Fast, practical guard retention fixes you can drill today.
The Bottom Line
This is a compact retention toolkit built on a few universal reactions. You get the stiff arm, granby, and ankle-to-ankle ideas applied to common passing paths. It is best as a quick-start or tune-up, not a full doctrine.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Budget-conscious learners
Skip if: You want deep systems
Tech focus: Stiff Arm, Granby Sweep, Ankle To Ankle, Lasso, Double Under Defense, Torreando Counters
Biggest takeaway: Simple cues beat complex chains.
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
A concise three-part primer on reguarding against toreando, knee slice, and double unders with simple cues like the stiff arm, granby and ankle-to-ankle. Firas favors no-nonsense drills and immediate reactions over theory walls. If you want a budget refresher that you can apply tonight, this fits.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Stiff Arm
- Granby Sweep
- Ankle To Ankle
- Lasso
- Double Under Defense
- Torreando Counters
Format & Level
- Instructional style: Drill Heavy, Conceptual
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 1 hour and 23 minutes
- Volumes: 3
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I point beginners here for fast wins before tackling longer systems.
Why Firas Zahabi?
Firas Zahabi, head coach of Tristar, is known for turning complex problems into simple, testable drills. Expect straight talk, actionable cues, and high repetition over fancy details. This suits busy hobbyists who want practical results quickly.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Short and immediately useful in rolling.
- Great reminders for basic reguard reactions.
- Approachable coaching style and clear cues.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Helped, but not a game changer for everyone.
- Shallower than multi-volume systems.
- Limited gi-specific sequences.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Guard Attacks Made Easy – Add submissions once your retention holds up. (Price: $79.00)
- Guard Retention Anthology: Around & Under – Deep dive if you need a full system later. (Price: $127.00, 8 vols)
- Under Pressure: Retention, Recovery & Attacking From Guard – Better vs heavy bodylock and knee-cut pressure. (Price: $197.00, 4 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Guard Retention Made Easy on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
