A complete, proven back system that unifies retention, control, and high-percentage chokes for gi and no-gi.
The Bottom Line
If you want a back game that survives scrambles and still finishes, start here. Pena organizes the back into attack and support sides, then drills retention before layering submissions. Live rounds show the exact transitions he trusts in competition so you can copy the pacing and choices.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Back-focused players
Skip if: You never use back control
Tech focus: Back Takes, Seatbelt, Bow And Arrow, Rnc, Twister, Crucifix, Guillotine
Biggest takeaway: Separate sides to finish reliably.
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What You'll Learn
Pena distills his back game into a teachable framework that separates the attack and support sides, then layers retention and submission decision trees. The course shows how he stays glued to the back against elite opposition and funnels to bow-and-arrow, RNC, guillotines, twister, and his namesake choke.
You see live/specific training segments that prove the system under resistance and help you connect the static lessons to rolling.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Back Takes
- Back Retention
- Seatbelt
- Bow And Arrow
- Rnc
- Twister
- Crucifix
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 2 hours and 22 minutes
- Volumes: 4
- Released: 2023
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I found the attack/support side split makes decision making on the back almost automatic.
Why Felipe Pena?
Felipe 'Preguica' Pena is an ADCC absolute champion (2017) and multiple-time IBJJF world champion in gi and no-gi. He is a Gracie Barra black belt under Marcelo Azevedo. Pena is widely recognized for elite back attacks and open guard. His record shows a large share of submission wins from back control. He has victories over the best of his era and continues to compete at the highest level.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Multiple redditors say Pena's instructionals give unique insights and nuggets you keep using later.
- Back take material is specifically called very good by buyers.
- Several note the concepts translate across gi and no-gi without changing your whole game.
- Tip shared: add to cart and wait for a coupon email to save.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some mention a language barrier or accent that takes getting used to.
- A few prefer more exhaustive, lecture-style depth from other coaches for back control.
- At least one commenter suggests more training time beats more videos at white belt.
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Smart Alternatives
- Back Control and Submission – Newer, tighter update with focused back control finishes. (Price: $127.00, 4 vols, 2025)
- World Class Back Takes From Bottom – Great feeder system into back exposure from common guards. (Price: $197.00, 4 vols, 2021)
- No Gi Knee Shield Guard – Pairs well if your entries come from half guard knee shield. (Price: $197.00, 3 vols, 2022)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View The Pena Back Attack System: Retention, Control, Submissions on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
