Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes (Danaher) – In-Depth Review

A complete escape system with detailed north-south answers and decision rules.

The Bottom Line

You will learn a repeatable framework for escaping north-south against double-under, double-over, and over-under configurations. You also get pin-escape principles that generalize across side control, knee-on-belly, and turtle. You will not get brevity; the value comes from methodical, layered detail.

⚡️ Quick facts

Best for: Detail-oriented learners

Skip if: You hate long videos

Tech focus: North South Escape, Double Under Escape, Over Under Escape, Bridge, Shrimping, Turtle Escapes, Pin Escapes

Biggest takeaway: Three modes define escapes

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What You'll Learn

Danaher dedicates a full block to north-south, including double-under, double-over, and over-under variations, with clear decision rules. The framing, bridging, and transitional escapes connect across pins.
If you want a single curriculum that names the problems and sequences precise answers, this is it. The tradeoff is length and density.

Primary Techniques You'll Drill

  • North South Escape
  • Double Under Escape
  • Over Under Escape
  • Side Control Escape
  • Turtle Escapes
  • Pin Escapes
  • Bridge
  • Shrimping

Format & Level

  • Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
  • Skill level: All Levels
  • Format: Both
  • Runtime: 11 hours and 57 minutes
  • Volumes: 8

Should You Buy It?

Wait for daily deal. I recommend this if you want the most explicit north-south layers.

Why John Danaher?

John Danaher is a Renzo Gracie black belt known for systematizing BJJ. He coached multiple ADCC and IBJJF champions and popularized structured escapes and control frameworks. His Go Further Faster series targets fundamentals at a high level. Danaher’s teaching is methodical and concept-driven. Many practitioners adopt his terminology and sequencing to accelerate learning.

Community feedback

Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.

😍 Why People Love It

  • Comparative reviewers praised the structure and depth, noting how the system ties escapes together for real sparring.
  • Users said he gives more detail and fewer, higher-value options that hold up under pressure.
  • Threads called his escapes a must buy for fundamentals and mechanics-focused learning.
  • People credit the series for late-stage pin-escape nuance you rarely see elsewhere.

🤔 Common Criticisms

  • Common complaint: long-winded delivery that can feel slow to watch.
  • Some prefer Lachlan Giles for concise, easier-to-digest escape lessons.
  • Viewers often watch at 1.5x speed to get through lectures.

Smart Alternatives

Sources & References

Official listing: View Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes: Go Further Faster on BJJ Fanatics

Additional References

Your next step

You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.

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