A clear, friendly fundamentals tour that makes your first months of gi training less confusing.
The Bottom Line
This is an easy-to-follow map of BJJ basics. It explains positions, posture, and key movements without overwhelming you. Use it to complement class and build safe habits.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: New gi students
Skip if: You want deep dives
Tech focus: Fundamentals, Escapes, Guard Passing
Biggest takeaway: Basics made clear
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What You'll Learn
Bernardo Faria’s Foundations is a broad fundamentals roadmap that orients you to every major position and core movements. It is filmed in the gi and emphasizes safe mechanics and posture. Expect short, friendly lessons that are easy to follow. You will not get a hyper-detailed system; you will get a complete overview that makes early classes less confusing. It is a strong companion when your gym lacks a dedicated beginner curriculum.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Fundamentals
- Escapes
- Closed Guard
- Guard Passing
- Mount Escape
- Back Escapes
- Side Control
- Posture
- Frames
- Hip Escape
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?
Buy it now. I recommend this as your onboarding map, then layer on targeted systems for escapes and guard retention.
Why Bernardo Faria?
Bernardo Faria is a five-time IBJJF world champion known for pressure passing and accessible teaching; widely profiled as a top competitor and coach.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Excellent overview of basics in every position; concise and confidence-building for new students.
- Helpful for gyms without beginner classes; clarifies terminology and class flow.
- Good purchase value when on sale; several learners hit techniques right away.
- Bernardo’s teaching style is approachable and not overwhelming for white belts.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- More encyclopedia than textbook; breadth over depth frustrates some learners.
- Too broad to build a personal game without supplemental coaching.
- One reviewer graded it poorly for lack of detailed explanation.
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Smart Alternatives
- Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes (Go Further Faster) – Deeper focus on survival and escapes for day-one resilience. (Price: $197.00)
- Fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu: Escapes (Gi & No-Gi) – Concise, structured escape system with live-footage examples. (Price: $127.00, 8 vols)
- BJJ Basics – Complete fundamentals curriculum from an elite teacher. (Price: $127.00, 8 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.
