Build a collar-sleeve hub that funnels to triangles, omoplatas, and back takes with lasso and DLR links.
The Bottom Line
You will learn a cohesive open guard built on collar-sleeve and lasso. You will connect off-balances to high-percentage finishes. You will not get scattered techniques without clear grips.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Guard players first
Skip if: You avoid gi grips
Tech focus: Collar Sleeve, Omoplata, Lasso Guard
Biggest takeaway: Frames before attacks
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What You'll Learn
This is the centerpiece of Meregali’s bottom game: collar-sleeve control into triangles, omoplatas, and off-balances, then lasso variations that connect to X and back takes. It is structured as a system rather than isolated plays, with grip priorities and frames explained simply.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Collar Sleeve
- Triangle
- Omoplata
- Lasso Guard
- De La Riva
- X Guard
- Sumi Gaeshi
- Off Balance
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Drill Heavy, Conceptual
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 34 minutes
- Volumes: 6
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I realized his collar-sleeve frames make leg drags and toreandos bounce off, buying endless time to set triangles.
Why Nicholas Meregali?
Meregali is renowned for a dynamic open guard that scales to heavyweights and lightweights alike.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Multiple threads call his collar-sleeve and lasso details elite for building a hub-style open guard.
- Fans liked that his newer clips emphasize drills and frames, not just moves.
- A breakdown post highlighted his consistent collar-sleeve to triangle/omoplata entries.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some worry Fanatics sets can be long and meandering versus short focused lessons.
- A few asked for more concise English in early releases.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu: Closed Distance Open Guard – Pairs perfectly if you like under-the-hips entries. (Price: $197.00, 6 vols)
- Fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu: Standing Guard Passing – Balance your game with top pressure answers. (Price: $197.00, 6 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu: Open Guard Attacks on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
