The only Saulo Ribeiro course on BJJ Fanatics turns his classic book into a structured, belt-by-belt video system you can actually train.
The Bottom Line
Saulo Ribeiro turns his classic curriculum into a five-part, belt-by-belt video system. You learn survival, escapes, guard, passing, and fundamental submissions with clear why-and-when guidance. It is gi-focused and prioritizes timeless, pressure-first jiu-jitsu over trendy systems; if you want modern no-gi leg-lock meta, this is not it.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: White to black belts seeking structure
Skip if: You want modern no-gi meta
Tech focus: Survival Positions, Escapes, Closed Guard, Guard Passing, Half Guard, Turtle Defense, Collar Chokes
Biggest takeaway: Fundamentals as a complete belt-by-belt system
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
This is Saulo Ribeiro's only BJJ Fanatics course and it adapts his classic book into a five-volume, belt-by-belt video curriculum. It follows the survival-first philosophy he popularized and adds timing, pacing, and live connection that photos cannot show.
If you want a single Saulo resource to build fundamentals for years, this is the most complete, currently-available package on BJJ Fanatics.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Survival Positions
- Escapes
- Closed Guard
- Butterfly Guard
- Guard Passing
- Half Guard
- Turtle Defense
- Mount Escapes
- Collar Chokes
- Kimura
Format & Level
- Instructional style: Conceptual, System Based, Drill Heavy
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 9 hours and 44 minutes
- Volumes: 5
- Released: 2025
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I revisited the book's framework and the video made transitions, pacing, and connection details click in a way pictures never did.
Why Saulo Ribeiro?
Saulo Ribeiro is a 6th-degree BJJ black belt and five-time IBJJF world champion. He earned his black belt from Royler Gracie and co-founded Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu with Xande. He authored the widely recommended book Jiu-Jitsu University. Saulo led the University of Jiu-Jitsu and BJJ Library, emphasizing fundamentals, defense, and strategy. He was inducted into the ADCC Hall of Fame in 2022.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Repeatedly called the best fundamentals resource; readers say it helps debug mistakes after class and clarify why techniques fail.
- Sub posts for white belts often point beginners to Jiu-Jitsu University first, calling it essential reading.
- Older threads praise Saulo's Jiu Jitsu Revolution sets as among the most useful all-in-one instructionals they bought.
- Recent thread highlighted the new video release based on the book, generating interest from long-time fans.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Several ask if the 2008 book feels dated for modern guards and competition trends.
- Some question how applicable the material is for strict no-gi training.
- A number prefer video over static photos and find learning solely from books limited.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Jiu-Jitsu Revolution (World Martial Arts) – Original DVD set – Frequently cited on r/bjj as a formative Saulo series. (2005)
- BJJ Library subscription (Saulo & Xande Ribeiro) – Ongoing Ribeiro curriculum with class-style lessons. (2014)
- Jiu-Jitsu University – Book (Victory Belt) – The original text many practitioners still reference weekly. (2008)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNNNwJChCJM
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEQjcBcqtk0
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l4hnSP6sZ4
Official listing: View Jiu Jitsu University by Saulo Ribeiro on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
