Breaking Through Barriers: Mikey Musumeci’s “Fundamentals of Guard Passing” Review

Mikey Musumeci Instructionals: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Mikey “Darth Rigatoni” Musumeci has firmly established himself as one of the most technical and innovative BJJ instructors in the game today. As a 5-time IBJJF World Champion and ONE Championship submission grappling champion, when Mikey teaches, serious grapplers listen. But with several high-quality instructionals available, which one should you invest in first? Let’s break down Mikey’s BJJ Fanatics catalog to help you choose the right instructional for your specific needs and skill level.

The Complete Mikey Musumeci Instructional Lineup

1. Fundamentals of Guard Passing: Breaking Their Guard – Wall by Wall

Price: $197.00 Get this game-changing passing system here

This 4-volume series represents Mikey’s systematic approach to guard passing. Rather than teaching individual techniques in isolation, Mikey presents passing as breaking through a series of “walls” your opponent creates. This conceptual framework transforms how you’ll think about passing forever.

2. The Berimbolo System Bundle

Price: $777.00 (Sale: $647.00) Transform your berimbolo game with this comprehensive bundle

This massive 8-volume bundle is the definitive resource on the berimbolo. Mikey dismantles the myth that you need exceptional flexibility to execute these moves, breaking down every detail that makes his berimbolo so effective against world-class opposition.


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3. BJJ Foundations Bundle

Price: $427.00 (Sale: $327.00) Build your foundation with Mikey’s essential concepts

This value bundle combines Mikey’s foundational guard and guard passing instructionals at a discounted price. Perfect for those wanting a complete system from one of the most technical minds in the sport.

4. Foundations of Guard: Attacking

Price: $197.00 Master attacking from guard with Mikey’s system

This 3-volume set focuses entirely on offensive guard play. If you struggle with creating attacks from your guard or getting stuck in defensive positions, this instructional will revolutionize how you fight off your back.

5. Power Switch Guard Retention and Genius Back Takes

Price: $79.00 Learn Mikey’s innovative retention and back-taking system

At a more accessible price point, this focused instructional teaches Mikey’s signature “power switch” – a revolutionary approach to guard retention that seamlessly transitions into back takes. This is perhaps the most unique system in his entire catalog.

6. No Gi Berimbolo System Part 1

Price: $197.00 Translate berimbolo mastery to no-gi with this system

Mikey adapts his world-class berimbolo system for no-gi, proving these techniques aren’t just for the gi. If you compete in no-gi or want to expand your berimbolo game across rule sets, this is essential viewing.

Which Mikey Musumeci Instructional Is Right For You?

Choosing the right instructional depends on your current skill level, game style, and specific needs. Here’s my recommendation based on different grappler profiles:

For Beginners (White to Early Blue Belt)

Best Choice: BJJ Foundations Bundle

I recommend starting with the Foundations Bundle if you’re newer to BJJ. This combination provides a comprehensive system for both guard play and passing, giving you the technical foundation that upper belts often take years to develop. Mikey’s systematic approach helps newer grapplers avoid common pitfalls and develop good habits from the start.

For Developing a Killer Guard Game (All Levels)

Best Choice: Foundations of Guard: Attacking

If your primary focus is improving your guard, this instructional will transform how you approach fighting off your back. Mikey’s concepts work for everyone, regardless of body type or flexibility, and he explains the precise details that make techniques work at the highest level.

For Passers Looking to Level Up (Blue Belt and Above)

Best Choice: Fundamentals of Guard Passing: Wall by Wall

This passing system has legitimately changed how I approach guard passing. Rather than teaching disconnected techniques, Mikey presents a cohesive strategy that will help you navigate even complex guards with confidence. His “Wall by Wall” concept simplifies passing and provides a blueprint you can apply immediately.

For Berimbolo Enthusiasts (Purple Belt and Above)

Best Choice: The Berimbolo System Bundle

This is the gold standard of berimbolo instructionals. Whether you’re just starting with this position or looking to refine it, Mikey breaks down every conceivable detail across 8 volumes. What I appreciate most is how he addresses common problems and makes these techniques accessible even if you’re not naturally flexible.

Don’t miss the current deals on BJJ Fanatics Daily Deals page – Mikey’s instructionals occasionally go on sale there!

For Budget-Conscious Grapplers

Best Choice: Power Switch Guard Retention and Genius Back Takes

At $79, this offers incredible value while still delivering Mikey’s signature attention to detail. The Power Switch concept alone will dramatically improve your guard retention and create back-taking opportunities you never saw before.

For No-Gi Specialists

Best Choice: No Gi Berimbolo System Part 1

If you primarily train no-gi or compete in submission grappling formats, this adaptation of Mikey’s berimbolo system will give you techniques that few no-gi players have in their arsenal. The level of detail he provides makes these techniques work even without gi grips.

Recommended Buying Order

If you’re looking to invest in multiple instructionals over time, here’s my suggested buying order:

  1. BJJ Foundations Bundle – Start with the complete foundation
  2. Fundamentals of Guard Passing – Develop your passing game
  3. Power Switch Guard Retention – Add his innovative retention/back-taking system
  4. The Berimbolo System Bundle – Once you have foundations, explore this advanced position
  5. No Gi Berimbolo System – Transfer the skills to no-gi

What Makes Mikey’s Instructionals Special?

Having studied instructionals from dozens of top competitors, what sets Mikey apart is:

  1. Obsessive Attention to Detail: Mikey explains subtle details that most instructors miss completely.
  2. Conceptual Teaching: Rather than just showing moves, he explains the underlying principles.
  3. Problem-Solving Approach: He anticipates common issues and provides solutions.
  4. Technical Precision: Every move is broken down to its mechanical essence.
  5. Systematic Progression: His instructionals build logically from foundations to advanced applications.

Final Verdict: Are Mikey’s Instructionals Worth It?

Absolutely. While Mikey’s instructionals aren’t the cheapest on the market, they deliver exceptional value through their comprehensive nature and technical depth. His teaching approach translates complex techniques into accessible steps that work for regular grapplers.

If you’re serious about improving your technical game and understanding the “why” behind techniques, investing in Mikey’s instructionals will pay dividends in your BJJ journey for years to come.

Ready to take your game to the next level? Start with the BJJ Foundations Bundle today and experience the difference that learning from one of the sport’s most technical minds can make.

For more high-quality instructional reviews, check out my breakdown of the Best Craig Jones Instructionals – another must-have collection for serious grapplers.

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