Modern no-gi hand fighting with trips and quick scoring routes tailored to BJJ starts.
The Bottom Line
You learn to win tie-ups and create angles against seated and kneeling guards. You chain trips, knee taps, and back exposure. You do not get a throw-first judo playbook.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: No-gi competitors
Skip if: You need gi grips
Tech focus: Foot Sweeps, Tie Ups, Back Exposure
Biggest takeaway: Angles beat grips
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
Daisy Fresh standout Michael Pixley lays out no-gi tie-ups, footwork, and trip-based entries that suit modern guard-sit dynamics. Narration by Heath Pedigo emphasizes decision trees for scoring from hand fighting.
Strong emphasis on shutting down collar ties and creating angles for trips or quick back exposure.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Tie Ups
- Arm Drag
- Foot Sweeps
- Snap Down
- 2 On 1
- Head Inside Single
- Front Headlock
- Back Exposure
- Knee Tap
- Trip Throw
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 1 hour and 41 minutes
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I rate this above many classics because the entries start from realistic BJJ scenarios, not just neutral wrestling stances.
Why Michael Pixley and Heath Pedigo?
Pixley is an NCAA and NAIA champion-level wrestler competing in elite no-gi; Pedigo coaches the Daisy Fresh team and narrates structure and choices.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Multiple redditors recommend Closing The Gap outright.
- Fans highlight Pixley’s foot sweeps and angle work.
- Praised for BJJ-specific stages from seated to stand-ups.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some dislike narrated format instead of live-mat voice.
- A few comments say sequences encourage stalling if misused.
Smart Alternatives
- The Trip Throw Dilemma – Deeper focus on trips as primary takedown path. (Price: $197.00, 2025)
- Wrestling For Jiu Jitsu by Shawn Williams – Broader tie-up and finish system with classic pedagogy. (Price: $147.00, 6 vols)
Sources & References
Official listing: View Closing The Gap on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.

