Ninja Escapes Kenta Iwamoto DVD Review [2025]

Ninja Escapes Kenta Iwamoto DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • A No-Gi BJJ DVD offering a very detailed back escape system.
  • Provides options on dealing with the supine back mount, seated back mount, and the body triangle, among others.   
  • Contains several very effective and surprising counters, addresses transitions, but fails in the turtle escapes portion. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 7 out of 10. 

NINJA ESCAPES KENTA IWAMOTO DVD GET HERE

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TRAILER: Ninja Escapes Kenta Iwamoto DVD

It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed a BJJ escapes DVD. The Ninja Escapes Kenta Iwamoto DVD kind of took me by surprise, seeing as my perception of Iwamoto is of a submission artist rather than an escape aficionado.

That said, I love seeing well-rounded grapplers pull surprisingly effective systems out of the sleeves of their rashguards, which is exactly what Iwamoto did with this DVD. If the back mount is your trouble position, this instructional will help — just remember to stay out of the turtle, or look into another DVD for effective bottom turtle strategies.

The Best Kind of Escape

Is the one that works. Apart from that, there is another category of escapes that works perfectly in BJJ — the category of moves that get you out of tight spots long before it is apparent to the opponent that you’re safe. These are the ones you should be after.

Escaping is an end-range move in BJJ, meaning that after you complete it, the position is not going to be the same as before. Naturally, opponents controlling you would like to keep the status quo, so they’ll be doing their best to avoid such huge shifts in positioning.

The art of subtly rendering a position, move, or both useless while not appearing to be out of danger is the top tier of escape artistry in Jiu-Jitsu. There are not many people in the BJJ world capable of that, and I’m not really sure that Kenta Iwamoto is one of them. However, his Ninja Escapes Kenta Iwamoto DVD does contain some moves and concepts that align with this “subtle escapes” philosophy.

Perpetual ADCC Trials Winner Kenta Iwamoto 

You know who Kenta Iwamoto is; you’re just not sure where you know the name from.

Kenta is the man who has won 3 back-to-back ADCC Asia & Oceania Trials, even though he hasn’t quite won the main thing yet. Known as the man who always wins ADCC Trials, Iwamoto is a part of the B-Team these days, trying to at least finish second.

Kenta discovered BJJ at 19, already holding a black belt in Judo. It didn’t take long for Iwamoto to transition completely to the Gentle Art, opting to develop under the Tri-Force banner and forging a relationship with Mitsuyoshi Hayakawa.

Nomadic by nature, Kenta went on to split his training between the USA and Japan, opting for the B-Team on one side of the Pacific and Paraestra on the other. He got his black belt in 2023 from Yusuke Honma.

Ninja Escapes Kenta Iwamoto DVD Review

The Ninja Escapes Kenta Iwamoto DVD is a three-part instructional outlining useful No-Gi strategies for escaping the back mount, common submissions from the position, and countering recovery tactics:

Part 1 – Back Escapes

The title of this instructional might be Ninja Escapes Kenta Iwamoto DVD, but it doesn’t say anywhere that the position Kenta covers in it is the back mount, with all associated variations.

This becomes apparent from the first chapter in the first volume, as Iwamoto explains his concept before demonstrating a complete back escape. He then breaks down this demonstration into several elements that make up his means of escape, offering accompanying concepts along the way.

What you get to learn in this opening DVD is how to deal with the body triangle from the back by focusing on hip angles and elbow placement, how to attach, and eventually turn to your opponent to escape. Tactics like switching sides, rolling through, and addressing the RNC also feature.

Part 2 – Just Stand Up

Part two of the Kenta Iwamoto Escapes DVD is all about a situation never really covered in back escape classes — the double-seated position. While rare, at least in terms of spending any considerable amount of time in it, the position does occur constantly during back control battles.

Kenta goes into several different ways of getting folks off your back by focusing on hip movement again. Heisting, lifting, and rolling feature again, along with different attachments, this time favoring the lower body.

Part 3 – Turtle Reversals

The final part of the Ninja Escapes Kenta Iwamoto DVD is all about getting out of the turtle position. It is a popular subject these days, and Iwamoto does not bring too much to the table with this portion of his instructional.

Most of the usual culprits, such as dumping people, half-sits, four-point switching, and rolling through, feature. Like in the previous two volumes, there are plenty of technical details in here, but unlike his material so far, Iwamoto does not provide any context here.

I find that the cartwheeling has no place at all unless you’re looking to end up in a worse position or injured. The Granby is the better option and might be the best part about this final volume.

The Most Important Thing in Grappling

Nope, it is not escaping. It does matter, but it’s not all about escaping. Nor is it about finishing. The key ability to develop in grappling is to remain calm under pressure. This does not happen unless you have an exit strategy, which is where escapes play a crucial role.

Imagine this: you’re grappling, and you go for your favorite takedown that leads straight into your highest-percentage sub. You’ve drilled it a thousand times, and you tend to get it. However, you miss it from time to time, and those times are the ones where you get smashed.

Sounds familiar? I know — it used to happen to me too. Then I decided to focus on defense, and what happened as a result was, my offense became that much better. It turns out, when you’re confident you can get out of the worst spots in BJJ, you tend to be willing to take more risks with your offense. Now you understand how the Ninja Escapes Kenta Iwamoto DVD can completely change your game.

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Ninja Escapes! 

You might not quite look like a ninja escaping back mount using the tactics and techniques from the Ninja Escapes Kenta Iwamoto DVD, but at least you’ll squeeze out! You’ll probably look more like a drunken ninja turtle, but you’ll be on top and ready to avenge all those minutes spent between the opponent’s hooks.

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Craig Jones Slams Ffion Davies UFC Fight Pass Deal Over ‘Hypocrisy’

Craig Jones Slams Ffion Davies UFC Deal Over ‘Hypocrisy’
  • Ffion Davies UFC Fight Pass deal was hailed as a win for women in BJJ—until Craig Jones publicly called her out for hypocrisy.
  • Now, the BJJ World is split. Davies is firing back, claiming PED normalization, not exclusivity, is what’s keeping women from major brand deals.
  • The clash has sparked a fiery debate over integrity, equity, and the cost of opportunity in elite grappling.

When Signing a Dream Deal Turns Into a Public War

Ffion Davies made headlines this week after joining UFC Fight Pass’s growing roster of elite grapplers—an achievement widely seen as a victory for female representation in Jiu-Jitsu. But just days later, her celebration turned into controversy when Craig Jones took to social media to call her out for what he views as a double standard.

“We are being held back by competitors in the field that might potentially be blocking certain athletes from participating in our event.”
– Craig Jones –

The statement hit hard. While Davies has long positioned herself as a vocal advocate for gender equality in BJJ, Jones’ criticism suggests her deal could be part of the very problem she fights against: closing doors for others to open one for herself.

Craig Jones Claims Ffion Davies UFC Fight Pass Contract is  Holding Back Women's Jiu-Jitsu

Craig Jones Turns Up the Heat on Equality Talk

Jones didn’t mince words. Known for pushing boundaries in and out of competition, the Aussie star framed Davies’ decision as emblematic of how contractual exclusivity can contradict public advocacy.

And in doing so, he reignited a larger debate over the direction of the sport itself. His critique taps into a growing concern: as promotions like UFC Fight Pass Invitational increasingly lock down talent, who gets left out in the cold?

“Especially certain athletes that do have quite a powerful woman’s agenda in the sport that might have simply thought about themselves and their contract, not what’s better for the female athlete population as a whole.”
– Craig Jones –

And does the Ffion Davies UFC contract, which represents the practice of signing up to a single platform limit the broader growth of the sport, particularly for women?

Ffion Davies Fights Back: PED Culture Is the Real Barrier

Davies didn’t let the criticism go unanswered. In her own words, she redirected the Ffion Davies UFC contract conversation toward what she sees as the true elephant in the room: the normalization of PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs) in Jiu-Jitsu—and how that alienates mainstream sponsors.

“There are some things in the sport like the heavy use of ster*ids, for example, that can be unfortunately associated with Jiu-Jitsu.”
– Ffion Davies –

For Davies, the issue isn’t exclusivity—it’s integrity. She argues that PED culture is what’s keeping Jiu-Jitsu from being viewed as a respectable, marketable sport on par with other athletic disciplines. And until that changes, gender equity and commercial growth will both stagnate.

Ffion Davies UFC Fight pass

A Sport at a Crossroads: Contracts, Credibility, and Chaos

What makes this public clash so compelling isn’t just the star power—it’s that both Davies and Jones represent distinct visions for the sport’s future.

Davies champions professionalism, visibility, and legitimacy through polished media partnerships and clean athletic image. Jones embodies the rebel spirit of no-gi grappling: raw, unsanctioned, and unfiltered.

And the timing couldn’t be more potent. With major players like UFC Fight Pass, FloGrappling, and CJI reshaping the competitive landscape, fighters are increasingly forced to choose: play by the rules for access, or remain independent and risk irrelevance.

“If things like this can start to be peeled back and removed, I feel like it’ll be a big push in the right direction to have bigger brands and things interested in it.”
– Ffion Davies –

In any case, the Ffion Davies UFC Fight Pass contract resulted in one of the best women’s Jiu-Jitsu matches we’ve seen lately. On May 29, Davies battled it out with Adele Fornarino at UFC FPI 11, barely scrapping with a win in a match many thought she lost.

Ffion Davies UFC Deal – From One Contract to a Community in Conflict

The Ffion Davies UFC deal was supposed to be a celebration. Instead, it became a lightning rod for issues long simmering beneath the surface of BJJ—about fairness, contracts, and who really benefits from the sport’s rapid expansion.

Craig Jones may have thrown the first punch in this war of words, but Ffion Davies is far from backing down. If anything, she’s raising the stakes by demanding the sport confront its own uncomfortable truths.

And as the sport continues to walk the tightrope between growth and authenticity, this clash between two of its biggest names could prove to be more than just a personal spat—it might be a defining moment in Jiu-Jitsu’s modern history.

Chain Wrestling Concepts Matt Mcdonough DVD Review [2025]

Chain Wrestling Concepts Matt Mcdonough DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • A wrestling for Jiu-Jitsu DVD explaining the concept of chain wrestling through flows and drills.
  • Delivers technical explanations of flows, accompanied by drills and transitional checkpoints.   
  • Features classic standing moves, like single legs, high crotch, and bodylocks, paired with snapdown and shooting tactics. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 7.5 out of 10. 

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FULL TRAILER: Chain Wrestling Concepts Matt Mcdonough DVD

The moment you understand what chain wrestling is and how it works is the moment your wrestling skills will improve by leaps and bounds. Understandably, I am talking about BJJ people who have little to no experience in wrestling.

The Chain Wrestling Concepts Matt McDonough DVD offers a blueprint on the essentials of building chains of grappling techniques that work. It is focused on standing and takedown changes, but the principles of building live flows and flow drills are transferable to all aspects of grappling.

When Wrestling Works

Nothing else matters. The opponent is devastated, you’re too busy to make a mistake, and everything is in sync. However, wrestling rarely seems to work like this for BJJ folks. As usual, the flaw is not in wrestling. It’s not even in BJJ — it’s us.

When we roll in Jiu-Jitsu, we tend to use blocks of exchanges. Even when we “flow,” we pick stalling/resting positions that we like to hold for unlimited amounts of time. It makes sense, since pinning doesn’t win us a match.

Wrestling, on the other hand, does not have the luxury of time-wasting. If you don’t do stuff, you’re likely losing. So, wrestlers have become extremely efficient at moving with a purpose and constantly stringing things together, always on the lookout for that moment that can change everything.

The moment I figured out what wrestlers do during standing exchanges — chaining stuff together in loops — my wrestling for BJJ skyrocketed in just weeks. It took me a lot of research and practice to put it together, and I wish I had a comprehensive resource like the Chain Wrestling Concepts Matt McDonough DVD at my disposal.

Hawkeyes Alumni Matt Mcdonough

The name Matt McDonough might not resonate a lot in BJJ circles, but it is one people over in wrestling know all too well. McDonough is known as a two-time NCAA champion, representing the Hawkeyes team of the University of Iowa, and an all-around badass on the mats.

On top of his NCAA titles, Matt has four Linn-Mar titles under coach Doug Streicher, as well as notable appearances for the USA national team after college. Unfortunately, an injury sustained in his senior year derailed his career for good, as he never really reached the heights that everyone was expecting.

These days, Matt is a coach at McDominate Training Center in Iowa, leading the wrestling program. He has an abundance of knowledge stemming from a lifetime of wrestling — a small piece of which is available for everyone through the Chain Wrestling Concepts Matt McDonough DVD.

Chain Wrestling Concepts Matt Mcdonough DVD Review

Over the course of two and a half hours, spread over four volumes, the Matt McDonough Chain Wrestling DVD delivers a comprehensive overview of chain wrestling training, practice, and execution on the mats:

Part 1 – Flow Wrestling

The first part of the Chain Wrestling Concepts Matt McDonough DVD begins with Matt outlining his concept of chaining moves together, dubbed flow wrestling. He has worked out an entire process that holds several key components, which, put together, constitute a flow.

A set of examples, including engaging a lock from standing and transitioning from takedowns to pinning, helps prove his point. Moreover, he backs everything up with drills, also set in a flow manner.

Part 2 – Drilling Takedown Flows

Speaking of drills, they’re the method of choice in wrestling, and so, it is natural that Mcdonough bases his system around them. Part two of the Matt McDonough Chain Wrestling DVD is all about the different ways in which you can drill connecting takedowns, such as the single, high crotch, tight waist, and rear bodylocks.

Transitions also feature in this volume, mostly in terms of following up on a successful takedown by a pin or a transition to a mat return. This is something desperately lacking from BJJ classes, so even if it is the only reason you’re picking this DVD up, it is more than worth it.

Part 3 – Starting Strategies

Since wrestling has key starting positions apart from the initial one where both wrestlers stand, the way you start off the whistle makes all the difference. And if you think stuff like the referee’s position doesn’t translate to BJJ, you’ve never competed and been stopped and restarted by the ref in a weird spot.

This is another aspect where the Chain Wrestling Matt McDonough DVD shines. He demonstrates both conventional and unorthodox ways of starting a match — of course, including a flurry of transitions and some very sneaky (but effective) tactical calls.

Part 4 – Flurry Wrestling

Finally, introducing chaos to the flowing system, the Chain Wrestling Concepts Matt McDonough DVD racks up the intensity by demonstrating how things work live. Matt also introduces double-tap attacks and 1-2 combos of shooting and snapping, all topped up by Domination Drills that bring everything together.

Dominating The Action

Dominating a person who is resisting and trying to dominate you is not an easy thing to accomplish. Wrestlers spend countless hours practicing exactly that, building incredible mental toughness and physical attributes in the process.

In BJJ, we like to take our time — both with training and grappling. However, that rarely translates to dominance, and it has to do with pace, tactics, and game planning. Namely, if you want to dominate someone, you can’t give them a moment to collect their thoughts and try to figure out how to counter you.

That said, you don’t have to be spazzing all over the place just for the sake of moving. The key takeaway from wrestling in terms of dominance is to chain stuff together with a purpose — not chase after the opponent. You can select the pace you want and the level you want.

So, if you want to grapple like a wrestler, you need to start thinking like one. Focus on your goal and alternate attacks until you achieve it — just like the Chain Wrestling Concepts Matt McDonough DVD teaches you.

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Chains Out! 

Putting things together is not too hard, but there are some rules – you can’t just try and connect a few random moves to each other and call it a chain. Ideally, you would create your own chains, but until you’re ready to put together effective ones, stick to the Chain Wrestling Concepts Matt Mcdonough DVD. It will teach you everything you need to know about wrestling for BJJ. Perhaps even more.

Chain Wrestling For BJJ: Real Takedowns That Work!

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Fight Canceled: Jasmine Rocha Ketoacidosis Emergency Forces Her Out of UFC FPI 11

Fight Canceled: Jasmine Rocha Ketoacidosis Emergency Forces Her Out of UFC FPI 11
  • Jasmine Rocha was forced to withdraw from UFC Fight Pass Invitational 11 after being hospitalized with ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
  • The sudden Jasmine Rocha ketoacidosis scare sparked concern across the BJJ community and shed light on the dangers of extreme training and weight-cutting practices in combat sports.
  • Rocha is now recovering and emphasized the need to prioritize health moving forward.

Jasmine Rocha Ketoacidosis Ends in Urgent Hospitalization

As fans geared up for UFC Fight Pass Invitational 11, few expected the sudden headline that would sideline one of its most promising competitors.

In a post that stunned the grappling community, Jasmine Rocha was forced to withdraw from her match against Alexandria Enriquez after being hospitalized due to ketoacidosis — a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

The last-minute Jasmine Rocha ketoacidosis withdrawal not only shook the card’s lineup but also raised new concerns about the intense physical toll of elite-level preparation in combat sports, especially among younger athletes striving to cut weight and peak at just the right moment.

Jasmine Rocha Ketoacidosis Emergency UFC Fight Pass

From Rising Star to Hospital Bed: What Happened to Jasmine Rocha?

On May 29, multiple outlets confirmed that Jasmine Rocha had been pulled from UFC FPI 11 after developing ketoacidosis, a complication that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.

Though commonly associated with diabetes, it can also stem from prolonged fasting or extreme carbohydrate restriction — practices sometimes tied to cutting weight. For the Rocha family, all of whom are grapplers, this is a second health scare in a few months, coming shortly after the story about Vagner Roacha hospialized with heart issues.

“I had to pull out of my fight. I was just 7 pounds from weight and still trying to push through nonstop puking and stomach issues I’d been dealing with all week. The weight cut pushed things over the edge, and I ended up in the hospital with ketoacidosis ”
– Jasmine Rocha –

The 22-year-old black belt was widely expected to deliver a strong performance at FPI 11, continuing her surge through the elite ranks of women’s No-Gi grappling. Instead, her withdrawal became one of the most talked-about stories of the event.

Sudden Hospitalization Halts Rocha’s Momentum

Reactions online were immediate and intense. Fans, teammates, and fellow competitors expressed both disappointment and solidarity with Rocha, noting the extreme physical demands competitors face — and how easy it is to ignore the early warning signs of serious health issues.

While Rocha’s condition was confirmed as stable, the ordeal brought back conversations about athlete safety in events where short-notice cuts and last-minute weight drops remain common. Rocha herself confirmed she would be taking time off to recover fully and didn’t specify a return date.

Ketoacidosis and Combat Sports: A Dangerous Intersection

The Jasmine Rocha ketoacidosis case has ignited fresh concern around the prevalence of ketoacidosis linked to extreme dieting in combat sports.

While diabetic ketoacidosis is often the result of insulin imbalances, non-diabetic ketoacidosis can arise in athletes who drastically reduce caloric intake, overtrain, and restrict carbs — all in the name of cutting weight fast.

“Ketoacidosis doesn’t just affect diabetics — it can strike anyone who pushes their body into extreme states, especially athletes trying to make weight.”

Weight cutting remains a contentious topic in MMA and BJJ, with growing calls for reform. In 2022, ONE Championship implemented hydration testing to prevent dangerous cuts, but the broader combat sports world has yet to fully embrace similar measures.

Rocha’s scare could be the high-profile wake-up call needed. As more young athletes compete in events like the UFC Fight Pass Invitational, the pressure to perform — and make weight — isn’t going anywhere.

A Cautionary Chapter in Jasmine Rocha’s Journey

The Jasmine Rocha ketoacidosis withdrawal is more than just a scheduling shake-up — it’s a moment of reckoning for athletes, coaches, and organizers alike.

Rocha’s quick hospitalization and recovery may prevent long-term damage, but it’s a sobering reminder of how dangerous the pursuit of competitive excellence can become when health is pushed aside.

“. Listen to your body. I’ll recover, regroup, and come back better.”
– Jasmine Rocha –

Rocha’s story should serve as both a warning and a point of reflection in a sport where limits are constantly tested. As she steps back to recover, the BJJ world will be watching — and hopefully learning.

Closed Guard Fundamentals Adele Fornarino DVD Review [2025]

Closed Guard Fundamentals Adele Fornarino DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • This No-Gi BJJ DVD offers a basic closed guard variation aimed at constantly attacking.
  • Presents the Chopstick Guard variation, going over entries, sweeps, and submissions.   
  • Contains plenty of attacking combinations that revolve around the same few staple moves.
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 8 out of 10. 

CLOSED GUARD FUNDAMENTALS ADELE FORNARINO DVD GET HERE

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THE FULL TRAILER: Closed Guard Fundamentals Adele Fornarino DVD

The closed guard is an inevitable piece of BJJ, so why not figure out the best way to play it? Here’s a thought — you don’t have to play it like everyone else does in your academy. It’s better that you figure out your own version of it.

Understandably, not everyone has ideas on how to get to their own closed guard, which is the perfect moment to look into the Closed Guard Fundamentals Adele Fornarino DVD. You can either use it to set up the Chopstick Guard or use it as inspiration to develop your own brand of closed guard madness.

Can you Use Chopsticks? 

There are many different versions of the closed guard out there. It is one of the main reasons why people tend to use it so much when they get put under pressure — they have a version that works for them.

But how do you figure out your closed guard version, especially if you’re a white or blue belt still trying to make sense of everything? Well, the first piece of advice I give my students in terms of closed guard is to use their legs.

In case you haven’t noticed, it is the legs that provide the power in the position and that tip the scales toward your advantage. Wrapping the legs around the hips is not enough to control someone and set up attacks — you need to actively use them.

Most successful closed guard variations include experimentation in the placement of the legs — the Rubber guard, the Williams guard, the Rat guard… Now, there’s another iteration that also makes a lot of sense — the Chopstick Guard, covered in the Closed Guard Fundamentals Adele Fornarino DVD.

ADCC Champ Adele Fornarino

Not many ladies in the BJJ World can enjoy the status of an expert submission hunter. With a rate of 82% finishes, Adele Fornarino is so far in the lead, I doubt we’ll see anyone catching up to her any time soon. Helena Crevar might be chasing, but Adele is far from done tapping people out yet.

The 25-year-old black belt under David Hart (Machado lineage) has been involved in Jiu-Jitsu for over 15 years. She got her black belt fairly recently, in 2022, but has since won the ADCC (weight and absolute), Pans, Euros, and ADCC Trials. It is clear she has what it takes to rule the women’s divisions.

Let’s add to that a pending rivalry with Ffion Davies, which will hopefully gain the momentum of rivalries such as that of Basilio and Mesquita. Given the quality of both Ffion and Adele, and their upcoming rematch (Ffion won the first by RNC) on UFC Fight Pass, I expect we won’t have to wait too long for fireworks.

Adele has also been very active with digital teaching. The closed guard Adele Fornarino DVD we’re looking at today is her second instructional, with another title covering the same subject already reviewed by us.

Closed Guard Fundamentals Adele Fornarino DVD Review

Five volumes, more than three hours of material, more submissions than you can handle, and a fresh new variation of the closed guard — there’s no reason to skip over the Closed Guard Adele Fornarino DVD:

 

Part 1 – The Chopstick Guard

Adele delivers a very easy-to-use adaptation of the closed guard in her Closed Guard Fundamentals Adele Fornarino DVD. It is very easy for anyone to pull off, so I guess the fundamental part checks out.

With efficiency in mind, Fornarino focuses a lot on using the legs in the closed guard (something many miss these days) through her Chopstick closed guard variation. The concept, broken down fully in this first volume, is easy to understand and undoubtedly effective, particularly in No-Gi.

Part 2 – Entries 

Getting to the closed guard is a much more difficult task than it seems, especially when you’re looking for a specific version of the guard. In the second portion of the Adele Fornarino Closed Guard DVD, the Aussie grappler provides several routes to the Chopstick Guard.

She covers both standing and grounded guard setups, with the most notable being the combat base entry — she offers a basic and an advanced version of it.

Part 3 – Sweeps

Getting on top requires more dedication and intent, so the third part of the Closed Guard Fundamentals Adele Fornarino DVD contains a lot more chapters than the previous two combined.

Here, Adele looks into some classics, such as the sit-up, scissors, and flower sweep, but with an added twist. You guessed it — she adjusts this super fundamental (and effective) sweep trio to her Chopstick Guard, while also creating opportunities for other sweeps, such as overhead and lumberjacks.

Part 4 – Submissions

If you’ve ever seen Fornarino grapple, you know that the straight armbar is her preferred weapon — 16 of her 32 submission wins come via this submission.

In the penultimate part of this Adele Fornarino Closed Guard DVD, she shares some of the details that make her such a proficient arm collector. Chapters include a 20-minute-long breakdown of Chopstick Guard armbar setups, a quick standing armbar version, and where the triangle choke fits in setting armbars up.

Part 5 – Submission Combos

Finally, as we reach the end of the Closed Guard Fundamentals Adele Fornarino DVD, she launches into the different ways you can finish someone from the closed guard. In the longest volume in this instructional, Adele delivers more armbars (no surprise there), but also triangles, Omoplatas, and Kimuras.

The best part about this volume, however, is not the number of ways you can tap people out with, but rather the combinations you can make with those moves. Long story short, you’ll either choke or armlock just about everyone using the system, and for those that you can’t finish, unstoppable sweep connections are waiting.

Finding Your Closed Guard

Figuring out your own version of closed guard will take tinkering, time, and lots of failures. For those who have not been grappling long, this might even seem like an impossible task. That is where instructionals such as the Closed Guard Fundamentals Adele Fornarino DVD enter the frame.

Until such time that you can figure out something yourself, copy others! In fact, don’t just copy anyone — copy those who are the best at what they’re doing! Adele is certainly a master armbar finisher, but that success only comes on top of the impeccable guard base she has to set armbars up.

The moral of this story is that the closed guard you pick shouldn’t just be a guard for the sake of doing something when your back is on the mats. Instead, you should be using your guard to get to a final goal, such as an armbar, a triangle, or a back take. Only when you set it up with a goal in mind will your guard start to make sense.

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Scary Basics!

Keep a few basic tricks up your sleeve at all times. This is a piece of advice I wish someone had given to me when I was going through the belts. The Closed Guard Fundamentals Adele Fornarino DVD is the perfect resource to help you figure out how to catch people from the guard, using fundamentals when the fancy stuff doesn’t work. Try it out — you might even end up making it the centerpiece of your game!

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Ffion Davies vs Adele Fornarino – UFC Secures Grappling’s Dream Match at FPI 10

Ffion Davies vs Adele Fornarino – UFC Secures Grappling’s Dream Match at FPI 10

Craig Jones UFC Lawsuit Remarks Expose Cracks in the MMA Machine

Craig Jones UFC Lawsuit Remarks Expose Cracks in the MMA Machine
  • Craig Jones criticizes the UFC’s contract structures, labeling them as exploitative.
  • The UFC faces a new antitrust lawsuit filed by former fighter Misha Cirkunov.
  • The Craig Jones UFC Lawsuit comments warn athletes against signing with organizations accused of monopolistic practices.
  • The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about fighter compensation in MMA and BJJ.

The Jiu-Jitsu Star Accuses UFC of “Exploitative” Tactics Amid Antitrust Firestorm

In the wake of a revived antitrust battle targeting the UFC’s pay structure and labor practices, grappling icon Craig Jones has jumped into the fray — and he isn’t pulling punches.

Speaking out about the brewing Craig Jones UFC lawsuit conversation, the Australian jiu-jitsu star lashed out at the organization’s treatment of fighters, claiming the UFC’s business model is built on exploitation.

Jones’ criticism was sparked by recent headlines surrounding a $375 million settlement offer from the UFC to quiet a massive class-action lawsuit — an offer that was reportedly rejected.

Now, as that legal battle ramps up again, the former TUF coach is shining a harsh spotlight on how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athletes are caught in the crossfire of UFC’s systemic pay structure.

Craig Jones vs Dana White

“It’s Not Just MMA Fighters Being Exploited”

Jones didn’t mince words in his attack on UFC’s handling of its grappling talent, calling out the system as deeply flawed — particularly for jiu-jitsu competitors hoping to transition into MMA.

“These guys are living like peasants while generating millions for the UFC. You think it’s just the MMA fighters being exploited? Look at how they treat BJJ guys too.”
– Craig Jones –

According to Jones, the problem isn’t just about low pay — it’s about power imbalances and contracts that bind fighters into lengthy commitments with little protection.

While UFC President Dana White has largely shrugged off criticisms of fighter pay in the past, the Craig Jones UFC lawsuit discourse makes it clear that grappling insiders aren’t staying quiet anymore.

Craig Jones Takes Aim at TUF and UFC Business Model

Jones also took the opportunity to drag The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) series into the discussion — the very platform he once appeared on as a coach.

“TUF is basically a propaganda tool. You get unpaid fighters locked in a house, starved, cut off from the world — and all to fight for free on TV.”
– Craig Jones –

The jab at TUF is particularly biting given Jones’ own stint on the show. His behind-the-scenes insight adds credibility to his claims — and raises further questions about how deeply embedded these exploitative systems are across the UFC’s entire content machine.

Craig Jones UFC Lawsuit Remarks

Fighter Pay and Legal Fallout Back in Spotlight

The revived class-action UFC antitrust lawsuit centers on allegations that UFC’s contract structure and fighter control tactics violated antitrust laws by suppressing wages and creating a monopoly over fighter careers.

The proposed $375 million settlement was reportedly dismissed by plaintiffs who believe they are owed far more — with some estimates suggesting damages exceeding $1.6 billion.

That legal momentum has reignited the Craig Jones UFC lawsuit debate and opened a door for figures like Jones to advocate for reform in how athletes — especially jiu-jitsu practitioners — are treated when signing UFC deals.

“If you’re a BJJ guy thinking the UFC is the dream, think again. You’re going to make more money on your own than you will fighting there.”
– Craig Jones –

Jones’ statement challenges a longstanding perception that making it to the UFC is the pinnacle of a grappler’s career.

Instead, he argues that the real value lies in independence and control — a message that resonates with a growing number of athletes who are turning to superfights, seminars, and YouTube instead of signing exclusive deals.

A Crumbling Model — or the Start of a Rebellion?

With the UFC under renewed legal pressure and athletes like Jones voicing strong opposition, the industry may be approaching a breaking point.

What was once considered the ultimate destination for combat athletes is now being questioned — not just by outsiders, but by those who have lived inside the machine.

“They’ve been exploiting fighters for years. I’m just glad people are finally seeing it.”
– Craig Jones –

Craig Jones UFC Lawsuit Comments Mark a Pivotal Shift

As the Craig Jones UFC lawsuit narrative builds momentum, so does the scrutiny on how grapplers — not just strikers — are treated within MMA’s biggest promotion. Jones’ comments aren’t just a critique of UFC policy; they’re a rallying cry for athletes to reevaluate what success actually looks like.

Whether this sparks real change or not, one thing is clear: the silence is broken — and the industry’s most dangerous voices are speaking out.

“You Owe Me a Million”: Gordon Ryan Toehold Dispute Turns To Public War Over Failed Deal

“You Owe Me a Million”: Gordon Ryan Toehold Dispute Turns To Public War Over Failed Deal
  • The Gordon Ryan Toehold dispute exploded online after both parties accused each other of breaking their agreement.
  • Gordon Ryan claims his sponsorship with Toehold collapsed after they failed to honor a promised equity deal and monthly payments.
  • Toehold fires back, accusing Ryan of ghosting a $1 million investment he publicly committed to.
  • The public feud now includes screenshots, audio recordings, and mutual accusations of deception and bad faith.

“They Promised Ownership. I Got Ghosted.”

The Gordon Ryan Toehold sponsorship dispute has taken Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s most dominant athlete and pitted him publicly against one of its flashiest luxury brands. What began as a promising collaboration now looks like a business arrangement gone completely sideways.

Ryan, who once praised Toehold’s handmade flip-flops and pledged to invest in the company, is now accusing them of skipping payments, delaying legal agreements, and failing to deliver a promised stake in the business.

“I usually don’t make announcements until contracts are signed, but I operated in good faith because of how outstanding the product was.”
– Gordon Ryan –

He says he received none of the $5,000 monthly stipend promised to him. His posts on Instagram include a timeline of broken promises, screenshots of messages, and even audio recordings.

Flip-Flops, Promises, and Legal Ghosting

Toehold’s co-founder AG Gregoroff is heard in one leaked voice note explaining why paperwork hadn’t been finalized.

“Our attorney is on one of those f***ing world traveling, f***ing finding himself journeys… he took off for three months.”
– AG Gregoroff –

The Gordon Ryan Toehold sponsorship dispute escalated after Ryan shared this audio, claiming it reflected months of dodging and excuses. In other messages, Gregoroff allegedly admits the company was on the brink of shutting down.

“We’re shutting down the headquarters and putting Toehold on life support.”
– AG Gregoroff –

That admission—while possibly informal—gave Ryan ammunition to walk away. But Toehold has a very different story.

“You Promised a Million. We Got Nothing.”

In a formal public response, Toehold flipped the script. According to their statement, Ryan was the one who didn’t keep his word. The brand claims that Ryan publicly pledged a $1 million investment in their company but never followed through.

“Gordon publicly announced he would invest $1 million in Toehold. Despite months of effort, we never received the funds or a signed agreement.”
– Toehold statement –

They went further, suggesting this may not be the first time Ryan has flamed out of a sponsorship deal without delivering on his end.

A Messy Breakup

The Gordon Ryan Toehold sponsorship dispute quickly reached Reddit and BJJ corners of Instagram, where reactions were predictably mixed.

Some backed Ryan’s stance, citing Toehold’s vague legal strategy and “vaporware” equity pitch. Others felt Ryan had used his platform to intimidate a smaller brand after he failed to fulfill his own obligations.

“If you say you’re investing a million publicly and then bail, that’s on you. But if the brand couldn’t even pay him $5K a month, they were never serious.”
– Reddit user, r/bjj –

In a sport where money is scarce and sponsorships are often handshake agreements, this level of transparency, intentional or not, is rare.

Bigger Than Flip-Flops: BJJ Sponsorship’s Growing Pains

At the heart of the Gordon Ryan Toehold sponsorship dispute is a bigger question: how professional is the business side of Jiu-Jitsu?

With few regulations and limited industry structure, athletes and brands often operate without the oversight or legal diligence seen in other sports. That opens the door to breakdowns like this one.

“This isn’t a sport where you can fake the business side forever. Eventually the receipts show up.”

Ryan is no stranger to controversy, but he’s also a proven promotional asset. Toehold took a calculated risk aligning with him—and now both sides are walking away damaged.

Gordon Ryan Toehold Dispute: No Winners, Just Receipts

Whether you side with Gordon Ryan or believe Toehold’s counter-story, the Gordon Ryan Toehold sponsorship dispute is more than just a broken partnership—it’s a cautionary tale. In a sport trying to grow into the mainstream, deals like this require contracts, not direct messages. And until that shift happens, more blowups like this are bound to follow.

SPOTTED: Mackenzie Dern DoorDash Delivery — Fans Can’t Believe Their Eyes

SPOTTED: Mackenzie Dern DoorDash Delivery — Fans Can’t Believe Their Eyes
  • Mackenzie Dern DoorDash sighting goes viral after a fan claims she delivered their food.
  • The #6 UFC strawweight contender has not confirmed or denied the claim.
  • MMA fans question fighter pay and the financial pressures faced by elite athletes.
  • The moment adds fuel to long-standing concerns about compensation in combat sports.

“That Was Definitely Her”: Mackenzie Dern DoorDash Delivery Goes Viral

In what might be the most surreal UFC sighting of the year, a fan in California claims their lunch was delivered by none other than Mackenzie Dern — and not in the Octagon, but through DoorDash.

The now-deleted post made on Sunday described the encounter in detail. The poster said they were “100% sure it was her,” recognizing Dern instantly upon opening the door.

The woman delivering their food, according to the fan, bore the unmistakable features of the UFC strawweight star — black hair, facial structure, and even tattoos that matched.

QUOTE

Screenshots of the post quickly began circulating on Reddit and MMA Twitter, where it didn’t take long before the phrase Mackenzie Dern DoorDash started trending in combat sports circles.

UFC Fighter Mackenzie Dern DoorDash Delivery

Fighter Pay Under Fire: “Why Would a Top UFC Contender Do Gig Work?”

The viral delivery story has opened the floodgates on an old debate: how much does the UFC really pay its athletes? Dern, a black belt and former jiu-jitsu world champion, is one of the UFC’s most well-known female fighters and ranked #6 in her division.

So why would she be delivering food?

QUOTE

While it’s unclear if the alleged delivery was motivated by financial need, curiosity, or something else entirely, the situation has reignited fan criticism of MMA fighter compensation, which has long lagged behind other major sports leagues.

Context: Dern’s Career Earnings and Side Gigs in the UFC

Publicly reported UFC fighter pay figures show that Mackenzie Dern earned around $200,000 for her most recent appearance at UFC 298 — a decision loss to Amanda Ribas.

That number includes her fight purse and performance bonuses but doesn’t account for management cuts, taxes, or training camp expenses.

Over the course of her UFC career, she’s likely made just under $1 million total, a respectable figure—until you break down how far it really goes.

QUOTE

And it’s not just Dern. Fighters like Brandon Moreno, Geoff Neal, and even Chris Curtis have spoken publicly about side gigs or struggling financially during inactive periods.

Social Media Divided: Hustle or Humiliation?

Reactions to the Mackenzie Dern DoorDash story have been sharply divided.

Some praised the idea of a UFC fighter staying humble and working in the real world between fights. Others viewed it as a glaring red flag about the pay structure in MMA’s biggest promotion.

QUOTE

Some even speculated it might’ve been a clever PR stunt or a simple case of mistaken identity — though no one has yet found evidence that it wasn’t her.

 

No Comment from Dern (Yet)
UFC Fighter pay

As of this writing, Mackenzie Dern has not publicly responded to the viral story. Her Instagram remains active but contains no mention of DoorDash or any recent controversies.

The original Reddit post on Mackenzie Dern delivering food for DoorDash has since been deleted, adding another layer of mystery to the whole situation. Was it real? Was it someone who looked like her? Was she simply helping out a friend?

Until Dern confirms or denies the story, it remains a strange, possibly eye-opening moment in the ongoing conversation about how UFC athletes survive between fights.

Mackenzie Dern DoorDash Sighting Is a Snapshot of UFC’s Bigger Problem

Whether it was truly her or a case of mistaken identity, the Mackenzie Dern DoorDash story struck a nerve because it feels believable. In a sport where athletes are revered for their toughness but often left to fend for themselves financially, this brief moment — real or not — exposed the unglamorous truth of life outside the cage.

QUOTE

The UFC may boast billion-dollar revenues, but for fighters like Dern, moments like this suggest the money doesn’t always trickle down.

Pinning and Pressure Engineering Adam Wardzinski DVD Review [2025]

Pinning and Pressure Engineering Adam Wardzinski DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • A Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu DVD showing you how to hold people down using pressure from different scenarios.
  • Includes front-facing, turning, and back-facing opponents, passing, and turtle breakdowns.   
  • Covers the full length of pinning, from passing to the mount and back mount, with retention and recovery strategies. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 9 out of 10. 

PINNING AND PRESSURE ENGINEERING ADAM WARDZINSKI DVD HERE

Pinning and Pressure Engineering Adam Wardzinski DVD Preview
TRAILER HERE: Pinning and Pressure Engineering Adam Wardzinski DVD

Holding people down has two key components — pinning and pressure. Yeah, it can be that simple, if only you’d remember both of these when you’re trying to pin someone to the mats.

The Adam Wardzinski Pinning and Pressure DVD offers the solution to this conundrum. Instead of keeping them separate, Wardzinski blends pinning and pressure together, focusing on practical ways to stop people from slithering out from beneath you. This one is a Gi player’s dream, but even No-Gi guys will find lots of useful stuff in it.

Pressure Wins Fights

You’ve felt it. It may be your coach or the resident heavyweight who usually makes you gasp for air once you give up your guard, but you know exactly how pressure feels on the receiving end in grappling.

Well, that’s exactly how you want to use it when you’re on the giving end of it. Those exact same reactions you have are the ones you’re looking for in your opponent when you’re pressuring them until they break. Which brings us to the question: “Why do we need pressure?”

Apart from helping you “cook” your opponent, pressure is a great way of pinning without having to worry whether you’re in a specific position. Forget about all the “43-degree angle” nonsense you’ve been “taught” is the most “efficient” way to pin from “the thunder dome of doom side control.”

Just put your opponent under pressure. For the most part, that means different positions under different circumstances for different people. So forget about all the angles. Instead, take a look at how Adam does it in the Pinning and Pressure Engineering Adam Wardzinski DVD.

The Best Gi Grappler in the World?

Who would you say is the BJJ GOAT in the Gi? I’d wager not many are going to jump straight to Adam Wardzinski, even though the numbers, performances, and evidence point firmly in his direction.

It did take time for Adam to bloom into a full-fledged world champion. After a decade of top-tier performances that fell just short of the world title, Wardzinski, a.k.a. Megatron, managed to win his first IBJJF Worlds in 2024, submitting everyone as he tore through the competition.

The most popular Polish grappler (arguably) has since only had stellar performances, adding another No-Gi Pans title to his name in 2025, as well as winning the Euros for the third time, with the Gi on. 2025 also saw Wardzinski win the CBJJ Brazilian Nationals — once the toughest BJJ competition in the world.

Known for his impeccable guard, we saw Adam demonstrate impressive prowess with his escapes and top game as well, which was probably the missing part in his puzzle for all those years. Naturally, this part of his game is in big demand these days, and Adam obliged with the Pinning and Pressure Engineering Adam Wardzinski DVD.

Pinning and Pressure Engineering Adam Wardzinski DVD Review

This six-part Gi BJJ DVD by Adam Wardzinski delivers the motherlode of pressure pinning for Jiu-Jitsu in a way that moves past the traditional positions we usually associate with pinning. Wardzinski offers more than 4 hours of quality material and covers everything you need to know about holding people down:

Part 1 – Fold Passing

The opening portion of the Adam Wardzinski Pinning and Pressure DVD targets pinning very early on — during passing. This concept is slowly becoming a very popular one, aiming to prevent people from “just standing up” and forcing them into guard long before looking for a pass.

By turning towards stacking or folding, depending on the terminology you prefer, Adam provides a two-for-one of pinning and pressure without actively trying to pass — a proven heavyweight champion’s strategy. Options include folding people in different stages of the half guard, made worse (for the bottom person) by some very powerful hip and leg rides.

Part 2 – Chest-to-Chest Pinning

After the leg placement (a.k.a. guard) of your opponent is no longer an issue, Megatron launches into explanations of what we consider the definition of pinning — chest-to-chest scenarios. That said, you won’t find the traditional pins here, but rather an interesting take on pinning literally as early as possible, based on pressure rather than specific positioning.

Out of the half a dozen chapters in the second part of the Pinning and Pressure Engineering Adam Wardzinski DVD, I found the handcuffing position to be a very, very useful one. Adam’s use of Nelsons in the Gi, which is a huge factor in his latest winning streak, gets dissected here, along with some exciting ways to pin using guard tactics like the Coyote and Octopus.

Part 3 – Chest-to-Back Pinning

Even though we don’t think of chest-to-back positions immediately when we talk pinning, these are far more common during live grappling and just as difficult to hold on to. As we get near the middle of this Adam Wardzinski DVD, his focus shifts toward this underrated aspect of pinning.

Wardzinski begins methodically at the furthest pinning point available, covering the actual moment the opponent turns to deal with your immediate post-pass pinning attempts. Adam offers upper body connections to help you stay attached first, with the Gift Wrap providing everything you need.

Lower body control features more in this volume, mostly by way of hooks and crab rides. At the very end, Adam breaks out the handcuffs again, seamlessly tying together front and back pinning options.

Part 4 – Turtle Options

One of the most annoying things people do when you pass their guard is turtling up. Pinning the turtle is super difficult and often ends up in guard recovery for the bottom person.

Solutions exist, and they center around using pressure to pin the turtle, which is exactly what you get in this section of the Pinning and Pressure Engineering Adam Wardzinski DVD. Adam throws in some wrestling classics like claw rides and mat returns, which we don’t often see with the Gi, causing all sorts of problems for the turtle.

Part 5 – Back Mount 

There is a very specific and practical flow to this Adam Wardzinski Pinning and Pressure DVD. It starts in the guard of an opponent, which is the first instance where you have to use pinning, and ends in the back mount and mount, which are the epitomes of pinning and control in grappling.

The back mount is up first, as Wardzinski builds on his turtle breakdowns with a series of back retention methods. This will teach you active pinning better than any instructional, claiming you can ride the back endlessly once you get your hooks in.

Adam covers many scenarios here, including changing between hooks, body triangles, and cross-body control. The handcuffs feature again, providing an interesting new option as Wardzinski acknowledges that back escapes can happen, but doesn’t allow the opponent to go past bottom side control, ending up in a pin. Again.

Part 6 – Mount Pressure

The mount, Adam’s bread-and-butter pinning position, is the main feature of the final part of this Adam Wardzinski Gi instructional. We’ve seen it used almost as well as Roger Gracie lately, with a particular knack for the S-mount, which he deconstructs thoroughly here.

With pinning done once you get the mount, finishing moves also appear as Adam takes us through an array of armbars, head-and-arm chokes, and Gi strangles. For his swan song, Wardzinski ties together mount and back mount pinning, turning the entire DVD into a cohesive system at the very end.

Everyone Gasses Out

Don’t fall for the trap of conditioning instructionals and programs that promise you endless gas tanks for Jiu-Jitsu. Everyone gasses out. It just may take longer for some, especially when they are leading the rhythm of a match, to become tired. So, how do you deal with someone like that?

Pressure. Even the best-conditioned grappler is going to have a hard time when you put them under pressure. That, however, is easier said than done.

If you want to make people quit in BJJ, you’ll have to become a master of getting top positions first. Whether you pull guard, do takedowns, or sweep, you have to end up on top — that’s the only condition.

Once you’re on top, things get easier for you. Grab the Pinning and Pressure Engineering Adam Wardzinski DVD, figure out how to pressure people from all kinds of situations and positions, and enjoy seeing super athletes gasp for air as you hold them down at will. Or finish them — your choice.

Pinning and Pressure Engineering Adam Wardzinski Free DVD Sample

SEE A FREE SAMPLE: Pinning and Pressure Engineering Adam Wardzinski DVD

DOWNLOAD HERE: ADAM WARDZINSKI PINNING AND PRESSURE DVD

Pressure Pinning Nightmare!

Get on, and don’t get off until the bell sounds! While this tactic is not presented like this in the Pinning and Pressure Engineering Adam Wardzinski DVD, the notion of it runs throughout the instructional. After all, pressure turns even seasoned grapplers into quitters, as long as you know where to press — and Adam does, to perfection!

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How to Make Your Guard Unpassable in BJJ – Techniques, Drills & Top Resources

Levi Jones BJJ athlete retaining guard against female opponent during training

An unpassable guard isn’t just a defensive wall—it’s your ticket to staying out of trouble and dictating the match. If you can consistently retain your guard, you dramatically reduce the risk of being caught in dominant positions like side control, mount, or back control. Guard retention should be at the core of your training if your goal is long-term success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

This guide breaks down the essentials: guard retention, how to improve it, key drills and concepts, and the best instructional videos available.


What Exactly Is Guard Retention?

In BJJ, guard retention means maintaining your guard and preventing opponents from passing into more dominant positions. It’s a nuanced skill that requires timing, precision, and spatial awareness. Though difficult to master, especially for new practitioners, it’s vital for controlling matches and staying safe.

A few reasons guard retention is critical:

  • Stops opponents from achieving dominant control positions.
  • Buys you time to transition into attacks or escapes.
  • Allows for better scrambles following takedowns or failed submissions.

As John Danaher emphasizes, the bottom game in Jiu-Jitsu heavily relies on your ability to establish and maintain your guard.


Five Key Strategies to Boost Your Guard Retention (with Examples)

Here are five essential guard retention strategies explained with clear visual/video examples to help you grasp and apply each concept:

🔗 1. Synchronize Your Upper and Lower Body

When facing passes like the toreando or knee cut, always move your torso in the same direction as your legs to maintain structural alignment.

🎥 Example (Toreando Counter Drill): Watch on YouTube


🧷 2. Maintain Knee-to-Chest Connection

Avoid reaching your legs toward the opponent. Keep knees tight to your chest and flared beside your ribs for defensive integrity.

🎥 Visual Drill by Cobrinha: 8 Solo Guard Drills


🧩 3. Use the High Pummel

The high pummel replaces the traditional hip escape by allowing you to create space while keeping the leg structure intact.

🎥 High Pummel Detail (From De La Riva): Watch on YouTube


🔺 4. Offset Your Legs: One High, One Low

This off-balanced leg positioning breaks your opponent’s grips and slows their passing options.

🎥 Leg Work Demonstration: Solo Drills for Retention


🛑 5. Create Strong Frames

Framing with your arms, legs, or shins slows forward pressure and gives you time to reposition.

🎥 Framing Concepts Breakdown: Guard Retention Essentials



Core Concepts of Effective Guard Retention

These five principles apply across most passing situations:

  • Hide the hip-to-armpit gap – Never give your opponent this entry point.
  • Widen your guard – A narrow frame is easier to collapse.
  • Control them with your feet – Keep their base disrupted.
  • Square your hips to their angle – Prevent them from creating favorable angles.
  • Layer your defense – Use hooks, frames, and off-balancing movements together.

Guard Retention Drills You Should Be Doing

🥚 1. The Squashing Drill

This drill teaches you how to hide the space between your hip and armpit—one of the main areas opponents exploit during a pass. It also helps with core activation and positional awareness.

🎥 Watch here: Fast Learn Guard Retention – Squashing Drill

How to use it:

  • Use as a solo warm-up or flow drill.
  • Start on your back, and react to pressure by curling and repositioning your hips.

🚶 2. The Stepping Drill

This movement-based drill develops your ability to square your hips to the passer and maintain distance by stepping and pummeling with your legs.

🎥 Watch here: BJJ Guard Retention Drill

🔁 3. 8 BJJ Solo Basic Guard Retention Drills (Cobrinha BJJ)

One of the best solo drill compilations out there. These drills target guard maintenance, hip movement, and recovery.

🎥 Watch here: 8 Solo Drills by Cobrinha


🌀 4. 3 Essential Guard Retention Drills

These three drills build coordination and timing to defend against most common guard passes.

🎥 Watch here: 3 Essential Drills


🧍‍♂️ 5. 3 Solo Drills for Guard Retention

Simple, effective solo drills to improve your guard retention even when you don’t have a training partner.

🎥 Watch here: Solo Drills for Retention


🧱 6. Wall Guard Retention Drills (Cobrinha BJJ)

Learn how to use the wall to simulate guard pressure and retention angles in this Cobrinha demo.

🎥 Watch here: Wall Drills with Cobrinha


🌀 7. Solo Drill for Guard Retention (Paulo Miyao)

Paulo Miyao shows a powerful flexibility-based drill that can help prevent guard passing.

🎥 Watch here: Paulo Miyao Drill


🛡️ 8. Essential Guard Retention Drills

An overview of key solo and partner drills for building an unpassable guard.

🎥 Watch here: Guard Retention Essentials

How to use it:

  • Work in short bursts (2–3 rounds of 1 minute).
  • Perform during positional sparring or technical warm-ups.

These drills aren’t flashy, but consistently drilling them builds the muscle memory needed to keep your guard strong, even against aggressive passers.


Instructionals That Can Transform Your Guard Retention

Levi Jones-Leary – Xanadu Back Takes: Elite Guard Retention, Berimbolos & Xanadu Guard

Levi blends cutting-edge guard retention with berimbolos and modern back takes. This instructional is perfect for players looking to integrate dynamic movement and modern guards into their retention strategy.

Lachlan Giles & Ariel Tabak – Guard Retention Anthology

A complete collection addressing dozens of guard-passing scenarios, explained through concepts and live examples.

Mikey Musumeci – Power Switch Guard Retention and Genius Back Takes

A modern look at retention combined with transitions to back attacks.

Firas Zahabi – Guard Retention Made Easy

Simple, repeatable systems to build retention from the ground up.

Thiago Abud – 360 Degrees Guard Retention

Learn how to retain guard regardless of how or where the pass comes from.

Bernardo Faria – Jiu-Jitsu For Old Guys: Guard Retention

Ideal for older practitioners seeking effective, low-impact defensive techniques.

John Danaher – Guard Retention: Go Further Faster

A detailed breakdown of the core concepts, suitable for all levels. Danaher lays the foundation for a structurally sound guard.

Gordon Ryan – They Shall Not Pass

Focuses on no-gi strategies to stop all forms of passing, including scramble resets.


Training Application: Turn Rolling into Retention Reps

Start every sparring round from a seated position. Don’t engage grips or force a guard style. Just focus on retaining—nothing else. Let your opponent try to pass, and apply the concepts you’ve learned.

It will be tough at first. You’ll probably get passed a lot. But each failed attempt is data. Review it. Refine. Repeat.

Eventually, you’ll reach a point where retention feels natural. From there, layer in your preferred guards, sweeps, and submissions.


Final Thoughts

Guard retention isn’t flashy, but it’s foundational. Mastering this area of your game creates confidence, durability, and opportunity. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing for competition, the principles outlined here—and the instructionals linked above—can accelerate your progress.

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ What is guard retention in BJJ?

Guard retention refers to your ability to maintain guard and prevent your opponent from passing into more dominant positions. It involves framing, timing, hip movement, and awareness. Solid guard retention is foundational for both defense and transitioning to offense.

❓ How do I improve my guard retention?

Improvement comes from consistent drilling and positional sparring. Focus on key principles like staying tight, syncing your upper and lower body, and keeping your knees engaged. Drills like the Squashing Drill and Stepping Drill (linked above) are a great place to start.

❓ Is guard retention important for beginners?

Yes. Even if you’re not a “guard player,” learning how to retain guard will keep you from getting dominated in bad positions. It’s one of the most essential defensive skills you can develop early on.

❓ Do I need to be flexible to have good guard retention?

Flexibility helps, but it’s not required. Good mechanics and positioning usually outweigh raw flexibility. Many high-level athletes use posture, angles, and timing to make their guard hard to pass, even without extreme mobility.

❓ What are some effective guard retention drills?

Some of the most effective drills include:

  • The Squashing Drill (for maintaining core compression and alignment)
  • The Stepping Drill (for hip movement and guard recovery)
  • You can find video examples in this article for wall drills and solo pummeling.

❓ How long does it take to develop strong guard retention?

It depends on your training consistency and how focused you are. With consistent practice, many people notice improvements in just a few weeks. Mastery, like everything in BJJ, takes time—think months or years, not days.

The Best Open Guard Retention Concept video you will ever Watch!

Xande Ribeiro – Half Guard Retention Philosophy

The Best Guard Retention DVD and Digital Instructionals