Retention-first blueprint that turns every pass attempt into a back take.
The Bottom Line
You learn retention against knee cuts, over/under, torreando, and x pass before moving to crab ride and twister-hook backs. You will not get basic closed-guard submissions here. If you want a modern CTA-adjacent back-hunting framework, this is it.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Modern guard players
Skip if: You avoid inverting
Tech focus: Guard Retention, Back Takes, Kiss Of The Dragon, Crab Ride, Twister Hook
Biggest takeaway: Stop passes, then take backs.
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
Mikey learned from the Mendes brothers and Caio Terra before becoming a multiple-time world champion. This four-volume series shows how to never concede passes and use kiss of the dragon, crab ride, and twister hooks to win the back. If you want CTA precision with modern layers, this system delivers retention first, then back takes.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Guard Retention
- Back Takes
- Kiss Of The Dragon
- Crab Ride
- Twister Hook
- Torreando Defense
- Over Under Defense
- X Pass Defense
- Half Guard Retention
- Angles
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 2 hours and 40 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I think of this as a retention firewall that converts pressure into back exposure.
Why Mikey Musumeci?
Mikey Musumeci is a multiple-time IBJJF black belt world champion. BJJ Heroes notes his modern berimbolo and crab ride roots. He trained under Gilbert Burns and Jonatas Gurgel and studied with the Mendes brothers and Caio Terra. He also competed in UFC BJJ events.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Insanely detailed, every pass has a clean answer.
- Back take chains feel inevitable once retention clicks.
- Great for smaller grapplers who invert and use hooks well.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some find Mikey’s delivery monotone and dense to binge.
- Advanced inversions can be tough on stiff lower backs.
Smart Alternatives
- No Gi Berimbolo System Part 1 – Deeper back-taking from crab ride in no-gi. (Price: $197.00, 8 vols)
- The Berimbolo System Part 1: The Foundation – Gi-focused foundational berimbolo blueprint. (Price: $197.00, 8 vols, 2020)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
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.
