Build a connected escape cycle that keeps you safe and lets you re-guard under real pressure.
The Bottom Line
You learn a complete defensive cycle from side control. You will connect running man, hawking, turtle, and the baby bridge. You will not learn flashy submissions here.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Pinned often in side control
Skip if: You want flashy subs
Tech focus: Running Man, Baby Bridge, Reguard
Biggest takeaway: Connect escapes into cycles
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
This course teaches the core defensive cycle that underpins Priit's system: running man, hawking, turtle, and the baby bridge. You learn how to connect escapes so opponents cannot consolidate pins.
It is the most referenced entry point for people who want immediate survival skills and a blueprint to re-guard or stand back up under pressure.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Running Man
- Baby Bridge
- Side Control Escapes
- Panda
- Hawking
- Turtle
- Frames
- Bridging
- Reguard
- Guard Recovery
Format & Level
- Instructional style: Conceptual, System Based
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 3 hours and 40 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I would start here because it gives you the decision tree that the rest of Priit's material plugs into.
Why Priit Mihkelson?
Priit Mihkelson is a 3rd-degree black belt from Estonia, co-founder of Defensive BJJ, and a frequent BJJ Globetrotters camp instructor.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Baby bridge fixed my bridge elsewhere right away.
- Seminar made me much harder to submit and was fun.
- Running man is a reliable backup that links to panda.
- Half my game is Priit and it works consistently.
- Coaches using his system report strong student results.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- You can get stuck cycling positions with little offense.
- Some think spin-outs are risky and unnecessary.
- Concept-first delivery is not for everyone.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes: Go Further Faster by John Danaher – Highly structured pin and turtle escape alternative. (Price: $197.00)
- The Turtle Guard Revisited by Eduardo Telles – Classic turtle offense approach for contrast. (Price: $47.00)
- Guard Retention Anthology: Through The Legs and Close Range – Alternative guard retention model to compare with. (Price: $127.00)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Running Man & The Baby Bridge: Essential Postures To Keep You Safe on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.