Learn Maia’s high-percentage finishes once you have back control locked.
The Bottom Line
This course adds ruthless efficiency to your chokes and joint locks from the back. Expect hand-fighting sequences, chin manipulation, crucifix attacks, and pressure tips that work at all levels. Store reviews show a 5.0 average from 25 reviews, indicating strong buyer satisfaction (product page).
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: You reach but don’t finish
Skip if: You only play gi
Tech focus: Rear Naked Choke, Maia Leao, Neck Crank, Crucifix, Arm Triangle, Hand Fighting, Belly Up Finishes
Biggest takeaway: Hand fighting wins chokes.
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What You'll Learn
Four volumes on finishing once you are attached: classic mata-leao, Maia-Leao nuances, neck crank variations, arm triangles, crucifix chains, and timing-based attacks during escapes. It emphasizes efficient pressure and hand fighting.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Rear Naked Choke
- Maia Leao
- Neck Crank
- Crucifix
- Arm Triangle
- Hand Fighting
- Belly Up Finishes
- Timing Attacks
- Body Triangle Attacks
- Omoplata
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 3 hours and 15 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I finished more RNCs by treating hand fighting as the submission, not a prelude.
Why Demian Maia?
Maia made a career out of finishing from the back with ruthless fundamentals. His signature mata-leao and neck-crank variations are built on small alignment changes. As an ADCC champion and UFC veteran, he teaches realistic pressure and pacing. BJJHeroes and UFC records show his back-taking pedigree. Expect actionable cues over endless variations.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Chin-fighting details finally unlock stubborn RNC finishes.
- Crucifix sequences are simple and reliable under pressure.
- Maia-Leao insights add bite to your standard rear naked choke.
- Emphasis on efficiency beats muscling the choke.
- Pairs perfectly after studying retention.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Advanced players wanted deeper counters to hand-fighting battles.
- Some techniques feel MMA-oriented for pure IBJJF gi players.
- Heel hook from back feels off-theme to traditionalists.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- The Maia Backpack System: Controlling The Back – If your issue is losing position before finishing. (Price: $197.00, 4 vols)
- Enter The System: Back Attacks (Danaher) – Useful contrast if you want straight-jacket style finishing. (Price: $197.00)
- The Maia Backpack System Bundle – Finish plus control and entries together. (Price: $447.00, 11 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Maia Backpack System: Submissions From The Back on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
