Roger Gracie teaches a precise, no-fluff closed guard system that turns posture breaks into chokes, armlocks, back takes, and sweeps.
The Bottom Line
You will learn a tight posture-breaking framework with direct paths to collar chokes, armlocks, and back takes. Roger prioritizes control first so your finishes land clean in the gi. You will not find leg entanglement detours or flashy variations; this is a fundamentals masterclass.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Gi players seeking the classics
Skip if: You need nogi-only tactics
Tech focus: Cross Choke, Armbar, Scissor Sweep, Hook Sweep, Back Take
Biggest takeaway: Break posture first, finish second.
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What You'll Learn
Roger distills his championship closed guard into a concise, repeatable system built on posture control, straight-forward chokes, armlocks, back takes, and bread-and-butter sweeps. He teaches only what he used at the highest level.
If you want timeless gi fundamentals delivered clearly and without fluff, this is the benchmark.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Cross Choke
- Lapel Choke
- Armbar
- Kimura
- Wrist Lock
- Scissor Sweep
- Hook Sweep
- Lumberjack Sweep
- Back Take
- Side Closed Guard
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 1 hour and 28 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I found Roger’s emphasis on posture breaking and angle creation simplifies closed guard choices under pressure.
Why Roger Gracie?
Roger Gracie is a 10-time IBJJF black belt world champion and ADCC champion, often called the GOAT of gi jiu-jitsu. His competitive legacy is built on simple, perfect basics. He is in the IBJJF and ADCC Halls of Fame. His closed guard has long been studied for its efficiency. Roger now teaches worldwide through Roger Gracie Academy. His method emphasizes leverage and alignment over speed.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Concise and easy to follow; zero fluff from Roger.
- Teaches only techniques he used extensively in competition.
- Details on finishing mechanics and hand fighting are standout.
- Simple solutions to common problems that actually work.
- Old school fundamentals but delivered with modern clarity.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Does not address Sao Paulo pass enough for some.
- Limited no-gi applications compared to other courses.
- Shorter runtime than Danaher for a similar price.
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Smart Alternatives
- New Wave Jiu Jitsu: Closed Guard by John Danaher – Best structured no-gi closed guard system. (Price: $197.00, 8 vols)
- The Closed Guard by Bernardo Faria – Beginner-friendly gi fundamentals and sequences. (Price: $97.00, 4 vols)
- Next Generation Closed Guard by Mica Galvao – Modern gi updates and high-percentage combos. (Price: $79.00, 4 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
