Turn bottom side control into a second guard with a clear, drillable system that converts frames and underhooks into escapes and safe recoveries.
The Bottom Line
You will learn to treat side control as a working guard rather than a dead end. The course maps frames, elbow-push mechanics, and underhook timing into clean guard recoveries. You will not get a loose move dump; everything chains logically into closed, half, or seated guards with options against kesa and north-south.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: All levels, thoughtful learners
Skip if: You want a move dump
Tech focus: Second Guard, Elbow Push, Underhook Escape, Closed Guard Recovery, Kesa Gatame Escape, North South Escape, Sit Up Frame
Biggest takeaway: Escape by structure, not scrambles
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
Schreiner reframes bottom side control as a second guard, then shows how to rebuild structure, win inside space, and leave safely. The system pivots around elbow-push mechanics, shoulder and hip frames, and smart underhook timing.
It is concise and concept-first, with precise entries into closed guard, half guard, and seated guards so you escape into offense instead of stalling out.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Second Guard
- Elbow Push
- Underhook Escape
- Frame Guard
- Closed Guard Recovery
- Kesa Gatame Escape
- North South Escape
- Harpoon Sweep
- Sit Up Frame
- Knee On Belly Prevention
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 4 hours and 10 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I improved survival and escapes by focusing on elbow lines and lower-body frames before chasing underhooks or scrambles.
Why Paul Schreiner?
Paul Schreiner is a black belt under Claudio Franca and a longtime coach at Marcelo Garcia Academy in NYC. He is known for precise, concept-driven teaching and developing high-level athletes. His systems emphasize structure, timing, and small mechanics. Schreiner has produced respected series on passing, half guard, and pin escapes. He is widely praised in r/bjj for clarity and practicality.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Helped wonders for escaping side control; concepts clicked after drilling.
- Clear mix of conceptual and practical, techniques feel achievable for most.
- Well organized compared to older Digitsu sets; easier to follow.
- Concise yet detailed teaching style; translates to faster improvements.
- Recommended frequently in r/bjj when escapes are the bottleneck.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Approach differs from common meta; some need time to adjust.
- Some buyers still prefer Danaher or Giles as their first escape set.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes: Go Further Faster by John Danaher – Most comprehensive pin-escape fundamentals. (Price: $197.00, 8 vols, 2021)
- Side Control Escapes: Basics To Advanced Concepts by Andre Galvao – Competition-tested variations and reversals. (Price: $127.00, 4 vols)
- Zone Jiu-Jitsu Connecting Pin Escapes with Half Guard Sweeps by Paul Schreiner – Links escapes directly into offense. (Price: $149.00, 4 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Connected Reaction Second Guard (Defense and Escape from Side Control) by Paul Schreiner on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
