A clear no-gi-first standup system built on safe trips and foot sweeps.
The Bottom Line
You learn a structured standing game around foot sweeps, trips, and New Wave-style entries that avoid guillotine traps. Setups start from common BJJ ties like collar ties, underhooks, and Russian ties. You will not get a wrestling-heavy shot system or deep stance science.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Gi or no-gi clinchers
Skip if: You want doubles
Tech focus: Foot Sweeps, Sasae, Uchi Mata, Osoto Gari, Ouchi Gari, Russian Tie, Body Lock
Biggest takeaway: Safe takedowns without shots.
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What You'll Learn
Ishii packages a no-gi first standing system built around trips, foot sweeps, and safe bodylock-style entries. It is filmed at New Wave and emphasizes timing, stance rules, and kuzushi over explosive shots.
If you want a coherent way to stand without becoming a wrestler, this is the most complete Ishii set.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Uchi Mata
- Sasae Tsurikomi Ashi
- Osoto Gari
- Ouchi Gari
- Russian Tie Entries
- Body Lock
- Foot Sweeps
- Grip Fighting
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Volumes: 4
- Released: 2022
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I found it the easiest way to add real takedowns without switching to a wrestling-first style.
Why Satoshi Ishii?
Satoshi Ishii is a 2008 Olympic judo gold medalist and BJJ black belt. He won the All-Japan Championship and later competed in MMA and grappling. He has trained with John Danaher and New Wave, blending judo entries with BJJ positional goals. His teaching focuses on timing, grip discipline, and post-throw control.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Less-risk, high-reward throws that suit no-gi well.
- Good options from collar tie, underhook, and Russian tie.
- Clear teaching despite accent; details land for BJJ.
- Helpful if you prefer trips and sweeps over double legs.
- Pairs well with New Wave clinch hand fighting.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Not as deep on stance theory as Danaher.
- Delivery is a bit dry; accent can be tough.
- Older Ishii sets had shaky audio so some hesitate.
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Smart Alternatives
- Feet To Floor: Standing To Ground by John Danaher – Deeper stance, grip, and motion theory.
- Low Risk Judo Throws For BJJ by Shintaro Higashi – Conservative, BJJ-friendly throw selection.
- Precision Foot Sweeps by Steve Mocco – Another perspective on timing-based sweeps.
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View New Wave Judo on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
