UFC Training for FBI Agents: Dana White And FBI Director Kash Patel Plot Partnership

By
Filip Zanki
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Dana White And FBI Director Kash Patel Plot UFC Training for FBI Agents

In a move that bridges the fierce world of mixed martial arts with the demanding realm of federal law enforcement, FBI Director Kash Patel is reportedly considering a pioneering partnership with Dana White to introduce UFC Training for FBI agents. The proposal is generating buzz across both the sporting and security communities as officials seek creative ways to enhance agent preparedness.

According to UFC president Dana White, FBI Director Kash Patel has floated the idea of leveraging the UFC’s cutting‐edge training methods to help shape the physical and tactical abilities of federal agents.

This isn’t about teaching a few basic self-defense moves; the vision encompasses developing advanced hand-to-hand combat skills, agility, and overall situational resilience that could bolster an agent’s effectiveness in high-risk scenarios.

While the exact mechanics of the proposed partnership remain in the discussion phase, industry insiders highlight that the initiative could involve collaborative training sessions at state-of-the-art UFC facilities, combining the discipline and intensity of mixed martial arts with the tactical demands of law enforcement.

t UFC Training for FBI Agents: Deal In the Works

The UFC’s Unique Edge

The UFC has long been synonymous with elite athleticism and unparalleled combat strategy. Its fighters undergo rigorous physical conditioning and tactical training that emphasize not only strength but also speed, precision, and mental resilience.

For a federal agency tasked with confronting dynamic security threats, adopting any element of this training philosophy could signal a significant upgrade in operational readiness.

Dana White, UFC President, has recently commented on the emerging discussions, hinting at the exciting potential of such a collaboration. Although he refrained from offering extensive details, White’s acknowledgment of FBI Director Patel’s interest confirms that the topic is very much on the radar of the organization.

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“I had dinner with Kash a couple of weeks ago, before he was actually confirmed and, yeah, he wants to train FBI guys,” said White. “There’s no deal in place. It was just a conversation.”

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As noted across outlets like MSN and Awful Announcing, White’s measured response underlines the UFC’s openness to exploring new avenues beyond the octagon—an opportunity that could redefine cross-industry training standards.

Dana White And FBI Director Kash Patel Consider UFC Training for FBI Agents

UFC Training for FBI Agents – What Does it Bring?  

The potential partnership comes at a time when law enforcement agencies are increasingly seeking innovative training methodologies to cope with modern challenges. By incorporating elements drawn from professional grappling and mixed martial arts, the FBI may be looking to cultivate a new generation of agents who are not only physically agile but also better equipped to handle close-quarters confrontations.

Reuters reports that sources within the FBI are intrigued by the prospect of tapping into the UFC’s expertise to tailor training that builds endurance, reaction speed, and effective combat strategy.

The amalgamation of MMA training with traditional law enforcement techniques could result in a unique hybrid program—one that prepares agents for unpredictable situations using both conventional and unconventional tactics.

Moreover, this initiative might influence future discussions around law enforcement training nationwide. If successful, the program could serve as a model for other agencies, sparking broader conversations about the integration of sport-derived methodologies into public safety and security frameworks.

The idea is resonating not just among law enforcement circles but also within the MMA community. Fans and athletes alike have expressed enthusiasm at the possibility that martial arts could play a transformative role outside of traditional fighting arenas.

A Vision for a New Kind of Training

FBI Director Kash Patel’s proposal to involve the UFC in training federal agents represents a daring and forward-thinking fusion of two high-intensity worlds. By harnessing the discipline, skill, and innovation of mixed martial arts, the FBI may well be on the cusp of redefining what it means to prepare for modern security challenges.

As discussions continue and details of the UFC FBI potential partnership are ironed out, this initiative has the potential not only to enhance agent performance but also to set a new industry standard in tactical training.

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UFC FPI 10 Highlights: Crazy Helena Crevar Calf Slicer Finish & Nicky Rod Taps to Hugo

By
BJJ World
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FPI 10 Highlights: Crazy Helena Crevar Calf Slicer Finish

Las Vegas, Nevada – In a night marked by electrifying performances at the Apex, UFC Fight Pass Invitational 10 delivered an event to remember. The card’s spotlight shone brightest on two headline bouts: Nicky Rodriguez’s battle against Hugo and the Helena Crevar calf slicer victory over Maggie Grindatti. Both fighters provided moments of sheer brilliance that not only captivated the live crowd but also set new benchmarks for submission grappling excellence.

Setting the Stage at the Apex

Held at the famed Apex facility in Las Vegas, UFC Fight Pass Invitational 10 attracted a fervent crowd eager to witness top-tier grappling action. With the world watching via live streaming, the event combined high stakes with an atmosphere of palpable anticipation. The evening’s bouts were carefully scheduled to showcase both emerging talent and battle-tested competitors, all under the UFC banner—a name synonymous with uncompromising competitive spirit.

Nicky Rod vs. Victor Hugo: An Unforgettable Headline Bout

In the marquee matchup of the night, Nicky Rodriguez faced off against his opponent, Hugo. As reported by UFC’s official coverage and highlighted by MMAmania, Rodriguez’s performance fell short as he did not manage to overcome Hugo.

Throughout the fight, his technical precision and relentless energy were on full display. Hugo’s ability to control the pace and dictate exchanges ensured that he emerged victorious over Nicky Rod, finishing him with a rear naked choke and asking big questions of the CJI champ and ADCC vet.

Helena Crevar Claf Slicer Masterclass Against Maggie Grindatti

Running parallel to the headline bout, Helena Crevar delivered one of the event’s most memorable moments in her match against Maggie Grindatti. The Helena Crevar calf slicer showcased incredible technical brilliance and innovation.

She submitted her opponent, the exciting Maggie Grindatti Lira, via a crazy calf slicer from the back mount —a submission that left spectators in awe. The precision of the move underscored the teenage phenom’s deep understanding of BJJ fundamentals and her fearless approach when the stakes are high.

Helena Crevar’s victory was more than just another win on her record; it epitomized the evolution of grappling technique. With the calf slicer, Crevar not only secured the win but also demonstrated how modern submission grappling can merge traditional technique with innovative strategy.

The ability to execute such a submission under pressure resonated with fans and solidified her reputation as one of the event’s standout performers.

Full UFC FPI 10 Card Results

In addition to the two headline bouts, UFC FPI 10 featured a collection of other exciting matches that kept the energy high throughout the night. Below is the list of official results as reported by UFC and Chatsports:

Nick Rodriguez vs. Victor Hugo Victor Hugo def. Nick Rodriguez by submission (rear naked choke), OT
Renato Canuto vs. Oliver Taza Renato Canuto def. Oliver Taza by points (2-0), OT
Elisabeth Clay vs. Brianna Ste-Marie Brianna Ste-Marie def. Elisabeth Clay by submission (Von Flue choke), R1
Ronaldo Junior vs. Felipe Costa Ronaldo Junior def. Felipe Costa by decision
Andy Murasaki vs. Daniel Sathler Andy Murasaki def. Daniel Sathler by submission (heel hook), OT
Cassia Moura vs. Sarah Galvao Cassia Moura def. Sarah Galvao by points (4-2)
Maggie Grindatti-Lira vs. Helena Crevar Helena Crevar def. Maggie Grindatti-Lira by submission (calf slicer), R1
Achilles Rocha vs. Nathan Haddad Achilles Rocha def. Nathan Haddad by decision
Alex Enriquez vs. Julia Alvez Alex Enriquez def. Julia Alvez by submission (rear naked choke), OT
Carlos Enrique vs. Victor Delibero Carlos Enrique def. Victor Delibero by submission (triangle armbar), R1

 

The performances of Victor Hugo and Helena Crevar have not only elevated their personal profiles but have also contributed to the overall narrative of the UFC Fight Pass Invitational 10 as a landmark event.

Hugo’s dominant display reaffirmed his status among the elite, while Crevar’s technical submission victory is already being discussed as one of the most innovative finishes seen on the card.

The event, set against the backdrop of Las Vegas’ vibrant combat sports scene, demonstrated that UFC Fight Pass Invitational 10 is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of the art and science of grappling. It seems the UFC is serious about taking over pro grappling, and they’re definitely on the right track!

As the dust settles, both fighters have laid the groundwork for future challenges. Fans can now look forward to more contests where strategy, technique, and heart determine the outcome.

Helena Crevar Calf Slicer Finish Maggie Grindatti

A Huge Pro Grappling Show

From the controlled aggression of Victor Hugo to the surgical precision of that crazy Helena Crevar calf slicer submission, UFC Fight Pass Invitational 10 delivered a display of talent that promises to reverberate throughout the world of submission grappling.

As the full results continue to be dissected by enthusiasts and analysts alike, one thing remains clear: nights like these showcase the depth and dynamism of the sport, inspiring both veterans and up-and-coming fighters to push beyond their limits.

Engage with the conversation below—what was your favorite moment of the night, and which performance has you anticipating the next card?

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Upper Body Chain Attacks Janine Mocaiber DVD Review [2025]

By
Ognen Dzabirski
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Upper Body Chain Attacks Janine Mocaiber DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • A No-Gi instructional connecting straight and bent armlocks and chokes into a detailed chain system. 
  • Covers both bottom and top applications of the system and connects them all in one long chain.  
  • Features plenty of Choi Bars, as well as the innovative Ultra Kimura. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 8 out of 10. 

UPPER BODY CHAIN ATTACKS JANINE MOCAIBER DVD GET HERE:

Upper Body Chain Attacks Janine Mocaiber DVD Free Sample
WATCH THE DVD TRAILER: Upper Body Chain Attacks Janine Mocaiber

Your favourite submission doesn’t have to be a failure when your initial attempt does not end up working. Instead of bailing, why not jump on to the next immediately available attack, and the next, and so forth? You can even circle back to the first one.

This is how submission chains work, and the Upper Body Chain Attacks Janine Mocaiber DVD provides incredible examples on how to set them up. It is a No-Gi specific instructional, but everything shown in it works perfectly with the Gi as well. Plus, it is very easy to put in direct use after just a couple of views.

Upper or Lower Body Attacks?

What are the best submission attacks to use in BJJ? The debate of the supremacy of lower and/or upper body attacks has been raging since Danaher introduced Ashi Garami, and people have been picking sides ever since.

I feel like grapplers such as Craig Jones did great to help bridge this gap early, not allowing the upper vs. lower body attacks debate to turn into a modern version of the Gi or No-Gi question. I doubt it will, as people will be satisfied with any sub they can get, upper or lower.

That said, certain positions in BJJ provide much easier access to upper body attacks, as opposed to lower limb submissions, and vice versa. The key is knowing what is more likely to work and offers a higher percentage of success – why go for leg locks from closed guard when you have chokes right there for the taking?

The Upper Body Chain Attacks Janine Mocaiber DVD focuses on both top and bottom positions that provide direct access to the arms and neck and offers plenty of ways to combine them together in a never-ending submission threat.

Oshawa BJJ Instructor Janine Mocaiber

Janine Mocaiber is half of a BJJ power couple that heads the Oshawa BJJ and Fitness gym in Ontario. She is a 1st degree black belt, and her husband Igor Mocaiber is a 3rd degree BJJ black belt.

Janine is a standout competitor, in addition to working full time as an instructor in Oshawa BJJ, with six world titles to her name from various organizations (IBJJF, JJIF, and UWW), as well as a few Gi and No-Gi Pans titles. She is still actively competing, although she is leaning more towards No-Gi these days.

Mocaiber is the head strength and conditioning instructor at Oshawa BJJ and heads multiple Jiu-Jitsu classes. She is a mat rat that has a real knack for teaching, which is very apparent in her Upper Body Chain Attacks Janine Mocaiber DVD, which, if I’m not wrong, is her second one to date.

Upper Body Chain Attacks Janine Mocaiber DVD  Review

Mocaiber offers many different combinations of upper body attacks over the two volumes of the Upper Body Chain Attacks Janine Mocaiber DVD, which has a total running length of just under two hours.

Part 1 – Unexpected Arm Locks

The first part of the Upper Body Chain Attacks Janine Mocaiber DVD starts off very strong, immediately providing Choi Bar entries and finishes. Janine only introduces herself after sharing key Choi Bar information, which is definitely a very smart way to kick off a BJJ DVD!

As the instructional goes on, Mocaiber keeps focusing on everyone’s latest favourite arm lock, sharing more entries and controls from half guard situations. A perfect segue sees Janine switch attention effortlessly to the shoulder crunch, creating sweeping opportunities from the same position she used to set up effortless Choi Bars.

As she brings the opening volume to a conclusion, Mocaiber introduces bent arlmocks to the sequence, in the form of the mysterious but super-effective Tarikoplata. In the final chapter, she opens the can on the Ultra Kimura and how to use it against very cagy opponents.

Part 2 – Chokes and Ultra Armbars

The second and final part of the Janine Mocaiber Chain Attacks DVD focuses on more armlock finishes, but with a sprinkle of a chokes to introduce variety. The Ultra Kimura is still on the menu, finished from the top as a follow-up from the Choi Bar-Tarikoplata sequence already covered in part one.

Janine also addresses the ‘Captain Morgan Stance’, demonstrating how to introduce stability to the system as well as a fork toward more submissions. The Inverted Traingle choke appears next, with the inescapable straight arm bar following closely to provide even more links to the chain.

A final take on the Choi Bar leads the instructional towards the conclusion, which offers the key concepts behind the entire upper body attack system – shoulder connections and hip alignment details.

Developing Smart Submission Chains

The one thing most people fail to consider when trying to connect submissions together is to be as opportunistic as possible. Trying to go for highly specific submissions at all costs is a great way of ensuring you fail before you even start connecting the dots.

For example, if you have a triangle choke, there is no point in looking for a guillotine when armlocks, whether straight or bent, are a much smarter choice. Even if nothing works, using the position to sweep and end up on top provides even more options to finish directly from the position as opposed to bailing for a dismount Darce, for instance.

The Upper Body Chain Attacks Janine Mocaiber DVD does a perfect job of connecting all the dots for you but serves as a great blueprint even if you’re interested in putting together different chains, whether Gi-specific or even for connecting lower body attacks.

Upper Body Chain Attacks Janine Mocaiber DVD Free Sample
WATCH THE DVD TRAILER: Upper Body Chain Attacks Janine Mocaiber

DOWNLOAD HERE: UPPER BODY CHAIN ATTACKS JANINE MOCAIBER DVD

Get After The Upper Body! 

The upper body is a better submission hunting ground than the lower body, and this is coming from a seasoned leg locker. It is simply a matter of opportunities, which are much more frequent and versatile for the upper body than they are for the legs.

The Upper Body Chain Attacks Janine Mocaiber DVD provides a perfect way for you to really amp up your submission finishing rate very quickly. All it takes is picking it up and spending a couple of hours listening to the instructions Janine provides.

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The Empty Half Guard Michael Currier DVD Review [2025]

By
Ognen Dzabirski
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The Empty Half Guard Michael Currier DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • A No-Gi BJJ DVD demonstrates how you can play half guard even without having your opponent’s leg in between yours. 
  • Covers how to use frames and leg configurations to stave off passes as you recover different guards.  
  • Features submission finishes on both the upper and the lower body. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 10 out of 10. 

THE EMPTY HALF GUARD MICHAEL CURRIER DVD GET HERE:

The Empty Half Guard Michael Currier DVD Preview
FULL TRAILER: The Empty Half Guard Michael Currier DVD

“Big fellas giving you trouble from the top? Play half guard, you’ll be fine.”

If I had a penny for every time I heard this piece of “advice” on the mats. If only things were as easy as getting to half guard and turning into a giant slayer of Mikey Musumeci’s caliber. The truth is, though, that the half guard can be destroyed and smashed and passed, just like any other guard.

So what happens when you no longer have your opponent in the half guard? Well, you have a position that is innovatively named and covered in detail in the Empty Half Guard Michael Currier DVD. While highly effective, it is also very temporary, so you need a very clear idea of what you’re going to do. Currier has a bunch of them to offer.

What’s an Empty Half Guard?

The concept of the empty half guard is one I’d never heard before. Michael gave a name to a position I’ve found myself in again and again over the years. Simply put, the empty half guard is that final glimmer of hope to prevent a pass you have, courtesy of a “random” hook somewhere, once your half guard has failed.

And no, the stuff presented in the Empty Half Guard Michael Currier DVD is not just another take on the quarter guard. In fact, it happens even after the quarter guard, which was thought to be the final application of guard that can save your hide from passing.

Currier’s empty half guard combines instinctive reactions to hold on to a guard for dear life, using your feet as hooks and your hamstrings. This concept works when there’s no more half guard (or any amount of guard, for that matter, so we avoid fractions altogether), and you’re laid out on the mats with both shoulder blades smashed.

As a final note, there is a method to the madness, and the leg configurations are not at all random, even though they were probably inspired by such occurrences. Michael delivers all the “hows” and “whys” regarding leg placement and what you can do from the position.to turn it around.

The Gymnast Grappler  – Michael Currier

There aren’t many people in their 40s that just see a random pull-up bar, jump on it, invert, and hang solely by their feet. Michael Currier did exactly that right in front of me while explaining the importance of tibialis (front shin) muscles in relation to what he was teaching.

A black belt under Michel Chapman, Currier has been roaming the world as a professional grappler, teaching all over the place and featuring as one of the most regular BJJ Golobetrotters instructors in the past several years. The combination of a lifetime of grappling and him being a smaller framed grappler makes him one of the most technical BJJ instructors out there.

Another very important aspect of Michael’s background that directly relates to his style of Jiu-Jitsu is that he is a former gymnast, hence his show-stopping pull-up bar antics. All in all, when it comes to the half guard, especially for smaller people, there’s no way to go wrong with a Michael Currier Half Guard DVD.

Empty Half Guard Michael Currier DVD Review

Over the course of two volumes, each just under an hour, the Empty Half Guard Michael Currier DVD delivers a fool-proof system that you can easily use and implement into your existing game without having to dedicate 2 weeks just to get through the material:

Part 1 – Guard Recovery & Frames

As the innovative Empty Half Guard Michael Currier DVD kicks off, and the mandatory short instructor and Uke intro is done, Michael goes straight to business by delivering a concept that is absolutely critical to his system – how to set up inside arm frames and manage the little distance you can.

The following chapters address the leg positioning, going over several versions of the empty half guard that you might run into. Since the position is not one to hold for long, recovery options follow, with everyone’s favourite butterfly and half guard mas-up taking center stage.

Towards the end of the first volume, recovery also leads to the X-guard, providing a solution for standing opponents, and concludes with even more details on framing, this time using your elbows.

Part 2 – Upper & Lower Body Attacks 

The idea behind this Empty Half Guard Michael Currier DVD is to teach you how to recover a half guard that’s pretty much gone and end up in a legitimate attacking position. The first portion – recovery- was covered in the previous volume, leaving this portion to focus on attacks.

Currier begins with upper body submissions, tying a very slick Guillotine choke entry off his elbow frame. Building on this very strong start, he shows you how to pile on misery to people who think they’ve managed to pass through an interplay of triangles and arm locks.

This is a good place to mention that Michel is very proficient at stargiht armlocks, Choi Bar-style, so his moves come in the form of the shotgun straight armlock and the Mir Lock bent armlock, which always deliver the element of surprise along with a strong submission threat.

Wrapping up is Michael’s bread-and-butter leg lock game, or at least a snippet of it. The backside 50/50 is the destination that Currier ties in with the empty half guard recovery system, resulting in an unmistakable inside heel hook finish.

Attacking From “Bad Spots”

Bad spots is a term I try to avoid using, and even when I teach and mention it for context, it always has quotation marks on either side of it. The reason is that I don’t believe that there are bad spots, but rather spots that place you further from achieving a goal because you can attack from anywhere in BJJ.

By attacking, I don’t mean reaching out and getting a tap. If you want to practice imaginary martial arts, you have Aikido. In the BJJ world of real grappling, you have to work for any end-range move, be it a submission, pass, pin, or sweep.

That means that the goals for both grapplers are pretty much the same during exchanges – they both want inside space control, pinning (top and bottom, but that’s a subject for another day), and isolation to get a sub, as the ultimate finishing option.

The Michael Currier Empty Half Guard DVD sheds light on how you can use a position that people don’t even regard as being one and set up an entire attacking game from it. Yes, it’ll take longer than setting the same stuff up from the butterfly guard, but it’ll still work. Does more effort and work requirements make it a bad spot to fight from?

The Empty Half Guard Michael Currier DVD Free Sample
SEE A FREE DVD SAMPLE: The Empty Half Guard Michael Currier

DOWNLOAD HERE: EMPTY HALF GUARD MICHAEL CURRIER DVD

From Zero to Hero

Dominating people from the bottom usually means trapping someone in a guard that’s difficult to get out of. However, the Empty Half Guard Michael Currier DVD offers a different type of domination, one where you break your opponent’s mind as well as their game, as they fail to finish a pass and end up tapping from a position they were supposed to be in control of.

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From Soccer to BJJ: How Diogo Reis Swapped Football Dreams for BJJ Glory

By
BJJ World
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From Soccer to BJJ: How Diogo Reis Swapped Football Dreams for BJJ Glory

On the vibrant fields of his childhood, Diogo Reis once harbored dreams of emulating his older brother—a football star in his own right. Today, however, Diogo ‘Baby Shark’ Reis has etched his name into Brazilian Jjiu-Jitsu history as one of the sport’s most promising submission grapplers and a two-time ADCC champion. His story is a striking example of how life’s unexpected twists can lead to greatness.

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“My childhood dream was to be a soccer player.”

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Childhood Ambitions and Brotherly Influence

Diogo Reis admitted that as a youngster, he “tried to follow” in his older brother’s footsteps by aspiring to be a professional footballer, which is not an uncommon dream for kids in Brazil.

Growing up in an environment where soccer was more than a pastime, Diogo’s early ambitions were fueled by his brother’s achievements. The fervor of a football-dedicated household painted his early dreams with bright hopes of scoring big on the field.

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“I still enjoy playing soccer today. At the time, I even went to soccer school with my older brother. Wherever he went, I tried to follow him too.”

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Yet, as many great athletes discover, the journey toward one passion can inadvertently pave the way toward another. For Diogo, that path led him not to the football pitch but to the mats of Brazilian jiu-jitsu—a twist that would shape his entire future.

From Soccer to BJJ: Diogo Reis 'Baby Shark'

A “Baby” Shark is Born

As detailed in a feature by ONEFC, it was Brazilian jiu-jitsu that eventually revealed to Diogo a different kind of artistry—one that fused technique, discipline, and resilience. The transition wasn’t an overnight epiphany but rather a gradual, almost serendipitous realization.

While the allure of football remained a part of his past, the rigorous demands and the mental fortitude required on the BJJ mats resonated with him on a deeper level. His journey from the football fields to welcoming the challenge of grappling tournaments is a testament to his willingness to explore uncharted paths.

This evolution is reflected in his nickname “Baby Shark,” a moniker that speaks volumes about his tenacity and predatory instinct on the mat. Diogo’s rapid ascent in the submission grappling world is not just due to technical prowess; it’s also a celebration of his decision to diverge from a pre-determined path and create his own destiny.

Picking the Mat Over the Field

The journey of Diogo Reis is about more than just choosing a different sport—it’s about finding one’s purpose. While the bright lights of a football stadium once filled his dreams, it was the raw, unfiltered reality of BJJ that provided a new arena for personal growth.

His early attempts to mirror his brother’s football career gradually gave way to an appreciation for the strategic and mentally demanding nature of BJJ. Diogo’s passion for BJJ grew alongside his competitive spirit, leading him to focus on mastering a discipline that rewards both tactical depth and physical endurance.

The decision to switch allegiances from soccer to BJJ has not only redefined his athletic career but also allowed Diogo to inspire countless fans and aspiring grapplers. His story underscores a timeless truth in sports: sometimes, motivation and purpose can emerge from embracing a path that diverges from our earliest dreams.

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“I want people to be able to achieve their dreams through jiu-jitsu. So, it goes beyond medals and titles. I want to be an example for the kids. This martial art changed my life and that of my family.”

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Diogo Reis’s story serves as a beacon for many young athletes wrestling with the expectations set before them. His transition from dreaming of soccer glory to carving out a renowned reputation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu exemplifies the power of adapting one’s ambitions.

From Soccer to BJJ: Diogo Reis ADCC champ

Anything is Possible 

From the fervent pitches of youth to the disciplined embrace of BJJ, Diogo Reis’s journey is an inspiring reminder that our paths are rarely linear. His early dreams of soccer, inspired by a beloved older brother, have evolved into a story of resilience, passion, and transformation.

Whether you’re an aspiring footballer or a budding grappler, Diogo’s journey reminds us that while family influence and early dreams shape us, the courage to forge a new path is what ultimately defines a champion.

This weekend, we get to witness the long-awaited Diogo Reis debut at ONE Fight Night 29, as he takes on Shoya Ishiguro in a 10-minute flyweight submission grappling contest.

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Lockdown Quickstart Guide Cameron Mellott DVD Review [2025]

By
Ognen Dzabirski
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Lockdown Quickstart Guide Cameron Mellott DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • A No-Gi BJJ DVD that shows how to set up a complete lockdown system in just a few weeks of practice. 
  • Offers a breakdown of the inside and outside lockdown position, complete with entries, attacks, and combinations.  
  • Features passing counters as well as a proven passing strategy against the lockdown. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 8.5 out of 10. 

LOCKDOWN QUICKSTART GUIDE CAMERON MELLOTT DVD GET HERE:

Lockdown Quickstart Guide Cameron Mellott DVD Preview
WATCH THE TRAILER: Lockdown Quickstart Guide Cameron Mellott DVD

If you’re wondering whether the lockdown is something worth exploring, it means you’ve never tried it before. My advice would be to stop reading this article, leave it open in a browser tab, and go try out the position on the next open mat.

Once you do this, you can keep reading to figure out exactly how and why the Lockdown Quickstart Guide Cameron Mellott DVD is going to make your bottom (and top) half guard the stuff of nightmares for your opponents. Or, you can go ahead and just get the instructional directly. It’s definitely worth it!

Lockdown 101

The lockdown is one of the most useful half guard variations in BJJ, but also one of the most underrated. There is no point in talking at length about how effective it is since everyone that gets flattened out in half guard and has an understanding of it uses it anyway.

However, while great at preventing people from passing the guard, the one tactical fallacy people make with it is hoping it will somehow force the top person into a sweep or disengagement. What they get instead is pressure that eventually breaks open even the powerful lockdown position.

If there is one lesson on the lockdown I’d like to share as a fundamental, it is to use it to attack and not just to keep someone on top of you. The position can yield sweep, direct submissions, or, most often, a way back to another more comfortable guard.

The Lockdown Quickstart Guide Cameron Mellott DVD also throws in some interesting back attacks to the attacking toolset of the position, all explained very precisely by Mellott.

Featherweight Champ Cameron Mellott

When 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu moves, such as the lockdown featured in instructional videos, the mind immediately jumps to an instructor from the system that delivers the information. However, the lockdown has become such a staple of half guard in BJJ that it has transcended the 10P system and is now both used and taught by grapplers from all kinds of gyms and affiliations.

One such grappler is featherweight standout Cameron Mellott, a black belt under Tom DeBlass. He has been competing for a while with great results, such as winning Pan Ams, winning ADCC trials, and the Man of War grappling title at 135. Overall, he is a solid competitor who knows his stuff and is actively competing as a pro.

Given the Tom DeBlass association, it is no wonder that Cameron’s top position is the half guard. The position makes even more sense considering his size and the fact that he grapplers bigger opponents whenever he can. All this expertise comes together beautifully into the Lockdown Quickstart Guide Cameron Mellott DVD.

Lockdown Quickstart Guide Cameron Mellott DVD Review

The Lockdown Quickstart Guide Cameron Mellott DVD is a four-part No-Gi BJJ instructional that covers top and bottom tactics from the lockdown half guard. The material, delivered by a Tom DeBalss black belt, lasts just over two and a half hours:

Part 1 – Lockdown Crash Course

Overall, Cameron delivers a solid insturctional, which starts off with a real treat – a 10-minute crash course in the lockdown. This chapter features the entire strategy Cameron uses and is perfect for recalling it once you’ve gone through the full Lockdown Quickstart Guide Cameron Mellott DVD.

Apart from the innovative way of summing everything up in the first chapter, Mellott also covers some basic lockdown positioning in this part, as well as a couple of back attacks. He focuses on the outside lockdown here, utilizing sweep threats with the knee lever and arm drags to create back exposure.

Part 2 – Inside/Outside Lockdown & Leg Attacks

In the second portion of the Lockdown Quickstart Guide Cameron Mellott DVD, the system becomes more complex, with the inside lockdown making an appearance. As you probably assume, this refers to whether you lock your feet in between the opponent’s legs or on the outside.

Following several interesting combinations of the inside and outside lockdown to deal with top half guard pressure, Mellott goes into a flurry of leg attacks using the lockdown, which range from calf slicers to toe holds and heel hooks.

Part 3 – Countering Pressure

Most people that end up using the lockdown, especially those that use it because they must rather than because they want to, will find this part of the Cameron Mellott Lockdown DVD particularly useful.

Most small grapplers swear by the lockdown to prevent pressure passing, and this volume shows exactly why that is a smart strategy. Cameron covers hip switches, underhooks, and cross-face solutions using both the inside and outside versions of the lockdown.

Part 4 – Passing the Lockdown 

The final portion of the Lockdown Quickstart Guide Cameron Mellott DVD looks at your role as the top person in the lockdown, offering ways to deal with this problematic half guard. Cameron begins with defensive tactics that help kill the bottom person’s attacks before expanding into passing.

Passing itself is offered by way of submission threats, with the pull-back calf slicer the top option. This is followed by pressure passing and upper body submission combos to divide the attention of the bottom person, factoring in common reactions and counters.

Setting the Pace in BJJ

Gordon Ryan is the perfect example of how setting the pace can wear out any opponent, and it doesn’t have to involve constant movement or aggression. Pacing means figuring out the speed at which you want the match to take place, forcing the opponent to work at that speed, and having a gameplan that fits these tactics.

The lockdown is the perfect example of slowing down the pace of a match, breaking the opponent’s rhythm, and imposing your game. Since the lockdown slows people down, it can be seen as stalling, but stalling does not mean you’re immediately getting penalties.

Stalling is a tactic used widely by pro grapplers around the world and is perfect if you’re the smaller grappler of the two involved in a match. Getting people trapped is only going to be a negative stalling tactic if you do nothing from the position, which, if you’re using the lockdown guide by Cameron Mellott is not going to be a problem.

Lockdown Quickstart Guide Cameron Mellott DVD Free Sample
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Quickstart Lockdown Success! 

IF there is one position that is as close as possible to a cheat code in BJJ, it has to be the lockdown. No other position is that easy to get to, offers so much control, and provides so many attacking opportunities! The Lockdown Quickstart Guide Cameron Mellott DVD covers every aspect of getting to, holding, and attacking from the lockdown perfectly. It even offers two variations to ensure everyone can fit it into their game.

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Standing Leg Entries Alex West DVD Review [2025]

By
Ognen Dzabirski
-
Standing Leg Entries Alex West DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • A No-Gi grappling instructional that focuses on getting that all-important bite on the hip for getting leg locks. 
  • Covers pathways in the straight Ashi, Cross Ashi, and 50/50, with a transition system between them. 
  • Features finishing mechanics of inside and outside heel hooks, ankle locks, and kneebars. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 9 out of 10. 

STANDING LEG ENTRIES ALEX WEST DVD HERE:

Standing Leg Entries Alex West DVD Preview
SEE DVD TRAILER HERE: Standing Leg Entries Alex West DVD

Leg locks are a staple these days, and getting them against standing opponents is one of the best ways to get to a submission finish. Well, at least on paper. These days, getting to a leg lock position is extremely difficult, and finishing from one is even harder.

That is why instructionals such as the Standing Leg Entries Alex West DVD that provide in-depth analysis of the optimal ways to get to a leg locking position are much more important than those sharing different ways to finish. Alex knows what he’s talking about and really does provide a ‘chet code’ system for anyone looking to master BJJ leg locks.

‘Biting’ Leg Lock Setups

What’s the key thing to focus on when hunting for leg locks in modern BJJ? The heel hook used to be the boogey submission when leg locks first took over the BJJ world, but that has changed over the past decade or so.

These days, nobody is afraid of leg locks, as most of the people competing and training have been working on them from day one. That means that to get a heel hook (or any other leg lock submission, for that matter), you need to keep the other person in a position that allows it. The old “position before submission” mantra again, only without the points.

Danaher’s Ashi leg entanglement system, although evolved and taken into many different directions, is still the best way to ensure you can trap someone when hunting for leg locks. However, the key element of the whole Ashi Garami system still seems to evade most people that go for leg locks – hip control.

The all-important thing to focus on in leg lock hunting is using your legs to get a big, chunky bite of the other person’s hip. “Biting” the hip is crucial in getting the control that is absolutely crucial for eventually wrapping up with a leg lock finish. Getting to this bite is exactly what is covered in the Standing Leg Entries Alex West DVD.

Why Does Alex West Look Familiar? 

Alex West might not be too popular by name (so far), but he definitely has a face you’ve seen in grappling, but probably struggle placing. That’s common with the folks who are BJJ Fanatics Ukes, a role that Alex has had for years. To answer the question about familiarity, you probably know him from this particular video.

All jokes aside, Alex is a very proficient grappler and par to fh te coaching staff at Precision Jiu-Jitsu, along with Shanw Melanson. Their Nashua gym is No-Gi only and fosters a submission-only philosophy, perfect for modern-day professional Jiu-Jitsu.

Alex himself has been active on the competitive grappling scene, kneebaring two high calibre opponents in the Ironaman Grappling Championship so far. His leg lock hunting game is on a whole different level, one which he shares in his Standing Leg Entries Alex West DVD.

Detailed Standing Leg Entries Alex West DVD Review

The Standing Leg Entries Alex West DVD is a short and precise instructional, lasing under two hours but covering just about everything you need to become successful leg lock hunter in modern Jiu-Jitsu:

Part 1 – Single Ashi

Just a heads up before we begin: the Standing Leg Entries Alex West DVD does cover legal leg locks, but that doesn’t mean every lock is allowed at every level, so be sure to check the rules.

That said, Alex really does deliver great material on the subject of getting to positions that allow you to set up and finish different leg locks. First up is the single Ashi, probably more familiar to those who use Danaher’s systematization as the straight Ashi Garami.

Off balancing is first, just as it should be, with several different tactics offered by West, all fo them very easy to implement into an existing game. He covers different ways to capitalize off that Kuzushi using grip fighting, mostly through 2-on-1 setusp (russian tie and arm drag).

A set of useful drills, concluding inversions, features towards the end of the first volume, before Alex delivers some context by demonstrating a couple of Reverse De la Riva guard spinning entries into Single Ashi.

Part 2 – Cross Ashi

The second part of the instructional is very short but does offer lots of value in terms of the subject it covers – getting to the cross Ashi Garami. Since Alex already covered initial entanglements using the Single Ashi, he just built on it by offering Cross Ashi pathways from there.

The second portion of the Alex West Leg Entries DVD offers a few very useful direct entries to the Cross Ashi as well, with the “Oliver Twist’ becoming an instant favourite of mine after seeing Alex demonstrate it.

Part 3 – 50/50 

Everyone’s favourite toy (when they can’t get to proper Ashi) is attacking distal leg locks, as Lachlan dubbed them, using the 50/50, particularly that backside variation. That is exactly what Alex focuses on in this portion of the Standing Leg Entries Alex West DVD.

The Single Ashi route is up first, as West demonstrates how to use everything he has delivered so far for a standing 50/50 entry. A kiss of the dragon inside spin features here, with West offering inopvation in the gripos that make the entry possible.

Some reaping appears toward the end of the insturctional, which once again raises the need for calling legality to the attention of those under brown belt. That said, the real and false reap options Alex uses definitely complement the spinning entries already covered, tying everything in a neat little system.

Part 4 – Finsihing Heel Hooks

The final part of this Standing Leg Entries Alex West DVD is all about finishing leg locks, mostly of the heel hook variety. With the entries provided in the first three volumes, Alex provides the cherry on top by going over inside and outside heel hooks, using all the positions covered so far.

He wraps things up going fully legal in the final couple of chapters, paying attention to the ankle lock and kneebar to ensure everyone can use his system regardless of belt rank or competition rules.

Navigating Leg Locks In BJJ 

While the leg locks game has evolved substantially over the years, the ruelsets governing them have only moved a little bit in the same direction. The legality of leg locks is still an issue, given that IBJFJ and the UAEJJF are the biggest non-professional tournament promotions that offer competition platforms to people of all ranks and ages.

In all fairness,  the rules have changed regarding heel hooks and reaping, with both now allowed for brown and black belt competitors in No-Gi. It is way better than before, but still not enough, and, in my opinion, overly restrictive.

That said, what you need to be aware of is what ruleset you’re training for. Even if you’re not competing at all, people in your gym might be preparing for a specific ruleset, so it is best to figure out what that is and understand what leg locks are legal based on that.

My stance is still that all leg locks should be legal at all levels and in both Gi and No-Gi, and I was glad to see that Alex West does not restrict himself just to provide more options for lower belts in the current climate. The Legally Locked Alex West DVD offers every legal leg lock you can do these days and does so in a very effective way.

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Legally Locked 

Now that you understand where the grey limit of legal leg locks is, it is just a matter of drilling. Take the stuff offered to you in the Standing Leg Entries Alex West DVD, spend a couple of months working on nothing but them, and youR leg lock game is going to skyrocket. The best part is that you don’t need to spend a week going through the DVD – you can watch the entire instructional in a single sitting.

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Grappling Grandpas: Two Florida Seniors Promoted To BJJ Black Belts

By
Ognen Dzabirski
-
Grappling Grandpas: Two Florida Seniors Promoted To BJJ Black Belts

Under the bright gym lights and the rhythmic tap of gi fabric on the mat, a quiet yet powerful revolution is unfolding. In communities across Miami—and echoed in similar training halls elsewhere—age is being redefined by a couple of inspiring martial artists known affectionately as the “grappling grandpas.”

These senior practitioners are both in their eighties. are turning heads and inspiring many by earning black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, proving that passion, discipline, and perseverance have no expiration date.

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“Well, it’s pure enjoyment.” 

– Klein (86)

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A New Chapter in a Timeless Art

It all began on an ordinary day at a local BJJ academy where the echoes of training and the hum of focused determination filled the air. Amidst younger competitors, a group of seniors—now known as the grappling grandpas—stepped onto the mat with a shared mission: to challenge the limits traditionally associated with age.

Scott Penly (85) and Myles Klein (86) have been training well for over a decade. Their journey, marked by countless hours of drilling, sparring, and refining techniques, is a testament to the idea that Brazilian jiu-jitsu is not solely the domain of the young.

One of the grandpas, a silver-haired enthusiast with an infectious smile, put it succinctly: “Every time I step on the mat, I remind myself that the real battle is not against an opponent, but against the misconceptions of what age should limit.”

His words resonated with the entire gym. For these seasoned practitioners, BJJ has always been more than just a sport—it’s a way of reclaiming vitality and celebrating life.

Grappling Grandpas Promoted To BJJ Black Belts

The Seniors’ Road to Black Belt

The path to earning a black belt in BJJ is notoriously grueling, revered as much for its mental challenges as its physical demands. For the grappling grandpas, the journey is colored by decades of life experience and the wisdom that comes with every hardship and injury overcome.

Their daily routine is a delicate balance between rigorous training and careful recovery, each session reaffirming that mastery is not defined by youth but by the dedication to continuous improvement.

________________________________________________________________________

“It ended up being the best thing personally that I’ve ever done for myself,”
-Penly (85)

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Instructors at the Valente Brothers academy highlight that these seniors embody the very spirit of jiu-jitsu—technique, patience, and resilience. They adapt movements to their evolving physicality, proving that the art is as much about the mind as it is about the body.

Their black belt promotions are celebrated not only as personal victories but also as a vivid statement that the art of grappling transcends age.

______________________________________________________________________

“As long as I’m physically able to be here, I’ll be here, and because it’s a home away from home,” said Penly. “I hope in ten years we’re talking again.”

______________________________________________________________________

Valente Brothers’ Praise for the Grappling Grandpas

On the day of their graduation ceremonies, the gym transformed into a vibrant celebration. The air was charged with excitement as family, friends, and fellow gym members gathered to witness the crowning moments of these grapplers’ careers.

Each belt presentation carried with it stories of perseverance—nights spent refining techniques, the camaraderie shared between training partners, and the countless obstacles overcome along the way.

Local media captured the event, with attention focusing on heartwarming interviews and real-life testimonials. The celebration was more than just a martial arts ceremony; it acted as a powerful reminder that every life stage holds the opportunity for growth, reinvention, and triumph.

_______________________________________________________________________

“I think it’s very inspirational,” said Gui Valente. “The fact that both Myles and Scott received their black belts after having joined Jiu-Jitsu at an age that most think it’s too late. They proved everyone wrong.”

________________________________________________________________________

Young practitioners in the gym looked on in admiration, inspired by the example that success is measured not by the number of years lived but by the passion one puts into every moment.

“[It’s] very special. Never, never thought I’d get there, of course, and then all of a sudden you keep, you keep at it, it happens,” said Klein after the promotion.

Grappling Grandpas at Valente Brothers Florida

A Legacy That Inspires Future Generations

The story of the grappling grandpas resonates far beyond the walls of their local gym. It challenges societal expectations and redefines aging within the martial arts world. Their achievements are a beacon for anyone who has been told that their best years are behind them.

By earning their BJJ black belts, these senior warriors have etched their names in the annals of BJJ history as living proof that the human spirit thrives on continuous challenge. As BJJ continues to grow globally, the legacy of these grandpas offers critical insights into a more inclusive and dynamic perspective on athleticism.

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“They come in here every day. They have youthful minds. They work hard and it’s easy for them,”

– coach Donald Simon

________________________________________________________________________

Their journey invites us to ask: What limits are truly insurmountable, and how can the values learned on the mat serve as lessons for life?

In the vibrant heart of Miami and in BJJ academies around the world, the grappling grandpas illustrate that the passion for learning and self-improvement is timeless. Their journey inspires all to embrace challenges, respect the wisdom that comes with age, and ultimately understand that every wrinkle on the face tells a story of resilience.

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Best Marcelo Garcia Techniques by Team Marcelo Garcia DVD Review [2025]

By
Ognen Dzabirski
-
Best Marcelo Garcia Techniques by Team Marcelo Garcia DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • A No-Gi BJJ instructional put together by several of Marcelo Garcia’s top black belts. 
  • It delivers insider information on his best moves, like the NS choke, X-guard, Guillotine, seated guard, and back attacks.
  • Features Paul Schreiner, Matheus Diniz, Joel Burgess, Scott Kaplan, Kanan Clarke-Jones, Matheus Lutes, Tony Bibaj, and Yuta Shimada. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 9.5 out of 10. 

BEST MARCELO GARCIA TECHNIQUES DVD HERE:

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Marcelo Garcia is undoubtedly one of the best ever in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu. However, anyone that has attempted to learn from his DVDs has found it difficult to replicate the success Marcelo has had over the years, using those exact same moves.

So, is the game that Marcelo Garcia played, which is often dubbed as the best ever for No-Gi, only something he can do? Over the years, we’ve seen many of Marcelo’s students do the same, using elements of his fame to become great.

Now, some of those students have joined forces to give us the Team Marcelo Garcia DVD, offering a selection of the GOAT’s best techniques and tactics. Enjoy it!

The Best BJJ Game For No-Gi? 

Marcelo Garcia was a force to be reckoned with in the early 2000s. He demonstrated that BJJ sis not set in stone and that a world champion’s game is just as subject to change in order to keep being successful as that of a blue belt still figuring things out.

Marcelo won the ADCC 4 times, out of 5 possible in the span of 8 years. He literally tortured everyone the first time out, in 2003, taking the back and choking folks out left and right, aided by his expertise in the crucifix.

As people thought they got the hang of him for 2005, he came out playing butterfly guard and tapping people with some of the nastiest guillotines we’ve seen, which have later been dubbed ‘the Marcelotine’. The same thing happened in 2007, when he unleashed the X-guard, once again leaving opponents dumbfounded.

To this day, all the staples of Marcelo’s game, from the crucifix to his North-South choke, are super-effective at the highest levels of the sport and used by all pro grapplers. I guess it is safe to say that Marcelo is the source of most of the stuff that’s considered to be the best game for No-Gi in the 21st century.

Now, we have a chance to learn about the nuts and bolts that make this game work, as his best instructors come together to offer the Best Marcelo Garcia Techniques by Team Marcelo Garcia DVD.

The Marcelo Garcia Legacy 

There was a short period of time some 10 years ago when people in the BJJ world kind of had no clear idea who Marcelo Garcia was. He did kind of fall out of the spotlight when he retired, so, understandably, people who took up grappling after the fact had little exposure to his work.

For us who were here to see him do what he does best, he was nothing short of a miracle. All due respect to Gordon, but he’s never going to achieve the same as Marcelo did. Moreover, Marcelo was always the nice, kind, and smiling guy who could wrap anyone up as a pretzel.

Well, after his very public battle and victory over stomach cancer and his crazy comeback to competitive grappling under the ONE Championship banner, everyone in grappling knows who Marcelo Garci is once again. The world is back in balance.

Last year, when Marcelo was in the headlines due to his struggles with cancer, the BJJ community came together to help, and none more than the instructors in his academy. One of those projects was the Team Marcelo Garcia DVD we’re having a look at today.

Team Marcelo: Best Marcelo Garcia Techniques DVD Review

The Best Marcelo Garcia Techniques by Team Marcelo Garcia DVD is a two-hour-long No-Gi instructional with four volumes, with the moves presented by several prominent black belt instructors who have learned directly from Marcelo:

Part 1 – North-South Choke & Back Attacks

The concept behind this instructional is one I’d enjoy seeing more often. Several people come together to demonstrate specific moves, making it kind of like being in a BJJ camp. The first duo to present their techniques in the Best Marcelo Garcia Techniques DVD are Paul Schreiner and Matheus Diniz, two of Marcelo’s most famous black belts.

Schreiner is first, delivering an in-depth analysis of how Marcelo’s North-South choke works, complete with finishing mechanics and setups from different top pinning positions. Diniz comes next, offering a very comprehensive hand-fighting system from the back that will help you get a choking position every time.

Part 2 – Single Leg X-Guard & Guillotines

Joel Burgess picks up from Diniz in part two of the Best Marcelo Garcia Techniques DVD, providing an overview of the Single Leg X-Guard, a Marcelo Garcia classic. Burgess focuses on sweeps, as Garcia never really did many leg locks, going through the double ankle, twist sweep, and overhook X attacks.

Scott Kaplan provides a change in scenery with his delivery of Marcelo’s guillotine secrets, shown from the seated guard position. He opens up with several different setups before spending a considerable amount of time explaining how to finish the choke.

Part 3 – Passing & Turtle Attacks

Kanan Clarke-Jones opens up the third installment of the Marcelo Garcia Techniques Team Marcelo, going over some Marcelo-inspired loose passing involving the knee cut pass and going outside. He also shows turtle attacks that will break down the defenses of even the most stubborn turtle player.

Still on the subject of passing, Matheus Lutes takes over from Clarke-Jones, targeting knee-shield passing. All of the passes, both against high and low knee shield guards, lead toward the North-South and that inevitable Marcelo Garcia NS choke finish.

Part 4 – X-Guard Sweeps & Over-Under Passing

As we reach the final portion of what is a very unusual but highly engaging No-Gi instructional, Tony Bibaj takes us through some full X-guard moves that are the centerpiece of his guard game. Sweeping is the star once again, leading directly into passes of the over-under variety, which Bibaj covers in extreme detail.

The final couple of chapters of the Best Marcelo Garcia Techniques DVD are reserved for Yuta Shimada and an explanation of side control escapes and hook sweeps against super-stable opponents.

Learning From ‘Students’

Despite having all of Marcelo’s DVDs on the subject of his North-South choke, I was never able to pull it off. We’re talking about ten years ago and a very old set of DVDs, just to be clear. It was years later, after seeing an instructional by Marcelo’s black belt Emily Kwok, that the choke finally clicked.

That experience opened up a new door to learning BJJ from DVDs for me. I started looking into seminars, classes, and videos of the students of people who were excelling at specific moves. This changed how much detail I could get on a certain move and made it as close as possible to training with Marcelo, for example, and getting my questions answered without actually having access to him.

The trend of looking up signature moves from specific grapplers is still going strong, and we’re definitely missing instructionals such as the Best Marcelo Garcia Techniques DVD. After all, without taking away from the moves’ creator, the more people that can reiterate why they work, the easier it is to really understand them.

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Team Marcelo! 

Personally, I’ve always been inspired by and loved watching Marcelo Garcia, whether it is him competing or his instructional DVDs. However, I find that the Best Marcelo Garcia Techniques by Team Marcelo Garcia DVD is a much better resource for understanding his signature moves than any of his other instructionals. In fact, I’d start with this one and then use his dedicated DVDs to really go deep in a specific direction. Good luck!

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Forging The De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD Review [2025]

By
Ognen Dzabirski
-

Key Takeaways

  • A No-Gi BJJ DVD outlining how to get to the DLR and attack sweeps and leg locks, delivered by the reigning ADCC champ. 
  • Contains a system for leg pummeling that leads to inside guards and Ashi Garamoi.
  • Offers a selection of sweeps, leg locks, and back exposure through the X-guard, K-guard, Bolos, and the 50/50. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 8 out of 10. 

FORGING THE DE LA RIVA GUARD GIANCARLO BODONI DVD GET HERE:

Forging The De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD Free Sample
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There are probably as many De la Riva guard instructionals out there as there are closed guard ones. I often refer to the DLR as the open guard counterpart to the full guard – everyone is going to use it at some point, regardless of whether they prefer to or not.

Digging through the rubble of DLR information out there and finding useful bits is hard, which is why we’re here to point out resources worth exploring. The De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD is good for beginners, ideal for intermediate grapplers, and useful for experts. After all, we’re talking about the reigning ADCC champ as the source here.

Outside Open Guard

These days, most people play overcomplicated hybrid guards that actually trap you as a guard player more than they allow you to move. This means you restrict your options of attacking, and when the person on top starts blocking them, you find yourself in a pickle.

Understanding what guards offer in terms of general positioning will lhelpo you determine what guard to use for a given situation. For the most part, the easiest way to organize guards is as outside guards (your legs on the outside of your partner’s body/legs) and inside guards (your legs between the opponent’s legs).

Both of these have limitations and advantages, but in general, inside ones are more dangerous as they present a direct threat of lower limb submissions and many more sweep threats. To that effect, transitioning from outside guards, which are easier to get to, into more effective inside ones is a strategy you should master.

That said, if you’re wondering where to start, the answer is with something easy and reliable. The De la Riva ticks both these boxes, plus it works with and without the Gi. A very good resource to organize your guard game around the DLR is the De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD.

Double ADCC World Champ Giancarlo Bodoni

Danaher’s New Wave bunch of athletes get extraordinary results on the mats but also cause an extraordinary amount of noise in the BJJ world. Gordon Ryan is synonymous with trash-talking by this point, and Big Dan seems to be following in his footsteps. I’m not even going to mention Meragali’s embarrassment.

The quiet guy in the bunch, who lets his performances and results do the talking, is Giancarlo Bodoni. Aged 29, Bodoni started off in Alliance but decided to jump on board with Danaher in Texas. It proved to be a great decision, with two consecutive ADCC world titles already added to his name.

Bodoni is a big guy with a very methodical game, favoring technique over explosion. Originally a black belt under Lucas Lepri, Bodoni is a skilled guard player with a closed guard skillset to match that of Roger Gracie. His open guard skills might actually be even better than his closed guard, as he clearly demonstrated in the De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD.

Forging The De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD Review

Bodoni delivers over two hours of material in the very detailed De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD. He uses lots of key concepts to guide you through the attacking options that the DLR offers in No-Gi while outlining the risks to be wary of at the same time:

Part 1 – Pummeling

A skill not often associated with the De la Riva guard is pummeling, and yet, it somehow seems to define modern BJJ attacks from the position. As the De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD opens, Bodoni makes sure to provide you with an in-depth blueprint on coming on top of any pummel exchanges you might encounter while playing the guard.

With the DLR, it’s all about foot position, with the hook providing control and the free leg offering off-balancing opportunities but also being a leg-locking liability of sorts. Bodoni goes over several foot and knee pummeling scenarios that happen often, showing you how to keep your feet safe and not lose any of the control you have from the guard.

Part 2 – Ashi Exposure

Bodoni’s guard work very often leads to leg locks, but since Danaher’s Ashi system requires the hips of your opponent to be on the mats, it yields the much-welcome side effect of sweeping. This is exactly the relationship that he uncovers in the second part of the De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD.

Using the DLR as a starting position, Giancarlo offers several different sweeps, a route into the X-guard, and several reverse reap follow-ups that essentially create a mini system. Bodoni introduces some modifications to his X guard and also accounts for level changes, with the waiter sweep well hidden from the top person’s attention.

Part 3 – K Guard Bolos

As we get to part three, leg lock and Ashi entanglements continue, but now with everyone’s favorite show-stopping element – inversions. Bodoni shares lots of Bolos in this portion of the Giancarlo Bodoni De La Riva DVD, constantly adding more leg-locking threats.

In fact, he uses the K guard to launch his inversions, ending up in interesting positions, such as Kani Basami and the backside 50/50. All of the motions start in the DLR and feature pummeling, bringing the entire content presented in this instructional into the frame.

Part 4 – Connections and FAQs

As we reach the final part of the De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD, the attention is on building an entire No-Gu guard game centered around the DLR, which is very easy to get into. Bodoni explains how he uses constant off-balancing to easily retain the guard as he looks to set up his attacks.

I liked a lot that he addressed the fallacies of playing the De la Riva guard in No-Gi, pinpointing the key risks and goals of the guard. As he brings the DVD to an end, Bodoni also talks about body positioning details that people often ask about, as well as how to optimally connect to the top person.

Forging an Unbeatable Guard

There is no such thing as an unbeatable guard. However, there is an advantage to playing the De la Riva guard that might make it seem unbeatable if you know what you are doing, especially in No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu.

At the end of the day, the goals from the guard are to get on top, on the back, or submit. You only want to keep the top player on your guard for as long as you need to achieve any of those. That means that one key guard tactic is not allowing the top player time to figure out how to break your guard.

Another thing to consider is not to get too carried away with a specific guard. Keep someone in half guard, and they only have your half guard to pass. Start in De la Riva, and you have access to just about any open guard you want, and even closed guards, depending on the situation. Bodoni covers this in-depth as he presents the material in the De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD.

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A Bundle of Surprises! 

Get to guard. That is your first priority when you find yourself with your back on the mats, intentional or not. Going for the DLR is usually the path of least resistance, as it is immediately available against standing opponents from a medium distance.

Getting the guard is not the issue, though, as much as what you do with it. That’s where the Forging the De La Riva Guard Giancarlo Bodoni DVD comes in, delivering a complete system that Bodoni has tested at the biggest possible stage of competitive grappling. And yes, the DLR is a great choice for No-Gi – pick up the instructions, and you’ll learn exactly why that is.

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