A beginner-friendly gi system that turns sleeve control into easy sweeps.
The Bottom Line
You learn how to enter double sleeve, off-balance, then sit up to finish. The course is perfect if you want a simple open-guard plan with clear triggers. It is limited to gi and does not cover modern lapel guards.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Newer gi players
Skip if: You train no-gi only
Tech focus: Double Sleeve Control, Sit Up Guard, Balloon Sweeps, Arm Drag, Back Takes
Biggest takeaway: Grip control drives easy sweeps.
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What You'll Learn
A four-part gi system for controlling with both sleeves to funnel sweeps and back takes. Thomas explains entries, structure, and high-percentage sequences that suit hobbyists and competitors. The path from grips to off-balance to sweep is especially clear.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Double Sleeve Control
- Sit Up Guard
- Balloon Sweeps
- Arm Drag
- De La Riva Transitions
- Back Takes
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: Beginner
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 17 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I like how the double sleeve structure gives predictable reactions you can drill fast.
Why Jonathan Thomas?
Jonathan Thomas is a black belt under Romero Cavalcanti and Lucas Lepri. He is known for thoughtful, systems-based gi instruction and strong competition results at the lower belts. Thomas emphasizes grip frameworks, timing, and testable training methods. His teaching is popular among hobbyists for clarity and practical sequences.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Simple, reliable sequences for newer gi players.
- Great structure for grip fighting and timing.
- Pairs well with closed guard and sit-up guard.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Less depth than broader open-guard systems.
- Gi-only; not useful for no-gi players.
- Some prefer Grapplearts open-guard courses for completeness.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- The Sit Up Guard by Lucas Lepri – Complementary sit-up guard options off sleeve grips.
- The Science of Guard Passing – Counter-study to beat double sleeve from top. (Price: $79.00, 4 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Double Sleeve Guard by Jonathan Thomas on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
