A complete kata gatame plan that plugs into modern passing and tournament pacing.
The Bottom Line
You learn entries off knee cut, leg drag, and guard transitions. You drill answers to the most common defenses. You will not get a gi-only curriculum or long theory lectures.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Competitors who pass to mount
Skip if: You never use leg drags
Tech focus: Arm Triangle, Mounted Triangle, Knee Cut Entry
Biggest takeaway: Tie entries to pass reactions
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What You'll Learn
World-class featherweight Gianni Grippo teaches a competition-ready kata gatame plan. You get entries tied to knee-cut, leg drag, and back-escape reactions, then counters to classic defenses like answering the phone and turning away. A full defensive module helps you survive and escape the choke. Flowchart notes are offered to speed retention (price shown on product page).
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Arm Triangle
- Kata Gatame
- Mounted Triangle
- S Mount Armbar
- Arm Weave
- Knee Cut Entry
- Leg Drag Entry
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Volumes: 4
- Released: 2023
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I like how Grippo chains pass reactions directly into the choke so you lose zero momentum after securing top control.
Why Gianni Grippo?
Gianni Grippo is a multiple-time IBJJF champion under Marcelo Garcia and a veteran of elite no-gi events. Known for sharp passing and positional control.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- An AMA commenter credited this course for hitting kata gatame in competition.
- People like Grippo's systematic entries off modern passes.
- R/bjj often recommends competitors for tournament-ready details.
- Clear counters to 'answering the phone' defense get praise.
- Mounted triangle and S‑mount links are appreciated by guard passers.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some say the price is higher than most single-topic sets.
- A few prefer heavier pressure styles over sport entries.
- If you rarely pass with leg drags, parts may feel less relevant.
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Smart Alternatives
- Head and Arm Mastery: Unleashing the Power of Kata Gatame – Broader choke family with front headlock links. (Price: $79.00, 4 vols)
- Off With Their Head: The Arm Triangle – Heavier pressure blueprint if you want MMA-style control. (Price: $79.00, 4 vols, 2020)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View The Kata Gatame Game Plan on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
