Turn common pass attempts into structured back takes using power-switch retention.
The Bottom Line
You learn counters to major passes that expose the back. You also learn crab ride and Matrix finishes. You will not get much top pressure passing content.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Reactive guard players
Skip if: You avoid inversions
Tech focus: Kiss Of The Dragon, Crab Ride, Matrix Back Take
Biggest takeaway: Defense creates offense
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What You'll Learn
Mikey maps torreando, knee-cut and over/under defenses into kiss-of-the-dragon entries, crab rides and twister hooks to the back. It is part retention, part back exposure. The teaching is dense but specific.
Best for players who like to bait passes and counter to the back. Many techniques work in gi and no-gi. Advanced K-guard to Matrix integrations appear in later volumes.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Kiss Of The Dragon
- Crab Ride
- Twister Hook
- Matrix Back Take
- Torreando Counters
- Knee Cut Counters
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Technique Collection
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 2 hours and 40 minutes
- Volumes: 4
- Released: 2019
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I like how Mikey’s retention drills naturally funnel into back takes without forcing risky entries.
Why Mikey Musumeci?
Mikey Musumeci is a multi-time world champion known for technical guard play and modern back exposure chains from K-guard and crab ride.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Dense details with clear retention-to-back logic.
- Great contingencies when the bolo fails.
- Seminar reviews praise his clarity and depth.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Too advanced in parts for beginners.
- Less helpful if you never invert.
Smart Alternatives
- The Berimbolo System (Part 1) – Deeper bolo study if you want only gi bolo paths.
- Xanadu Back Takes – Alternative modern retention-to-back framework. (Price: $127.00, 4 vols, 2022)
Sources & References
Official listing: View Power Switch Guard Retention and Genius Back Takes on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
