Looking to level up your BJJ game with world-class instruction? Xande Ribeiro’s instructionals offer some of the most systematic and battle-tested techniques in the sport. As a multiple-time world champion with a game built on rock-solid fundamentals, Xande’s teaching style combines technical precision with practical application that works for practitioners of all levels.
Want to skip straight to elite-level instruction? Check out Xande’s Diamond Concept Guard System right now on BJJ Fanatics – it’s the foundation that everything else builds upon.
In this guide, I’ll rank Xande’s best instructionals, break down who each one is perfect for, and give you an optimal buying order to build your collection strategically. Let’s dive in!
Top Xande Ribeiro Instructionals Ranked
1. Diamond Concept: The Diamond Guard Frame, Shield, Elegant, Pedal
Best For: All levels, especially those struggling with guard retention Price: $79.00
If you buy just one Xande instructional, make it this one. The Diamond Guard system represents Xande’s philosophy distilled into one comprehensive guard approach. What makes this instructional special is how Xande breaks down his signature framing principles that have allowed him to maintain an “unpassable guard” at the highest levels of competition.
The “elegant pedal” concept alone transformed my defensive game, creating space where I thought none existed. Xande’s detailed explanation of weight distribution and hip movement gives you practical tools to immediately improve your guard – regardless of whether you play butterfly, half guard, or closed guard.
Key Techniques & Details:
- The Diamond Frame concept (the foundation of all his defensive systems)
- Shield positions that nullify pressure passing
- The elegant pedal technique for creating space
- Seamless transitions between defensive and offensive guard
This instructional is perfect for beginners building their defensive foundation, but contains subtleties that even advanced players will appreciate. The concepts taught here carry over to every other position in jiu-jitsu.
2. Fundamentals To Master: No Gi Defense
Best For: All levels who want to shore up defensive holes in no-gi Price: $147.00
For those who find themselves constantly trying to escape bad positions in no-gi, this comprehensive defensive system is a game-changer. What separates this from other defensive instructionals is Xande’s focus on prevention rather than just escaping – you’ll learn to identify and neutralize threats before they fully develop.
I was particularly impressed by the “defensive posture preservation” section, which teaches you how to maintain defensive integrity even when an opponent has partial control. This instructional pairs perfectly with the Diamond Guard concept, extending those principles to the no-gi realm.
Key Techniques & Details:
- Early stage defense to prevent established control
- Frame maintenance under pressure
- Recovery pathways from compromised positions
- Counter-offensive opportunities from defensive positions
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3. Fundamentals To Master: Back Control
Best For: Intermediate to advanced practitioners wanting to improve finishing rate Price: $127.00
If there’s one position that consistently leads to victories at all levels, it’s back control. What makes Xande’s back control system unique is his methodical approach to maintaining position while working for submissions. Unlike instructionals that focus solely on chokes, Xande teaches a complete control system that makes escaping nearly impossible.
The section on transitioning to the back from turtle position dramatically improved my success rate in competition, giving me high-percentage pathways to my opponent’s back when they defend takedowns.
Key Techniques & Details:
- Body triangle control variations
- Transition sequences from various positions to the back
- Submission chains from back control
- Recapture techniques when opponents begin escaping
This instructional is perfect for competitors who can reach the back but struggle to maintain control or finish from there.
4. Fundamentals To Master: Kimura From Side Control
Best For: All levels looking for a high-percentage submission system Price: $127.00
The kimura is one of BJJ’s most versatile attacks, and Xande’s systematic approach turns it into a deadly weapon from side control. What separates this instructional from others covering the kimura is Xande’s attention to grip details and setup mechanics that prevent common escapes.
I was particularly impressed by the combination attacks section, which shows how to chain the kimura with other submissions when your opponent defends. After incorporating these concepts, my submission success rate from side control doubled in just a few months.
Key Techniques & Details:
- Grip adjustments that amplify leverage
- Entry setups from various side control variations
- Transition options when opponents defend
- Finishing mechanics against strong opponents
This instructional provides excellent value for practitioners of all levels, offering a submission system that works from white belt to black belt.
5. Diamond Concept: Side Control and Mount Escapes Plus
Best For: All levels, especially those who get stuck on bottom Price: $97.00
Getting trapped under side control or mount is one of the most demoralizing positions in BJJ. Xande’s escape system is refreshingly practical, focusing on high-percentage movements that work against larger, stronger opponents. What makes this instructional stand out is the integration of preparatory drills that develop the specific strength and mobility needed for effective escapes.
The “vortex strengthening exercises” section offers unique training methods I hadn’t seen elsewhere, dramatically improving my explosive power when creating space from bottom positions.
Key Techniques & Details:
- Modern hip escaping mechanics
- Frame creation and maintenance
- Vortex strengthening drills for explosive power
- Progressive resistance training for escapes
This instructional is perfect for smaller practitioners who struggle against larger training partners, providing mechanical advantages that help neutralize size and strength differences.
6. Fundamentals To Master: No Gi Offense – Guard & Submissions
Best For: Intermediate to advanced practitioners wanting to develop attacking guard Price: $147.00
For those looking to develop a more aggressive guard game in no-gi, this instructional delivers a complete offensive system. What separates Xande’s approach from other guard instructionals is his focus on creating and exploiting reaction chains that force opponents into vulnerable positions.
The section on transition timing – knowing exactly when to switch between guard variations – significantly improved my ability to maintain offensive pressure from bottom position. After studying this material, my submission rate from guard increased noticeably in both competition and rolling.
Key Techniques & Details:
- Dynamic guard transitions that create attacking opportunities
- Submission setups from various guard positions
- Sweep combinations that put opponents in defensive cycles
- Grip fighting strategies specific to no-gi
This instructional is perfect for competitors who can maintain guard but struggle to generate meaningful offense from the position.
7. Fundamentals To Master: Half Guard Passing
Best For: Intermediate to advanced practitioners who get stuck in half guard Price: $127.00
Half guard has become one of the most technically complex positions in modern BJJ, with countless systems designed to stall or sweep from bottom. Xande’s passing system cuts through the complexity with efficient, pressure-based passing that works against even the most sophisticated half guard players.
What impressed me most was the section on shutting down underhook battles – a common struggle point for many passers. The systematic approach to neutralizing the bottom player’s frames opened up passing opportunities I hadn’t been able to create before.
Key Techniques & Details:
- Pressure distribution principles that nullify defensive frames
- Sequential passing approach for different half guard variations
- Counter systems for common half guard sweeps
- Transition options to mount and back control
This instructional is ideal for competitors who frequently end up in prolonged half guard battles and want to increase their passing efficiency.
8. Side Closed Guard Attacks
Best For: Beginner to intermediate players looking to develop closed guard offense Price: $79.00
The closed guard remains one of BJJ’s most fundamental positions, yet many practitioners struggle to generate effective attacks from it. Xande’s side closed guard variation creates unique attacking angles that aren’t covered in most traditional instructionals.
The off-centering principles taught in this series gave me a completely new perspective on closed guard, allowing me to create submission opportunities against defensive opponents who were previously difficult to attack.
Key Techniques & Details:
- Angular adjustments that create attacking opportunities
- Arm drag sequences from closed guard
- Sweep combinations from the side closed position
- Back-taking systems when opponents posture
This instructional offers excellent value for practitioners looking to revitalize their closed guard game with fresh attacking concepts.
9. Fundamentals To Master: No Gi Offense – Stand Up & Passing
Best For: Intermediate to advanced practitioners wanting to develop a takedown game Price: $147.00
Many BJJ practitioners are comfortable pulling guard but lack confidence in the stand-up phase. Xande’s approach to stand-up offense provides a systematic method for securing takedowns and transitioning directly into passing sequences. Unlike pure wrestling instructionals, Xande’s system is specifically designed for the BJJ context.
The section on grip fighting and setting up entries dramatically improved my success rate with takedowns in no-gi competition. The seamless connection between takedown and passing phases creates a continuous offensive flow that keeps opponents defensive.
Key Techniques & Details:
- Entry systems for various takedowns
- Timing-based approaches to penetration
- Direct transitions from takedown to pass
- Recovery options for defended attempts
This instructional is perfect for guard pullers looking to diversify their game with effective standing attacks.
10. The Budokon Mobility System (with Cameron Shayne)
Best For: All levels looking to improve movement quality and injury prevention Price: $79.00
While not strictly a technique-focused instructional, this mobility system provides foundational movement patterns that enhance every aspect of your jiu-jitsu. What makes this instructional unique is its focus on developing the specific mobility and coordination needed for effective grappling.
The dynamic movement drills significantly improved my guard retention by enhancing hip mobility and coordination. The balance exercises also translated directly to better stability in scrambles and transitions.
Key Techniques & Details:
- Progressive mobility exercises for key grappling joints
- Coordination drills that improve guard work
- Balance development for better positional control
- Recovery techniques for training longevity
This instructional offers excellent supplementary training for practitioners of all levels, especially those dealing with mobility limitations or recovering from injuries.
Recommended Buying Order Based on Experience Level
For Beginners (White to Blue Belt):
- Diamond Concept: The Diamond Guard Frame, Shield, Elegant, Pedal
- Diamond Concept: Side Control and Mount Escapes Plus
- Side Closed Guard Attacks
- Fundamentals To Master: Kimura From Side Control
For Intermediate (Blue to Purple Belt):
- Diamond Concept: The Diamond Guard Frame, Shield, Elegant, Pedal
- Fundamentals To Master: No Gi Defense
- Fundamentals To Master: Back Control
- Fundamentals To Master: Kimura From Side Control
- Fundamentals To Master: Half Guard Passing
For Advanced (Purple to Black Belt):
- Diamond Concept: The Diamond Guard Frame, Shield, Elegant, Pedal
- Fundamentals To Master: No Gi Offense – Guard & Submissions
- Fundamentals To Master: No Gi Offense – Stand Up & Passing
- Fundamentals To Master: Back Control
- Fundamentals To Master: Half Guard Passing
Final Verdict: Which Xande Instructional Is Right For You?
Every BJJ journey is unique, but there’s undeniable value in learning from someone with Xande Ribeiro’s competitive success and teaching ability. His systematic approach makes complex concepts accessible while providing enough depth to satisfy advanced practitioners.
If you’re only going to purchase one instructional, the Diamond Concept Guard system offers the most universal value – it will transform your defensive game regardless of your current level.
For those looking to build a complete game based on Xande’s principles, follow the buying order outlined above for your experience level. Each instructional builds upon the previous, creating a coherent technical framework rather than just a collection of unrelated techniques.
Ready to take your game to the next level? Get Xande’s Diamond Concept Guard System now on BJJ Fanatics and experience the difference that world-class instruction makes.
Looking for more elite instructionals? Check out my breakdown of the best Craig Jones instructionals here – another must-have collection for serious practitioners!
