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

By
BJJ World
-
Levi Jones BJJ athlete retaining guard against female opponent during training

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

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

What Exactly Is Guard Retention?

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

A few reasons guard retention is critical:

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

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

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

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

🔗 1. Synchronize Your Upper and Lower Body

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

🎥 Example (Toreando Counter Drill): Watch on YouTube

🧷 2. Maintain Knee-to-Chest Connection

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

🎥 Visual Drill by Cobrinha: 8 Solo Guard Drills

🧩 3. Use the High Pummel

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

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

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

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

🎥 Leg Work Demonstration: Solo Drills for Retention

🛑 5. Create Strong Frames

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

🎥 Framing Concepts Breakdown: Guard Retention Essentials

Core Concepts of Effective Guard Retention

These five principles apply across most passing situations:

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

Guard Retention Drills You Should Be Doing

🥚 1. The Squashing Drill

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

🎥 Watch here: Fast Learn Guard Retention – Squashing Drill

How to use it:

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

🚶 2. The Stepping Drill

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

🎥 Watch here: BJJ Guard Retention Drill

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

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

🎥 Watch here: 8 Solo Drills by Cobrinha

🌀 4. 3 Essential Guard Retention Drills

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

🎥 Watch here: 3 Essential Drills

🧍‍♂️ 5. 3 Solo Drills for Guard Retention

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

🎥 Watch here: Solo Drills for Retention

🧱 6. Wall Guard Retention Drills (Cobrinha BJJ)

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

🎥 Watch here: Wall Drills with Cobrinha

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

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

🎥 Watch here: Paulo Miyao Drill

🛡️ 8. Essential Guard Retention Drills

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

🎥 Watch here: Guard Retention Essentials

How to use it:

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

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

Instructionals That Can Transform Your Guard Retention

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

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

Lachlan Giles & Ariel Tabak – Guard Retention Anthology

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

Mikey Musumeci – Power Switch Guard Retention and Genius Back Takes

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

Firas Zahabi – Guard Retention Made Easy

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

Thiago Abud – 360 Degrees Guard Retention

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

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

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

John Danaher – Guard Retention: Go Further Faster

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

Gordon Ryan – They Shall Not Pass

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

Training Application: Turn Rolling into Retention Reps

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

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ What is guard retention in BJJ?

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

❓ How do I improve my guard retention?

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

❓ Is guard retention important for beginners?

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

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

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

❓ What are some effective guard retention drills?

Some of the most effective drills include:

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

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

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

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

Xande Ribeiro – Half Guard Retention Philosophy

The Best Guard Retention DVD and Digital Instructionals

CJI 2 Free on YouTube: Craig Jones Keeps Grappling’s Most Valuable Event Open to All

By
BJJ World
-
CJI 2 Free on YouTube: Craig Jones Keeps Grappling’s Most Valuable Event Open to All
  • CJI 2 Free on YouTube has been confirmed by Craig Jones, quashing rumors of a FloGrappling paywall.
  • The $1 million team tournament returns in August 2025 with global trials already underway.
  • FloGrappling is supporting production, but Jones promises the event stays free.
  • B-Team’s YouTube channel is also streaming the regional qualifiers.

Craig Jones Keeps CJI 2 Free for Fans

Craig Jones has once again positioned himself as the people’s promoter. Just days after announcing that CJI 2 would move forward with FloGrappling production support, fans feared the worst: that the event would be locked behind a paywall. Jones responded the only way he knows how—boldly.

“I know a lot of people out there are like, ‘Oh no, Craig, is it gonna be on FloGrappling now you’re doing this work with them?’ Well, I do have to apologize to absolutely f***ing no one, because it’s still gonna be free on YouTube.”
– Craig Jones –

The original Craig Jones Invitational made waves by offering massive cash prizes while breaking from the traditional model—no subscription, no PPV, no ad walls. Just elite-level grappling, on a free live stream. And now, with CJI 2 free on YouTube, that vision lives on.

Breaking: Craig Jones Reveals CJI 2 Date and Issues Warning to BJJ Athletes

Why Fans Feared the FloGrappling Curse

When Craig Jones hinted at a collaboration with FloGrappling, Reddit and social media were flooded with speculation. For years, fans have criticized the platform’s exclusive contracts and paywall model. CJI had built its identity on defying those norms.

One Redditor summed it up:

“Craig’s whole brand is anti-establishment. If he went behind a paywall, the trust’s gone.”
– Reddit user, r/BJJ –

Instead, Craig used the moment to reassure fans. His partnership with FloGrappling will improve event quality, not restrict access.

“That shows how cool these motherf***ers are… what a massive liability it is for me to sign a contract with them.”
– Craig Jones –

CJI remains free, chaotic, and gloriously accessible—just how Jones intended.

Craig Jones Invitational 2 Free on YouTube: What We Know So Far

Set for August 2025, CJI 2 will feature an 8-team, $1 million grappling showdown. Each team represents a region—North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australasia, and more—and CJI 2 trials are already in full swing.

  • Australasia Trials: Held May 10 at Absolute MMA St. Kilda (Australia)
  • Europe Trials: Scheduled for May 24 in West London
  • North America Trials: Details pending, but expected in early June

These regional events are streamed live on the B-Team YouTube channel, extending the event’s accessibility well before the finals even begin.

Why This Format Matters

CJI’s approach is revolutionary for a sport still clinging to outdated structures. While traditional promotions focus on superfights and individual brackets, CJI 2 is investing in team-based $1M grappling tournament, regional pride, and high-stakes payouts.

This format not only incentivizes performance but creates buy-in from entire communities. When CJI 2 is free on YouTube, it’s not just a fight night—it’s a global showcase.

“This is the future. Big prizes, free streams, and athletes getting real money without fans getting gouged.”
– Reddit user, r/BJJ –
CJI 2 Free on YouTube: Trials

CJI’s Legacy and Craig’s Unorthodox Rise

Craig Jones isn’t a promoter by trade—he’s an athlete, coach, and personality who understands what grapplers and fans actually want. His public clashes with governing bodies, calls for fighter pay reform, and jabs at jiu-jitsu gatekeepers have made him polarizing—but undeniably influential.

After the success of CJI 1, many questioned if the format was sustainable. Backed in part by sponsors and personal investment, it was a risky venture. But the free-to-watch model made a point: you don’t need a paywall to build hype.

And now, with CJI 2 free on YouTube, Jones doubles down on that principle—while raising the stakes.

CJI 2 Free on YouTube Keeps the Revolution Alive

Whether it’s headlining Polaris, coaching TUF, or roasting IBJJF on Instagram, Craig Jones has never followed the rules. With CJI 2 free on YouTube, he’s continuing to rewrite the blueprint for what jiu-jitsu competition should look like: accessible, athlete-focused, and fan-first.

“Still gonna be free. Still gonna be crazy. Still gonna be CJI.”
– Craig Jones –

The regional trials have already kicked off. The teams are coming together. And come August 2025, the world will be watching—without paying a dime.

CJI 2: 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Unveils Star-Studded Team, Superfights Mooted
Nick Rodriguez Wins a Million Dollars at CJI Tournament, Then Calls Out Gordon for a New Match
Craig Jones Escorted Out of FloGrappling HQ: Misunderstanding or Marketing Stunt?

Timeless Mount Rafael Lovato Sr DVD Review [2025]

By
Ognen Dzabirski
-
Timeless Mount Rafael Lovato Sr DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • A BJJ DVD instructional going over super fundamental Gi mount principles. 
  • Provides the perfect blend of old-school Jiu-Jitsu and modern top pinning.   
  • Goes over different mount variations, offering finishes, control, and escapes. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 8.5 out of 10. 

TIMELESS MOUNT RAFAEL LOVATO SR DVD GET HERE

Timeless Mount Rafael Lovato Sr DVD Preview
CHECK OUT THE TRAILER: Timeless Mount Rafael Lovato Sr DVD

The mount is always going to be a subject covered in BJJ instructionals. No matter how many DVDs come out on the subject, there’s always something new to learn about it—it is that versatile and important.

Personally, I enjoy a lot of the pressure-style, “wear ’em down” mount that is usually a signature of old-school BJJ competitors, such as Roger Gracie and the Ribeiro brothers. No wonder I ended up enjoying the Timeless Mount Rafael Lovato Mount DVD so much—RL Senior is, after all, a Saulo Ribeiro black belt!

Mount Dominance 

I had the misfortune of losing the mount position in a competitive match very early in my BJJ journey (my second-ever tournament), so I discovered the importance of mount earlier than most of my peers. Only those that end up stuck in someone’s mount value the mount more than I.

To this day, I prefer the mount over the back. There is a dominance that you feel when you are facing someone, and they still can’t do anything to get you off. Holding someone in mount is the epitome of pinning from the top, taking power away, and using pressure to slowly “cook” your opponent.

Paired with smothers, the mount becomes an unbearable position that is much more psychologically devastating to an opponent than the back mount is. This psychological aspect of mount is super important and often overlooked—once you unlock it, you’ll end up with a torture tool that will help you defeat very formidable opponents.

The Rafael Lovato Mount DVD is just the start, but it is a great one if you don’t already have an understanding of the mount position.

The Original Lovato – Rafael Lovato Sr

You’ve heard of Rafael Lovato, but it’s most likely the younger version of the Rafael Lovato we’re going to talk about today. Confused? It’s fine, you’re not alone.

Just like in the case of Roger Gracie and Mauricio Gomes, the son outshines the father when it comes to BJJ accolades—and with good reason. Roger beat literally everyone that mattered in his time, while Rafael Lovato Jr. wrote BJJ history on multiple occasions.

What you might not have known is that Rafael Lovato Sr. is also a grappler—a black belt, nonetheless. He holds the rank of 3rd degree, given to him by Saulo Ribeiro. On top of being a legit grappler, Senior is also a Jeet Kune Do expert who spent a lifetime teaching self-defense.

As much as I enjoy Junior’s instructionals, the Timeless Mount Rafael Lovato Mount DVD was a great way to introduce a bit of freshness and diversity into the Rafael Lovato Timeless series. Here’s what awaits inside:

Timeless Mount Rafael Lovato Sr DVD Review

This Rafael Lovato Sr Mount DVD offers plenty of great information for those who like to dominate from the top in Gi Jiu-Jitsu. It contains three volumes and has a total running time of just under two hours:

Part 1 – Mount Retention & Variations 

As the Timeless Mount Rafael Lovato Mount DVD kicks off—which happens to be my first instructional by Senior—the vibe is immediately one of old-school, effective Jiu-Jitsu. RL Sr. immediately makes it clear that his DVD is all about white belts and older practitioners, as he begins exploring different mount variations.

Among the rest, he goes over the high mount, three-quarter mount (a.k.a. monkey mount), the gift wrap, and the technical mount. Essentially, you don’t really need any other variation beyond these, especially if all you’re looking for is effectiveness with minimal effort.

Part 2 – Submission Attacks & Combos

The second volume of the Timeless Mount Rafael Lovato Mount DVD is a bit higher-paced, with plenty of submissions featured in about half an hour of running time. Rafael Lovato Senior begins strong, describing in great detail how to attack with a combo that includes an armbar, a wrist lock, a Kimura, and a triangle.

For those who like simplicity and prefer finishing one sub to threatening with multiple simultaneous ones, options in this DVD range from cross choke variations to Americanas and Ezekiel chokes. Let’s also remember armbars—a mount classic—spiced up by a very sneaky Brabo choke that captured my attention in particular.

Part 3 – Mount Escapes

The final part of the Rafael Lovato Sr. Mount DVD, in true old-school style, wraps up the subject of mount by turning the tables and looking at how you can beat it. Rafael Lovato Sr. sticks to a combination of basics and modern options, resulting in one of the best mount escape systems I’ve seen.

Senior offers escapes in several directions, ending up in different guard variations, top positions, and leg lock entanglements. He also addresses different mount variations, just like in the first volume—but from a defensive perspective. The Kimura escape is a very unexpected one; I suggest you try it.

Invisible Jiu-Jitsu 

The story of Jiu-Jitsu is movement, and the old guys in the sport know this better than anyone. While I’m not going to go into the issue of not practicing movement as we focus on series of sequences instead, the fact remains that at the end of the day, the things we don’t see matter the most.

This invisible Jiu-Jitsu concept that Rickson popularized is not about stuff that you can’t see because it is truly invisible. It refers to the things—oftentimes not small at all—that we do while grappling but don’t recognize as important, or worse, at all. Those who manage to see these things hidden in plain sight, like mushrooms on a forest floor, end up reaping great results.

While the Timeless Mount Rafael Lovato Mount DVD does not dwell on the concept of invisible or hidden Jiu-Jitsu, the principle runs through the DVD. Sometimes, it takes an OG like Rafael Lovato Sr. to open your eyes to stuff you’ve always been doing but never understood why it works—or, more importantly, why it keeps failing.

Timeless Mount Rafael Lovato Sr Free DVD Sample

WATCH A FREE SAMPLE: Timeless Mount Rafael Lovato Sr DVD

DOWNLOAD HERE: TIMELESS MOUNT RAFAEL LOVATO SR DVD

The Last Position You’ll Master

This is something that I hear Rafael Lovato Sr. say in the Timeless Mount Rafael Lovato Mount DVD, and it stuck. While the mount is something we begin learning very early, even as early as day one, it is a position many will only master after a long time spent on the mats.

Trial and error might be the only methods that will effectively teach you how to dominate from the mount, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get all the help you can get, like this DVD, for instance.

BJJ DVD Review: Mount Dominance By Rayron Gracie
The Best Mount Attacks DVD and Digital Instructionals
Mount Attack Encyclopedia Bernardo Faria DVD – Review

Top 5 BJJ Instructionals for Small Grapplers [2025 Guide]

By
BJJ World
-
Top 5 BJJ Instructionals for Small Grapplers – Lachlan Giles, Mikey Musumeci, Bruno Malfacine

If you’re a smaller grappler – say under 165 lbs (75 kg) – you know how much timing, positioning, and technique matter more than brute strength. Thankfully, a range of high-quality BJJFanatics instructionals are extremely effective for lighter practitioners.

This guide breaks down the top 5 BJJ instructional DVDs that help “small players” dominate with precision and efficiency.

—

## 🏅 1. **Mikey Musumeci – Power Switch Guard Retention and The Berimbolo System**

– **Power Switch Guard Retention and Genius Back Takes:** A deep dive into how to maintain guard against tornadoes, knee cut, and smash passes, while setting up back takes from inverted and neutral positions. It’s perfect for smaller athletes who need timing and angles instead of frames and brute force.

– **The Berimbolo System Bundle (Parts 1–4):** A full breakdown of modern berimbolo mechanics – including crab ride, leg drags, transitions, and leg lock defenses. Mikey’s clear teaching makes even complex movements accessible and repeatable.

These instructionals are gold for grapplers who rely on dynamic guard and fast positional changes to outmaneuver stronger opponents.

🔗 Check out Power Switch Guard Retention by Mikey Musumeci
🔗 Also, check out Musumeci’s Berimbolo System as the best in the world

—

##🥈 2. **Gianni Grippo – Open Guard Domination**

**Focus:** De La Riva, reverse DLR, collar & sleeve, open guard attacks

**Why it works:** Gianni Grippo is a high-level black belt competitor with years of success on the IBJJF circuit. In this instructional, he shares his dynamic open guard system, tailored for athletes who prefer speed, angles, and transitions over brute force.
Smaller grapplers will benefit from Gianni’s approach to using De La Riva and reverse DLR guards to off-balance, sweep, and transition to submissions or dominant positions. The system is based on control and timing, not strength.

You’ll also learn how to combine grips, control posture, and maintain distance against aggressive passers, making this an ideal resource for competitors in lighter divisions.

🔗 Check out Gianni Grippo – Open Guard Domination

## 🥉 3. **Marcelo Garcia – No-Gi X-

—

Guard & Guillotine Game**

**Focus:** X-guard, arm drags, back takes

**Why it works:** Marcelo is the icon of “small man jiu-jitsu.” This series dives into his legendary X-guard system, designed specifically to neutralize pressure from larger opponents and create back-take opportunities.
He also goes deep into his guillotine system – a fast, explosive weapon that fits perfectly into scrambles and transitions. Marcelo’s instruction is intuitive, with concepts that remain timeless and extremely effective in both gi and no-gi.

🔗 Check out Legedary Marcelo garcia’s No Gi X Guard and Guillotine game Instructionals

—

## 🥇 4. **Lachlan Giles – The Half Guard Anthology**

**Focus:** Knee shield, underhook half guard, deep half guard

**Skill Level:** All levels

**Why it works:** Lachlan Giles became a household name after submitting heavyweights at ADCC 2019. His “Half Guard Anthology” is a comprehensive breakdown of one of BJJ’s most reliable positions, especially valuable for smaller grapplers fighting from the bottom.
The instructional includes detailed instruction on knee shield, underhook half, deep half, and transitions that allow you to sweep or recover position even when under heavy top pressure. Lachlan’s teaching is systematic and leverage-based, which makes it highly effective for athletes who can’t rely on strength or size.

🔗 Check out Lachlan’s Half Guard instructional as one of the best half guard you can have in 2025

—

## 🏅 5. **Bruno Malfacine – How To Beat Bigger Guys: Guard**

**Focus:** Open guard strategies, transitions, attacking larger opponents

**Why it works:** Bruno Malfacine is a 10-time IBJJF World Champion and widely considered the greatest roosterweight in BJJ history. Known for dismantling larger and stronger opponents, his instructional “How To Beat Bigger Guys: Guard” is a goldmine for smaller grapplers.
Bruno shares his complete game plan for dealing with size disadvantages using speed, leverage, and timing. The course emphasizes control of distance, grip management, quick angle changes, and back takes – all from the open guard.
If you’re a lighter athlete who constantly faces heavier training partners or competitors, this instructional provides a blueprint for staying safe and creating attacking opportunities using technical superiority.

🔗 View How To Beat Bigger Guys – Guard by Bruno Malfacine**

## 📌 Tips for Smaller Grapplers Choosing Instructionals:

– Look for instructors close to your body type or weight class
– Prioritize guard retention, scrambles, back attacks, and leg locks
– Avoid heavy-pressure passing systems unless adapted to mobility

—

## ✅ Final Thoughts

Being a smaller grappler is no disadvantage when you play smart. The right instructionals can help you turn technique into a true weapon.

💬 Have you tried any of these instructionals? Leave a comment and let us know which one worked best for you.

🛒 *Check out the links above and invest in your BJJ journey – one technique at a time.*

The Almostoplata Collar Sleeve Janine Mocaiber DVD Review [2025]

By
Ognen Dzabirski
-
The Almostoplata Collar Sleeve Janine Mocaiber DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • A Gi BJJ DVD providing an Omoplata-centered gameplan for developing a competitive guard.
  • Offers Omoplata setups, different finishes, and advanced submission combos.   
  • Goes beyond the Omoplata as a sweep/submission, using it to create entries, transitions, and force mistakes. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 8 out of 10. 

ALMOSTOPLATA COLLAR SLEEVE JANINE MOCAIBER DVD GET HERE

The Almostoplata Collar Sleeve Janine Mocaiber DVD Preview
SEE THE TRAILER: The Almostoplata Collar Sleeve Janine Mocaiber DVD

Omoplatas, collar sleeve guard, crazy-looking entanglements… This is how most of BJJ used to look before leg locks turned everyone’s attention from the upper body. Now, the odd instructional, such as the Almostoplata Collar Sleeve Janine Mocaiber DVD, provides a new look at the old tactical approach to competitive Gi Jiu-Jitsu.

Given everyone’s confusion with the sheer number of options they have in BJJ, and what they’re seeing on YouTube, it is understandable why people are only focusing on quick fixes. A DVD such as this one, that effectively blends old-school and modern BJJ, ensures we don’t end up with a new-wave version of catch wrestling—just with weirder clothing.

The AlmostPlata? 

Many people have tried to deliver a wordplay on the Omoplata, and while they might have delivered in terms of vocabulary, they’ve mostly failed in terms of effective grappling techniques. A few have managed to break the mold, though, with Eddie Bravo the first to spring to mind.

The Almostoplata Collar Sleeve Janine Mocaiber DVD is now another highly reliable instructional that goes over everything Omoplata-related—and well beyond it. Unlike the 10th Planet Platas, or even Marcelo’s Monoplata, Mocaiber focuses on the Gi applications of the move.

Calling it an Almostplata is just as clever a wordplay as her tactical instructions contained within are. Simply put, she shows us how to follow up on the Omoplata not as a backup option, but rather as a primary attack, leaving the Omoplata submission as a secondary, and even tertiary, option. Unique without a doubt.

Guard Wizard Janine Mocaiber

One of the more interesting people I’ve seen in terms of coaching style and a guard game is Janine Mocaiber. The 1st-degree black belt is the co-founder of Oshawa BJJ in Ontario, along with her husband, Igor Mocaiber, a 3rd-degree black belt.

In terms of experience, Janine boasts an impressive array of titles, which include no fewer than four Pans titles and six world titles (IBJJF, JJIF, and UWW)! All her titles are spread out to include both Gi and No-Gi accolades, making her one of the best guard tacticians in modern Jiu-Jitsu.

Janine is still very active in competition, and yet she manages to also teach full-time and release highly useful instructionals such as the Almostoplata Collar Sleeve Janine Mocaiber DVD. It’s one you don’t want to miss, particularly if you’re a Gi guard player who battles bigger folks on a regular basis.

Almostoplata Collar Sleeve Janine Mocaiber DVD Review

The two-part Janine Mocaiber Almostoplata DVD features a detailed, no-nonsense introduction to a system of collar sleeve Omoplata attacks that is much more comprehensive than it initially appears:

Part 1 – Deep Dive into Omoplatas

The Almostoplata Collar Sleeve Janine Mocaiber DVD is an intense one in every sense of the word. Janine really goes deep into Omoplatas here, including guard strategies that even some seasoned competitors might not be aware of.

For example, she does not just show standard collar sleeve guard combos that lead to Omoplatas, but rather explores every tiny detail of armpit control, distance management, leg weaving, and posture breaking.

This first part of the instructional also covers finishing options against different reactions, giving this DVD a unique depth. Mocaiber goes past just collar sleeve finishes and explains the relationships of the K guard and X guard with the Omoplata, delivering the concept of secondary guards in the process.

Part 2 – LIfe After Omoplatas

Unlike most Omoplata instructionals that try to circle back to the Omoplata via triangles and armbars, the Janine Mocaiber Almostoplata DVD offers different end-range options when the Omoplata turns to an Almostplata.

First up, Janine goes over a few more setups, using double sleeve grips, which set the stage for follow-ups. Instead of just focusing on the Omoplata as a submission, Janine teaches how to use it as an entry point to kneebars, the back, armbars, Kimuras, and Choi Bars. The Chokeoplata is the proverbial cherry on top, bringing this entire instructional together.

Collar Sleeve Shoulder Locks

An extended arm and a foot in the armpit of said arm usually deliver good things in BJJ—if you’re not on the receiving end of this combination. Many staple Gi guards bank on this concept, hence the overwhelming reliance on sleeve grips in most BJJ Gi guards.

There is merit to the idea behind holding sleeves, but I am not a fan of using these grips for everything. Things like triangle chokes and Omoplatas definitely benefit from a sleeve grip or two, given that an extended arm and a leg behind the armpit is an absolute must for both. However, if you’re not attacking with either of these, should you go for sleeve grips?

It’s going to be a personal preference, but I’d advise mixing it up. The moment you decide to grab a collar at the expense of one sleeve, you introduce a whole new array of sweep and submission threats, while introducing a strong posture break into the mix. Not convinced? Take a look at the Almostoplata Collar Sleeve Janine Mocaiber DVD, and then we can talk.

The Almostoplata Collar Sleeve Janine Mocaiber DVD Free Sample
FREE TECHNIQUE: The Almostoplata Collar Sleeve Janine Mocaiber DVD

DOWNLOAD HERE: JANINE MOCAIBER ALMOSTOPLATA DVD

Sneaky Guard Attacks! 

There is nothing easy about playing guard in BJJ! You’re essentially one huge step away from everything your opponent is looking for—pins and submissions from top positions, which score you points. The only thing you have working for you is submissions, and to get them, you need to learn how to be sneaky.

Luckily, the Almostoplata Collar Sleeve Janine Mocaiber DVD takes care of helping you develop this crucial skill, while teaching you everything you’ll ever need to know about Omoplatas with the Gi.

The Whole Omoplata Enchilada Lyanne Perez DVD Review [2024]
REVIEW: Omoplata Everyone – Bernardo Faria
A Stage By Stage Omoplata Escape Pattern

13-Year-Old Girl Uses Jiu-Jitsu To Stop Attacker, Breaks His Ankle

By
Ognen Dzabirski
-
  • A 13-year-old girl uses Jiu-Jitsu to stop attacker in in Carmel-by-the-Sea incident on May 6.
  • She performed a takedown, broke the suspect’s ankle, and escaped unharmed.
  • Her coach praised her composure and technique: “She did exactly what she was trained to do.”
  • Authorities are still searching for the suspect, described as acting erratically during the assault.

Teen Girl Drops Attacker With Headlock, Knees, and a Takedown

A 13-year-old girl walking home from school in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, didn’t just escape an attack—she reversed it. The teen, who’s trained in Jiu-Jitsu for over three years, responded with startling efficiency when a man lunged at her between two parked cars.

“She punched him, she wrapped it, got him in a headlock, kneed him a couple of times, spun him around, threw him on the ground… and broke his ankle.”
– Michael Blackburn, jiu-jitsu instructor –

According to Blackburn, who teaches at the Carmel Youth Center, the suspect clearly underestimated her. But the girl wasn’t shaken. She executed clean, effective self-defence techniques taught in class, and then ran home safely.

Police say she struck first, locked the man into a headlock, and dumped him with a trip takedown. In the process, she stepped on his foot and injured him badly enough that he was heard yelling as she escaped.

13-Year-Old Girl Uses Jiu-Jitsu To Stop Attacker

“Fight in Class Like You’re on the Street”: Coach Reacts to Viral Story

After the incident hit local news and Reddit’s r/BJJ forum, the Jiu-Jitsu community lit up with praise for the girl’s composure. For Blackburn, her coach, it was personal—and proof of why martial arts matter.

“She did exactly what she was supposed to do. You have to fight in class like you’re going to protect yourself on the street.”
– Michael Blackburn, Carmel Youth Center –

He added that the California teen has never been aggressive in class, but has always shown an unusually high ability to absorb and apply technique under pressure.

The 13-year-old girl uses Jiu-Jitsu to stop attacker, not as a headline, but as a case study: proof that training isn’t just for the mat, but for life.

Attacker Still at Large, Police Say He May Be Under the Influence

The suspect, who fled the scene after the takedown, is still being pursued by police. Commander Todd Trayer of the Carmel Police Department told reporters the department is taking the case seriously.

“We’re doing everything we can to figure out who this person is that’s responsible for what happened.”
– Commander Todd Trayer, Carmel Police Department –

Authorities haven’t confirmed if the suspect’s ankle was broken, but they did note that he fled the scene limping. Witnesses described the man as acting erratically—possibly under the influence or experiencing a mental health crisis.

A sketch has been released, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact local authorities.

Jiu-Jitsu Training Prevents Attack

While the incident was frightening, the teen’s Jiu-Jitsu skills likely saved her from far worse. For Blackburn and others in the self-defense community, the takeaway is clear: empowerment through preparedness works.

“She fought just like we train in class. She used what she had. That’s the goal.”
– Michael Blackburn –

As one Reddit user put it in a top-voted comment:

“This is why every kid—especially girls—should learn at least a year of grappling.”
– Reddit user, r/BJJ –

The story has sparked renewed interest in youth self-defense programs across California, with instructors citing the Carmel case as a prime example of martial arts making a real-world difference.

She Didn’t Panic—She Executed

The 13-year-old girl uses Jiu-Jitsu to stop attacker not because she was fearless, but because she was trained. In a moment of danger, she didn’t freeze. She remembered her technique. She applied it. And she won.

Police continue their investigation, but one thing is certain: this teen defended herself in a way that would impress most adults. And she left a very clear message to anyone targeting vulnerable people:

You never know who’s trained to fight back.

110lbs Teen With 2 Years Of BJJ Training Perfectly Defends Himself Against 190lbs Attacker
BJJ White Belt Saves the Woman by Subduing the Attacker Until Police Arrived
Old Grappler Sprawls to a Double Leg Takedown and HeadLocks the Attacker in Super Market

John Danaher Leaves Coaching, Gordon Ryan Takes the Helm at Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu

By
Filip Zanki
-
John Danaher Leaves Coaching Gordon Ryan Takes the Helm at Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu
  • John Danaher leaves coaching after announcing he will undergo four surgeries in 2025, including hip and knee replacements.
  • Danaher’s longtime student and star pupil, Gordon Ryan, takes over leadership at Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu.
  • The John Danaher retirement marks a turning point in No-Gi BJJ coaching, shifting the center of power from the Danaher Death Squad legacy to Ryan’s reign.

John Danaher Leaves Coaching Amid Health Crisis

The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world is adjusting to news that John Danaher leaves coaching after more than two decades of shaping the sport from the inside out – despite huge struggles with serious injuries.

Known for creating systems that revolutionized No-Gi competition and producing elite athletes like Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, and Nicky Ryan, Danaher announced his exit due to the toll coaching has taken on his body.

“This year I will have to do four surgeries to try and get a satisfactory body back… The doctors say that generally this is the end of any kind of jiu-jitsu type movement at high level.”
– John Danaher –

We know why John Danaher left coaching, but what does that mean for the BJJ world? Danaher’s departure brings to a close the most influential chapter in modern No-Gi BJJ coaching—a system that once began under the blue mats of Renzo Gracie Academy and evolved into the juggernaut now known as Kingsway.

John Danaher Leaves Coaching After Multiple Surgeries

Gordon Ryan Takes the Helm at Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu

As John Danaher leaves coaching, the torch passes to the man many believe was destined to carry it: Gordon Ryan. Already considered the greatest No-Gi grappler of all time, Ryan now leads the gym where he trained for years under Danaher.

“Gordon would be the first person to say that there is no replacing Danaher. But no one is better suited than Gordon to take over that position.”
– Brian Glick –

With Ryan at the helm of Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu, the rebranded successor to New Wave, the expectation is that he will extend and evolve the Danaher Death Squad legacy, applying the same systems and structure that defined their dominance.

Ryan’s ability to teach is already well-documented through his instructionals and seminar appearances. Now, that responsibility becomes central to his role.

“He’s been running half the room already. Now it’s official.”
– Kingsway Athlete (anonymous, via Reddit) –

No-Gi BJJ Coaching Faces Its First Real Power Shift

This isn’t just a change of personnel—it’s a fundamental shift in the balance of influence in submission grappling.

As Gordon Ryan replaces John Danaher as head coach, the sport loses one of its most cerebral tacticians at the same time it gains a more aggressive, hands-on leader with real-time championship experience.

“Between Nicholas and Giancarlo and Gordon, there isn’t a better group of people I could think of to take over or to kind of serve as proxy for Danaher.”
– Brian Glick –

The presence of stars like Nicholas Meregali, Giancarlo Bodoni, and Ryan himself ensures that Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu leadership remains intact, even without its mastermind on the mats every day.

This transition also comes at a time when whispers of Ryan’s own retirement—spurred by chronic health issues—continue to swirl. For now, though, he remains the centerpiece of Kingsway’s present and future.

A Complicated Legacy: Revered, Feared, and Misunderstood

While Danaher is widely revered for his contributions to BJJ, his coaching style has also come under criticism. In a recent Reddit thread that went viral, several former students described the environment under Danaher as intense, at times bordering on “emotionally taxing.”

“He was brilliant but cold. If you were in his system, you performed. If you fell behind, it was sink or swim.”

Yet even those who criticized his methods rarely disputed his effectiveness. His departure now raises a deeper question: Is the era of authoritarian coaching over in elite Jiu-Jitsu? And if so, is Gordon Ryan’s leadership style a departure—or just a louder echo?

Gordon Ryan Takes the Helm at Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu

John Danaher Leaves Coaching, But His System Endures

While it’s jarring to see a headline like “John Danaher leaves coaching,” it doesn’t signal an end so much as an evolution. His teaching methods, positional hierarchies, and tactical frameworks will live on—not just through Gordon Ryan Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu, but through every black belt who came through his orbit.

In stepping back, Danaher allows the next generation to step forward—and if that generation includes the likes of Ryan, Meregali, and Bodoni, then No-Gi BJJ may still be in the safest hands imaginable.

Why Did New Wave Jiu-Jitsu Rebrand as Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu?
DONE! Gordon Ryan Retiring—and Danaher Might Not Be Far Behind! [2025]
Simplify the System Side Scissor Brian Glick DVD Review [2024]

Gordon Ryan and Jon Jones Stripped of Titles: End of an Era?

By
BJJ World
-
Gordon Ryan and Jon Jones Stripped of Titles: End of an Era?
  • Gordon Ryan and Jon Jones stripped of titles in different disciplines within the same week.
  • Ryan vacated the WNO heavyweight belt amid worsening health and potential retirement.
  • Jones, under fire for UFC inactivity, faces growing calls to be stripped as the interim title looms large.
  • Both men have trained together, courted controversy, and dominated eras—now both face uncertain futures.

The King is Sick: Gordon Ryan Vacates WNO Title

Few figures in grappling have cast a shadow as large as Gordon Ryan, but the shadow may be fading. This week, Ryan vacated the WNO heavyweight title, citing his long battle with gastroparesis.

It seems the well-documented Gordon Ryan health issues eventually did cost him his career — as many in the BJJ World expected.

“Gordon is very sick at this point. So, I don’t believe he’ll be competing again.”
– John Danaher

While Ryan has not formally announced retirement, WNO quickly moved to fill the vacuum, booking Felipe Pena vs. Luke Griffith to crown a new champion at WNO 28.

This marks the first time since 2018 that Ryan is no longer the active, reigning king of his weight class—a seismic shift in the jiu-jitsu world.

Gordon Ryan and Jon Jones Stripped of Titles

Fans Turn on Jon Jones: “Defend or Vacate!”

In the UFC’s heavyweight division, another storm brews. Jon Jones, arguably MMA’s greatest of all time, has not defended his title since defeating Ciryl Gane in March 2023.

Despite the rise of interim champion Tom Aspinall—and Jones’ own social media posturing—the UFC has yet to schedule a unification bout for Jon Jones UFC heavyweight title defense.

“Stripped? Lol do I come across as the type of person who cares about things like that?”
– Jon Jones, via X (formerly Twitter)

The comment didn’t land well with fans. Even Dana White, who initially defended Jones, recently signaled frustration by suggesting that “fights move forward with or without people.”

Some in the MMA media have begun openly questioning whether Jones is “strategically stalling” to avoid a dangerous fight. Regardless, the UFC has a decision to make soon.

When Legends Collide: The Gordon Ryan and Jon Jones Connection

Though they dominate different disciplines, Gordon Ryan and Jon Jones have trained together and long admired each other’s technical acumen. In 2022 and again in 2023, they shared sessions at Ryan’s gym in Austin and later in Albuquerque, where Ryan helped Jones prep his grappling for Ciryl Gane.

“Jon is one of the best people I’ve ever trained with. He’s smart, attentive, and technical.”
– Gordon Ryan, via Instagram (2023)

Both athletes have walked similar paths:

  • Unbeaten streaks broken only by technicalities or medical setbacks
  • Public controversies (Jones’ legal troubles; Ryan’s online feuds)
  • Polarizing fan reactions despite dominant performances

That their titles are falling away in the same week feels more than coincidental—it feels symbolic.

Combat Sports at a Crossroads: Who Fills the Vacuum?

With Gordon Ryan and Jon Jones stripped of titles (officially in Ryan’s case, speculatively in Jones’), two generational talents are either stepping aside or being sidelined. And the void they leave behind may take years to fill.

In grappling, Luke Griffith and Nicholas Meregali loom as potential new faces of the heavyweight division.

In MMA, Tom Aspinall has momentum, but a win over Jones is what would make him a star. Unfortunately, Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is bound to be remembered as one of those “if only it took place” bouts.

For both sports, it’s a rare and raw reset.

Stripped of Titles, Not of Legacy

Gordon Ryan and Jon Jones aren’t done yet—but they’re no longer at the top. And whether by illness or inaction, the result is the same: their belts are no longer theirs.

“This is the fight game. Nobody stays on top forever.”
– Dana White, via TalkSport

As fans, we watch greatness stumble. As competitors rise, we look back on these two as titans whose presence defined a generation — even as the next one steps forward.

DONE! Gordon Ryan Retiring—and Danaher Might Not Be Far Behind! [2025]
Joe Rogan Weighs In: Gordon Ryan PED Physique and BJJ Testing Loopholes
Gordon Ryan: Joe Rogan Podcast Was The Worst Experience Of My Life

Rethink Front Headlocks Josh Janis DVD Review [2025]

By
Ognen Dzabirski
-
Rethink Front Headlocks Josh Janis DVD Review

Key Takeaways

  • A No-Gi BJJ instructional that organizes front headlock attacks better than any other before.
  • Features games, solutions to common challenges, and an underlying concept that flows throughout the DVD.   
  • Contains sweeps, submissions, passes, takedowns, and delivers answers to many common reactions. 
  • BJJ World Expert Rating: 7.5 out of 10. 

RETHINK FRONT HEADLOCKS JOSH JANIS DVD GET HERE

Rethink Front Headlocks Josh Janis DVD Preview
SEE THE TRAILER: Rethink Front Headlocks Josh Janis DVD

Front headlocks do not require systematization and BJJ-ification. That’s only going to result in an overly complicated ‘system” that only a few people in the world might be able to pull off. However, the rudimentary front headlock that does the trick in wrestling is also not versatile enough to be a reliable position in BJJ.

The sweet spot is tight in the middle. If you have no idea what that is, you need to obtain the Rethink Front Headlocks Josh Janis DVD. You’ll quickly learn that the front headlock is a tactical position offering dominance and attacking options in all planes and levels of grappling. Sounds enticing? Read on!

More Than Guillotines

The front headlock position should be a scoring position in BJJ. There., I said it. I think the same about a few other positions, such as Ashi Garamis, but I doubt the scoring system will change anytime soon because of my rants in articles.

Speaking of the front headlock, the position is a staple in grappling for a reason – it is much more than a way to try and break down turtled opponents or attempt power-based guillotine chokes. There is a time and a place for the guillotine when you’re playing the front headlock, but there is also a lot more than you can (and should) do.

The Josh Janis Front Headlocks DVD presents the position as one similar to the super technical and versatile pinning position, such as side control and mount. When you try to look at the front headlock like a position of its own and not just a bridge between other positions, or a way to get a guillotine, your game will change drastically.

Professional Jiu-Jitsu Hobbyist Josh Janis

Some people are just good at teaching BJJ in a way that is different from the standards set by Brazilian coaches and serious teachers such as Danaher. Joshua Janis is one such coach who does not take anything too seriously, but delivers grappling information with a quality to rival any of the aforementioned staple names.

Involved with BJJ for most of this millennium, Janis currently owns and runs White Lotus in Milwaukee along with his partner, Meghan. The two grapplers love to travel and teach as well, and Josh has been a familiar face in many BJJ Globetrotters camps around the world.

A black belt under Jon Friedland of Neutral Ground since 2021, Josh pairs his grappling enthusiasm and knowledge with his profession as a communications coach into a teaching style that not many people can match these days. Just a short look at the Front Headlocks Josh Janis DVD and you’ll know exactly what I mean!

Rethink Front Headlocks Josh Janis DVD Review 

The Front Headlock Josh Janis DVD we are looking at today is a No-Gi instructional. It has four volumes, each lasting around 30 minutes, with the entire length of the DVD surpassing two hours:

Part 1 – Building A Home Base 

You know you’re in for a different BJJ DVD experience from the moment Josh delivers his overview of the content in his Rethink Front Headlocks Josh Janis DVD. It covers the front headlock as the main star of the show, instead of just a quick gimmick to fill in grappling gaps.

Janis begins by offering his conceptual framework when approaching the front headlock, making sure he explains all glossary terms first. He then presents his ‘home base’ concept that is now unheard of in BJJ, but I’ve never seen it used like this for the front headlock before.

Part 2 – Getting to Home Base

Since the entire Front Headlock game that Josh offers revolves around the Home Base position, he dedicates the entire second volume of the Front Headlocks Josh Janis DVD to getting there. For that purpose, he divides front headlock engagements into sections:

  1. Standing engagements – A quick overview of the most common use of FHL in grappling, which is from standing. Usual basics like snaps downs and drags feature here.
  2. Turtle Game – Things get a lot more interesting as Josh goes over the different ways to implement the home base FHL approach against the turtle, covering not just options but also common challenges.
  3. Half Guard Game – Once again, the same pattern appears of game overview, Home Base options, solving common problems, and combining everything up to this point.
  4. Side Control Home Base – One of the best and most underrated uses of front headlocks in BJJ, finally given the recognition it deserves by Janis.
  5. Passing Game – Exactly what your passing game has been missing – a clear idea of how the FHL can open up avenues you never knew were there.

Part 3 – Sweeping From the Front Headlock

Once again, Joshua demonstrates his versatility of grappling experience by providing an entire volume of sweeps, all originating from a front headlock control position. This entire volume of the Josh Janis Front Headlocks DVD is presented through conditionals: “If an opponent does this, you do that”. And it works!

The scenarios that Joshua covers include the top person trying to pull out of the headlock, trying to jump over (the dreaded Von Flue threat), and pressure passing, to mention a few.  He also covers an aspect not many people pay attention to – how to deal with a stalling opponent.

Part 4 – FHL Submissions 

Finally, as the Front Headlocks Josh Janis DVD reaches its final part, Josh Janis delivers 30+ minutes of submission finishes from the front headlock. Of course, the inevitable guillotines and assorted head and arm chokes are there, set up from both top and bottom positions.

Janis’ toolbox also extends to include a few more sneaky finishes, most notably a nasty surprise wrist lock and a neck crank you definitely won’t be able to use in IBJJF matches.

Control And Submit Larger People

The neck and ankles are your best targets when you’re a diminutive grappler trying to deal with people twice (or more) your size on the Jiu-Jitsu mats. Leg locks are the great equalizer of the past decade, but before that, everyone advised small folks to go for the neck. I know because I am one of those small people who grappled before leg locks were a thing.

In the early days, the goal was to get the back and go for the neck of big people. It was the META of the time and remains a solid tactic these days. The thing that is different is that you don’t have to only attack the neck from the back mount.

While not every position is going to help you slay a giant, you can rely on the front headlock for the job. The best part is that it is not just a great way to finish, but also a solid way to actively pin, and/or take bigger opponents down without gassing out in the process. All of this is covered in the Rethink Front Headlocks Josh Janis DVD.

Rethink Front Headlocks Josh Janis Free DVD Sample
FREE DVD SAMPLE: Rethink Front Headlocks Josh Janis

DOWNLOAD HERE: FRONT HEADLOCKS JOSH JANIS DVD

Start at the Front 

If you think about one of the most fundamental aspects of grappling, you’ll see that facing your opponent is inevitable if you want to attack. So, if there was a move that gives you dominance from a front-facing position while making it impossible for your opponent to do the same, wouldn’t you use it?

You get where I am going with this, and you’re probably aware by now that the Rethink Front Headlocks Josh Janis DVD holds plenty of options in that regard. You just need to use them.

No-Gi Grapplers Guide To Front Headlock Joel Bane DVD Review [2025]
The 4 Corner Front Headlock Takedown System
Complete Front Headlock System Michael Pixley DVD Review [2024]

Paralympic Judoka Banned for Life After Medical Tests Reveal She’s Not Blind

By
Ognen Dzabirski
-
Paralympic Judoka Banned for Life After Medical Tests Reveal She's Not Blind
  • Shahana Hajiyeva, a gold medal-winning Paralympic judoka, has been banned for life after a routine eye exam showed she has no visual impairment.
  • The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) conducted the tests ahead of the 2025 IBSA World Championships.
  • The Paralympic judoka banned for life case has triggered global debate over athlete eligibility and classification in adaptive sports.
  • Azerbaijan’s National Paralympic Committee claims the issue stems from recent classification changes, not intentional cheating.

From Gold to Disgrace: A Paralympic Dream Crumbles

The story reads like fiction: a Paralympic judoka banned for life after medical tests proved she could see.

That athlete is Shahana Hajiyeva, a 24-year-old judoka from Azerbaijan who won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. She competed in the women’s 48kg division for athletes with visual impairments. But according to the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA), Hajiyeva never should’ve been eligible in the first place.

“The athlete does not have any visual impairments and has been permanently disqualified from parajudo.”
– International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA)

The decision was announced after reclassification exams ahead of the 2025 IBSA World Championships in Kazakhstan.

Paralympic Judoka Banned for Life After Tests!

A Meteoric Rise Under Scrutiny

Hajiyeva made international headlines in 2019 when she upset China’s reigning Paralympic champion Li Liqing at the Baku Grand Prix. She was just 18.

Her stunning gold-medal victory in the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 only cemented her reputation — until now.

“She was considered a national hero after Tokyo. That’s what makes this fall so dramatic.”

The news that the Paralympic judoka banned for life was allegedly never blind has shocked the judo world — and raised serious questions about how such a glaring misclassification occurred at the sport’s highest levels.

NPC Response: Blame the System, Not the Athlete

In response to the ban, Azerbaijan’s National Paralympic Committee (NPC) denied any wrongdoing by Hajiyeva and pointed instead to shifting classification rules. According to the NPC, she was previously eligible under the J2 classification.

“At the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, parajudo competitions were held in categories B1, B2, and B3. However, in the run-up to the Paralympic Games in Paris and at the Games themselves, the number of categories was reduced, and competitions were organized in two new categories – J1 and J2.”
– Azerbaijan’s National Paralympic Committee

Whether the issue was bureaucratic or intentional deception is still under debate, but IBSA’s verdict was final: Hajiyeva is permanently banned from all parajudo competition.

“Due to these changes, many eye conditions that were previously included in the J2 category were excluded. That affected some athletes, including Hajiyeva.”
– Azerbaijan’s National Paralympic Committee

Classification Reform on the Horizon?

As the Paralympic gold medalist banned a scandal emerged which has highlighted what critics say is an outdated and poorly enforced classification system.

“It’s a reminder that classification is the foundation of fairness in adaptive sport. Without it, everything falls apart.”
– Sports Integrity Analyst, Mirror UK

Hajiyeva’s case is already prompting calls for more rigorous and transparent assessments, particularly in high-profile international tournaments. Some suggest full re-testing of all athletes ahead of major competitions — others argue that national committees must shoulder more of the vetting responsibility.

Shahana Hajiyeva Paralympic Judo Gold Medalist Banned for Life

A Damaging Precedent in Paralympic Grappling Sport

The story of a Paralympic judoka banned for life isn’t just about one athlete’s fall from grace — it’s about trust, process, and institutional accountability.

Whether the system failed Hajiyeva or she exploited it, one truth remains: the credibility of Paralympic judo — and adaptive sport at large — hinges on making sure this doesn’t happen again.

WATCH: Two Judokas vs. One Strongman: Martins Licis Epic Judo Matchup
The Judo Leg Grab Ban is Lifted, But There Are Conditions
Benjamin Kunzle, Temporary Paralyzed Grappler, Gets Black Belt From Cyborg
1...363738...346Page 37 of 346
© 2021 BJJ World | All rights reserved