonon
Complete submission escape reference organized by submission type. Covers heel hook defense from inside/outside ashi, modern leg entanglements, and conversion to counter-attacks.🏆 Jiu-Jitsu Times: “one of the most well-rounded systems out there.”
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Strangle Escapes (Pillars) – Gordon Ryan
Detailed strangle defense from the #1 no-gi grappler. Covers wrong-way triangle, reverse triangle, and side triangle escapes that most instructionals skip. Includes flowcharts.🔥 Live rolling footage plus detailed flowcharts.
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Fundamentals of Escapes – Lachlan Giles
8 volumes covering mount, side control, back, turtle, front headlock, north-south, and knee-on-belly. Gi and no-gi. Decision-tree approach.🎯 BJJ World 5/5 – best breadth-to-price ratio on the market.
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Escapes From Everywhere – Bernardo Faria
47 escapes from a 5x World Champion. Every escape connects to offense through half guard recovery. Simple, proven, budget-friendly at $79.💰 Best for half guard players.
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Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes (GFF) – John Danaher
Deepest conceptual framework for pin escapes. Two core principles (knee escapes and elbow escapes) applied systematically across every position. 10+ hours.📚 Tsavo Neal (BJJ Equipment): “the escapes work on the mats.”
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Running Man & Baby Bridge – Priit Mihkelson
Conceptual defensive posture system. Teaches WHY positions are safe, not just how to escape. Energy-efficient cycle connecting running man, turtle, and standing.💡 Chris Paines’ viral class built on these concepts.
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Escapes From Everywhere – Bernardo Faria
47 escapes covering both positional and submission defense. Gi-oriented with simple techniques from a 5x World Champion. $79.💰 BJJ World: “incredibly simple, methodological, and easy to implement.”
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Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes (GFF) – John Danaher
The gi-focused escape curriculum with the deepest conceptual framework. Covers mount, side control, north-south, and back escapes systematically.📚 Pair with Danaher’s New Wave Submission Escapes for complete coverage.
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Exit The System – Garry Tonon
Complete submission escapes. Pair with Giles’ positional escapes for a full no-gi escape library. 10+ hours of Danaher-system depth.🏆 The definitive no-gi submission escape resource.
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Fundamentals of Escapes – Lachlan Giles
Complete positional escapes. 8 volumes covering every bad position with both gi and no-gi solutions. Decision-tree approach with narrated rolling.🎯 Pair with Tonon for the ultimate escape library.
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Fundamentals of Escapes – Lachlan Giles
Covers gi AND no-gi in one set. 8 volumes, 10+ hours, decision-tree approach for every major position. The single best all-rounder for escape training.🎯 Reddit: “Giles wins on breadth… you don’t want to kill yourself watching it.”
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▲ Collapse quiz

Full Rankings: 10 Best Submission Escape Instructionals

Each review includes specific technique breakdowns, named community quotes, strengths, weaknesses with competitor comparisons, and who should (and shouldn’t) buy it.

1. Exit The System – Garry Tonon

The most comprehensive submission escape instructional on the market. Tonon covers every major submission family with a four-phase system: prevention, early escape, late escape, and counter-attack. Built on the Danaher conceptual framework but delivered in Tonon’s faster, more entertaining style.

Quick Facts

  • ⏰ 10+ hours across 8 volumes
  • 📅 Released: 2020
  • 🥋 No-Gi
  • 🎯 Blue to brown belts
  • 🕸 All Submission Escapes

What It Covers

Eight volumes organized by submission type. Volume 1 covers armbar escapes (prevention, stack defense, turning escapes). Volume 2 handles kimura and americana defense from guard, turtle, side control, and half guard. Volume 3 addresses guillotine escapes (low-elbow, high-elbow, arm-in, figure-four, standing) plus the Von Flue counter. Volume 4 covers triangle escapes at every stage including rear, inverted, and side triangles.

Volume 5 tackles arm triangles, D’Arce, anaconda, and head-and-arm choke defense. Volumes 6-7 cover the modern leg lock game: ashi garami escapes from inside and outside sankaku, heel hook defense, ankle lock escapes, toe hold defense, kneebar prevention, and calf slicer counters. Volume 8 wraps with omoplata escapes and live rolling demonstrations applying every concept.

What Makes It Stand Out

  • Four-phase structure for each submission: prevention, early escape, late escape, counter-attack. This means you always have an answer regardless of how deep you are.
  • Covers modern leg lock defense comprehensively: inside/outside ashi, heel hook defense from specific entanglements, not just generic “clear the feet” advice.
  • Danaher-system technical depth delivered in Tonon’s concise, entertaining style. BJJ Equipment noted Tonon is “shorter and more to the point than Danaher” while maintaining equivalent depth.
  • Volume 8 live rolling footage shows every concept applied under real resistance.

What the Community Says

“Exit the System has changed my entire approach to the submission game. Everything is arranged in a very logical and easy to follow way. Pure genius.”

BJJ World

“One of the most well-rounded systems out there.”

Jiu-Jitsu Times

“Really easy watch, not boring at all. Garry is a great teacher.”

Reddit r/bjj user (reported using Tonon’s turning escape to escape a coach’s armbar)

Weakness

At $197, it’s expensive and only covers submission escapes, not positional escapes. For $77-97, Lachlan Giles covers both positional and submission escapes, though with less depth per submission. No-gi only: gi practitioners miss collar choke defense and lapel-based submission escapes.

My Recommendation

Best for: Blue to brown belts who want ONE comprehensive reference for all submission escapes. No-gi competitors who need answers for modern leg lock entanglements.

Avoid if: you train primarily in the gi and need collar choke defense, or you want positional escapes (mount, side control) included. Lachlan Giles is better for that.

Pairs with: Lachlan Giles’ Fundamentals of Escapes (covers the positional escapes Tonon doesn’t touch).

2. Fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Escapes Gi & No-Gi – Lachlan Giles

The best breadth-to-price ratio in escape instructionals. Eight volumes covering every major position with both gi and no-gi solutions, organized as a decision-tree system rather than a random technique collection. Giles teaches you to read the situation and pick the right escape.

Quick Facts

  • ⏰ 10+ hours across 8 volumes
  • 📅 Released: 2021
  • 🥋 Gi and No-Gi
  • 🎯 White to purple belts
  • 🕸 Positional Escapes (All Positions)

What It Covers

Volume 1 establishes 11 fundamental escape movements: hip escape variations, bridge mechanics (5 components), and leg pendulum. Volume 2 covers back escapes with hand-fighting the RNC, choke prevention posture, hook clearing, and both gi and no-gi grip defense. Volume 3 handles turtle escapes staged from no grips through double hooks.

Volume 4 addresses front headlock escapes with hand-fighting for guillotine defense and D’Arce/anaconda prevention. Volume 5 covers side control (frame construction, crossface defense, kesa gatame, elbow and knee escape variations). Volume 6 handles north-south and knee-on-belly. Volumes 7-8 tackle low and high mount escapes, including S-mount defense, with rolling footage and voiceover narration.

What Makes It Stand Out

  • Most positions covered in a single instructional: mount, side control, back, turtle, front headlock, north-south, knee-on-belly. No competitor matches this breadth.
  • Gi AND no-gi in one set. Most escape instructionals force you to pick one format.
  • Decision-tree approach: teaches you to read the opponent’s grips and weight distribution, then choose the correct escape. Not just drilling individual moves.
  • Live rolling footage with voiceover narration connects theory to real timing and application.

What the Community Says

“The first DVD to bring together similarities and differences between Gi and No-Gi escapes. The leg fighting in mount escapes is organized in a way never before seen.”

BJJ World (5/5 rating)

“Giles wins on breadth. Recommended for white belts due to lower price and greater number of positions covered. Lachy’s videos are amazing and you also don’t want to kill yourself while watching it.”

Reddit r/bjj comparative review

“Much higher content-per-minute value and tons of details with no fillers.”

Tsavo Neal, BJJ Equipment

Weakness

Covers positions broadly rather than going deep on any single submission escape. For specific armbar or triangle escape depth, Garry Tonon’s Exit The System ($197) or Priit Mihkelson’s Hitchhiker Armbar Escape ($97) go further. Some Reddit users noted it’s less systematized than Danaher for intermediate grapplers who already know the basics.

My Recommendation

Best for: White to purple belts who want ONE instructional covering all major escape positions. Practitioners who train both gi and no-gi.

Avoid if: you’re an advanced grappler looking for in-depth coverage of specific submissions. You already escape pins fine but get caught in armbars and heel hooks specifically.

Pairs with: Garry Tonon’s Exit The System (covers the submission-specific escapes Giles doesn’t go deep on).

3. Submission Escapes – Tom DeBlass

The best budget entry point for submission defense. DeBlass packs all major submission escapes, including a dedicated leg lock volume, into 3 concise volumes at $79. No filler, no theory lectures, just high-percentage escapes from a competitor who’s famously difficult to submit.

Quick Facts

  • ⏰ ~3-4 hours across 3 volumes
  • 📅 Released: Pre-2020
  • 🥋 No-Gi (applicable in Gi)
  • 🎯 White to blue belts
  • 🕸 All Submission Escapes

What It Covers

Volume 1 covers bottom attacks: armbar escapes from guard (multiple variations), triangle escapes (basic and deep triangle defense), kimura escape from closed guard, guillotine escape from closed guard, omoplata defense (basic and advanced), kimura escape from half guard, and wrist lock prevention.

Volume 2 is a dedicated leg lock escape volume: Achilles lock escapes, heel hook escapes, inverted heel hook escapes, toe hold escapes, Estima lock escapes, kneebar escapes, and calf crank defense. Volume 3 covers top position submissions: armbar escapes from top, head and arm choke escapes, back take defense, body triangle escapes, D’Arce choke escapes, and north-south choke escapes.

What Makes It Stand Out

  • One of the few instructionals with dedicated Estima lock and inverted heel hook escapes. These submissions catch experienced grapplers off guard, and few other resources address them.
  • Concise: 3 volumes is consumable in a single weekend study session. Compare to Tonon’s 10+ hours or Danaher’s 8+ hours.
  • $79 price point makes it the best value pure submission escape instructional on the market.
  • DeBlass is a 3x ADCC Trials winner and Masters World Champion who built his competition career on being nearly impossible to submit.

What the Community Says

“The leg lock escapes worked 100% for me, specifically the inverted heel hook and Estima lock escapes.”

Adrien Breneman, BJJ Brown Belt (BJJ World, 5/5 rating)

“DeBlass has an amazing way of relaying information. The significant attention to triangle choke escapes is really useful, especially for deep triangles.”

BJJ World

Weakness

Less systematic than Tonon’s four-phase approach. Each escape is taught individually rather than connected by a conceptual framework. Older production quality (pre-2020) and no live rolling footage. Doesn’t address modern leg lock entanglements (inside/outside ashi positions) as thoroughly as Gordon Ryan’s Pillars of Defense series.

My Recommendation

Best for: White to blue belts who want a fast, affordable crash course in submission defense. Anyone facing heavy leg lock pressure who needs immediate answers.

Avoid if: you’re an advanced grappler looking for a systematic conceptual framework. Exit The System by Garry Tonon ($197) offers the Danaher-system approach that connects all escapes.

Pairs with: Lachlan Giles’ Fundamentals of Escapes (adds the positional escapes DeBlass doesn’t cover).

4. Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes: Go Further Faster – John Danaher

The deepest conceptual framework for positional escapes ever recorded. Danaher doesn’t just teach you how to escape: he explains the underlying physics and mechanics so you understand why your escapes fail and how to fix them. Two core principles (knee escapes and elbow escapes) create a memorable system that covers every pin.

Quick Facts

  • ⏰ 10+ hours across 8 volumes
  • 📅 Released: 2019
  • 🥋 Gi (principles apply to no-gi)
  • 🎯 Purple to black belts
  • 🕸 Positional Escapes (Gi)

What It Covers

Volume 1 covers escape theory: bridging mechanics (Danaher’s refined “upa” differs from traditional teaching), shrimping fundamentals, and hip heisting principles. Volume 2 handles mount escapes with 5 components of effective bridging and 7 elbow escape variations. Volumes 3-4 cover side control with 7 elbow escape variations and 10 knee escape techniques.

Volume 5 presents the general theory of framing and space creation. Volume 6 covers high leg escapes, ankle trap escapes, shoulder rolls, and spinning escapes. Volume 7 addresses north-south with three directional approaches. Volume 8 covers rear mount and turtle escapes using shoulder rolls, inside leg techniques, and turtle-to-standing transitions.

What Makes It Stand Out

  • Two core escape principles (knee escapes and elbow escapes) make the entire system easy to remember and apply under pressure. Everything maps back to these two ideas.
  • Tested by the most successful competition team in grappling history (DDS/New Wave). These are the escapes Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, and Craig Jones use.
  • Volume 5’s theory of framing and space is unlike anything else available. It explains the physics behind escape mechanics.
  • 7 elbow escape variations and 10 knee escape variations from side control alone. Unmatched depth on a single position.

What the Community Says

“There’s hardly anyone out there that can make theory and practice work together as well as Danaher can.”

BJJ World (5/5 rating)

“The escapes that John Danaher teaches in this instructional work on the mats. Long, dense, and boring textbook… when you apply the escapes on the mats, they work.”

Tsavo Neal, BJJ Equipment (4.5/5 rating)

“Danaher wins on depth. Fewer, higher-value options that hold up under pressure.”

Reddit r/bjj comparative review

Weakness

Notoriously long-winded: Danaher repeats concepts extensively and speaks slowly. Many practitioners find 10+ hours of lecture exhausting. Lachlan Giles covers similar ground in a fraction of the time with more efficient delivery. $197 for positional escapes only, with no submission escapes included. Need to also buy New Wave: Submission Escapes ($197) for complete coverage, totaling $394.

My Recommendation

Best for: Purple to black belts who want the deepest possible understanding of escape mechanics. Analytical learners who value understanding the ‘why’ behind every detail.

Avoid if: you want quick, practical escape answers without hours of theory. Tom DeBlass ($79) or Craig Jones ($197, under 3 hours) are more direct. You’re a beginner who just needs ‘what do I do when mounted?’

Pairs with: Danaher’s New Wave Submission Escapes (covers the submission defense this set doesn’t touch).

5. Pillars of Defense: Strangle Escapes – Gordon Ryan

Detailed strangle defense from the #1 no-gi grappler in the world. Gordon covers strangle types that most escape instructionals skip entirely: wrong-way triangle, reverse triangle, side triangle, and detailed rear naked choke hand-fighting. Includes live rolling footage and flowcharts.

Quick Facts

  • ⏰ ~6 hours across 8 volumes
  • 📅 Released: 2023
  • 🥋 No-Gi
  • 🎯 Intermediate to advanced no-gi grapplers
  • 🕸 Strangle Escapes (Specialized)

What It Covers

Upper body strangles: arm-in guillotine escapes at early, mid, and late stages, high-elbow guillotine defense, guillotine prevention from standing and guard, and Von Flue counter positioning. Lower body strangles: front triangle escapes (early and late), rear triangle escapes, wrong-way triangle defense, reverse triangle escapes, and side triangle escapes.

Additional strangles: D’Arce choke escapes, anaconda choke defense, rear naked choke hand-fighting defense, north-south choke escapes, and arm triangle (head and arm) escapes. Each strangle covers four phases: prevention (posture, alignment, hand positioning), early escape, late escape, and counter-attack opportunities after escaping.

What Makes It Stand Out

  • Covers strangle types nobody else teaches: wrong-way triangle, reverse triangle, and side triangle escapes are absent from Tonon’s and DeBlass’s instructionals.
  • Live rolling footage: Gordon rolls in the gym, then breaks down each sequence so you see real application alongside the reasoning.
  • Flowcharts and visual notes included as bonus material, making the content easier to study and retain.
  • Part of the larger Pillars of Defense series (9 separate instructionals), so it integrates naturally with his back escapes, pin escapes, and leg lock escapes.

What the Community Says

“A bit over 6 hours, which is a good length for watching over one weekend. A guillotine escape is very different from a triangle escape or north-south choke escape, so the organization by strangle type makes sense.”

BJJ More review

BJJ Flowcharts created dedicated decision-tree flowcharts for this instructional, confirming the content is systematic enough to map into structured escape paths.

BJJ Flowcharts

Weakness

$197 covers only strangles. For the same price, Garry Tonon’s Exit The System covers strangles PLUS armbars, kimuras, leg locks, and omoplatas across 10+ hours. Only 6 hours across 8 volumes means some volumes are short. Organization by strangle type rather than by position may frustrate practitioners who think positionally.

My Recommendation

Best for: Intermediate to advanced no-gi grapplers who specifically struggle with strangle defense. Gordon Ryan completists building a full Pillars of Defense library.

Avoid if: you need comprehensive escape coverage across all submission types. Tonon’s Exit The System ($197) covers every submission for the same price. You’re a beginner.

Pairs with: Gordon Ryan’s other Pillars of Defense sets (back escapes, pin escapes, leg lock escapes) for complete coverage.

6. Edging Your Way Out of Danger: Submission Escapes – Craig Jones

The fastest path to practical submission escapes. Craig covers the core submissions in under 3 hours with his signature humor and beginner-friendly pacing. The front headlock defense material stands out for immediate applicability.

Quick Facts

  • ⏰ 2h 53m across 4 volumes (46:13 + 51:25 + 42:33 + 33:04)
  • 📅 Released: 2023
  • 🥋 No-Gi
  • 🎯 Blue to purple belts
  • 🕸 Core Submission Escapes

What It Covers

Armbar escapes at early and late stages, arm triangle and D’Arce escapes, americana escapes, kimura escapes, omoplata escapes, guillotine escapes including front headlock defense, and triangle escapes. Craig also addresses buggy choke defense, covering a modern trendy submission that older instructionals don’t touch.

The teaching focuses on converting panic into proactive defense: recognizing the danger signs early, creating space, and transitioning to safety rather than just surviving.

What Makes It Stand Out

  • Under 3 hours total. If you want escape answers fast without committing to 10+ hours of content, this is the pick.
  • Addresses buggy choke defense, a modern submission that has caught even experienced competitors off guard. No other major escape instructional covers this.
  • Craig’s personality makes the instruction memorable. When you’re panicking under a D’Arce, you want escapes that are burned into memory, and his entertaining delivery helps with retention.
  • Late-stage escapes covered: what to do when you’re already deep in trouble, not just prevention.

What the Community Says

“Front headlock defense material stands out for clarity and beginner-friendly pacing that you can use the next day. White and blue belts implementing these sequences cleanly within a week, which is rare with escape material.”

BJJ More review

Weakness

Under 3 hours for $197 is poor cost-per-hour compared to Tonon’s 10+ hours for the same price, or DeBlass’s 3 volumes at $79. Missing leg lock escapes entirely, which is a major gap. Craig’s BDSM Jitsu branding may put off some buyers.

My Recommendation

Best for: Practitioners who want fast, practical submission escape answers without hours of theory. Craig Jones fans who value his teaching style and humor.

Avoid if: you want comprehensive coverage. Exit The System ($197) offers 10+ hours for the same price. You need leg lock escapes (get DeBlass’s $79 set or Tonon’s Exit The System instead).

Pairs with: Craig Jones’ ‘Get Off My Legs Gringo’ ($77) for the leg lock escapes this set doesn’t cover.

7. Escapes From Everywhere – Bernardo Faria

47 escapes from a 5x Black Belt World Champion who proved them against Roberto Cyborg, Leandro Lo, and Rafael Lovato. Every escape routes through half guard, Faria’s signature position, making this the ideal pick for half guard players who want their escapes to feed into their A-game.

Quick Facts

  • ⏰ ~4-5 hours across 4 volumes
  • 📅 Released: ~2016
  • 🥋 Gi (applicable in No-Gi)
  • 🎯 White to purple belts
  • 🕸 Positional + Submission Escapes

What It Covers

Volume 1: mount escape variations and transitions to half guard. Volume 2: side control frame escapes, north-south escapes (3 directional approaches), and kesa gatame escapes. Volume 3: back escape sequences, turtle recovery, and guard position escapes. Volume 4: armbar escapes, kimura escapes, omoplata escapes, and a complete submission defense system.

The connecting thread: most escapes route through half guard recovery, where Faria then launches sweeps or submissions. Every escape ties to either a transition to a dominant position or a direct submission attempt.

What Makes It Stand Out

  • 5x World Champion credentials mean these escapes are battle-tested at the absolute highest level of competition. Faria defeated Cyborg, Lo, and Lovato using this system.
  • Every escape connects to offense. You don’t just escape to neutral; you escape to half guard, then sweep or submit. This is what BJJ World called “the mark of a true world-class black belt.”
  • $79 for 47 escapes across both positional and submission defense. Outstanding value.
  • Faria’s teaching style is clear, detailed, and leaves no ambiguity. BJJ World noted he “doesn’t raise more questions than answers.”

What the Community Says

“Incredibly simple, methodological, and easy to implement. Faria doesn’t only look to escapes. He ties every escape to either a transition to a dominant position or a submission attempt.”

BJJ World

“Faria is really easy to listen to and explains everything in tremendous detail. You’d be hard-pressed to find a Faria DVD that’ll raise more questions than answers.”

BJJ World (collection review)

Weakness

Dated content (~2016): doesn’t address modern leg lock entanglements or current back control meta. Gordon Ryan’s Pillars series and Tonon’s Exit The System are more current. Heavy half guard bias means many escape paths won’t fit your game if you don’t play half guard. Lachlan Giles’ set offers more position-neutral escape destinations. Only 4 volumes compared to Giles (8) or Tonon (8) for similar or lower prices.

My Recommendation

Best for: White to purple belts who want a proven, simple escape system from a legendary competitor. Half guard players who want escapes that feed into their A-game.

Avoid if: you don’t play half guard and want position-neutral escapes. Lachlan Giles is better for that. You need modern leg lock defense.

Pairs with: Bernardo Faria’s Battle Tested Pressure Passing (builds the top game from where these escapes land you).

8. The Running Man & The Baby Bridge – Priit Mihkelson

The most innovative approach to defensive BJJ available. Priit teaches an integrated defensive cycle connecting four key postures (running man, baby bridge, hawking, turtle) that work as a system rather than isolated escape techniques. If you understand WHY positions are safe, you can defend anything.

Quick Facts

  • ⏰ ~3-4 hours across 4 volumes
  • 📅 Released: 2021
  • 🥋 Gi and No-Gi
  • 🎯 All levels (especially older/smaller grapplers)
  • 🕸 Positional Defense (Conceptual)

What It Covers

Core postures: the running man (side-lying defensive posture with bottom leg at right angles, top leg covering knee and elbow, slight shoulder elevation), the baby bridge (energy-efficient bridge-based escape from bottom side control), and hawking (transitional movement connecting turtle to running man).

Movement patterns: inverting from running man, traveling to turtle and back, offensive transitions from defensive postures, common pitfalls and how to avoid them, and energy conservation principles. The system connects running man, turtle, hawking, and standing into a continuous defensive cycle.

What Makes It Stand Out

  • Conceptual framework, not technique collection: teaches WHY positions are safe, not just HOW to escape. Once you understand the principles, you can defend positions you’ve never drilled.
  • Extremely energy-efficient. Designed for older, smaller, or less athletic practitioners who can’t rely on explosive bridging.
  • Connects defensive postures into a cycle (running man > turtle > hawking > standing) rather than teaching isolated escapes that leave you stranded.
  • Priit is considered the most innovative thinker in defensive BJJ. Chris Paines’ viral “How to Defend Everything” class at BJJ Globetrotters was built on these concepts.

What the Community Says

“Systems and concepts that seem to work universally. The running man elevates escapes to a whole new level.”

BJJ World

“Control is whoever’s in control is the person who exists to any other person’s knees and armpits.”

Seymour Yang, BJJEE (explaining Priit’s core concept)

Weakness

Does NOT cover submission escapes directly. This is purely about positional safety and pin escapes. For armbar, triangle, and choke escapes, you need Priit’s separate instructionals or someone like Tonon or DeBlass. Only 4 volumes covering a narrow scope (side control cycle). Lachlan Giles covers mount, back, side control, turtle, front headlock, north-south, and knee-on-belly across 8 volumes for a similar price. Priit’s unconventional teaching style may not click with practitioners who want step-by-step instructions.

My Recommendation

Best for: Practitioners who constantly get pinned in side control and can’t escape. Older or smaller grapplers who need energy-efficient survival tactics. Conceptual thinkers who want to understand defensive principles.

Avoid if: you need specific submission escape techniques. You want step-by-step ‘do this, then this’ instructions. Lachlan Giles or Tom DeBlass are more direct.

Pairs with: Priit’s Hitchhiker Armbar Escape (adds armbar-specific depth) and Grilled Chicken (guard retention using the same conceptual framework).

9. New Wave Jiu-Jitsu: A New Philosophy of Submission Escapes – John Danaher

Danaher’s system for converting submission defense directly into counter-attacks. This is the submission escape companion to his Pin Escapes set. Built on the same methodology that produced the most successful submission grapplers in history, with modern content addressing ashi garami defense and current meta.

Quick Facts

  • ⏰ ~8-10 hours across 8 volumes
  • 📅 Released: 2022
  • 🥋 No-Gi focused
  • 🎯 Purple to black belts
  • 🕸 All Submission Escapes (Conceptual)

What It Covers

Eight volumes covering all major submission families: guillotine escapes (arm-in, high-elbow, standing), triangle escapes (front, rear, side), armbar escapes (straight arm defense), kimura and americana defense, ashi garami and heel hook defense and counters.

The core philosophy is converting submission defense into counter-attack positions. Danaher doesn’t just teach you to survive; he teaches you to turn the escape into an offensive opportunity.

What Makes It Stand Out

  • Philosophy of converting escape to attack is a genuine mindset shift. Most escape instructionals teach survival; Danaher teaches you to come out on top.
  • Addresses current meta including ashi garami defense, modern back control, and heel hook counters.
  • Built on the same methodology used by Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, and Craig Jones.
  • Pairs naturally with the companion Pin Escapes set for complete coverage of every bad position.

What the Community Says

“Danaher’s approach of converting escape to attack is a mindset shift.”

Tsavo Neal, BJJ Equipment (4.5/5 for companion set)

Weakness

$197 covers only submission escapes. Need the companion Positional Escapes set ($197) for complete coverage, totaling $394. Compare that to Tonon’s Exit The System ($197) which covers all submissions in a single purchase with more entertaining delivery. Dense and slow delivery style requires significant time investment.

My Recommendation

Best for: Danaher system completists who already own the Pin Escapes set. Advanced practitioners who want the deepest conceptual understanding of submission defense with counter-attack integration.

Avoid if: you want a single purchase that covers everything. Tonon’s Exit The System ($197) covers the same submission families with more efficient delivery. You’re a beginner.

Pairs with: Danaher’s Pin Escapes and Turtle Escapes (Go Further Faster) for complete positional + submission coverage.

10. Reverse and Regular Hitchhiker Armbar Escape – Priit Mihkelson

An ultra-focused study of armbar escapes. 2.5 hours entirely on one submission type means unmatched depth on early, mid, and late-stage armbar defense. The reverse hitchhiker (escaping in the opposite direction from traditional) is a genuine innovation not taught elsewhere.

Quick Facts

  • ⏰ 2h 37m across 4 volumes
  • 📅 Released: 2022
  • 🥋 Gi and No-Gi
  • 🎯 Blue to black belts
  • 🕸 Armbar Escapes (Specialized)

What It Covers

Classic hitchhiker armbar escape (traditional direction), reverse hitchhiker armbar escape (Priit’s innovation escaping in the opposite direction), early-stage armbar defense (before arm is fully extended), mid-stage armbar escapes, and late-stage armbar escapes (arm nearly locked out).

Also covers angle manipulation principles, baby bridge application within armbar defense, various elbow slipping options, and converting failed armbar defense to top position.

What Makes It Stand Out

  • The reverse hitchhiker is a genuine innovation. Escaping in the opposite direction from traditional teaching catches armbar specialists off guard.
  • Covers all phases (early/mid/late) so you have answers regardless of when you start defending.
  • Teaches conversion to top position after escaping, not just surviving the armbar.
  • 2.5 hours of laser focus on one submission. Unmatched depth.

What the Community Says

“The best armbar escape ever.”

BJJ World (dedicated article on the hitchhiker technique)

Weakness

Extremely narrow scope: only covers armbars. For $97 you get 2.5 hours on one submission, while Garry Tonon’s Exit The System ($197) covers armbars PLUS kimuras, guillotines, triangles, arm triangles, heel hooks, kneebars, toe holds, and omoplatas across 10+ hours. Need to buy multiple Priit instructionals for comprehensive coverage (this + Running Man + Grilled Chicken = $250+).

My Recommendation

Best for: Anyone who consistently gets caught in armbars. Advanced practitioners looking for the reverse hitchhiker innovation. Priit Mihkelson system practitioners expanding their collection.

Avoid if: you need comprehensive escape coverage. For a single submission type, $97 for 2.5 hours is a higher cost-per-hour than most alternatives.

Pairs with: Priit’s Running Man and Baby Bridge (adds the positional defensive framework) and his Grilled Chicken (guard retention).

Pricing & Deals

BJJ Fanatics runs frequent sales (Black Friday, New Year, summer) with discounts of 40-60%. The $197 instructionals regularly drop to $98-120 during these events. Sign up for their email list to catch sales.

InstructionalInstructorPriceVolumesRuntimeFocusBest Level
Exit The SystemGarry Tonon$197810+ hrsAll submissionsBlue-Brown
Fundamentals of EscapesLachlan Giles$77-97810+ hrsAll positions (Gi/No-Gi)White-Purple
Submission EscapesTom DeBlass$793~3-4 hrsAll submissionsWhite-Blue
Pin Escapes & Turtle (GFF)John Danaher$197810+ hrsPositional escapes (Gi)Purple-Black
Strangle Escapes (Pillars)Gordon Ryan$1978~6 hrsStrangles onlyBlue-Black
Edging Your Way OutCraig Jones$1974~3 hrsCore submissionsBlue-Purple
Escapes From EverywhereBernardo Faria$794~4-5 hrsAll positions + subsWhite-Purple
Running Man & Baby BridgePriit Mihkelson~$774~3-4 hrsPositional defenseAll levels
New Wave Submission EscapesJohn Danaher$1978~8-10 hrsAll submissionsPurple-Black
Hitchhiker Armbar EscapePriit Mihkelson$9742h 37mArmbars onlyBlue-Black

Glossary

  • Hitchhiker escape: Armbar escape where you rotate toward the attacker’s feet, sliding your arm free by turning your body. The “reverse hitchhiker” goes in the opposite direction.
  • Von Flue choke: Counter-choke applied from top side control against an opponent holding a guillotine grip. Named after Jason Von Flue.
  • Ashi garami: Leg entanglement positions used to attack with heel hooks, toe holds, and kneebars. “Inside” and “outside” variants refer to which side of the body your legs control.
  • Hand-fighting: Grip fighting to prevent or break choke and submission grips, especially relevant for RNC defense and guillotine prevention.
  • Running man: Priit Mihkelson’s side-lying defensive posture with specific leg and arm positioning that creates a safe home base for escaping pins.
  • Baby bridge: Energy-efficient bridging escape from bottom side control, part of Priit Mihkelson’s defensive cycle system.
  • Four-phase escape: Garry Tonon’s approach to each submission: prevention (before the attack), early escape (attack initiated but not locked), late escape (submission nearly finished), and counter-attack.
  • Decision-tree escapes: Lachlan Giles’ approach of reading the opponent’s grips and weight distribution to choose the correct escape path, rather than drilling individual techniques in isolation.
  • Estima lock: Footlock applied by twisting the foot against the forearm, typically caught during guard passing. Named after Braulio Estima.
  • Pin escape vs. submission escape: Pin escapes get you out of bad positions (mount, side control). Submission escapes defend against specific attacks (armbars, chokes). Complete defense requires both.

FAQ – Submission Escape Instructionals

What is the best submission escape instructional for beginners?

Tom DeBlass’s Submission Escapes ($79) is the best starting point. It covers all major submissions including leg locks in 3 concise volumes. For positional escapes (mount, side control, back), Lachlan Giles’ Fundamentals of Escapes ($77-97) covers every position with beginner-friendly pacing.

Should I learn positional escapes or submission escapes first?

Positional escapes first. You face pins (mount, side control) far more often than deep submissions as a beginner. Lachlan Giles’ set covers both in one package, but if you can only pick one focus, positional escapes give you more mileage early on.

Is Danaher’s escape instructional worth it?

For advanced grapplers who want deep conceptual understanding, yes. Danaher’s Pin Escapes (Go Further Faster) has the deepest framework for WHY escapes work. But it’s 10+ hours of dense, lecture-heavy content. Beginners and intermediate grapplers get more value from Lachlan Giles ($77-97) or Tom DeBlass ($79).

What submission escapes should white belts learn first?

Armbar escapes, rear naked choke defense, and mount escapes. These are the three submissions and positions you’ll face most often. Tom DeBlass’s $79 set covers all three, and Lachlan Giles covers the positional side in detail.

Is Exit The System by Garry Tonon still relevant?

Yes. The principles of submission escape don’t change as fast as attacking techniques. Tonon’s four-phase approach (prevention, early escape, late escape, counter-attack) is timeless. The leg lock defense sections covering ashi garami and heel hooks are especially current.

How do Garry Tonon and John Danaher’s escape sets compare?

Tonon covers all submission families in one 10+ hour set for $197 with efficient, entertaining delivery. Danaher splits his content into two separate sets (Pin Escapes $197 + Submission Escapes $197 = $394) with deeper conceptual framework but slower, more verbose delivery. Tonon for practical application, Danaher for conceptual mastery.

Do I need separate instructionals for gi and no-gi escapes?

Not necessarily. Lachlan Giles’ Fundamentals of Escapes covers both gi and no-gi in one set. Most escape principles transfer between formats. Grip-specific adjustments are needed for collar chokes (gi only) and certain leg lock entries, but the body mechanics are the same.

What’s the best escape instructional for leg lock defense?

Garry Tonon’s Exit The System has the most comprehensive leg lock escape coverage: Volumes 6-7 cover inside/outside ashi garami, heel hooks, ankle locks, toe holds, kneebars, and calf slicers. Tom DeBlass ($79) also includes dedicated leg lock escapes including Estima lock and inverted heel hook defense.

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