An exhaustive, position-by-position library for escaping and countering the modern leg lock meta.
The Bottom Line
You get specific sequences for escaping and countering from every major entanglement. It shines for advanced students who want exhaustive coverage. The volume and price make it overkill if you only face a few threats.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Advanced students
Skip if: You dislike long sets
Tech focus: Irimi Ashi Defense, Outside Ashi Defense, Cross Ashi Defense, 50/50 Escapes, Knee Bar Defense, Toe Hold Defense, Heel Slip
Biggest takeaway: Map answers for every entanglement.
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What You'll Learn
A 10-volume encyclopedia of leg lock defenses and counters across Irimi Ashi, Outside Ashi, Cross Ashi, 50/50, and more. Heavy on precise technical sequences and reattacks.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Irimi Ashi Defense
- Outside Ashi Defense
- Cross Ashi Defense
- 50/50 Escapes
- Achilles Defense
- Toe Hold Defense
- Knee Bar Defense
- Heel Slip
- Counter Leg Locks
- Body Lock Follow Ups
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Technique Collection, Footage Breakdown
- Skill level: Advanced
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 6 hours and 17 minutes
- Volumes: 10
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I used it as a reference manual: target one entanglement per week and drill only those chapters.
Why Gordon Ryan?
Gordon Ryan is a multiple-time ADCC champion and modern no-gi standard bearer. His Pillars of Defense series documents detailed defensive cycles. The teaching is precise, sequence-driven, and competition-tested. Expect heavy coverage of positional nuance. It is best for students comfortable with long-form study.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Widely called the most comprehensive resource on leg lock defense.
- Detailed instruction for ankle locks, toe holds, kneebars, and heel hooks.
- Great if you want prepared responses for many positions.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Overwhelming volume of material for newer students.
- Light coverage on heel slip mechanics for true beginners.
- Expensive compared to most options.
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Smart Alternatives
- Leg Lock Defense: Survive And Escape (Giancarlo Bodoni) – Simpler structure while staying comprehensive. (Price: $197.00, 8 vols)
- Get Off My Legs Gringo (Craig Jones) – Concept-first defense if you hate move-dumps. (Price: $197.00, 6 vols)
- Scientifically Shutting Down Modern Leg Attacks (Ruotolo Brothers) – Dynamic passing and counters as an alternative approach.
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View The Pillars Of Defense: Leg Lock Escapes and Counter Locks on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
