Closed-guard wins for kids, plus smart drills for mat readiness.
The Bottom Line
You get a tight guard plan with hip-bumps, kimuras, drags, and basic sweeps that score fast. The coordination drills fit warmups and build confidence. You will not find exotic guards or advanced chain wrestling here; it keeps things simple.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Youth competitors
Skip if: You avoid guard work
Tech focus: Closed Guard, Hip Bump, Kimura, Arm Drag, Lumberjack Sweep, Back Take
Biggest takeaway: Closed guard still wins early.
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What You'll Learn
Many youth competitors lack a guard plan and basic athleticism. This 3-part course adds simple strength-coordination drills and a closed-guard system kids can hit fast.
It is a clean add-on for tournament prep cycles.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Closed Guard
- Hip Bump
- Kimura
- Arm Drag
- Lumberjack Sweep
- Back Take
- Guard Retention
- Drills
- Conditioning
- Competition Tactics
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Drill Heavy
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 1 hour and 16 minutes
- Volumes: 3
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I like closed guard for kids because it rewards posture control and simple chains before speed matters.
Why Devhonte Johnson?
Devhonte Bones Johnson is an IBJJF No-Gi World champion at black belt and respected coach. He has taught kids programs in NYC and New Jersey and is known for calm, clear instruction. This course focuses on a tight guard plan and basic athletic drills for youth competitors.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Positive remarks about Johnson as a teacher and coach.
- Closed guard is viewed as a reliable kids starting system.
- Simple strength and coordination exercises are widely used in kids classes.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some suggest Bullyproof or free content first for kids.
- Others prefer wrestling-first plans before guard work.
- Not everyone wants comp-focused materials for young kids.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- How To Build Better Youth Competitors – More emphasis on takedowns and passing. (Price: $79.00, 3 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Brazilian Jiu Jitsu For Competition Kids on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.

