Looking to add an unconventional guard to your arsenal? Adam Wardziński’s Octopus Guard Engineering might be exactly what you need to catch opponents off guard. This comprehensive review breaks down everything you need to know about this rising guard system.

TL;DR

Quick Facts

• Instructor: Adam Wardziński (Multiple-time IBJJF Pans & European Champion)
• Length: ~2.5 hours (5 volumes)
• Release Year: 2024
• Best For: Intermediate+ grapplers wanting creative guard options
• Works: Both gi and no-gi

From Telles to Today: The Octopus Guard Revolution

The octopus guard isn’t some TikTok BJJ trend – it’s a legitimate position with serious pedigree:

• Originally developed by Eduardo Telles 15+ years ago
• Recently popularized by Craig Jones in no-gi competition
• Used in MMA by fighters like Khabib, Bisping, and BJ Penn
• Gaining momentum as competitors discover its effectiveness

What Makes It Special

• Simple concept: Sit up from guard, wrap around opponent’s back
• Creates dilemmas: Forces opponents to choose between protecting back or preventing sweeps
• Catches people off guard: Most grapplers haven’t drilled specific defenses
• Wrestling crossover: Similar to switch/sit-out movements

Need more guard options? Check out our Best BJJ Instructionals Guide for more top picks.

Course Structure: Methodical and Complete

Wardziński organizes the material logically across 5 comprehensive volumes:

Volume 1: Foundations

• Entry mechanics from half guard and closed guard
• Crossface counters (crucial for success)
• Hand positioning to beat common defenses
• Basic control concepts

Volume 2: Chasing the Back

• Step-by-step back taking sequences
• Countering guard passes mid-transition
• Following scrambles to maintain control
• Pressure-tested scenarios against resisting opponents

Volume 3: Sweeps and Transitions

• Hip bump sweeps when back isn’t available
• Butterfly hook integration for elevation sweeps
• Dogfight positioning for stand-ups
• Natural flow between sweep attempts

Volume 4: Advanced Combinations

• Overhead sweeps for the flexible
• Turtle transitions (vintage Telles influence)
• Combination attacks linking sweeps to back takes
• Creative scramble management

Volume 5: Variations and Top Game

• Closed guard entries for gi players
• “Top Octopus” – unique perspective on using concepts from top
• Counter-octopus defense to avoid getting reversed

Standout Techniques That Actually Work

The Crossface Counter System

• Strip crossface grips while entering octopus
• Pummel through to latch around opponent’s back
• Attack their arm if they persist with pressure
• Game-changing detail that makes or breaks the position

Back Taking Mastery

• Sequential back attacks based on opponent reactions
• Stay glued like an actual octopus wrapping prey
• Handle stand-up attempts with rear bodylock transitions
• Counter backstep passes by spinning to the back

Sweep Arsenal

• Hip bump variations for different body types
• Butterfly overhead sweeps for the highlight reel
• Simple side sweeps when opponents pressure hard
• Creates double threats – back or sweep dilemma

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How It Compares to Other Systems

Octopus Guard Engineering vs. Craig Jones’ “The Reach Around”

• Jones: More chaotic, wrestling-heavy, submission-focused
• Wardziński: Structured, methodical, positional advancement
• Jones: 1-hour focused course
• Wardziński: 2.5-hour comprehensive system
• Verdict: They complement each other perfectly

Octopus Guard Engineering vs. Eduardo Telles’ Original

• Telles: Gi-focused, turtle guard integration
• Wardziński: Modern, gi/no-gi applicable, more organized
• Telles: Old-school DVD style
• Wardziński: Professional production, systematic approach

Octopus Guard Engineering vs. Traditional Guards

• Less complex than lapel or inversion guards
• More wrestling-based than berimbolo systems
• Natural extension of half guard underhook game
• Add-on system rather than standalone guard

Who Should Buy This Instructional

Perfect For:

• Intermediate+ grapplers with solid guard fundamentals
• Half guard players wanting back-taking threats
• Creative grapplers who love surprise techniques
• MMA fighters needing offensive bottom escapes
• Competition players seeking unexplored advantages

Maybe Not For:

• Brand new beginners still learning guard retention basics
• Traditionalists who prefer fundamental positions only
• Inflexible grapplers (though alternatives are shown)

My Personal Take: Comprehensive but Dense

Full transparency: I personally prefer instructionals with a clear throughline and progressive skill building. Wardziński’s approach here is extremely comprehensive – perhaps too comprehensive for some tastes.

What I Appreciated:

• Systematic organization across all volumes
• Addresses opponent counters thoroughly
• Real competition insight from elite-level experience
• Both gi and no-gi applications covered

Why It’s Popular with Newer Grapplers:

• Covers everything about octopus guard in one package
• Detailed explanations leave no stone unturned
• Multiple entry points for different situations
• Confidence-building through comprehensive coverage

The instructional reminds me of those “complete encyclopedia” style courses that white and blue belts love because they feel like they’re getting the full picture. More advanced grapplers might prefer the focused intensity of something like Craig Jones’ approach, but there’s definitely value in Wardziński’s thorough methodology.

Looking for solo training to complement your guard work? Check out this Free John Danaher Solo Training Course.

Pros and Cons Breakdown

Pros ✅

• Unique competitive advantage – most opponents unprepared
• Clear, systematic teaching with excellent detail
• Works gi and no-gi plus MMA applications
• High-percentage techniques tested in competition
• Professional production with good camera angles

Cons ❌

• Not fundamental – requires existing guard skills
• Can be risky if timing is off
• Specialty position – won’t replace your entire guard game
• Dense content – might overwhelm some learners

The Bottom Line

Octopus Guard Engineering delivers exactly what it promises: a complete system for an underutilized guard position. Wardziński’s competition-tested approach combined with clear instruction makes this a solid investment for grapplers ready to expand their arsenal.

Is it revolutionary? No, but it doesn’t need to be. Is it effective? Absolutely, especially against opponents who haven’t seen it coming.

The octopus guard embodies BJJ’s creative spirit – using leverage and cunning to turn disadvantage into advantage. While it won’t make you world champion overnight, it could give you the edge to surprise training partners and competitors alike.

Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Highly recommended for intermediate+ grapplers seeking creative guard options. The comprehensive coverage and practical techniques make this a valuable addition to any serious grappler’s library.

Ready to confuse your training partners with some eight-armed guard action?

👉 Get Octopus Guard Engineering on BJJ Fanatics

Time to wrap up your opponents like the sneaky sea creature you were always meant to be 🐙