Master a tight double-sleeve guard that turns long legs into constant off-balances, triangles, and back takes.
The Bottom Line
You learn a complete double sleeve framework that keeps distance while setting traps with your long legs. Entries, retention, and counters are laid out in logical chains so you always have the next step. It also shows how to blend into spider, lasso, and DLR when passers change stance or break grips.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Tall gi guard players
Skip if: You hate grip work
Tech focus: Double Sleeve, Triangle Choke, De La Riva, Spider Lasso, Spider X, Wheel Sweep, Shin To Shin
Biggest takeaway: Structure beats athletic counters.
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What You'll Learn
Tall players thrive when they can control both sleeves and stretch opponents into mistakes. Thomas builds a clean, cohesive open guard that chains triangles, back takes, and overhead sweeps without muscling. The sequences slot neatly into spider, lasso, and DLR so your legs always threaten.
If you are lanky and struggle with pressure, this gives you frames, angles, and grip winning to keep people off your hips. The teaching is structured, with concepts before moves and clear answers to common counters.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Double Sleeve
- Collar Sleeve
- Spider Lasso
- De La Riva
- Spider X
- Shin To Shin
- Wheel Sweep
- Triangle Choke
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 17 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I found that double sleeve gives tall players constant two-on-one control, so legs can attack without exposing hips.
Why Jonathan Thomas?
Jonathan Thomas is a black belt under Romero Cavalcanti and Lucas Lepri. He is known for clear conceptual teaching and open guard systems. He has IBJJF success at lower belts and extensive coaching experience. Thomas has produced multiple high quality open guard resources. He emphasizes grip strategy, kuzushi, and predictable sequences.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- A versatile open guard that beginners can start using fast.
- Double sleeve funnels tall people into triangles and back takes.
- Clear system beats move dumps and gives reliable sequences.
- Great grip fighting lessons that actually stick in sparring.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Grip heavy play can wreck fingers during hard gi weeks.
- Some passers target and blow through with deadlift style counters.
- If you avoid gi grips, much of this loses punch.
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Smart Alternatives
- Collar & Sleeve Guard a Systematic Approach – Similar long-lever control with easier entries. (Price: $79.00, 4 vols)
- Spider Guard Mastery – Pairs perfectly for lasso and spider transitions. (Price: $79.00, 3 vols)
- The Collar and Sleeve System Part 1 – Deeper collar-sleeve theory for advanced chaining. (Price: $197.00, 8 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Double Sleeve Guard on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
