Turn turtle into a reliable attack platform with clear defenses, reversals, and submissions.
The Bottom Line
You will learn to build a robust turtle that denies front headlocks, blocks hooks, and shuts down chokes. The course then connects reversals, back takes, and submissions like turtle-plata into a repeatable sequence. You will not get endless lapel tricks; the focus is a system you can pressure test in gi or no-gi.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Turtle-curious guard players
Skip if: You want lapel tricks
Tech focus: Turtle Guard, Turtle Plata, Front Headlock Defense, Crucifix Defense, Back Escape, Steamroller, Kimura Options
Biggest takeaway: Turtle can start your offense.
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What You'll Learn
This is Telles' flagship modern take on his signature position. You learn how to make turtle an attacking hub instead of a last-ditch shell. The course organizes entries, defenses, reversals, and submissions into a coherent pathway.
It is best viewed as a system to survive front headlocks and back-take attempts, then turn the tables with sweeps and back exposure traps.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Turtle Guard
- Turtle Plata
- Steamroller
- Back Escape
- Crucifix Defense
- Front Headlock Defense
- Kimura Options
- Leg Trap
- Dogfight
- Surf Ride
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Volumes: 2
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I found the biggest gains came from drilling hook-blocking and immediate wrestle-ups before hunting the back.
Why Eduardo Telles?
Eduardo Telles is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Fabio Gurgel and the creator of modern Turtle Guard and Octopus Guard. He is renowned for 'esquijitsu' and turning neglected positions into weapons. Major accolades include IBJJF No-Gi Worlds gold in 2013 and Pan gold in 2007. BJJ Heroes credits him with revolutionizing the turtle by making it an offensive hub. He leads the Nine Nine (99) team and has coached for over two decades.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Covers turtle in depth, even turtle-plata; I made it work.
- Turtle works great once you defend front headlocks, guillotines, and back takes.
- Everyone should study Telles with Priit and Craig for better turtle.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- I rate Priit's turtle instructionals higher than Telles's.
- Teaching can feel too casual and light on detail and structure.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- The Turtle System by Henry Akins – More traditional, step-by-step turtle curriculum. (Price: $279.00)
- The Sitting Turtle by Priit Mihkelson – Deep posture-first defensive framework.
- Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes by John Danaher – Highly structured back-escape fundamentals. (Price: $197.00)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View The Turtle Guard Revisited by Eduardo Telles on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.