Key Takeaways:
- Comprehensive 10-volume foundational system blending traditional catch wrestling with modern No-Gi grappling concepts
- Extensive coverage of standing fundamentals, takedowns, ground control, and unique submission applications rarely seen in BJJ
- Perfect introduction to catch wrestling philosophy emphasizing aggression, pressure, and constant submission threats
- Strong technical instruction from Snake Pit USA lineage with systematic progression from basic to advanced concepts
- May overwhelm complete beginners despite “novice” labeling due to extensive technical content and unique terminology
- Rating: 8.5/10
CATCH WRESTLING SKILL LEVEL 1 NOVICE TO BEGINNER BY JOEL BANE DVD
Catch Wrestling Skill Level 1: Novice to Beginner by Joel Bane represents an ambitious introduction to one of grappling’s most aggressive and effective combat systems. This comprehensive 10-volume series blends traditional catch wrestling principles with modern No-Gi applications, providing grapplers with tools and approaches that differ significantly from standard Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction.
Catching Everyone Like an OG
Catch wrestling represents one of the foundational combat sports that influenced both professional wrestling and modern mixed martial arts. Unlike Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s guard-centric approach, catch wrestling emphasizes top control, aggressive submission hunting, and wrestling-based takedowns.
The philosophy centers on “catch as catch can” – securing submissions from any available position through pressure and control rather than positional flow. Modern catch wrestling has experienced renewed interest as No-Gi competitors seek competitive advantages through less common techniques and approaches. The system’s emphasis on pain-based submissions, joint manipulation, and pressure applications provides tactical options that many contemporary grapplers haven’t encountered regularly.
Snake Pit’s Joel Bane
Joel Bane serves as an instructor within the Snake Pit USA system, which represents a modern evolution of traditional catch wrestling principles. Snake Pit USA draws from multiple Olympic coaching lineages and three distinct catch wrestling traditions, combining nearly 30 years of experience across Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Luta Livre, and Greco-Roman Wrestling.
The organization emphasizes practical combat applications validated through world championship-level No-Gi and MMA competition. Bane’s systematic approach to instruction reflects deep understanding of catch wrestling fundamentals and their adaptation to contemporary grappling contexts. His teaching methodology demonstrates experience breaking down complex concepts into learnable progressions for students at various skill levels.
Catch Wrestling Skill Level 1 Novice to Beginner by Joel Bane DVD Review
Bane’s systematic approach through the Snake Pit USA methodology emphasizes control, pressure, and finishing ability while maintaining accessibility for developing grapplers seeking a distinctive grappling foundation:
Volume 1: Foundations
The opening volume establishes the philosophical and technical foundations of the catch wrestling system. Bane introduces the Snake Pit USA skill level breakdown and core concepts that differentiate catch wrestling from sport-oriented grappling approaches. The emphasis on “teaching the art, not the sport” reflects catch wrestling’s combat heritage and practical application focus.
Primary concepts, standing fundamentals, and submission philosophy receive detailed explanation, providing students with the conceptual framework necessary for understanding subsequent technical instruction. This foundational approach ensures students grasp the aggressive mindset and tactical priorities that drive effective catch wrestling application.
Volumes 2-3: How to Move
These volumes focus on fundamental movement patterns, conditioning, and basic technical applications. The shoulder rolls, sit-outs, and breakfall instruction provide essential safety and mobility skills that support advanced technique development.
Standing fundamentals including stance, grip fighting, and basic takedown setups establish the wrestling base crucial for effective catch wrestling implementation. The introduction of signature catch wrestling submissions like the double wrist lock and specific chokes demonstrates the system’s unique finishing methods that differ from standard BJJ approaches.
Volumes 4-6: Getting Around Arms
The middle section develops standing wrestling skills through comprehensive takedown instruction and counter techniques. Russian tie applications, arm drag setups, and single/double leg combinations provide the takedown arsenal needed for effective top position establishment.
The emphasis on finishing takedowns and maintaining control reflects catch wrestling’s priority on securing and keeping dominant positions. Counter techniques and defensive concepts ensure students can defend against similar attacks while developing the scrambling ability essential for catch wrestling success.
Volumes 7-9: Mat Wrestling
These volumes address ground control systems, escape techniques, and the distinctive turtle position work that characterizes catch wrestling. The Snake Pit 5 Gap system provides a unique framework for understanding positional control and advancement.
Turtle position attacks, including the specialized tilt variations and breakdown techniques, showcase catch wrestling’s systematic approach to controlling and finishing opponents who adopt defensive positions. Back control development and submission chains demonstrate how catch wrestling integrates wrestling control with finishing ability.
Volumes 10-11: Specials
The final volumes cover advanced position work, including guard passing concepts, leg lock applications, and defensive techniques. The Saturday Night Ride concepts introduce pressure passing methods that emphasize control over speed. Body scissors applications and half guard systems provide additional control and submission opportunities. The comprehensive coverage of defensive concepts ensures students can protect themselves against the aggressive techniques they’re learning to apply.
Fitting Catch Wrestling Into BJJ
This system requires significant drilling time to develop the muscle memory and timing needed for effective application. The catch wrestling approach demands more aggressive mindset development than typical BJJ instruction, requiring students to embrace pressure and submission hunting mentality.
Integration with existing grappling knowledge works well, particularly for wrestlers transitioning to No-Gi or BJJ practitioners seeking competitive differentiation. The extensive technical content benefits from systematic progression through volumes rather than random technique selection. Regular partner drilling of the unique positions and transitions helps develop the sensitivity needed for catch wrestling effectiveness.
CATCH WRESTLING SKILL LEVEL 1 NOVICE TO BEGINNER BY JOEL BANE DVD
Who Is This For?
This instructional targets dedicated grapplers seeking comprehensive introduction to catch wrestling fundamentals. Despite the “novice to beginner” labeling, the extensive content and unique terminology may challenge complete newcomers to grappling.
Intermediate BJJ practitioners and wrestlers will find the most immediate value in the systematic technical instruction. Competitors looking for tactical advantages through less common techniques will benefit significantly from the catch wrestling approach.
MMA fighters and No-Gi specialists will appreciate the emphasis on pressure, control, and finishing ability. Students must demonstrate patience and commitment to learning a different grappling paradigm rather than quick technique additions.
Pros & Potential Drawbacks
Pros:
- Comprehensive systematic introduction to catch wrestling covering all fundamental areas from standing to ground work
- Unique technical approaches provide competitive advantages through opponent unfamiliarity with catch wrestling methods
- Emphasis on aggressive mindset and finishing ability develops effective combat grappling mentality
- Extensive volume count allows deep technical development across all grappling phases
- Snake Pit USA lineage provides legitimate catch wrestling instruction with modern applications
- Strong integration of wrestling and submission elements creates complete grappling system
- Practical approach emphasizes effectiveness over sport rule compliance
Potential Drawbacks:
- Extensive content may overwhelm beginners despite “novice” labeling in the title
- Catch wrestling terminology and concepts require significant learning curve for BJJ-focused students
- Some techniques emphasize pain compliance and pressure that may not suit all training environments
- Limited coverage of sport-specific rule adaptations for IBJJF or ADCC competition contexts
Catch as a Catch Can
Catch Wrestling Skill Level 1 succeeds as a comprehensive introduction to one of grappling’s most aggressive and effective combat systems. Bane’s systematic approach through the Snake Pit USA methodology provides students with legitimate catch wrestling instruction adapted for modern application. The 10-volume structure allows thorough development of technical skills while building the aggressive mindset essential for catch wrestling effectiveness.
