A complete, pressure-tested system for keeping bigger passers off you and rebuilding guard safely.
The Bottom Line
You learn how to prevent knee cuts, smash passes, and headquarters while staying safe under pressure. The framework teaches pummeling, framing, and re-guarding that smaller grapplers can execute without strength. You will not get a quick move list; expect a layered retention roadmap you’ll revisit for months.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Smaller guard players
Skip if: You want quick hacks
Tech focus: Guard Retention, High Pummel, Frames, Smash Pass Defense, Re Guarding, Distance Management, Counter Attacks
Biggest takeaway: Retention is layered pummeling.
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What You'll Learn
If you are smaller and getting smashed, guard retention is the make-or-break skill. This 16-volume bundle shows how to stop knee cuts, smash passing, headquarters, and tight pressure, then rebuild frames and re-guard. It blends clear concepts with step-by-step tactics you can drill in any room.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Guard Retention
- Knee Cut Defense
- Headquarters Answers
- Smash Pass Defense
- High Pummel
- Re Guarding
- Counter Attacks
- Frames
- Leg Pummeling
- Distance Management
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: Both
- Volumes: 16
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I found that understanding leg pummeling and distance before grips made every guard feel lighter against heavier partners.
Why Lachlan Giles & Ariel Tabak?
Lachlan Giles is an ADCC absolute bronze medalist and renowned coach; Ariel Tabak is a standout featherweight known for elite retention. Their collaboration blends competition-proven technique with coach-level pedagogy. The system is equally valuable for gi and no-gi rooms. Expect conceptual clarity and precise troubleshooting. This one ages well as your game improves.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Changed how I think about retention; huge impact on my rolls.
- Works even if you are not super flexible.
- Chapter one alone improved my guard.
- Best value I bought; cohesive system, not random moves.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Dense and long; takes commitment to digest.
- Not very white-belt friendly out of the box.
- Some sequences feel advanced if you lack mobility.
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Smart Alternatives
- The guard Retention Anthology: Around and Under – Half of the bundle if you want to start smaller. (Price: $127.00, 8 vols)
- Guard Retention Anthology: Through The Legs & Close Range – Focuses on close-range retention and knee-cut battles.
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Guard Retention Anthology Bundle by Lachlan Giles & Ariel Tabak on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
