Learn gi-based octopus entries, back takes, and sweeps from the creator of the position.
The Bottom Line
You will connect octopus from half, closed, and butterfly to back takes and sweeps. Defensive chapters address common smashes with kata gatame and ezekiel counters. You will not get a broad guard curriculum; this is a focused, niche toolkit for octopus lovers.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Gi players chasing back takes
Skip if: You rarely play octopus
Tech focus: Octopus Guard, Half Guard, Butterfly Entries, Back Takes, Toptopus, Kata Gatame Counters, Reverse Half Guard
Biggest takeaway: Octopus opens easy back takes.
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What You'll Learn
This is Telles' gi-focused octopus guard mini-system. It links half, closed, and butterfly octopus entries to back takes and sweeps, plus counters to common shutdowns.
It is niche but valuable if you already hunt inside ties and body angles from guard.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Octopus Guard
- Half Guard
- Butterfly Entries
- Back Takes
- Toptopus
- Kata Gatame Counters
- Ezekiel Counters
- Reverse Half Guard
Format & Level
- Instructional style: Technique Collection, System Based
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 43 hours and 11 minutes
- Volumes: 1
Should You Buy It?
Skip. I found octopus shines when opponents overcommit grips; angle off first, then climb to the back.
Why Eduardo Telles?
Telles popularized the octopus guard and has demonstrated it across rulesets. BJJ Heroes highlights his role in pushing underdeveloped positions forward. This is best for experienced gi players who can arrive at octopus reliably.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Really good product; more like a playbook for octopus.
- Octopus half guard discussions show creative options many overlook.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some felt PJs and Naked Turtle were pretty bad compared to expectations.
- Hard to find many live examples of octopus in Telles' matches.
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Smart Alternatives
- The Reach Around AKA Octopus Guard by Craig Jones – Modern no-gi octopus mechanics and scrambles. (Price: $97.00)
- The Roger Gracie Turtle Attack System – If your octopus aims at back takes, consider a back-attack masterclass. (Price: $127.00)
- The Reverse Seat Belt by David Avellan – Alternative upper-body harness to create reversals and back takes. (Price: $97.00)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Octopus With Pajamas by Eduardo Telles on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
