A comprehensive gi fundamentals library you will revisit for years.
The Bottom Line
You learn classic positions, posture, key sweeps, and early passes in a structured but broad library. It’s great for pausing, drilling, and revisiting as you level up. You will not get a short curriculum or competition meta; it is a fundamentals encyclopedia.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Gi-first learners
Skip if: You hate long sets
Tech focus: Closed Guard, Sweeps, Passes, Submissions, Takedowns, Escapes, Posture
Biggest takeaway: Basics win for years
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What You'll Learn
Bernardo Faria’s flagship beginner library covers day-one movements, classic sweeps, posture, and early passing in a no-nonsense gi format. It reads like a fundamentals encyclopedia with logical groupings.
If you want a single gi reference you can return to for years, this is it.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Scissor Sweep
- Pendulum Sweep
- Closed Guard
- Knee Slice
- Double Under Pass
- Americana
- Rear Naked Choke
- Kimura
- Upas
- Takedown Basics
Format & Level
- Instructional style: Technique Collection, System Based
- Skill level: Beginner
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 5 hours and 41 minutes
- Volumes: 6
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I see this as a durable reference that pairs well with class notes and drilling cycles.
Why Bernardo Faria?
Bernardo Faria is a 5x IBJJF black belt world champion and co-founder of BJJ Fanatics. He is renowned for pressure passing, half guard, and clear teaching. BJJ Heroes lists multiple world titles and Hall of Fame recognition. His beginner materials prioritize concepts over athleticism, making them friendly for all ages.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Redditors call it a really good set with a broad overview.
- Users say it teaches basics that translate to rolling.
- Many like Bernardo’s calm, clear explanations that are easy to copy.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some find it repetitive and long for binge watching.
- A few prefer a tighter, curriculum-style course over an encyclopedia feel.
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Smart Alternatives
- First Steps To Success by Luke Harris – Shorter, checklist-style beginner coverage with escapes and takedowns. (Price: $97.00, 1 vols)
- The Road To Blue Belt by Travis Lutter – Budget-friendly bridge from white to blue. (Price: $47.00, 2 vols)
- White Belt Defense by Joel Bouhey – Mount survival focus pairs well with this set. (Price: $47.00, 1 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.