Build an AOJ-style bottom game by managing distance.
The Bottom Line
You will create an organized bottom game across near, middle, and far distances. You will learn collar-sleeve, DLR, RDLR, and X-Guard choices against common passes. You will not get a move buffet detached from strategy.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Gi guard players
Skip if: You avoid conceptual study
Tech focus: Collar Sleeve, De La Riva, Reverse De La Riva, X Guard, Guard Retention
Biggest takeaway: Distance dictates your next guard.
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What You'll Learn
Tainan’s guard threatens from collar-sleeve, DLR, RDLR, and X. This course teaches the same distance-first logic but from bottom, so you understand what Dalpra’s opponents feel — and how to reverse them.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Collar Sleeve
- De La Riva
- Reverse De La Riva
- X Guard
- Guard Retention
- Distance Management
Format & Level
- Instructional style: Conceptual, System Based, Footage Breakdown
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 3 hours and 39 minutes
- Volumes: 4
- Released: 2021
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I included this second because learning the bottom perspective sharpens your ability to anticipate and finish passes like Tainan.
Why Gui Mendes?
Gui Mendes is a legendary AOJ coach and 4x world champion. He is known for structured, principle-first systems. His guard curriculum emphasizes collar-sleeve control, off-balancing into X, and relentless distance management. Students like Tainan apply these patterns to sweep to top and immediately pass. Gui’s teaching style is calm, precise, and sequence-oriented.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Everything by Gui is worth it; this bottom series gives gold-level guard structure.
- Three-distance framework from bottom clarified my attack choices.
- The sparring analysis shows how the ideas actually appear mid-roll.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some preferred AOJ subscription versions over this Fanatics release.
- Still very conceptual; not for people wanting just collar-sleeve sweeps.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Precision Collar and Sleeve Guard Passing – Study the opposite side to attack collar-sleeve players better. (Price: $97.00, 2021)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Understanding The Distance From Guard on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
