Most BJJ players avoid standup. They pull guard, accept bottom, and hope for the best. That works until someone pins you flat and rides out the clock. Wrestling fixes that gap, but the wrong instructional wastes your money on moves that get you guillotined or injure your training partners.
I reviewed every wrestling instructional on BJJ Fanatics, cross-referenced community feedback from r/bjj and BJJ World, and ranked the 9 best options by teaching quality, BJJ applicability, value, and instructor credentials. Each pick below includes named community quotes, specific technique breakdowns, and honest weaknesses that name competing products.
Last updated: March 2026
#1 Pick – Best Overall
The Grappling Continuum – Shawn Williams
Complete system linking wrestling tie-ups to BJJ finishes, passes, and back takes. Includes an entire volume on injury prevention.
- System-first: ties every wrestling move to a BJJ end position
- Full volume on safe practice and injury prevention
- Collaboration with NCAA wrestling coaches
Density requires rewatching before techniques stick
Check Price
#2 Pick – Best for Mat Control
Wrestling For BJJ – Hudson Taylor
Pin-heavy approach from the #5 NCAA pinner of all time. Cradles, leg rides, and mat wrestling that demolish turtle players.
- Unique pin and cradle system for breaking turtle
- Won BJJ Worlds at blue belt after 6 months of training
- Covers ground control, not just takedowns
Folkstyle pinning focus may not translate to no-gi submission grappling as cleanly
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#3 Pick – Best for Gi
Effective Wrestling For Gi Jiu-Jitsu – Adam Wheeler
The only gi-specific wrestling instructional. Olympic bronze medalist teaching ankle picks, spiral rides, and the Wheeler-Tine guillotine.
- Only gi-specific wrestling instructional available
- Olympic Greco-Roman bronze medalist + BJJ black belt
- 5 different finishes from spiral ride position
Shortest runtime on the list at 1h 28m
Check PriceWhy these 3?
Shawn Williams (#1) earned the top spot because his system goes beyond takedowns. He connects collar-and-elbow ties to finishes, passes, sweeps, and back exposure in a single curriculum. The collaboration with NCAA coach Zack Esposito adds wrestling credibility, and the dedicated safety volume (Part 5) is something no other instructional offers. Ognen Dzabirski at BJJ World gave it a 9/10 and praised how it “goes beyond standard takedown instruction.”
Hudson Taylor (#2) brings a unique pin-heavy approach. As a 3-time NCAA Division I All-American with the 5th most pins in NCAA history, his mat wrestling content is unmatched. He won IBJJF Worlds at blue belt after just 6 months of BJJ, proving his techniques transfer. The cradle and leg ride material specifically targets the turtle position, which most wrestling instructionals ignore.
Adam Wheeler (#3) fills a gap nobody else covers: gi-specific wrestling. As an Olympic Greco-Roman bronze medalist and Carlos Machado black belt, he understands how gi grips change everything about takedowns. His spiral ride series (5 different finishes from one position) is unique, and at $79, the value is hard to beat.
The remaining 6 instructionals are ranked by specific strengths: Pixley for distance management, Cox for budget value, Glover for BJJ-first wrestling integration, Koulikov for sambo-influenced techniques, Melanson for competition-tested systems, and Sonnen for chain wrestling and leg rides.
Answer a few questions to find the right wrestling instructional for your game.
Full Rankings: 9 Best Wrestling Instructionals for BJJ
1. The Grappling Continuum: Wrestling Techniques, Jiu Jitsu Purpose – Shawn Williams
A Renzo Gracie black belt teams up with NCAA wrestling coaches to build the most complete wrestling-for-BJJ system available. Six parts covering stance, grip fighting, guard wrestling, attacks, injury prevention, and mastery.
Quick Facts
- ⏰ 3h 39m across 6 volumes
- 📅 Released: 2024
- 🥋 Both (gi and no-gi applicable)
- 🎯 All levels
- 🕸 Complete Wrestling System
- 💰 $147
What It Covers
Williams starts with stance and optimal positioning, then moves to collar-and-elbow ties, wrist control, and hand-fighting drills. Parts 3 and 4 cover arm drags from guard, head snaps, ankle picks, and 2-on-1 grip series with angle-based entries. Part 5 is dedicated entirely to injury prevention with safer alternatives for problematic techniques. Part 6 ties it all together with turtle breakdowns, single-leg finishes, and submission setups flowing directly from takedowns.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Entire volume (Part 5) dedicated to injury prevention and safe practice
- System-first approach: every wrestling move connects to a BJJ end position
- Collaboration with NCAA champ coach Zack Esposito and Warren Stout adds real wrestling depth
- Covers feet-to-floor AND mat follow-ups, not just isolated takedowns
What the Community Says
“Goes beyond standard takedown instruction to offer comprehensive wrestling integration for BJJ.”
– Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World, 9/10
Weakness
At $147, it costs more than single-volume options like J’Den Cox ($37). The density across 6 volumes also means you need multiple rewatches before techniques stick. Competitors like Pixley’s Closing The Gap go deeper on the specific problem of closing distance.
My Recommendation
Best for: Anyone wanting a complete wrestling system that plugs directly into their BJJ game, from white belt through black belt.
Avoid if: You only want quick takedown mechanics. J’Den Cox covers core shots for $37.
Pairs with: Closing The Gap by Pixley for deeper distance management, or Adam Wheeler for gi-specific techniques.
2. Wrestling For BJJ – Hudson Taylor
A 3-time NCAA Division I All-American and top-5 all-time NCAA pinner teaches hand fighting, takedowns, and his signature cradle and leg ride system for dismantling turtled opponents.
Quick Facts
- ⏰ 3h 18m across 4 volumes
- 📅 Released: 2020
- 🥋 No-Gi
- 🎯 All levels
- 🕸 Mat Wrestling & Control
- 💰 $167
What It Covers
Volume 1 covers motion control and hand fighting. Volume 2 adds takedown entries adapted for BJJ with defensive concepts. Volume 3 is where Taylor shines: cradles for opening turtle, pin transitions, and leg rides for top control. Volume 4 covers transitioning without creating space, wrestling-based passes, and guard retention breaking.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Unique pin-heavy approach: cradles, rides, and leg rides that demolish turtle
- Won IBJJF Worlds at blue belt after just 6 months of BJJ, proving his techniques transfer
- 87 career pins, most in University of Maryland history
- Covers ground control and transitions, not just takedowns
What the Community Says
“A great DVD.”
– Bernardo Faria, 5x IBJJF World Champion
“Hudson managed to identify the flaws of jiu-jitsu in a grappling sense and plugged in those holes with high-level wrestling moves.”
– BJJ World, Guide review
Weakness
At $167, it costs $20 more than Williams’ more comprehensive 6-volume system. Hudson’s folkstyle pinning focus may not translate as cleanly to no-gi submission grappling as Koulikov’s sambo-influenced approach. The mat wrestling content also overlaps with his separate ‘Complete Wrestling Riding System’ instructional.
My Recommendation
Best for: Grapplers who struggle against turtled opponents or want to develop crushing top pressure from wrestling-style positions.
Avoid if: You pull guard and never play top. The pin-heavy approach rewards a top game commitment.
Pairs with: Shawn Williams for a broader system, or Chael Sonnen for complementary chain wrestling drills.
3. Effective Wrestling For Gi Jiu-Jitsu – Adam Wheeler
An Olympic Greco-Roman bronze medalist and Carlos Machado black belt teaches the only gi-specific wrestling instructional on this list. Ankle picks, spiral rides to chokes, and his signature Wheeler-Tine guillotine.
Quick Facts
- ⏰ 1h 28m across 3 volumes
- 📅 Released: 2021
- 🥋 Gi
- 🎯 All levels
- 🕸 Gi Wrestling
- 💰 $79
What It Covers
Volume 1 covers five gi takedowns including ankle picks, double legs with trip finishes, and duck unders. Volume 2 is where the Greco background shines: front-side offense, 3/4 nelson, nearside cradle, and a 5-technique spiral ride series (breakdown, California choke, bow and arrow choke, banana split, neck crank). Volume 3 adds sweeps from bottom with wrestling concepts, sleeve drags, and the Wheeler-Tine guillotine variation.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Only gi-specific wrestling instructional available on BJJ Fanatics
- 5 different finishes from the spiral ride position alone
- Olympic-level wrestling pedigree combined with BJJ black belt under Carlos Machado
- Wheeler-Tine guillotine is a unique signature technique
What the Community Says
“Adam Wheeler is one of those Travis Stevens types of guys that can take BJJ to the next level. Crisp and clean product, with no fuss about it.”
– BJJ World, 4.8/5 review
Weakness
Shortest runtime on the list at 1h 28m. Williams covers similar breadth in 3h 39m with more detail. Greco-Roman background means less single-leg and double-leg depth compared to folkstyle instructors like Hudson Taylor or Pixley. BJJ World noted they wanted more techniques and combinations demonstrated.
My Recommendation
Best for: Gi competitors who want takedowns that work with lapel grips and collar work, plus a lethal turtle attack series.
Avoid if: You train primarily no-gi. Williams and Koulikov offer no-gi-friendly alternatives.
Pairs with: Shawn Williams for no-gi breadth, or J’Den Cox for affordable shot mechanics.
4. Closing The Gap – Michael Pixley & Heath Pedigo
The man who beat Nicholas Meregali at ADCC 2024 teaches how to close the distance, organized by belt level from white through black. Hosted by Heath Pedigo of Daisy Fresh.
Quick Facts
- ⏰ 1h 41m across 4 volumes
- 📅 Released: 2024
- 🥋 No-Gi
- 🎯 Intermediate to advanced
- 🕸 Distance Management
- 💰 $197
What It Covers
Part 1 (white belt) covers stance, grip fighting basics, and front headlock entries. Part 2 (blue belt) adds double-leg entries, Russian ties, and overties. Part 3 (purple/brown) introduces cradles from front headlock, ankle picks, football grip, and dragdowns. Part 4 (black belt) covers banana splits and darce setups from wrestling positions.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Unique belt-level organization makes it easy to find your entry point
- Pixley beat Meregali at ADCC 2024, proving these techniques work at the highest level
- Addresses the single hardest part of takedowns: closing distance against a retreating opponent
- Unusual submission finishes (banana splits, darces from wrestling entries)
What the Community Says
“If you are looking for a shortcut to make your sucky BJJ takedowns better fast, then turning to seasoned grapplers with a wealthy wrestling pedigree, such as Michael Pixley is a no-brainer.”
– Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World, 8/10
Weakness
Most expensive option at $197, yet one of the shortest at 1h 41m, giving it the worst price-to-runtime ratio on this list. Williams offers 3h 39m for $147. Ognen Dzabirski also noted the black belt section feels underdeveloped and suggested more brown belt combinations would be beneficial.
My Recommendation
Best for: Intermediate no-gi grapplers who know basic shots but can’t land them against retreating opponents.
Avoid if: You’re a pure beginner. The belt-level structure starts at white belt but the pacing suits people with some standup experience.
Pairs with: Shawn Williams for broader coverage, or Hudson Taylor for mat control after the takedown.
5. Dynamic Wrestling Takedowns For BJJ – J’Den Cox
A 2x World Wrestling Champion, Olympic bronze medalist, and 3x NCAA champion teaches modified double legs, arm drags, and a standing bicep slicer for just $37. The best value on this list by a wide margin.
Quick Facts
- ⏰ ~1 hour (1 volume)
- 📅 Released: 2022
- 🥋 No-Gi
- 🎯 Beginners to intermediate
- 🕸 Takedowns
- 💰 $37
What It Covers
Cox covers lines of defense, a modified double leg that eliminates common BJJ dangers (guillotine exposure), wrist-to-single misdirection, single leg finishes, and an arm drag series. The unique content includes a standing bicep slicer and ‘The Claw’ (a wrestling-inspired submission from seatbelt position). He also modifies the collar tie into a more powerful controlling grip and covers 2-on-1 setups.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Best value on the list at $37 for World Champion-level instruction
- Modified double legs specifically avoid guillotine exposure
- Demonstrated his takedowns on Gordon Ryan himself
- Highest-credentialed wrestler on the list (2x World Champion, Olympic medalist, 3x NCAA champion)
What the Community Says
“Wrestling World Champ J’Den Cox explains biggest takedown mistakes that BJJ athletes make.”
– BJJEE, Article
Weakness
Single volume means limited depth compared to 6-volume systems like Williams. No mat wrestling or ground control content. Hudson Taylor and Sonnen both cover ground wrestling extensively. May feel basic for advanced competitors who already have solid shot mechanics.
My Recommendation
Best for: Beginners who want affordable, safe shot mechanics from the most credentialed wrestler on this list.
Avoid if: You already have solid doubles and singles. This covers fundamentals, not advanced chains.
Pairs with: Hudson Taylor for mat control after the takedown, or Williams for a complete system upgrade.
6. Wrestling For BJJ – Jeff Glover
ADCC medalist and No-Gi World Champion Jeff Glover teaches wrestling from a BJJ practitioner’s perspective. Wrestle-ups from butterfly guard, reverse half guard, and takedown-to-leg-lock combinations.
Quick Facts
- ⏰ 1h 25m across 3 volumes
- 📅 Released: 2020
- 🥋 No-Gi
- 🎯 Intermediate to advanced
- 🕸 BJJ-Integrated Wrestling
- 💰 $97
What It Covers
Volume 1 covers simplified single legs and standing wrestling entries with collar tie sequences. Volume 2 is the unique content: wrestle-ups from open guard, butterfly guard, and reverse half guard, plus wrestling concepts from bottom mount and side control. Volume 3 connects takedowns directly to guard passes and leg lock combinations.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Only instructional from a BJJ-first perspective rather than a wrestler teaching BJJ players
- Heavy wrestle-up content from guard positions (butterfly, reverse half, open guard)
- Takedown-to-leg-lock combinations unique among wrestling instructionals
- Battle-tested at ADCC and high-level no-gi competition
What the Community Says
“Known for his uniquely unpredictable, but highly effective grappling style.”
– Ognen Dzabirski, BJJ World, 10/10 for Glover’s Break Your Dummy
Weakness
Glover is a BJJ player who uses wrestling, not a wrestler. For pure takedown technique, NCAA champions like Taylor, Pixley, or Cox have deeper knowledge. At 1h 25m, it’s the second shortest on the list. Williams offers 2.5x more content for $50 more. The unorthodox ‘Glover twist’ requires significant athleticism and flexibility.
My Recommendation
Best for: Guard players who want to add wrestle-ups and wrestling-based attacks without abandoning their bottom game.
Avoid if: You want traditional wrestling technique from a credentialed wrestler. This is a BJJ player’s take on wrestling.
Pairs with: J’Den Cox for proper shot mechanics, or Vlad Koulikov for sambo-influenced ground wrestling.
7. Wrestling For BJJ – Vlad Koulikov
A multiple-time World Sambo Champion and BJJ/Judo black belt teaches a unique sambo-influenced wrestling system with signature techniques like The Impaler, Zangief Roll, and The Vladle.
Quick Facts
- ⏰ 2 volumes (runtime not listed)
- 📅 Released: 2020
- 🥋 No-Gi
- 🎯 Intermediate to advanced
- 🕸 Sambo-Influenced Wrestling
- 💰 $79
What It Covers
Volume 1 covers standing work: staple ties, single-leg variations, Russian tie entries, arm drags, and sambo-influenced foot sweeps. Volume 2 is the ground game: The Impaler (signature technique), Zangief Roll (rolling entry), banana splits, The Vladle (control position for setting up darces and leg locks), ride-based control, and wrestle-up routes connecting singles to ashi garami.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Unique sambo-influenced approach not found in any other instructional on this list
- Signature techniques (The Impaler, Zangief Roll, Vladle) are distinctive and memorable
- Connects wrestling entries directly to ashi garami and submission paths
- Multi-discipline background (sambo, judo, BJJ, wrestling) gives broadest technical perspective
What the Community Says
“Vlad is the authority on SAMBO and its application to BJJ/sub-grappling.”
– Rolando Delgado, Student
“One of the preeminent Sambo/Grappling coaches in North America.”
– Gregg Humphreys, Student
Weakness
Less structured than coaching-focused systems like Williams or Pixley. Viktor Wong described the material as ‘not very sophisticated.’ Only 2 volumes means less depth than Williams (6) or Taylor (4). The sambo-influenced style may be unfamiliar and harder to integrate for pure BJJ players.
My Recommendation
Best for: Experienced grapplers looking for an alternative wrestling approach with direct paths to leg locks and submissions.
Avoid if: You want a structured, beginner-friendly system. Williams or Cox are better starting points.
Pairs with: Shawn Williams for structured fundamentals, or Jeff Glover for complementary wrestle-up material.
8. Precision Wrestling For Jiu Jitsu – Shawn Melanson
A competition-focused BJJ black belt with 18 submission wins out of 30 teaches precision wrestling tailored for active no-gi competitors. Part of a broader ‘Precision’ system with complementary instructionals.
Quick Facts
- ⏰ 1h 47m
- 📅 Released: 2023
- 🥋 No-Gi
- 🎯 Intermediate
- 🕸 Competition Wrestling
- 💰 $79
What It Covers
Covers tie-up systems adapted for BJJ, shot mechanics with precision timing, single-leg and double-leg entries, underhook position work, wrestle-up sequences from seated position, and takedown-to-pass chains. All techniques are proven in competition with high-percentage finishes.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Competition-proven: 18 submission wins out of 30 total shows his approach works in live competition
- Active competitor perspective, not a retired wrestler
- Part of a broader Precision system with complementary sweeps and passing instructionals
- Wrestle-up content from seated position directly complements the standing material
What the Community Says
“With five highly-regarded instructionals under his belt, Shawn Melanson is fast becoming one of the most respected minds in modern jiu-jitsu.”
– BJJ Fanatics, Product page
Weakness
Least-known instructor on this list. Compared to Olympic medalists (Wheeler, Cox), NCAA champions (Taylor, Pixley, Sonnen), or BJJ legends (Williams, Glover), Melanson lacks name recognition. No formal wrestling background listed. Limited community reviews make vetting harder. BJJ Fanatics rating of 7.8/10 is the second lowest on this list.
My Recommendation
Best for: Active no-gi competitors who want wrestling techniques proven in current competition, not just theory.
Avoid if: You value instructor credentials and name recognition. The other options have bigger resumes.
Pairs with: His own ‘Precision Sweeps and Wrestle Ups From The Seated Position’ for a complete Melanson system.
9. Wrestling Fundamentals From The Bad Guy – Chael Sonnen
National Wrestling Hall of Famer, NCAA All-American, and UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen teaches chain wrestling, leg rides for breaking turtle, and referee’s position escapes with demo partner Austin Vanderford (Bellator contender).
Quick Facts
- ⏰ 2h 45m across 4 volumes
- 📅 Released: 2019
- 🥋 Both (gi and no-gi applicable)
- 🎯 All levels
- 🕸 Chain Wrestling & Mat Work
- 💰 $79
What It Covers
Volume 1 covers collar ties, headlock entries, chain wrestling concepts, underhook tricks, arm drags, and pummeling drills. Volume 2 focuses on leg rides for dismantling turtle and cradle entries for pinning. Volume 3 teaches referee’s position (bottom turtle) escapes and reversals. Volume 4 covers pummeling drills, wall drills, and essential drilling protocols.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Chain wrestling content connecting techniques into flowing sequences
- Unique leg ride content for dismantling turtle (rarely covered in BJJ instructionals)
- Referee’s position escapes give a wrestler’s angle on escaping bottom turtle
- National Wrestling Hall of Famer with authentic old-school wrestling fundamentals
What the Community Says
“The Wrestling Fundamentals DVD instructional is the best resource for a BJJ grappler looking to add some strong wrestling to their game.”
– BJJ World, 5/5 review
“His concept on chain wrestling is actually in the very core of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He ties everything up so good.”
– BJJ World, Chain wrestling review
Weakness
Lowest BJJ Fanatics rating at 7.2/10 despite BJJ World giving 5/5, suggesting user expectations vs. delivery may be a factor. Sonnen’s style is old-school fundamentals; Williams or Pixley offer more contemporary approaches. No specific BJJ rule modifications discussed. Cox explicitly addresses guillotine exposure on doubles while Sonnen teaches straight wrestling.
My Recommendation
Best for: Grapplers who want chain wrestling fundamentals and drilling protocols from a wrestling Hall of Famer, plus the best turtle-dismantling content after Hudson Taylor.
Avoid if: You want modern no-gi-specific wrestling. Williams and Pixley feel more current.
Pairs with: Hudson Taylor for more mat wrestling depth, or J’Den Cox for modern shot mechanics.
Pricing & Deals
BJJ Fanatics runs daily deals that can cut prices by 40-60%. If your pick isn’t on sale today, check back tomorrow or sign up for their email alerts. Here’s the full price breakdown:
| Instructional | Price | Runtime | $/Hour | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J’Den Cox | $37 | ~1h | ~$37/hr | Best budget pick |
| Adam Wheeler | $79 | 1h 28m | ~$54/hr | Best gi pick |
| Vlad Koulikov | $79 | 2 vol. | N/A | Unique sambo angle |
| Shawn Melanson | $79 | 1h 47m | ~$44/hr | Competition tested |
| Chael Sonnen | $79 | 2h 45m | ~$29/hr | Best $/hour value |
| Jeff Glover | $97 | 1h 25m | ~$68/hr | BJJ-first perspective |
| Shawn Williams | $147 | 3h 39m | ~$40/hr | #1 overall pick |
| Hudson Taylor | $167 | 3h 18m | ~$51/hr | Best mat control |
| Michael Pixley | $197 | 1h 41m | ~$117/hr | Wait for daily deal |
FAQ – Best Wrestling Instructionals for BJJ
What is the best wrestling instructional for BJJ?
The Grappling Continuum by Shawn Williams is our top pick. It covers tie-ups, takedowns, guard wrestling, passes, back exposure, and injury prevention across 6 volumes. Ognen Dzabirski at BJJ World gave it a 9/10. Check current price on BJJ Fanatics.
What are the best wrestling instructionals for BJJ beginners?
For beginners on a budget, J’Den Cox’s Dynamic Wrestling Takedowns ($37) teaches modified double legs that avoid guillotine exposure, from a 2x World Wrestling Champion. For a more complete system, Shawn Williams’ Grappling Continuum ($147) is structured for all levels from white belt up. Check J’Den Cox price.
Is there a wrestling instructional specifically for gi BJJ?
Yes. Adam Wheeler’s Effective Wrestling For Gi Jiu-Jitsu ($79) is the only gi-specific wrestling instructional on BJJ Fanatics. Wheeler is an Olympic Greco-Roman bronze medalist and Carlos Machado black belt who designed every technique around lapel grips and collar work. Check current price.
Do I need wrestling for BJJ if my gym rarely trains standup?
Yes. Even if your gym pulls guard, competitions start standing and you lose points or position every time you concede a takedown. Wrestling also improves your scrambles, top pressure, and turtle attacks. The safety-focused approaches from Williams and Cox minimize injury risk during training.
What is the cheapest wrestling instructional for BJJ?
J’Den Cox’s Dynamic Wrestling Takedowns For BJJ costs just $37 and is taught by a 2x World Wrestling Champion and Olympic bronze medalist. For the best cost-per-hour value, Chael Sonnen’s Wrestling Fundamentals ($79 for 2h 45m, about $29/hour) is the most content per dollar. Check J’Den Cox price.
Which wrestling instructional is best for breaking turtle?
Hudson Taylor’s Wrestling For BJJ ($167) has the best turtle-breaking content with his pin-heavy approach: cradles, leg rides, and pin transitions. Chael Sonnen’s Wrestling Fundamentals ($79) is the budget alternative with good leg ride content for dismantling turtle. Check Hudson Taylor price.
