Turn safe exits into immediate, structured guard passing.
The Bottom Line
You do not just escape; you pass. The series maps common defensive exits to body locks, leg drags, and knee-down sequences. Best for grapplers who already speak the leg game and want competitive conversions.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Competitors and passers
Skip if: You need basics
Tech focus: Irimi Ashi Defense, Outside Ashi Defense, 50/50 Defense, Body Lock Passing, Defensive Rolls, Leg Drag, Backstep
Biggest takeaway: Escape directly into passing.
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What You'll Learn
This volume converts leg lock defense into immediate passing. It covers irimi ashi, outside ashi, cross ashi, 50/50, and transitions to body locks, leg drags, and tripod passing.
Rolling footage and commentary reinforce the decision-making behind each conversion.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Irimi Ashi Defense
- Outside Ashi Defense
- Cross Ashi Defense
- 50/50 Defense
- Body Lock Passing
- Leg Drag
- Tripod Passing
- Defensive Rolls
- Backstep
- Knee Down Theory
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Footage Breakdown
- Skill level: Advanced
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 4 hours and 1 minute
- Volumes: 8
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I got more passes by drilling knee-down to body lock right after clearing the knee line.
Why Gordon Ryan?
Gordon Ryan pairs leg lock defense with his favorite passing lanes. You learn to clear the entanglement, then drive into passing systems like body locks and leg drags. Expect detailed grips, build-to-stand options, and contingency plans when opponents invert. The structure rewards repetition and situational sparring.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Lets you punish failed leg locks with high-percent passes.
- Rolling breakdowns clarify timing for standing builds and body locks.
- Recommended after learning core leg mechanics for best results.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Pricey at full list; users suggest waiting for sales codes.
- Assumes comfort with leg entanglement basics to get full value.
- Less focus on pure early prevention.
Smart Alternatives
- Pillars of Defense: Leg Locks to Back Takes – Same idea but prioritizes back exposure. (Price: $349.00)
- Get Off My Legs Gringo – Concept-first if you prefer principles. (Price: $197.00, 6 vols)
Sources & References
Official listing: View The Pillars of Defense: Leg Locks to Guard Passing on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
