The most useful turtle-position instructionals on BJJ Fanatics, ranked by community reception, system quality, and value. Pick the right course for your style and belt.
Systematically Attacking the Turtle Position
A complete no-gi system to break, control, and finish the turtle reliably.
The Turtle Guard Revisited
Bottom turtle done right: survive, counter, and come on top.
Protecting & Generating Dynamic Offense From The Turtle
Make turtle safe with posture, frames, and timing before you attack.
📋 Jump to a review (Click to expand)
🥋 #1 Systematically Attacking the Turtle Position by Gordon Ryan
Instructor: Gordon Ryan
Style: System Based
Best for: Advanced
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 9 hours and 11 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Break down before finishing
Techniques: Back Takes, Crucifix, Clock Choke
- The Roger Gracie Turtle Attack System – Fundamental gi-first attacks with crisp control for all belts.
- Crack The Turtle – Front headlock and wrestling-flavored offense for no-gi.
- Attacking & Defending The Turtle – Budget-friendly top-and-bottom essentials from an Olympic medalist.
You learn a structured attack chain from breakdown to back takes and chokes. You get precise control mechanics that fit modern pressure passing. You will not get gi-specific lapel attacks or beginner pacing.
✅ Pros
- The most coherent top-turtle finish system available, with tight details.
- Excellent chaining from breakdowns into hooks, crucifix, and chokes.
- Pairs well with passing systems to manufacture turtle reliably.
⚠️ Cons
- The highest price tag on this list limits accessibility.
- Limited guidance on forcing turtle from standing or scrambles.
- Pacing assumes advanced no-gi familiarity and strong cardio.
💡 I ranked this first because it delivers a real, testable system for finishing turtle that scales to competition intensity. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 The Turtle Guard Revisited by Eduardo Telles
Instructor: Eduardo Telles
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Volumes: 2
Biggest takeaway: Turn turtle into offense
Techniques: Seatbelt Defense, Steamroller, Leg Trap
- The Naked Turtle - No-gi take on Telles-style turtle with modern tweaks.
- Protecting & Generating Dynamic Offense From The Turtle - Conceptual defense-first approach to pair with Telles offense.
- Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes: Go Further Faster - Structured escapes to build around Telles-style recoveries.
You learn seatbelt counters, steamroller variations, and key transitions. You get a veteran's blueprint for turning turtle into offense. You will not get deep no-gi headlock-wrestling coverage.
✅ Pros
- Proven concepts from the turtle pioneer with enduring relevance.
- Covers the seatbelt battle and safe paths back to offense.
- Strong value pricing for a position many schools under-teach.
⚠️ Cons
- Shorter runtime and older production than newer releases.
- Grip-dependent sequences may need no-gi substitutions.
- Less front headlock emphasis compared to wrestling-focused sets.
💡 I put this second because Telles gives you the best starting framework to actually trust bottom turtle in gi rounds. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #3 Protecting & Generating Dynamic Offense From The Turtle by Priit Mihkelson
Instructor: Priit Mihkelson
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 38 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Defense first, offense later
Techniques: Posture, Hand Fighting, Guard Recovery
- The Sitting Turtle - Priit's panda-style entries and counters built on the same principles.
- Crack The Turtle - More aggressive no-gi offense to complement Priit's defense.
- The Turtle Guard Revisited - Add classic gi offense once you feel safe in turtle.
You learn how to stop the harness, truck, and common chokes. You get frames and movement that buy time and paths back to guard or stand-ups. You will not get a full offense curriculum.
✅ Pros
- Covers the scariest threats to bottom turtle with clear priorities.
- Principles apply in both gi and no-gi without big athletic demands.
- Great companion to offense-driven or wrestling-focused courses.
⚠️ Cons
- Light on proactive submissions despite the title.
- Shorter runtime; some sections feel disjointed.
- Less appealing to students who prefer fixed sequences.
💡 I rated this high because it fixes the fear of turtling, which unlocks every other turtle system. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 The Roger Gracie Turtle Attack System by Roger Gracie
Instructor: Roger Gracie
Style: System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 44 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Hooks before finishes
Techniques: Clock Choke, Back Takes, Crucifix
- Systematically Attacking the Turtle Position - Advanced no-gi finishing system after the breakdown.
- Attacking & Defending The Turtle - Budget gi option for practical attacks and defenses.
You learn how to open stubborn turtles and secure hooks. You get fundamental chokes and crucifix paths that scale to all belts. You will not get no-gi headlock wrestling.
✅ Pros
- Elite fundamentals explained simply with high retention.
- Strong system for hook acquisition and control sequencing.
- Perfect teaching reference for fundamentals-driven gyms.
⚠️ Cons
- Gi-only focus limits direct application for no-gi specialists.
- Less creative flair than Glover-style sets.
- Not aimed at scramble-heavy or MMA contexts.
💡 I ranked it this high because sound fundamentals from legends stay relevant forever. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 Crack The Turtle by Neil Melanson
Instructor: Neil Melanson
Style: System Based
Best for: Advanced
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 8 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Break posture, cycle threats
Techniques: Front Headlock, Gator Choke, Tilts
- Attacking The Turtle Guard With Wrestlers For BJJ - Budget-friendly wrestling breakdowns and cradle chains.
- Attacking the Turtle Made Easy - Simpler entries and finishes with coaching cues.
You learn to weaponize front headlocks and rides to break turtles. You get tilts, go-behinds, and finishes that deny guard. You will not get gi-specific grips or gentle pacing.
✅ Pros
- Comprehensive headlock system for both top and bottom interactions.
- Excellent at preventing opponents from recovering guard.
- Practical crossover for MMA and wrestling backgrounds.
⚠️ Cons
- Some moves feel size or strength biased if poorly timed.
- Terminology and flow can overwhelm newer belts.
- Minimal gi applications included.
💡 I placed it mid-top because it fills the headlock gap most turtle sets ignore. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 Attacking the Turtle Made Easy by Firas Zahabi
Instructor: Firas Zahabi
Style: System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 18 minutes
Volumes: 2
Biggest takeaway: Keep it simple
Techniques: Seatbelt Control, Breakdowns, Rear Naked Choke
- Attacking & Defending The Turtle - Gi-friendly breakdowns at a lower price.
- Systematically Attacking the Turtle Position - Upgrade path for advanced competitors.
You learn clean breakdowns, seatbelt usage, and high-percentage finishes. You get coach-style cues that translate for busy hobbyists. You will not get mega-set depth or gi-specific material.
✅ Pros
- Concise roadmap that helps you implement fast.
- Great emphasis on control before submission attempts.
- Affordable and easy to finish in a weekend.
⚠️ Cons
- Limited scope compared to comprehensive systems.
- Mostly no-gi; fewer lapel options.
- Advanced competitors may need more nuance on entries.
💡 I slotted this here because it gives you fast wins without homework overload. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 Attacking & Defending The Turtle by Travis Stevens
Instructor: Travis Stevens
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 23 minutes
Volumes: 2
Biggest takeaway: Break down before choking
Techniques: Clock Choke, Reverse Triangle, Roll Escapes
- Attacking the Turtle Made Easy - Simpler no-gi path if you avoid lapels.
- The Roger Gracie Turtle Attack System - Fundamental gi control and finishing details.
You learn practical breakdowns, triangles, and classic turtle chokes. You get quick bottom escapes to avoid back exposure. You will not get deep no-gi coverage or long-form theory.
✅ Pros
- Low price with competition-tested techniques.
- Good balance of offense and defense for gi.
- Easy to finish and review quickly.
⚠️ Cons
- Short; lacks exhaustive system depth.
- Gi focus limits direct no-gi use.
- Pacing can feel rushed for newer students.
💡 I recommend this as a low-cost way to cover both sides of turtle in the gi. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 The Turtle System by Henry Akins
Instructor: Henry Akins
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 4 hours and 4 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Connection beats strength
Techniques: Stand Ups, Arm Traps, Clock Choke
- The Turtle Guard Revisited - Cheaper starting point for bottom turtle.
- Systematically Attacking the Turtle Position - Upgrade option for no-gi finish depth.
You learn escapes, reversals, and classic gi finishes. You get old-school mechanics that work without explosiveness. You will not get ultra-modern no-gi meta or bargain pricing.
✅ Pros
- Grounded fundamentals that reduce reliance on attributes.
- Includes both defense and offense for a rounded turtle game.
- Strong teaching clarity on timing and base.
⚠️ Cons
- Premium pricing compared to alternatives.
- Methodical delivery may feel slow to some.
- Fewer cutting-edge no-gi tactics.
💡 I included this for practitioners who want timeless connection-based fundamentals in one place. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #9 Slow and Steady Turtle Position by Jeff Glover
Instructor: Jeff Glover
Style: Technique Collection
Best for: Advanced
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 18 minutes
Volumes: 2
Biggest takeaway: Surprise with angles
Techniques: Crucifix, Headlock Attacks, Guard Re Entries
- The Turtle Guard Revisited - Classic base if you want less experimentation.
- Crack The Turtle - Headlock-heavy alternative for structured offense.
You learn unorthodox crucifix and headlock routes plus bottom escapes. You get ideas that spark experimentation and flow. You will not get lapel-heavy gi chains or rigid sequencing.
✅ Pros
- Inventive sequences that expand your attacking vocabulary.
- Good coverage of bottom survival in scramble tempo.
- Entertaining style that keeps drilling fresh.
⚠️ Cons
- Lower-percentage feel without careful timing.
- Less structure than system-first instructionals.
- Not ideal for gi-lapel specialists.
💡 I recommend this for advanced players who thrive on creativity after mastering basics. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #10 Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes: Go Further Faster by John Danaher
Instructor: John Danaher
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 11 hours and 57 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Escape structure matters
Techniques: Turtle Escapes, Hand Fighting, Stand Ups
- Protecting & Generating Dynamic Offense From The Turtle - Shorter defense-first option with quick wins.
- The Turtle Guard Revisited - Add offensive turtle once escapes feel solid.
You learn structured escapes and anti-choke priorities. You get habits that prevent back exposure and return to guard. You will not get a full offense system from turtle.
✅ Pros
- Clear fundamentals that protect newer belts fast.
- Principle-based method translates to many positions.
- Depth and repetition improve retention.
⚠️ Cons
- Long runtime and dense explanations.
- Less focus on proactive attacks.
- Higher price than shorter courses.
💡 I included this for students who must fix survival before offense. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #11 Attacking The Turtle Guard With Wrestlers For BJJ by Casey Lamb
Instructor: Casey Lamb
Style: Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 5 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Rides force openings
Techniques: Cradles, Half Nelson, Go Behinds
- Crack The Turtle - More complete headlock-and-ride system.
- The Roger Gracie Turtle Attack System - Cleaner gi fundamentals for top turtle.
You learn cradle and nelson chains that expose the back. You get breakdowns that fit no-gi rounds. You will not get polished production or much bottom turtle content.
✅ Pros
- Useful adaptation of wrestling breakdowns to BJJ turtles.
- Solid chain ideas into back exposure and submissions.
- Good price for four volumes of niche material.
⚠️ Cons
- Thin independent reviews; adoption uncertainty.
- Niche language may slow learning for non-wrestlers.
- Little guidance for bottom turtle defense.
💡 I included this as a niche option for wrestlers who want BJJ-specific turtle breakdowns. Recommendation: Skip.
How to pick a turtle instructional for gi vs no-gi
If you mainly roll gi, prioritize lapel-aware control and seatbelt battles, like Roger Gracie or Telles. For no-gi, headlocks, rides, and tilts matter more, like Melanson or Gordon Ryan. If turtle scares you, start with defense-first sets (Danaher or Priit), then layer offense. Wrestlers often prefer ride-based breakdowns (cradles, half-nelsons), while creative players enjoy crucifix and unorthodox entries (Glover). Pricewise, shorter focused sets can be finished fast, but large systems give more depth if you will study consistently.
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