A data-driven ranking of the most useful Tom DeBlass instructionals on BJJFanatics, based on r/bjj sentiment, applicability, structure, and teaching quality.
Half Guard Domination 2.0
A complete gi-focused half guard system that builds structure, counters passes, and links to deep half and ashi entries.
Framing Domination and Guard Recovery
A succinct guard-retention course that teaches frames, knee shield, and re-guards you can use tonight.
The Butterfly Half Guard
Turn half-butterfly into fast off-balances, leg attacks, and back takes without sacrificing safety.
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🥋 #1 Half Guard Domination 2.0 by Tom DeBlass
Instructor: Tom DeBlass
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 3 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Frames before attacks
Techniques: Half Guard, Guard Recovery, Deep Half
- Lachlan Giles – Half Guard Anthology – Broader troubleshooting and linked guards.
- John Danaher – New Wave Half Guard – Deep conceptual framework and problem solving.
- Jake McKenzie – Deep Half Guard – Reverse/deep-half specifics and entries.
You will learn a structured half guard that survives pressure and creates sweeps. You will connect deep half, x-guard, and ashi entries safely. You will not get a sprawling move dump without context.
✅ Pros
- Well-organized system that covers both top and bottom half guard.
- Clear gi grip paths to choke threat, ashi, and back exposure.
- Recovery chapters keep you safe when flattened or leg-weaved.
⚠️ Cons
- Less no-gi material than other DeBlass sets.
- Not as encyclopedic as some anthology-style courses.
- Assumes basic half-guard familiarity for best results.
💡 I rate this highest because it marries structure with clear counters, letting you actually hold half guard long enough to launch offense. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Framing Domination and Guard Recovery by Tom DeBlass
Instructor: Tom DeBlass
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 58 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Frames win time
Techniques: Framing, Guard Retention, Knee Shield
- Lachlan Giles - Guard Retention Anthology – Deepest dive and broader scenarios.
- Rafa Mendes - Framing the Guard (AOJ+) – Elite framing concepts and drills.
You will learn frames that stop pressure and restore guard. You will focus on principles that scale to gi or no-gi. You will not get a bloated, meandering series.
✅ Pros
- Short and actionable with clear priorities.
- Excellent knee-shield usage for retention and offense setup.
- Strong value for time-poor practitioners.
⚠️ Cons
- Less coverage of late-stage passing crises.
- Not position-encyclopedic by design.
- Assumes basic guard movement literacy.
💡 I like how it gives you a defend-first map so your guard stops leaking before you add complex systems. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #3 The Butterfly Half Guard by Tom DeBlass
Instructor: Tom DeBlass
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 27 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Half to legs fast
Techniques: Butterfly Half, Ashi Garami, Back Takes
- Adam Wardzinski - Butterfly Guard (No-Gi) – Butterfly-first players who want more depth.
- Mikey Musumeci - Gi Half-Butterfly Concepts – Gi-focused lapel and sleeve connections.
You will learn to create kuzushi from half-butterfly and threaten legs or back. You will connect arm drags, hip heists, and entries cleanly. You will not get redundant half-guard basics.
✅ Pros
- Clear path from shield to underhook to legs.
- Teaches safe reactions to common pressure passes.
- Gi or no-gi friendly mechanics.
⚠️ Cons
- Overlap if you already own multiple DeBlass half sets.
- Less late-escape detail than a retention-focused course.
- Not aimed at total beginners.
💡 I like how it gives you reliable off-balances that funnel straight to x-guard or ashi without overcomplication. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 Half Domination by Tom DeBlass
Instructor: Tom DeBlass
Style: System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 31 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Safety to offense
Techniques: Half Guard, Underhook, Reversals
- Bernardo Faria - Battle Tested Half Guard – Pressure-based half-guard options.
- Paul Schreiner - Half Guard (Digitsu) – Concept-explanations and leg-bundle ideas.
You will learn shield and underhook mechanics that hold up in live rounds. You will build simple reversals before fancy chains. You will not get distracted by low-percentage fluff.
✅ Pros
- Still one of the most accessible half-guard blueprints.
- Good fundamentals for flattening prevention and first sweeps.
- Holds value as a foundational reference.
⚠️ Cons
- Older production feel versus newer sets.
- Less advanced troubleshooting than anthology-style products.
- Playback issues reported on older devices.
💡 I think of this as the half-guard baseline: build frames, deny passes, earn your reversals. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 Middle Aged BJJ by Tom DeBlass
Instructor: Tom DeBlass
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 16 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Slow it down
Techniques: Tempo Control, Pressure Passing, Half Guard
- Bernardo Faria - Jiu Jitsu for Old Guys – Pressure-first approach for masters athletes.
- John Danaher - Ageless Jiu Jitsu – Conceptual framework for longevity.
You will learn tempo control and frames that protect joints. You will favor positions that age well. You will not chase explosive meta that punishes recovery.
✅ Pros
- Clear principles that scale to any body type.
- Helps reduce injury risk while keeping offense alive.
- Pairs well with Half Guard Domination.
⚠️ Cons
- Not targeted at tournament-specific meta.
- Less leglock depth than specialist courses.
- Won’t satisfy athletes seeking heavy conditioning.
💡 I like how it reframes winning as controlling tempo and distance, which is exactly what older hobbyists need. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 Deep Half Guard Domination by Tom DeBlass
Instructor: Tom DeBlass
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 3 hours and 1 minute
Biggest takeaway: Smash to entry
Techniques: Deep Half, Waiter Sweep, X Guard
- Jake McKenzie - Deep Half Guard – Highly specialized deep-half detail.
- Ryan Hall - Deep Half Guard – Foundational deep-half concepts and reps.
You will learn structured entries when knee-sliced or flattened. You will chain to waiter sweeps and back takes. You will not get only bottom work; top counters are included.
✅ Pros
- Entries timed against common pressure sequences.
- Good mix of reversals and leg chains.
- Includes anti-deep-half material from top.
⚠️ Cons
- Learning curve if you avoid being underneath.
- Less beginner-friendly than standard half.
- Fewer gi-specific grip trees.
💡 I like how it demystifies when to go deep-half: after pressure triggers predictable reactions. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 Kimura Domination by Tom DeBlass
Instructor: Tom DeBlass
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 18 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Grips create offense
Techniques: Kimura, Kimura Trap, Half Guard Kimura
- Danaher - Kimura System – Very deep mechanics and counters.
- Neil Melanson - Kimura Trap – Aggressive top/bottom kimura chains.
You will develop grip paths that survive bad positions. You will use kimura to sweep, submit, or enter legs. You will not get a narrow, one-position approach.
✅ Pros
- Kimura access from many common positions.
- Good for hobbyists needing one reliable chain.
- Includes transitions to leg attacks.
⚠️ Cons
- Not as encyclopedic as multi-volume kimura systems.
- Less drilling structure than drill-heavy courses.
- Assumes basic submission safety knowledge.
💡 I like that it re-frames kimura as a control system, not just a finish. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 Closed Guard Domination by Tom DeBlass
Instructor: Tom DeBlass
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Beginner
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 18 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Break posture early
Techniques: Closed Guard, Posture Breaks, Hip Bump
- John Danaher - Closed Guard (New Wave) – Deep no-gi posture breaking and wedges.
- Shawn Williams - Williams Guard – Overhook closed-guard pathway.
You will learn to hold posture down and create simple sweep threats. You will mix collar or wrist control with hip angles. You will not get an encyclopedic attack tree.
✅ Pros
- Teaches usable posture breaks and re-guarding.
- Appropriate starting point for many gyms.
- Pairs well with kimura and armbar chains.
⚠️ Cons
- Less advanced chaining than specialized closed-guard systems.
- Not focused on lapel trickery.
- Some prefer open guard emphasis.
💡 I like it as a curriculum-friendly baseline that gives beginners structure fast. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #9 Submission Escapes by Tom DeBlass
Instructor: Tom DeBlass
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Beginner
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 58 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Positions before moves
Techniques: Armbar Escapes, Triangle Escapes, Guillotine Escapes
- Garry Tonon - Exit the System – Layered escape sequences and counters.
- Lachlan Giles - Escapes (Gi/No-Gi) – Detailed frames and late-stage survival.
You will learn high-percentage escape mechanics for frequent subs. You will rebuild frames and threaten counter offense. You will not get a dense theory course.
✅ Pros
- Beginner-friendly survival positions that reduce panic.
- Covers most common submissions encountered early.
- Short path to re-attack keeps you proactive.
⚠️ Cons
- Less conceptual depth than elite escape systems.
- Experienced grapplers will outgrow it.
- No-gi bias may require gi adaptation.
💡 I like how it triages danger first, then gives you one good re-attack so you leave the position ahead. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #10 Leg Attack Domination by Tom DeBlass
Instructor: Tom DeBlass
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Beginner
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 39 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Safety-first entries
Techniques: Single Leg X, Outside Ashi, Straight Ankle Lock
- Craig Jones - Down Under Leg Attacks – Faster to implement and updated meta.
- Rob Biernacki & Stephan Kesting - Modern Leglock Formula – Conceptual depth and defenses.
You will learn core control and simple finishes. You will keep defense in mind while entering ashi safely. You will not get cutting-edge heel-hook meta depth.
✅ Pros
- Approachable for gym use and safety.
- Connects to passing to avoid leglock tunnel vision.
- Good stepping-stone before advanced systems.
⚠️ Cons
- Shallow versus modern leglock encyclopedias.
- Less focus on inside heel hooks and 50/50.
- Advanced players will outgrow quickly.
💡 I recommend this only if you want a gentle start; specialists should choose a deeper system. Recommendation: Skip.
How we ranked DeBlass instructionals fairly
We weighted r/bjj reception most (roughly 40 percent), then judged structure and cohesion (20 percent), applicability to common students and formats (15 percent), instructor authority (15 percent), and production clarity (10 percent). Where threads conflicted, we prioritized specific, firsthand comments over generalities and weighted newer posts higher. If we could not verify details like runtime or volume count, we left them blank and noted it in data quality.
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