Can You Really Earn a BJJ Black Belt Through Private Lessons Alone?

Can You Really Earn a BJJ Black Belt Through Private Lessons?
  • A recent case involving Derek Moneyberg stirred controversy after he used private lessons only to earn a BJJ black belt in less than 4 years.
  • Coaches like Nick “Chewy” Albin have criticized the practice for lacking live sparring and community integration.
  • While privates offer tailored feedback, they may not provide the full pressure-tested experience needed to earn a legitimate black belt.
  • Community sentiment remains deeply divided, with many viewing this path as a shortcut that undermines the belt’s credibility.

The Rise of the BJJ Black Belt Private Lessons Debate

In recent years, a quiet but controversial trend has emerged in the grappling world: earn a BJJ black belt through private lessons alone.

While private sessions have long been a staple of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training — particularly for refining technique — they were never intended to be the sole path to mastery.

Today, however, some individuals are bypassing group classes and live rolls entirely, opting for one-on-one instruction as their exclusive route.

This development has sparked outrage across the community, with many arguing that it devalues what a black belt represents. One vocal critic is Nick Chewy Albin, who took to social media to slam the notion:

If you’re not rolling with the general population and pressure testing what you’ve learned, then you haven’t earned it.
– Nick Albin –

The Derek Moneyberg Controversy Adds Fuel to the Fire

Few cases have stirred more backlash than that of Derek Moneyberg, a finance guru-turned-BJJ practitioner who recently received his black belt under Rigan Machado.

What’s raised eyebrows isn’t just his promotional background — which is riddled with high-ticket coaching and celebrity marketing — but also the absence of any competition record or visible sparring footage.

According to multiple reports, Moneyberg’s BJJ black belt promotion was based on years of private instruction. That fact alone has drawn ire from long-time practitioners.

The Derek Moneyberg black belt situation is exactly why people don’t take some gyms seriously anymore. This is BJJ, not a luxury coaching retreat.
– Reddit user –

The optics of the promotion have triggered debates about belt inflation, elitism, and whether access to money — not mat time — is becoming a legitimate path to black belt.

Derek Moneyberg earns a BJJ black belt with private lessons only

Are Private Lessons Enough to Legitimately Earn a BJJ Black Belt?

Advocates of BJJ private lessons argue that personalized coaching accelerates learning. Without the distractions of a crowded mat, students receive direct attention, customized feedback, and the ability to drill precisely what they need.

For professionals with tight schedules or those who dislike group settings, it’s an appealing solution. But is it enough to earn a BJJ black belt?

But critics argue that what private lessons offer in precision, they lack in authenticity. Without the chaos of live rolling, the resistance of varied sparring partners, and the emotional ups and downs of group class, many feel you’re missing the soul of the art.

As one Reddit user put it:

If you’ve never been crushed by a white belt on their fourth Red Bull, have you really lived the BJJ experience?
– Reddit user –

The heart of the issue is that BJJ isn’t just about knowledge — it’s about adaptability, grit, and communal development. Critics maintain that you can’t simulate that in a private bubble.

McDojos, Marketing, and the Belt for Sale Accusations

To earn a BJJ black belt through private lessons is now an idea being associated with “McDojo” culture — a term for martial arts schools that prioritize profit over quality. Critics say this approach mirrors pay-to-win models seen in other commercialized sports or traditional martial arts schools.

Even Rigan Machado, the instructor who awarded Derek Moneyberg his black belt, has adopted a controversial stance by promoting what he calls “flow rolling” for certain high-profile students.

This emphasis on movement without resistance — and the downplaying of competition — has led to concerns that some black belts are being awarded without ever having endured a real test.

When we stop requiring adversity as a condition for black belts, we stop making martial artists. We start making mascots.
Earn a BJJ Black Belt Through Private Lessons only

When Private Lessons Work: Context Matters

That said, not all private lessons-based progress is illegitimate. There are scenarios where private lessons play a huge role in development — for example, competitors using them to complement regular training, or injured athletes rebuilding their game slowly.

Some world-class grapplers even swear by weekly privates to sharpen specific sequences or work around plateaus.

But even those high-level practitioners never fully rely on private lessons. They continue to roll, compete, and exist within the larger academy ecosystem.

That’s what many argue is the dividing line: in a quest to earn a BJJ black belt, private lessons can support development, but they cannot replace it entirely.

Closing the Gap Between Mat Time and Belt Expectations

In the end, the path to black belt is supposed to be long, humbling, and deeply personal. Whether it’s earned in a sweaty group class or refined through elite coaching, the essence of BJJ lies in proving your skills under pressure.

The recent controversies have shown that belt rank still matters — not just as a personal milestone, but as a symbol of credibility and integrity within the sport. If people think they can earn a BJJ black belt using private lessons only, a new debate emerges: are we preserving the art, or just selling the belt?

If the community wants to keep the belt meaningful, it may need to draw a line between enhancing your game — and shortcutting the journey.

The Guard System Roger Gracie DVD Bundle Review [2025]

The Guard System Roger Gracie DVD Bundle Review

Key Takeaways

  • A two-part Gi guard-focused bundle breaking down Roger Gracie’s closed and half guard systems.
  • Covers each guard separately, looking at sweeps, submissions, back takes, and guard retention strategies.
  • Delivers three and a half hours of guard tactics and directions on building a foolproof system with the closed and half guard.
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 9 out of 10.

THE GUARD SYSTEM ROGER GRACIE DVD BUNDLE AVAILABLE HERE!!!

Trying to figure out the closed guard? Good luck there. I doubt anyone has ever gotten close to really understanding how this staple position that everyone falls back to, works. Well, okay, maybe one man has gone further than anyone else over the course of the last few decades — Roger Gracie.

With Roger, it’s not just the closed guard — he really loves old-school, simple Jiu-Jitsu and has proven over and over again that it works just as well as the modern stuff. His system of working from the closed and half guard is no longer something you have to figure out — all you need is the Guard System Roger Gracie DVD Bundle.

A True BJJ Legend

10-time IBJJF World Champion. IBJJF Pans Champion. IBJJF European Champion. ADCC World Champion. Also known as the man who submitted every one of his opponents in the Worlds and in the ADCC. If we’re looking for the real heavyweight GOAT of BJJ, it’s not Gordon — it’s Roger Gracie.

Roger kept it simple in his legendary BJJ performances — he is known as the fundamentals guy, who liked to cross choke the best grapplers in the world from the mount. He clearly demonstrated that there’s really no such thing as a “white belt move,” just because something is simple and taught relatively early.

Gracie also had a solid pro MMA career, which saw him build a great reputation as the Strikeforce champion. Unfortunately, he finished it on a low note, with a forgettable stint in the UFC toward the end of his career.

Oh, yeah — he also won the IBJJF Worlds at every belt level except for white. Just a bit more food for thought toward the GOAT debate.

The Guard System Roger Gracie DVD Bundle Review

The Guard System Roger Gracie Bundle has two instructionals, each covering a different old-school Gi guard. The first one is all about the closed guard, featuring Roger’s favorite attacks, while the second looks into the half guard.

The Roger Gracie Closed Guard System DVD — GET IT HERE!

Subject:

The focus here is on the one guard you’re bound to use the most in your BJJ game, be it Gi or No-Gi. Kicking off the Guard System Roger Gracie DVD Bundle is a super simple closed guard game that can win you championships.

Key Points Covered:

Not much is going to happen from the closed guard if you can’t stay in it, so the very first thing addressed in the first instructional of the Roger Gracie Guard DVD Bundle is closed guard retention.

Immediately after, Roger goes for the kill — he breaks down his signature cross collar choke, offering several different setups, including a lapel variation. He builds on it by sticking to the lapel to set up and finish other submissions, namely an armlock, and also covers Kimuras, wrist locks, and even knee bars.

A bunch of different sweeps also features, mostly targeting kneeling opponents. The Omoplata sweep — another classic — gets lots of attention and some crazy details. Roger wraps up with a triple attack featuring more lapel work and a few key closed guard concepts.

Technical DVD specifications:

This opening portion of the Roger Gracie Bundle features four volumes, each lasting around 30 minutes. The structure is super easy to follow and progressive, making this the perfect DVD for grapplers of any level — even week-one students.

The Roger Gracie Half Guard System DVD — FULL DOWNLOAD

Subject:

Another classic guard, and one of Roger’s favorite ways to sweep — the half guard — is the star of the second part of this bundle. Once again, it is all about attacking from it in Gi BJJ.

Key Points Covered:

The second component of the Guard System Roger Gracie Bundle begins with attacks straight off the bat. Gracie talks sweeps first, along with ideas on how to control the top-half position after achieving it, so you don’t just end up in an endless sweep battle.

Lots of super-useful details on arm placement, trapping limbs, and Whizzer counters feature in this DVD, along with an alternate route to the back every time a sweep attack doesn’t work out. In fact, there is a big section on back takes from different half guard variations (deep half, inverted half, etc.) toward the end of the instructional.

Submissions are also present, led by the Kimura and paired up with nearby sweeps into one-two combinations. Roger also goes for a kneebar finish to spice things up, as well as an interesting take on a loop choke from the bottom half guard.

Technical DVD specifications:

This second (and final) part of the Guard System Roger Gracie DVD Bundle follows the same structure as the first one, delivering around half an hour of material per volume. The only difference is that this DVD has three instead of four volumes.

The Unavoidable Old School Guards

Why are you training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu today? It’s because the Gracies figured out how to fight people with their backs on the ground. In other words, the guard — especially the closed guard — is the reason why BJJ is so widespread and available around the world.

It is also a very viable and effective position to use at any level, Gi or No-Gi, and against any type of opponent. To this day, the closed guard (and half guard, for that matter) is still the go-to position for frustrating wrestlers and Judokas who tend to prefer top positions.

While maybe not as fancy as some of the modern guards, the closed guard and half guard are just as — or even more — effective, while at the same time being super reliable. You can pick them up fairly easily and use them regardless of your age and without having any particular athletic abilities.

Roger proved that “fundamentals” work at the absolute highest levels of the sport. Whether you’re going to become a World Champion using them is a different story. What’s guaranteed is that they will also work for you — especially if you use the tactics from the Guard System Roger Gracie DVD Bundle.

THE GUARD SYSTEM ROGER GRACIE BUNDLE DOWNLOAD

Gracie Guard Tactics

Guard tactics are what make guards work, not the positional details themselves. If we look back, not many people came even close to being as efficient with the closed guard as the Gracies. Given that Roger is by far the most technical Gracie — and arguably the best pure grappler in the family — the Guard System Roger Gracie DVD Bundle is the logical choice, isn’t it?

BKFC Fighter Stabs Yoel Romero With Samurai Sword—And Gets Away With It

BKFC Fighter Stabs Yoel Romero With Samurai Sword—And Gets Away With It
  • MMA legend Yoel Romero was stabbed with a samurai sword by a former BKFC fighter in a shocking altercation in Florida.
  • Romero suffered injuries but managed to disarm his attacker without lethal force.
  • Blas was acquitted of attempted second-degree murder.
  • Despite suffering injuries and the attacker facing trial for attempted murder, Romero has declined to press charges — leaving fans stunned by both the incident and his stoic response.

“He Just Kept Coming”: Yoel Romero Survives Savage Samurai Sword Attack

Reading that Yoel Romero was stabbed with a samurai sword and walked away doesn’t sound real — but that’s exactly what Florida police confirmed in a case involving the MMA legend.

Romero, 47, was stabbed during an altercation with former BKFC fighter Alberto Blas, who reportedly charged him wielding a samurai sword.

Blas was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder. According to reports from the Miami-Dade County court, the confrontation began after a personal dispute escalated at a property connected to both men.

Surveillance footage and witness testimony indicate Blas struck Romero with the blade before being subdued. Despite being injured, Romero refused hospital transport and declined to press charges, shocking many fans and legal analysts alike.

“Yoel Romero is really just built different.”

The samurai sword attack quickly became national news, with fight fans and former colleagues reacting in disbelief. The image of a man once dubbed “The Soldier of God” fending off a katana-wielding opponent in a real-life confrontation only added to Romero’s mythos.

BKFC Fighter Stabs Yoel Romero With Samurai Sword

Ex-BKFC Fighter Acquitted After Romero Refuses to Press Charges

Blas’ trial for attempted second-degree murder was short-lived. After Romero declined to cooperate with prosecutors or submit testimony, the case fell apart.

A Florida jury ultimately acquitted Blas of the most serious charges, citing lack of evidence without Romero’s participation.

This outcome stunned many in the MMA and BJJ communities, particularly given the severity of the Yoel Romero samurai sword incident.

Blas reportedly admitted to wielding the blade but argued it was self-defense. Without the victim’s testimony, the jury could not determine intent beyond a reasonable doubt.

“There is no place in the ring—or out of it—for people without honor.”

The incident further underscores the unpredictable fallout when personal rivalries bleed into real-world violence. While Blas’ BKFC career was already in decline, this confrontation will likely follow him for years.

“Built Different” Is an Understatement

Romero’s response—or lack thereof—has ignited a firestorm online. In Reddit threads and on X (formerly Twitter), fight fans have praised Romero’s composure while questioning whether not pressing charges was the right call.

The Yoel Romero samurai sword saga also highlights the surreal crossover between martial arts fiction and reality. “It’s like someone tried to recreate a scene from a B movie,” one commenter wrote, “but forgot that Romero is an actual killing machine.”

“Who survives a katana to the body, says nothing, and just walks away? Yoel Romero, apparently.”
– Reddit user

Florida’s self-defense laws added a legal wrinkle. Though the UFC veteran was the victim, his silence gave Blas’ team the chance to claim mutual escalation.

With Romero unwilling to testify, the burden of proof became nearly impossible to meet under Florida statutes.

Romero’s Quiet Victory

Why would Yoel Romero refuse to press charges after being stabbed with a samurai sword? Some point to his Cuban upbringing and traditional martial arts honor code. Others suggest Romero may be trying to avoid court drama in the twilight of his career.

He hasn’t issued an official statement, but those close to him say the UFC and Bellator veteran views the incident as “closed.”

“You don’t get to Yoel’s level by running to the police. You handle things like a man.

Still, many are asking if Romero’s decision unintentionally empowered future acts of violence in combat sports circles. As one fan noted, “We idolize fighters, but we forget they’re humans too. This could’ve ended with a funeral.”

A Samurai Sword and a Soldier of God

The Yoel Romero stabbed with a samurai sword story is equal parts nightmare and legend. It reads like an action movie plot but unfolded in a Florida driveway, with one of MMA’s most stoic figures at its center.

In true Romero fashion, he’s chosen silence over spectacle. But the silence speaks volumes. While the attacker walks free and fans struggle to make sense of the chaos, Romero continues training, healing, and living by a code only he seems to fully understand.

Whether that code stems from faith, discipline, or something else entirely, one thing is clear: in an era where most would post a hospital selfie, Yoel Romero simply walked away.

The BJJ Gauntlet Is Still a Thing—But Should It Be? McDojo Life Urges A Rethink

The BJJ Gauntlet Is Still a Thing—But Should It Be? McDojo Life Urges A Rethink
  • The BJJ gauntlet—where newly promoted students walk through a tunnel of teammates who whip them with their belts—has long been seen as a rite of passage in many gyms.
  • A recent wave of criticism, led by outspoken voices like McDojoLife, has reignited the question: Is the belt gauntlet a meaningful tradition or a dangerous, cult-like practice that has no place in modern martial arts?

Is the BJJ Gauntlet Just Tradition or Something More Sinister?

The BJJ gauntlet, sometimes called “the belt whipping,” is not officially part of Brazilian jiu-jitsu’s curriculum. Yet for years, it’s been an informal staple at BJJ belt promotion ceremonies around the world.

Students who get promoted are expected to walk between two lines of teammates who whip them with their belts—sometimes lightly, sometimes brutally.

But in 2025, this Jiu-Jitsu tradition is under the microscope more than ever before. Even the gauntlet founder, Chris Haueter, is not too happy with it these days.

McDojoLife, the popular martial arts satire and watchdog account, recently took aim at the BJJ gauntlet. In a viral post, they called the practice “cult-like and unnecessary,” adding fuel to a growing fire within the community.

“There’s no place in martial arts for traditions that humiliate or abuse students. That’s not brotherhood—it’s a red flag.”
– McDojoLife –

This call-out has divided the BJJ world, with some defending the gauntlet as a harmless bonding experience, while others argue it represents outdated, toxic behavior that has nothing to do with technical progression.

Rethinking The BJJ Gauntlet

How the Jiu-Jitsu Community Became Divided Over the BJJ Gauntlet

The Reddit BJJ community has seen heated discussions about the BJJ gauntlet for years. A resurfaced thread titled “The Gauntlet: Outdated Tradition or Rite of Passage?” contains hundreds of comments debating the practice’s value—or lack thereof.

Some practitioners say the gauntlet was a memorable, even empowering experience. Others describe it as painful, humiliating, and pointless.

One user wrote,

“I walked the gauntlet at blue belt. I had welts for days. I didn’t feel proud—I felt stupid for letting people hit me.”
– Reddit user –

Others view it more nostalgically:

“It sucked, but it was fun. We laughed, and I felt like part of the team. Not everything has to be soft.”
– Reddit user –

The divide often seems generational. Older black belts and traditionalists are more likely to defend the gauntlet as a “rite of passage,” while younger practitioners and newer schools are distancing themselves from it entirely.

Respect vs. Reform in Modern Jiu-Jitsu

As Brazilian jiu-jitsu continues to grow globally and evolve into a professionalized sport, some argue that cultural practices like the Jiu-Jitsu gauntlet no longer serve a purpose—especially in schools that cater to hobbyists, children, or corporate clientele.

Many gym owners have banned the gauntlet altogether, citing legal liability and student retention.

Others keep the ritual optional, allowing students to choose whether they want to participate — though that can create subtle peer pressure to conform.

Still, some high-level competitors and coaches insist that the ritual reinforces team culture and toughness. The challenge is finding the balance between honoring heritage and creating a safe, inclusive environment for all.

Tradition, Loyalty, or Liability?

The debate over the BJJ belt gauntlet touches on larger questions about the martial art’s identity. Is jiu-jitsu a modern combat sport? A self-improvement practice? A cultural tradition?

Depending on the answer, the gauntlet can either be seen as an outdated relic — or an essential ritual that binds teammates together.

What’s certain is that criticism is growing louder. As figures like McDojoLife continue to spotlight questionable practices, gyms are being forced to rethink what “tradition” really means—and who it serves.

“If your gym needs pain to prove loyalty, it’s not a team—it’s a problem.”
– McDojoLife –

In the years ahead, the BJJ gauntlet may fade from view entirely—or evolve into something more symbolic than physical. For now, it remains a lightning rod in a sport still trying to define itself.

[WATCH] MMA Fighter Bites Ear in Wild Max Fight 62 Meltdown

[WATCH]MMA Fighter Bites Ear in Wild Max Fight 62 Meltdown
  • In one of the most shocking MMA moments of 2025, Bulgarian fighter Georgi Valentinov bit off part of his opponent’s ear during Max Fight 62.
  • The incident sparked national outrage, forced his removal from the promotion, and revived uncomfortable comparisons to Mike Tyson’s infamous ear bite in 1997.
  • The “MMA fighter bites ear” scandal (and video) went viral in a matter of hours.
  • This is the first ear bite in MMA since the conception of the sport. 

The Bite Heard Around Bulgaria (and the Combat Sports World)

In a moment that instantly went viral, MMA fighter Georgi Valentinov took combat sports to an unsettling place during Max Fight 62 in Sofia, Bulgaria.

As the two athletes scrambled in close quarters, Valentinov clamped his teeth down on his opponent’s ear — biting off a visible portion of it. The grotesque act halted the fight immediately and has since dominated headlines.

Eyewitness footage shows the bitten fighter recoiling in shock as blood began to pour from his ear. The referee quickly intervened, waving off the bout while medics rushed in.

What was meant to be a standard matchup on a regional European card became an international scandal the moment the phrase “MMA fighter bites ear” started trending online.

Max Fight Responds Swiftly—and Harshly

The promotion wasted no time condemning the incident. Within hours, Max Fight released a public statement removing Valentinov from its roster indefinitely.

“There is no place in the ring for people without honor.”
– Max Fight Official Statement –

Valentinov, a veteran of the Bulgarian MMA circuit, had been one of Max Fight’s most recognizable faces. His sudden descent into infamy has left fans and fellow fighters stunned.

Commentators have likened it to a “disgraceful end” for someone once seen as a symbol of the promotion’s growth.

The key phrase MMA fighter bites ear has now become inseparable from Valentinov’s name—damaging not only his reputation but the image of Max Fight, which has spent years trying to legitimize its place in the European MMA scene.

Echoes of Tyson-Holyfield, but With Modern Fallout

For many, the moment was eerily reminiscent of Mike Tyson’s infamous ear bite on Evander Holyfield in 1997. But while Tyson served a suspension and eventually returned to competition, the public’s reaction today—fueled by social media outrage—is far less forgiving.

Clips of Valentinov’s bite quickly spread across TikTok and Instagram, with fans talking about the video where an MMA fighter bites ear in shocked disbelief. Bulgarian sports outlets labeled it a national disgrace.

Even mainstream outlets like Fakti and MMA UK condemned the behavior and questioned how a professional athlete could reach such a breaking point.

Valentinov has yet to make a public statement. As of this writing, he faces potential legal consequences, disciplinary review from Bulgaria’s combat sports authority, and a complete blacklisting from European promotions.

“This kind of violence is unacceptable—not just in MMA, but in any form of sport.”
– Bulgarian Sports Federation Representative –

Meanwhile, Max Fight is reportedly reviewing its vetting procedures and updating its fighter code of conduct. For a promotion trying to gain international attention, being associated with a headline like “MMA fighter bites ear” is a PR disaster.

What’s clear is that this incident is more than just a moment of madness—it’s a wake-up call for the entire MMA community. As the sport continues to evolve, the need for discipline, professionalism, and ethical boundaries becomes more critical than ever.

[WATCH]MMA Fighter Bites Ear at Max Fight 62

A Line Crossed, and a Sport Embarrassed

The visceral image of a fighter biting off part of another’s ear serves as a disturbing reminder of MMA’s delicate balance between violence and sport. While the octagon is a place for controlled aggression, what happened at Max Fight 62 crossed that line in the worst way possible.

And while commissions and promotions can impose bans or release statements, the “MMA fighter bites ear” story will now forever exist in the sport’s history —another viral lowlight that challenges MMA’s legitimacy in the eyes of the public. We already know how it worked out in boxing.

 

Under Pressure Brian Glick DVD Bundle Review [2025]

Under Pressure Brian Glick DVD Bundle Review

Key Takeaways

  • A three-part BJJ bundle delivering different building blocks of a dangerous guard game 
  • Features an OG Danaher black belt’s system for fending off any kind of pass using concept-based methods (and leg locks).
  • 15+ hours of instructions on setting up a counter-attacking guard game that revolves around meticulous retention.  
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 9.5 out of 10.

UNDER PRESSURE BRIAN GLICK DVD BUNDLE AVAILABLE HERE!!!

One look at the Under Pressure Brian Glick DVD Bundle and you’ll immediately understand why you need it. This is not just some empty-promise instructional bundle aimed at delivering instructionals people wouldn’t buy on their own — it’s a true goldmine of information on building a super guard.

With Glick delivering the material, you know you’re getting what you paid for — the man can not only teach, he can solve problems in a way your local coach can’t — feel free to quote me on that. No point in waiting, let’s jump straight into the review.

Brian Glick – The Final Hope for OG Grapplers

Brian Glick is one of those fellows you wouldn’t associate with high-level BJJ at first glance. He is not roided out, nor does he feature prominent cauliflower ears, or wear flip flops everywhere he goes. Or a rashguard, for that matter.

I did not mention the rashguard by accident — if it made you think of Danaher, that was intentional. The BJJ mastermind is the man who mentored Glick through his entire grappling journey, eventually awarding him his black belt.

Even Danaher, though, at some point, suggested Glick that he might be in the wrong sport (as he was coming up). In the old days of machismo and rough rolls, the frail-bodied and skinny Glick seemed like he didn’t belong on the mats in the blue basement.

However, it turns out, had he left then, BJJ would’ve lost another mastermind and an exceptional coach. Luckily, Brian stuck to grappling, and as a result, we can now enjoy his systems, such as the Under Pressure Brian Glick Bundle, to make our own grappling journey easier.

Detailed Under Pressure Brian Glick DVD Bundle Review

The No-Gi Under Pressure Brian Glick DVD Bundle is one of those things that nobody will refuse if you offer it as a gift, so why not present it to yourself first, developing the ability to deal with everyone using mostly your guard?

Half Butterfly Mastery DVD — AVAILABLE HERE!

Subject:

The Under Pressure Brian Glick Bundle begins with a system centered around one of the most useful and popular guards — the half butterfly — that, somehow, always comes up short in BJJ instructionals. Will this DVD be any different?

Key Points Covered:

Kicking off the Under Pressure Brian Glick DVD Bundle is a Brian Glick masterpiece that really does the butterfly half guard justice. He begins by explaining why you’d want to use this guard and why it works so well.

Glick then follows up with common issues people encounter while playing the half butterfly and proceeds to cover the basic mechanics and directions of attack. Brian organizes attacks into sets, with the first one being reactive sweeping and the second leading to leg locks.

Pinch headlocks, Sumi Gaeshi overhead sweeps, pass prevention (including the body lock), and lots of leg locks on both of the opponent’s legs feature throughout the DVD. Glick also provides a set of escapes from pins that lead to the guard, as well as an overview of the entire system, which makes it easy to connect the dots.

Technical DVD specifications:

This is a four-volume BJJ DVD — pretty standard in that regard — but with lots of material per volume. The full length of this Brian Glick DVD is just over four hours.

Retention, Recovery, and Attacking from Guard DVD — GET HERE

Subject:

The most complex and most important of the three components of this Brian Glick bundle is his second instructional. It simplifies the murky concept of guard retention while providing you with a steady stream of counterattacks.

Key Points Covered:

Mr. Glick’s second contribution to the Brian Glick Under Pressure DVD is an instructional that provides some super-useful methods to help you turn any guard you play into a fortress.

By presenting his Clamp concept first, Brian sets the stage for building a principle-based guard game that allows for easy retention and diverse recovery options. Before all that, he shares instructions on how to best use his video to master these skills.

On a more technical note, he covers posture, grips, action-reaction dynamics, common movements, and key structures to help you stay in any guard you choose. He also provides escape routes — or better said, recoveries — that help you stave off mount, side control, and other pins before the opponent can stabilize them.

Instead of looking at specific guards, Glick uses passes as examples of how the system works. These include the knee cut pass and body lock, both rendered useless at all stages of passing — early, mid, and late.

A set of counterattacking submissions also features, with the likes of Kimuras, armbars, arm triangles, and Omoplatas taking most of the focus. A classic Glick overview at the very end brings everything together and allows you to understand how to best train the system on your own.

Technical DVD specifications:

This is another supercharged instructional in the Under Pressure Brian Glick DVD Bundle, lasting just over 5 hours. Once more, Brian sticks to the proven four-volume BJJ structure, further dividing his work into chapters for easy searching.

Leg Entanglements DVD — DOWNLOAD NOW

Subject:

The last Under Pressure Brian Glick DVD Bundle instructional is one people were probably expecting the moment Danaher was mentioned in this article — a leg locks DVD. This one, though, is unlike Danaher’s, as it focuses on counter-leg locking against pressure passers.

Key Points Covered:

Once again, Brian kicks things off with instructions on how to use the DVD and the key concepts that make everything tick. In this case, that involves subjects such as distance, connection, inside position, guard retention, and hip positioning relative to the opponent.

Ashi Garami emerges as the key tool — no surprise there — with Glick explaining how you can use different guards (DLR, X Guard, shin-to-shin, K Guard, and half butterfly) to stop passes by funneling your opponent into Ashi Garami.

Funneling is the key concept here, as everything (well, almost) happens reactively as your opponent initiates passes. Finishing options depend on the Ashi variation, but you’ll find a bit of everything: ankle locks, heel hooks, and toe holds.

Alternative attack options — such as back takes from the Ashi, sweeps, and constant Kuzushi — also feature heavily throughout the DVD. In the end, Glick provides his signature roadmap to bring all the information covered in the instructional together.

Technical DVD specifications:

This final component of the Under Pressure Brian Glick Bundle includes eight volumes, making it the biggest of the bunch. The total running time is around six and a half hours, as it covers everything about leg locks a guard player should know.

A Shift in Tactics (and Everything Else) 

While this Under Pressure Brian Glick DVD Bundle is going to benefit everyone who picks it up, the folks that will gain the most are old guys and those who are small-framed and don’t possess any distinctive athletic abilities — basically, everyone who is not a competitor.

As I mentioned earlier, Brian is no physical specimen himself, but he is a super-high-level black belt who can more than hold his own against pretty much anyone while rolling. Since this is the focus for most people training BJJ — including competitors — the material is perfectly suited for everyone.

For those who used to be able to do anything they wanted, this bundle represents a means to return to that success of years past, but without the requirements for youth-derived abilities such as strength, flexibility, and explosiveness. All it takes is a different mindset, a shift in strategy, and a detailed, efficiency-oriented, and dangerous guard game.

Under Pressure Brian Glick DVD Bundle Free Sample

WATCH A FREE SAMPLE: Under Pressure Brian Glick DVD Bundle

UNDER PRESSURE BRIAN GLICK BUNDLE DOWNLOAD

Beware the OG Guard Players!

If you’re not already feared as a dangerous guard player on the mats, then it is about time you change that. After all, when all the strength, flair, and ability to invert and spin are gone, there’s nothing apart from your guard that will keep you in the game.

Picking up the Under Pressure Brian Glick DVD Bundle all but guarantees that you’ll be able to withstand anyone’s passing threats and tap them, regardless of how old or tired you might have become. Enticing, isn’t it?

The No-Gi Open Guard Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle Review [2025]

The No-Gi Open Guard Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle Review

Key Takeaways

  • A three-part DVD bundle with three different open guard instructionals by Lachlan Giles.
  • Features a full No-Gi open guard game plan that breaks down and connects the DLR, RDLR, Guard, Waiter Guard, and X-guards.
  • 17+ hours of guard setups, entries, combinations, attacks, scenarios, drills, and narrated live footage.
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 8.5 out of 10.

NO-GI OPEN GUARD LACHLAN GILES DVD BUNDLE AVAILABLE HERE!!!

Learn how to develop a dangerous guard in No-Gi so that you no longer fear people breezing past your legs. Since you’re not going to be able to develop a sticky, unpassable guard without the Gi, your best bet is to figure out how to put together a dynamic system.

Sounds daunting, I know, but the good news is that you don’t have to do all the heavy lifting yourself. In the No-Gi Open Guard Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle, you get three different open guard systems proven to work at the highest level. What’s even better is that Lachlan condenses them for you into one system that’s as good as No-Gi guards can get.

Everyone’s Favorite Aussie Grappler 

Nope, it’s not Craig Jones. Some people in the BJJ world have the unbelievable ability to be very good at BJJ but, at the same time, avoid portraying themselves as complete idiots who only talk trash.

Lachlan Giles is the man of the moment here. He is down-to-earth, calm, knows his grappling, and is one of the best coaches you’ll ever have the pleasure of learning from. He will also send you flying and likely straight back down into a leg lock you did not expect if you roll with him.

Lachlan’s expertise is beyond a doubt, even though his competitive record might not be as rich as some others. The Absolute MMA head coach is about more than just 50/50 leg locks and giant slaying — although if that’s what you’re after, you won’t be disappointed by the Lachlan Giles No-Gi Open Guard Bundle.

The No-Gi Open Guard Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle Review

There’s hardly ever a miss with a Lachlan Giles DVD. That means that getting the Lachlan Giles No-Gi Open Guard Bundle is guaranteed to provide you with useful information on setting up a very effective and versatile No-Gi guard game.

K-Guard DVD — AVAILABLE HERE!

Subject: First up is everyone’s favorite No-Gi guard these days, and one of Lachlan’s signature positions — the K-Guard. Opening strong, the No-Gi Open Guard Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle begins with the best attacking No-Gi guard you can learn.

Key Points Covered: Lachlan begins by settling the Gi vs. No-Gi guard debate, offering his two cents on what a No-Gi guard needs to work, along with examples of which guards work best.

As he guides us in building a comprehensive guard game for No-Gi, he covers how not to overcomplicate things (and guards) and how to think in terms of combining the best guards together.

That sets him up to talk about the K-Guard, starting with basic positioning, goals, grip placement, and retention. I loved that Lachlan covers how to deal with opponents at all three levels (standing, half-kneeling, and kneeling) when setting up attacks. Apart from the expected leg locks, Giles offers triangle and armbar submission options too.

This first instructional of the Lachlan Giles No-Gi Guard DVD Bundle ends with some troubleshooting advice, followed by narrated drills to help you organize the material, and a live footage breakdown of the guard in action.

Technical DVD specifications: I don’t remember seeing a Lachlan Giles DVD with fewer than eight volumes, and this one is no exception. It delivers a staggering six and a half hours of material.

De la Riva & Waiter DVD — GET IT HERE

Subject: In this DVD, Lachlan goes to outside position guards and close-distance guards, as he explores the links between the De la Riva and deep half guard.

Key Points Covered: The second component of the Lachlan Giles No-Gi Guard DVD Bundle mostly covers the popular De la Riva guard, considered to be the original best No-Gi guard in BJJ.

Lachlan begins with DLR basics and modern applications, covering how to get to the guard, keep it against common passes, and go into one of two major attacking directions covered in this DVD — toward the back or into a sweep. He also shares how to combine the DLR with the K-Guard, linking the info into a coherent game plan.

Scenarios that include opponent reactions feature a lot in this instructional. Giles breaks every attack down into phases, summarizing each phase at the end and adding them together as he presents them.

The Waiter Guard, which is basically inspired by the classic deep half guard sweep, gets the same treatment as the DLR — basics, retention, attacks (mostly leg locks and back takes), and common reactive scenarios.

A set of narrated rolls, plenty of drills, and some live action footage feature in the final volumes. Lachlan also provides troubleshooting and a summary of all the material delivered in this DVD.

Technical DVD specifications: This part of the No-Gi Open Guard Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle delivers just under seven hours of material spread over eight volumes. The usual pristine organization associated with Lachlan Giles DVDs is present again.

RDLR & Leg Entanglements DVD — FULL DOWNLOAD

Subject: The final part of the bundle is all about the Reverse De la Riva guard, and how this long-distance inside guard position can help you get into Ashi Garami.

Key Points Covered:

The final instructional in the Lachlan Giles No-Gi Open Guard Bundle opens the door to inversions and leg locks by dissecting the RDLR guard and linking it with all the previously covered No-Gi open guards.

Giles begins with positioning, and the nuts and bolts of keeping the guard while not getting leg locked yourself. He then follows up with K-Guard combinations, before talking about inversions, going inside and outside the legs.

As expected, the endpoint of all this movement is an Ashi Garami position, mostly Lachlan’s signature 50/50 variations. Once again, Giles takes into account all three levels a passer might use for positioning and common reactions to the attack that you should anticipate.

The 50/50 and 70/30 engagements get their own volume, each with complete breakdowns of positioning, heel exposure, and finishing with heel hooks and the odd ankle lock. X-Guards and Berimbolos get a mention towards the end, too, turning everything into a system.

Wrapping up are Lachlan’s narrated rolls, troubleshooting advice, and drills to help you master all the material on your own. A summary of all the material with bullet points for easy DVD navigation brings everything to an end.

Technical DVD specifications: The final No-Gi Open Guard Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle instructional adds another five hours to the guard system, delivered in eight more volumes.

Making Guards Work in No-Gi

If you’ve ever tried BJJ with the Gi, you’re going to miss the grips once you take No-Gi grappling for a spin. That is particularly true for open guards and pass prevention.

So, how do all the No-Gi folks make their guards work? Well, there are plenty of approaches, depending on the goals. Some like to go straight for specific attacks and use finishing positions, such as Ashi Garami, as a guard.

Others like to have a more diverse game, opting to use everything open guards offer: sweeps, back takes, and submissions. Combining these into a system is a much better option, especially if you’re a beginner, than trying to specialize in a certain move or category of moves.

The one thing to keep in mind when trying to build a No-Gi open guard game is that it has to be dynamic — you don’t really have many options to stall. This is why the best No-Gi guard game is one that combines several different guards together — just like the No-Gi Open Guard Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle does.

NO-GI OPEN GUARD LACHLAN GILES DVD BUNDLE DOWNLOAD

Open Your Guard!

No-Gi doesn’t mean no grips! Instead of trying to stay in the closed guard until something happens (it won’t), it’s better to open your guard up and take some risks. As long as you approach No-Gi guards aware of their strengths and benefits, you’ll be able to easily dominate from the bottom. The No-Gi Open Guard Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle has a great blueprint you can use instead of coming up with your own. Try it!

Ben Askren Lung Transplant: Back on The Wrestling Mat in 53 Days After Dying 4 Times

Ben Askren Lung Transplant: Back on The Wrestling Mat in 53 Days After Dying 4 Times
  • Ben Askren, former UFC fighter and Olympic wrestler, returned to the mats just 53 days after undergoing a life-saving $1 million double lung transplant.
  • Even more shocking? During the Ben Askren lung transplant, the MMA legend’s heart stopped four times!
  • Now, Askren is defying the odds, moving from hospital bed to wrestling mat in under two months—a comeback that has left fans, doctors, and fellow fighters stunned.

From Flatline to Front Headlocks: The Near-Death Fight No One Saw Coming

In June, the MMA community was rocked by news that Ben Askren had suffered a severe case of pneumonia that escalated into respiratory failure. What many didn’t know at the time was just how close he came to dying—four times.

Askren flatlined multiple times during his hospitalization, requiring emergency resuscitation. The infection ravaged his lungs so completely that a Ben Askren lung transplant was deemed the only way to save his life.

“I almost died four times. I shouldn’t be here, but here I am.”
– Ben Askren –

Doctors at a Wisconsin hospital acted quickly, sourcing donor lungs and performing the transplant in a $1 million emergency procedure. Even after the surgery, survival was not guaranteed. But Askren fought his way back like it was a title bout.

Ben Askren Lung Transplant: Back on The Wrestling Mat

Back on the Mats: Why Askren’s Return Means More Than Just Wrestling

Less than two months after his harrowing transplant, Ben Askren walked back onto a wrestling mat. The image of him on the mats, despite his chest still healing from surgery, has become symbolic of his resilience.

This return wasn’t just ceremonial. Askren was filmed demonstrating takedown entries and grip breaks, teaching in the same animated style fans have come to love. His presence at the wrestling gym was a living embodiment of the phrase “never give up.”

The fact that this happened after a Ben Askren lung transplant has made it all the more remarkable—one of the fastest recoveries of its kind.

“He was at death’s door, and now he’s back teaching kids. That’s not just recovery—that’s a miracle.”
– Amy Askren –

A $1M Surgery, and Help From an Unexpected Ally

The cost of Askren’s transplant was astronomical—over $1 million. While insurance covered some of it, the financial strain was real. Enter Dana White.

Despite past tensions between the two, the UFC president stepped in and made a personal donation toward Askren’s medical bills. According to reports, White told Askren’s family he “didn’t hesitate” when he heard about the situation.

The gesture not only helped save Askren’s life—it also softened years of friction between the two MMA figures. For many, this chapter added a poetic twist to the Ben Askren lung transplant story.

“It doesn’t matter what happened in the past. What matters is saving a life.”
– Dana White –

Askren’s 50-Pound Drop and Emotional Toll

Askren has always been known for his thick frame and funky wrestling style, but disease transformed his body. At the height of the illness, he lost nearly 50 pounds and described himself as “unrecognizable.”

But the physical weight loss was nothing compared to the mental toll. In interviews, Askren admitted to moments of despair, fear, and doubt. Still, he credited his family and faith for helping him endure.

“I felt like I was wasting away. But every time I looked at my kids, I knew I had to fight.”
– Ben Askren –

Through it all, the Ben Askren lung transplant became more than a procedure—it became a turning point. Askren has said publicly that he views this chapter of his life as a second chance.

Not Done Yet: What’s Next After the Ben Askren Lung Transplant Ordeal

Askren has made it clear he’s not planning a comeback to competitive MMA, but that doesn’t mean he’s fading from the scene. He plans to focus on coaching, family, and possibly even advocacy for organ donation.

His story has already begun to resonate outside the fight world, with transplant patients and their families citing Askren as a beacon of hope.

The Ben Askren lung transplant is now part of combat sports lore—not because it ended his journey, but because it gave him a new one.

The Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle Review [2025]

The Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle Review
The Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle 

Key Takeaways

  • A six-part bundle containing six different Marcelo Garcia No-Gi BJJ DVDs.
  • Features Garcia’s complete No-Gi game covering side control, mount, passing, the North South choke, butterfly guard, and crucifix.
  • 18+ hours of details on how to set up and use a world-class Jiu-Jitsu game, and adapt it to your goals and capabilities.
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 10 out of 10.

THE COMPLETE MARCELO GARCIA DVD BUNDLE AVAILABLE HERE!!!

Learning from Marcelo Garcia — I doubt anyone would say no to that. So why not consider investing in the Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle? It’s like 18+ hours of private sessions with Marcelo, covering almost all aspects of his No-Gi game.

While this material is not going to magically turn you into a world champion or the next GOAT, it provides everything you need to set up a very aggressive and effective competition game. Yes, you read it right, it has everything — not just the bare bones or the bits and pieces that most top grapplers offer in their DVDs.

The Best Grappler in the World

There was a brief period when people in the BJJ world didn’t immediately know who Marcelo Garcia was. Those who got into Jiu-Jitsu when he was an active competitor were not in that bunch — everybody knew who Marcelo was back then.

It took overcoming cancer and coming back to competitive grappling in a movie-like manner for the entire grappling world to relearn the name Marcelo Garcia. He is called the GOAT of grappling for many reasons, such as winning three consecutive ADCCs (he’s won four in total) and being a five-time IBJJF World Champion.

I’d say, though, that the main reason he is the GOAT over the likes of Gordon Ryan and Roger Gracie is his size — he did it all while not being a heavyweight, and definitely while not being on any PEDs.

Marcelo is also the head of one of the best academies in the world, located in New York City. He was also one of the people who issued many instructionals in the days when such resources were rare. Now, with the Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle, you can enjoy his best work all in one place.

The Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle Review – What’s Inside

Six full DVDs of Marcelo Garcia’s complete No-Gi game — yes, such a thing exists, and you can have it at a bargain price! The Marcelo Garcia Bundle is what you need to become a great competitor, especially if you’re set out to achieve it with no PEDs.

The Complete Butterfly Guard DVD — AVAILABLE HERE

Subject: Opening the Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle is a Marcelo classic — the butterfly guard. This instructional blends Garcia’s original butterfly guard breakthroughs from the early 2000s with his modern-day developments in the field.

Key Points Covered: In one of the most comprehensive BJJ DVDs about butterfly guard, Marcelo Garcia goes over the optimal positioning, key battles, and lots of grip placements. He includes lots of details on things like posture, elbow positioning, and creating off-balances.

Marcelo outlines his entire sweep process, providing sweeps in every direction, including attacks on standing opponents. Some of his signature finishes, such as the Marcelotine, also feature, along with back takes as a fallback option against particularly stubborn opponents.

Technical DVD specifications: This first instructional in the Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle is a four-part DVD, with just under four hours of material. It contains mostly technical instructions but also has some tactical advice spread throughout.

The Complete North South Choke DVD — DOWNLOAD HERE

Subject: This is the one Marcelo Garcia DVD that everyone is interested in now. In it, he breaks down one of the most difficult chokes in BJJ, which is also the move he used to finish Masakazu Imanari in his comeback fight in the ONE circle.

Key Points Covered: With just one choke featured, you’d assume there’s not too much material in this part of the Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle. You’d be wrong.

Marcelo shares literally everything there is about this submission, starting with basic positioning that ensures you can keep the bottom person in North South as you set up the choke. He also solves all grip dilemmas you might have encountered while attempting it.

A couple of Marcelo innovations also appear, one being the elbow trap that helps you deal with all the common defenses. Another is the arm-in version of the choke, opening the door to connecting it with all the arm-triangle finishes we love to use in BJJ.

Finishing details are in abundance here, followed by some entries and setups you probably never thought of before. Examples include top half guard, mount, knee-on-belly, and headlocks.

Technical DVD specifications: In this portion of the Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle, you get another four volumes and a staggering three hours of top-quality material. It includes techniques, tactics, strategies, follow-ups, and sequences.

The Complete No-Gi Guard Passing System DVD — GET IT HERE

Subject: The Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle introduces passing concepts next, with Marcelo sharing his dominating ADCC strategies and overall approach.

Key Points Covered: Not many people have succeeded in keeping Marcelo in their guard. His takes on how to get past common No-Gi guards, such as the De la Riva, half guard, closed guard, and the guard he popularized — the X-Guard — are virtually unstoppable.

This DVD kicks off with some basic passing concepts that revolve around lifting the opponent and using smart grips to stack and beat the closed guard. Garcia then explores how to easily detach the X-Guard and DLR, regardless of variation, and proceed to fold and pressure-pass with ease.

Underhook-based passing is up next, helping you deal with all the variations that are associated with playing half guard these days. Marcelo even shares proven methods for beating those pesky inverted guard players.

Technical DVD specifications: Another four volumes of Marcelo Garcia BJJ brilliance are organized over the course of about four and a half hours. Marcelo focuses mostly on beating guards, as opposed to covering specific passing sequences.

The Complete Side Control System DVD — FULL DOWNLOAD

Subject: Keeping side control for any amount of time against an experienced grappler is a very difficult task. Marcelo makes it easy by sharing only the things that work — and since they work for him (a middleweight), they’ll most certainly work for anyone.

Key Points Covered: The usual suspects you’d expect from side control feature here, but with added Marcelo Garcia special sauce. He opens up with getting to side control, and your main priority is to ensure folks don’t just go straight back to guard.

From there, he talks control, first focusing on the upper body via elbow control and underhook hunting. Garcia also shares his strategies on going for the mount based on the bottom person’s escape attempts.

He also covers a lot of knee-on-belly options, from what he likes to call the “clean-up position.” Some crazy-tight armbars follow, with lots of details on how to ensure you get a tap. Garcia also talks about the North South choke, and how to overwhelm the bottom person with pressure.

Technical DVD specifications: This member of the Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle contains about two and a half hours of material, and once again spreads it out over four volumes.

The Complete MG Mount System DVD — DOWNLOAD NOW

Subject: The king of pinning positions in BJJ — and the one position that means you’re not getting out when grappling against Marcelo — is the mount. The Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle offers Garcia’s entire mount game in this instructional.

Key Points Covered: Similar to his side control DVD, Marcelo starts outside the mount and covers what you need to be aware of as you enter the position, so that you don’t lose it immediately. He covers trapping arms, preventing rollaways, and threatening the back mount constantly.

Passing to mount from positions such as the top half guard and open guards also features heavily in this part of the Marcelo Garcia Bundle. He builds on these motions by covering how to prevent all escape attempts once you are in mount, and follow up on the pressure-based control with armbars, the NS choke, and back takes.

Technical DVD specifications: The mount system DVD contains another four volumes of Marcelo Garcia’s technique and move demonstrations, packed into 3+ hours of material.

The Complete Crucifix System DVD — WATCH IT HERE

Subject: The final component of the Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle is all about another Marcelo Garcia signature position — the crucifix. His entire system, applicable to Gi and No-Gi, is broken down here to the tiniest of details.

Key Points Covered: For those who know Marcelo, you know that back attacks are a huge part of his game. You probably also know that he prefers the crucifix over traditional back control — a choice he explains in detail in this DVD.

The final part of the Marcelo Garcia Bundle will teach you how to get to the crucifix from plenty of positions, including standing setups. You’ll also be able to stay in the position for as long as you want, be it from the back or top pins, such as side control.

Finishes — mostly in the form of chokes and bent arm locks — feature in abundance, fortified by plenty of different grip variations to help you stay in control. Some cool rolling attacks, mostly ending in omoplatas, wrap this DVD up.

Technical DVD specifications: You probably guessed it — this Marcelo Garcia Crucifix DVD has four volumes. All the material is demonstrated in No-Gi with a running length of roughly three hours.

Emulating a BJJ World Champion

People argue that you can’t really emulate someone’s game at the same level. To an extent, they are correct; otherwise, we’d have everyone with the patience to go through a Gordon Ryan instructional become a world champion.

That doesn’t mean there is no merit to learning from world champions, though — particularly when you get a detailed breakdown of their entire game. In such a case, it doesn’t matter if a part of that game does not fit your Jiu-Jitsu — you still get lots of super valuable information on the aspects that do.

The final piece of the puzzle to consider is whether the instructions delivered by a certain world champ are legit — oftentimes, it’s just BS, as most top competitors suck at being coaches. Needless to say, this is not the case with Marcelo, so his Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle ticks all boxes as one of the most useful resources to improve your BJJ.

THE COMPLETE MARCELO GARCIA DVD BUNDLE DOWNLOAD

GOAT Skills Unlocked!

You’ll never be the next Marcelo Garcia — nobody will. However, you can become a very good grappler, especially if you are competition-oriented, by turning to the material in the Complete Marcelo Garcia DVD Bundle. It contains everything a world champion needs from a technical and tactical standpoint — you just need to bring discipline and some heart.

Guard Retention Anthology Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle Review [2025]

Guard Retention Anthology Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle Review

Key Takeaways

  • A two-part bundle containing 16 volumes of top-quality guard retention instructions by the foremost Australian modern guard experts.
  • Features concepts, principles, strategies, specific pass prevention, counterattacks, and super-detailed technical demonstrations.
  • 13+ hours of dealing with all the top guard passes in Gi and No-Gi, wrapped up with over an hour of narrated rolls.
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 9 out of 10.

GUARD RETENTION LACHLAN GILES BUNDLE AVAILABLE HERE!!!

Guard retention is the biggest problem people have with their guards. The reason for this is that people think being in guard alone sets them up for attacks, which is not the case, and they fail miserably. The moment you start to consider what the top person is doing, you’ll start to understand how guards work.

You can also take a shortcut and learn directly from BJJ World Champions. The Ariel Tabak & Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle offers the most in-depth analysis of the subject of guard retention I’ve ever seen in my grappling life. It will take you a lot of time to go through it, but it is well worth it — you’ll save yourself years of frustration on the mats.

Modern Guard Experts Lachlan Giles & Ariel Tabak

Lachlan Giles is a man who needs no introduction to the BJJ world. Craig Jones’ original coach, who promoted him to black belt, and the man who brought 50/50 leg locks back to the spotlight with THAT crazy, giant-slaying ADCC performance.

Himself a black belt under John Simon, Giles is one of the pioneers of BJJ in Australia and is considered to be one of the best coaches in the world. He currently runs the Absolute MMA academy out of Melbourne with his wife, Livia Giles, who is also a black belt and world champion.

Ariel Tabak, who shares the Ariel Tabak & Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle with Lachlan, is a Cichero Costa black belt. The South African-Australian is very well known for his guard game, especially in the Gi, having conquered the IBJJF Pan-Pacifics with it and medaled in the ADCC Oceania & Asia Trials.

Guard Retention Anthology Ariel Tabak & Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle Review

Sometimes it takes a bundle to solve a problem. This Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle contains “only” two DVD titles, but between them, it has more than 15 volumes and over 13 hours of super-useful and easily applicable material on how to stay in your guard infinitely — or at least until the timer goes off.

Around and Under the Legs DVD — DOWNLOAD HERE

Subject Matter: Dealing with guard passes that head around the legs and/or under them. The first instructional in the Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle offers an in-depth analysis of the best way to retain seated and supine guard variations against some of the most popular passes, such as the Torreando, stack pass, and leg drags.

Key Points Covered: The Guard Retention Anthology Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle is your typical super-long and just as detailed Lachlan Giles DVD. He begins with an overview of the key concepts that are true for any guard retention attempt in BJJ, such as pummeling, guard layers, frames, and moving your hips.

Ariel and Lachlan interchange giving the instructions from the bottom, and they also switch between Gi and No-Gi throughout the DVD. The pair goes over many different ways to beat passes that seem bound to work and recover an attacking guard.

Lots of tactics and strategy advice appear throughout the volumes, covering early and late-stage recovery from seated and supine guards. A key aspect is that the recoveries don’t just lead straight back to neutral guards, but rather into attacking positions, which include triangle chokes, leg locks, and armlock threats.

The first DVD in this bundle ends with a bunch of narrated rolls — the absolute best way to wrap up a BJJ instructional. There’s also great advice on setting up specific training and thinking more broadly to include all the other passing directions as well.

Technical DVD specifications: The full length of this DVD is around 7 hours, spread over 8 different volumes. The material includes concepts, technical details, and demonstrations, strategy-building advice, and rolling footage.

Through the Legs and Close Range DVD — GET IT HERE

Subject Matter: The second installment in the Ariel Tabak & Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle, this time addressing passes that go through the legs and the dreaded pressure passes. Giles and Tabak offer battle-tested solutions to nightmare passes like the knee cut pass, headquarters position, cross knee cut pass, and over-under passing.

Key Points Covered: This part of the Ariel Tabak & Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle is all about dealing with the pressure passes many competitors love to use in modern Jiu-Jitsu. Once again, the DVD starts with a long overview of concepts and principles. Over the first two volumes, you’ll learn about leg positioning, frames, creating off-balances, and the key battles you must win from the bottom.

Giles and Tabak offer both Gi and No-Gi instructions where applicable and take turns going over moves, strategies, and tactics to stay in guard against specific passes. Their instructions include breaking down the goals for the passers so that you can follow a broader concept rather than specific step-by-step instructions.

Similar to the first DVD in the bundle, this instructional wraps up with a bunch of narrated rolls and drill ideas to help you put everything into perspective. However, before the rolling takes place, the Aussie pair delivers even more submission-focused counterattacking ideas using mostly the K guard.

Technical DVD specifications: With Lachlan Giles, there is no such thing as “just the basics.” This instructional contains everything but the kitchen sink (in a good way) on the subject, spread out over 8 volumes and just as many hours.

The Best Modern Guards for Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu

What’s the best guard for Jiu-Jitsu? The one that works! Yeah, it is as simple as that — but only in theory. You’ll need to put in a lot of work to make this simple notion work on the mats.

The ever-present debate about whether you can use the same guard in Gi and No-Gi at the highest levels of the game is pretty much redundant these days. We know now that it’s not about a specific guard, but rather about the free-flowing combination of guards that allows you to achieve your guard goals.

Since the biggest goal of them all is to stay in guard without having the top person pass your legs, that pretty much defines whether a guard works or not. You now know the key ingredient to developing a world-class guard.

With that in mind, it doesn’t matter which guard you play or what grips you use. Your structure should change depending on the threat from the top person and your preferred attacking directions, but your goal remains the same — stay in guard, no matter what.

The Ariel Tabak & Lachlan Giles Guard Retention Anthology DVD Bundle can more than help you achieve it!

GUARD RETENTION ANTHOLOGY LACHLAN GILES BUNDLE DOWNLOAD

You Shall Not Pass, Mate!

The time when people could just breeze around your guard or smash right through it in a second is gone. With the help of the Guard Retention Anthology Ariel Tabak & Lachlan Giles DVD Bundle, and some patience (it has over 13 hours of material), you’ll be able to develop a completely new (and effective) understanding of Jiu-Jitsu guards.

The best part? It won’t matter whether it’s Gi or No-Gi.