A succinct guard-retention course that teaches frames, knee shield, and re-guards you can use tonight.
The Bottom Line
You will learn frames that stop pressure and restore guard. You will focus on principles that scale to gi or no-gi. You will not get a bloated, meandering series.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Hobbyists and coaches
Skip if: You want a tome
Tech focus: Framing, Guard Retention, Knee Shield
Biggest takeaway: Frames win time
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
A concise guard-retention blueprint that emphasizes frames, knee shield usage, and hip management. It focuses on early and mid-stage pass prevention without 10-hour bloat. You get a practical set of movements to re-guard and re-enter offense. This is widely recommended as a first guard retention course for hobbyists who value brevity.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Framing
- Guard Retention
- Knee Shield
- Re Guard
- Hip Escapes
- Inside Position
- Wrist Control
Format & Level
- Instructional style: Conceptual, System Based
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 2 hours and 58 minutes
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I like how it gives you a defend-first map so your guard stops leaking before you add complex systems.
Why Tom DeBlass?
DeBlass is an ADCC Trials champion and long-time guard specialist known for teaching principles that scale to all body types.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Frequently recommended as a quick, effective retention primer.
- Praised for principles over endless techniques.
- Viewed as good value when on discount.
- Helps smaller players survive early pass stages.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some advanced players want deeper headquarters counters elsewhere.
Smart Alternatives
- Lachlan Giles – Guard Retention Anthology – Deepest dive and broader scenarios.
- Rafa Mendes – Framing the Guard (AOJ+) – Elite framing concepts and drills.
Sources & References
Official listing: View Framing Domination and Guard Recovery on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
