Learn AOJ’s three distances so you pass like Tainan.
The Bottom Line
You will learn AOJ’s far, middle, and near distances and when to switch between them. You will connect knee cuts, leg drags, and long steps into a plan instead of guessing. You will not get a random move list or no-gi body-lock focus.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Gi passers chasing AOJ style
Skip if: You want move-only demos
Tech focus: Distance Management, Outside Passing, Knee Cut, Long Step, Leg Drag
Biggest takeaway: Pass by distance, not moves.
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What You'll Learn
If you want the closest thing on BJJ Fanatics to how Tainan Dalpra passes, start here. Gui Mendes, Tainan’s coach, maps the three distances (far, middle, near) that AOJ passers cycle through.
This is pure system-building rather than a move dump, so you learn why knee cuts, long steps, and leg drags connect – exactly the linkages you see in Tainan’s matches.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Distance Management
- Outside Passing
- Knee Cut
- Long Step
- Toreando
- Leg Drag
Format & Level
- Instructional style: Conceptual, System Based, Footage Breakdown
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 17 minutes
- Volumes: 2
- Released: 2021
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I rank this first because it teaches the decision tree behind Tainan-like passing rather than isolated moves.
Why Gui Mendes?
Gui Mendes is a 4x IBJJF black belt world champion and co-founder of Art of Jiu-Jitsu. He coached Tainan Dalpra from teen to world-class champion. His teaching emphasizes distance control, precision grips, and connection. Many AOJ athletes apply this same passing framework successfully at the highest levels. Gui retired young from competition to focus on coaching and curriculum development. His AOJ concepts shape much of modern gi outside passing.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Super helpful conceptual map for outside passing; finally made sense of distances.
- First volume is excellent and immediately useful in gi rounds.
- Clear systems rather than random techniques; connects passing options well.
- Helped me chain knee cut to long step with intent, not guesswork.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Very conceptual; people wanting step-by-step moves may be disappointed.
- Production choices like white gi on white mat and monotone delivery turned me off.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Understanding The Distance From Guard – Pairs perfectly if you also want AOJ-style guard concepts. (Price: $197.00, 4 vols, 2021)
- Precision Knee Cut Passes – Adds surgical knee-cut mechanics to Gui’s distance map. (Price: $79.00, 4 vols, 2020)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Understanding The Distance On Top on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
