A coherent no-gi top-pin system that isolates arms, shuts down escapes, and finishes reliably.
The Bottom Line
You learn a full pin-to-submission roadmap for side control and north-south. You see how to kill common escapes before they start. You do not get gi-specific grip sequences.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: No-gi top players
Skip if: You avoid long sets
Tech focus: Kimura, Side Triangle, North South Choke
Biggest takeaway: Pin then isolate arms
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
Ryan ties side control and north-south into a single pinning framework that isolates arms, denies escapes, and funnels to high-percentage finishes. You get clear sequencing from stabilization to submissions and mount/back transitions. The course includes flow charts and live-footage breakdowns to connect concepts.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Kimura
- Armbar
- Side Triangle
- North South Choke
- Pin Switching
- Shoulder Pressure
- Crossface
- Mount Transitions
- Back Takes
- Escape Shutdowns
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual, Footage Breakdown
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 7 hours and 41 minutes
- Volumes: 8
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I saw the clearest arm-isolation funnel here: elbows first, then submission families.
Why Gordon Ryan?
Gordon Ryan is one of the most accomplished no-gi grapplers, trained under Garry Tonon and John Danaher, and known for dominant top pins at the highest level.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Most complete side control material I have seen; worth it for structure and details.
- Concepts for maintaining mount improved my top pins immediately.
- Helped me convert escapes into attacks by understanding pin reactions.
- Explains why he controls elites without athleticism reliance.
- Often recommended over general side control sets when asked for a system.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Expensive and some feel overlap with the mount DVD.
- Splitting positions into many sets can feel like repackaging to some.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Side Attacks – Same lineage with more coaching nuance from Danaher. (Price: $197.00, 8 vols)
- The Roger Gracie Side Control System – Gi-focused classic details with direct mount links. (Price: $149.00)
- The Complete Side Control System – Cleaner, shorter top system with knee-on-belly integrations. (Price: $149.00, 4 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Side Control & North South on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.