Use simple rear body lock entries and mat returns to turn takedowns into back takes.
The Bottom Line
You learn stance, handfighting to ties, and rear body lock entries that flow to the back. The focus is on clean finishes hobbyists can hit. You will not get deep folkstyle scrambles or gi-based foot sweeps.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: No-gi back hunters
Skip if: No standup rounds
Tech focus: Rear Body Lock, Arm Drags, Snap Downs, Mat Return, Anaconda, Guillotine
Biggest takeaway: Back takes start with ties.
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
A no-gi takedown toolkit built around rear body locks and mat returns that land you in back takes. You get stance, motion, ties, entries, and back finishes packaged into four volumes.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Rear Body Lock
- Arm Drags
- Snap Downs
- Mat Return
- Anaconda
- Guillotine
- Cradle To Back
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Technique Collection
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 27 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I watched students connect arm drags to rear body locks and land immediate back exposure without complex chains.
Why Nick Rodriguez?
Rodriguez’s wrestling base powers his rear body lock and back exposure game. He emphasizes handfighting, angles, and safe mat returns. The curriculum is designed to get you to the back instead of stalling in half guard.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Seminar report called his teaching the best they had attended and praised clarity.
- Fans liked simple rear body lock takedowns that translate straight to back control.
- Community appreciates wrestling-first approaches for no-gi back takes.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some feel wrestling detail is lighter than dedicated wrestling instructionals.
- If your gym rarely starts from standing, applying reps can be hard.
- Critics say philosophy over detail can leave gaps for non-wrestlers.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Slay The Wrestle Up Guard vs Standing Opponent – Stops modern wrestle-up threats as you pass. (Price: $194.00, 4 vols)
- The Body Lock Pass by Lachlan Giles – Direct path to back exposure after takedowns. (Price: $99.00, 6 vols, 2019)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Takedowns to Back Control on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
