🎬 Best BJJ Instructionals: Reviews & Recommendations

Top BJJ instructionals reviewed: Gordon Ryan, Danaher, Craig Jones, and more.

Contents

Why Instructionals Accelerate BJJ Growth

A good BJJ instructional compresses years of discovery into hours. The best instructionals don't just show you techniques — they explain the underlying concepts that make techniques work, giving you a framework for understanding the whole game.

Top Instructionals by Category

Leg Locks

Instructional	Instructor	Level
Leglocks: Enter the System	John Danaher	Intermediate-Advanced
Leg Lock Anthology	Lachlan Giles	Beginner-Intermediate
Outside Heel Hooks	Gordon Ryan	Advanced

Guard Play

Instructional	Instructor	Level
Dynamic Guard	Mikey Musumeci	Intermediate
Half Guard Anthology	Lucas Leite	All levels
New Wave Jiu-Jitsu	Gordon Ryan	Advanced

Back Attacks

Instructional	Instructor	Level
Back Attacks: Enter the System	John Danaher	Intermediate-Advanced
The Gift Wrap	Gordon Ryan	Advanced

Best for Beginners

For white and blue belts, prioritize instructionals that teach concepts over collections of techniques. Bernardo Faria's instructionals are excellent for beginners — they focus on fundamental high-percentage positions.

💡 Getting the most from instructionals: Watch one section, drill the concept for 2-3 sessions, then watch the next section. Don't binge-watch without mat time in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are BJJ instructionals worth it?

Yes — for practitioners who train consistently. An instructional from a world champion compresses years of their development into a few hours. The key is applying what you learn on the mat immediately, not just watching.

What is the best BJJ instructional for beginners?

For white belts, any instructional by Bernardo Faria (half guard, pressure passing) or Marcelo Garcia (rear naked choke, guard) is excellent. Focus on positions you encounter every session rather than advanced leg locks.

Danaher vs Gordon Ryan instructionals — which is better?

Different strengths. Danaher is more conceptual and systematic — better for understanding the "why". Gordon Ryan is more practical and live-demonstrated — better for seeing techniques at speed. Both are worth studying.

📬 BJJ Wiki Newsletter

Weekly techniques, tips and updates

Common Mistakes in Instructional Review

Rushing the Setup

Attempting to finish before proper mechanics are in place results in failed attempts and positional loss. Prioritize position before submission.

Using Strength Over Technique

Muscling through setups creates bad habits and fails against stronger or more skilled opponents. Focus on leverage and angles.

Skipping Drilling

Techniques only become available in live rolling after extensive drilling. Regular repetition builds the muscle memory needed for execution under pressure.

Ignoring Defensive Reactions

Every technique has common counters. Learn the most frequent defensive reactions and have follow-up attacks ready.

Training Tips for Instructional Review

Shadow Drill at Full Speed

Perform the technique slowly, then progressively increase to competition speed while maintaining crisp mechanics. Video yourself to catch form breakdowns.

Use a Skilled Partner

Training with a partner who can give realistic resistance and honest feedback accelerates technical development more than repetitions with a passive uke.

Isolate Weak Phases

Break the technique into phases and identify which phase breaks down under pressure. Spend disproportionate drilling time on that specific phase.

Compete in Tournaments

Competition reveals real weaknesses that controlled training obscures. Even white belts benefit from early competitive experience.

Learning Progression for Instructional Review

Start with controlled drilling of the core mechanics at 30% resistance.
Progress to positional sparring: your partner starts in the relevant position and you practice Instructional Review with moderate resistance.
Integrate into flow rolling — actively hunt for Instructional Review opportunities without forcing.
Add to live sparring with full resistance. Focus on recognizing setups, not just finishing.
Record and review footage to identify timing gaps and mechanical errors.