Brain Damage from BJJ Chokes: Is There Real Danger?

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Brain Damage from BJJ Chokes: Is There Real Danger?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a combat sport known for its strategic grappling techniques and effective submissions. Among these techniques, chokes play a pivotal role, often becoming the deciding factor in a match.

While mastering chokes is essential for any BJJ practitioner, it is equally important to understand the potential risks associated with their use. One of the most concerning risks is brain damage from BJJ chokes, a topic that has garnered increasing attention within the BJJ community.

An Overview of BJJ Chokes

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, chokes are fundamental techniques used to control and submit opponents. These chokes are categorized mainly into two types: blood chokes and air chokes.

Blood Chokes vs. Air Chokes

Blood chokes, also known as vascular chokes, compress the carotid arteries, reducing blood flow to the brain. This often results in a quick and effective submission. Common examples of blood chokes in BJJ are the rear-naked choke and the triangle choke.

Air chokes, on the other hand, obstruct the airways, making it difficult for the opponent to breathe. While effective, air chokes are less commonly used due to the increased risk of injury. The Guillotine is one of the most common examples, as is the Ezekiel choke.

How BJJ Chokes Affect the Brain

Understanding how chokes impact the brain is key to recognizing the potential risks involved. When performing a blood choke, the practitioner applies pressure to the carotid arteries located on either side of the neck. This pressure reduces the amount of blood and oxygen reaching the brain, leading to a temporary loss of consciousness if held for too long.

Short-term vs. Long-term Effects

In the short term, the effects of chokes are generally reversible. Once the pressure is released, blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain resume, and consciousness is typically restored within seconds.

However, if the choke is held for an extended period, it can lead to more severe consequences. Long-term exposure to repeated chokes can potentially result in brain damage.

This damage can manifest in various ways, such as cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other neurological issues. It’s essential for practitioners to be aware of these risks and take appropriate precautions.

Symptoms of Brain Damage

Repeated exposure to chokes, especially when performed incorrectly or with excessive force, can increase the risk of chronic brain damage. This can manifest as cognitive decline, memory loss, and other neurological problems:

Persistent headaches
Dizziness or balance issues
Memory problems or confusion
Changes in behavior or mood
Difficulty concentrating

Recognizing the warning signs of brain damage is crucial for timely intervention

Scientific Research on Brain Damage from BJJ Chokes

A thorough understanding of the risks associated with BJJ chokes requires examining scientific research and expert opinions. Let’s explore what studies and medical professionals have to say about the impact of these techniques on brain health.

Summary of Key Studies

Several studies have been conducted to assess the effects of chokes on the brain. Research indicates that while short-term effects are generally reversible, prolonged or repeated exposure can pose significant risks.

For example, a study published in the journal “Brain Injury” found that repeated chokes can lead to cumulative brain damage by way of anoxia, potentially resulting in cognitive impairment and other neurological issues.

Real-life Case Studies and Reported Incidents

There have been reported incidents where practitioners have experienced severe consequences from chokes.

For instance, three is the example of a Russian BJj practitioner who suffered a stroke and has been trying to figure out how to live after the fact. Luckily he is alive, but such cases highlight the need for increased awareness and caution among BJJ practitioners:

Precautionary Measures in BJJ Training

Ensuring the safety of practitioners during BJJ training is paramount, especially when it comes to techniques involving chokes. By taking appropriate precautions, we can minimize the risk of brain damage while maintaining the effectiveness of training sessions

Tips for Practitioners to Minimize Risk

Tap Early and Often: Practitioners should not hesitate to tap out when they feel uncomfortable or at risk. Tapping early can prevent serious injuries and ensure a safe training experience.
Avoid Excessive Pressure: Applying too much pressure during a choke can increase the risk of brain damage. Practitioners should aim to use the minimum amount of force necessary to achieve a submission.
Communicate with Training Partners: Open communication with training partners can help prevent accidents. Practitioners should inform their partners if they feel uncomfortable or need to adjust the technique.
Stay Informed: Keeping up to date with the latest safety guidelines and research on BJJ chokes can help practitioners make informed decisions about their training.

Role of Coaches and Instructors

Coaches and instructors are not only responsible for teaching techniques but also for creating a safe training environment. They should regularly monitor students’ progress, provide feedback, and intervene when necessary to prevent accidents.

In the event of an injury caused by a BJJ choke, determining liability can be complex. Both practitioners and instructors have a responsibility to ensure that techniques are applied safely. Instructors must provide adequate training and supervision, while practitioners must follow safety guidelines and communicate openly with their training partners.

BJJ academies should have clear policies and procedures in place to handle injuries and disputes. This can include waivers, insurance coverage, and a defined protocol for reporting and addressing injuries.

Wrapping Up

Understanding the risks and precautions associated with BJJ chokes is crucial for maintaining a safe and effective training environment. While chokes are a fundamental part of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, their potential impact on brain health cannot be overlooked.

By recognizing how chokes affect the brain, reviewing scientific research, and implementing precautionary measures, practitioners can minimize the risk of brain damage. Long-term safety considerations, including regular health monitoring and preventive measures in BJJ academies, are essential for protecting practitioners from the cumulative effects of repeated chokes.

Ultimately, the goal is to balance the benefits and risks of BJJ chokes, promoting a culture of safety and awareness. By staying informed, practicing proper techniques, and prioritizing safety, practitioners can continue to enjoy the many benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while minimizing potential harm.

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Slip N Slide Into Victory Julián Espinosa DVD Review [2025]

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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Slip N Slide Into Victory Julián Espinosa DVD Review

Key Takeaways

A No-Gi BJJ instructional covering the subject of sliding entries into Ashi Garami leg locking positions.
Features a bunch of guard and standing engagements that set up sliding entries.
Contains both Ashi Garami attacks, and follow-ups based on the same entries.
BJJ World Expert Rating: 7 out of 10.

SLIP N SLIDE INTO VICTORY JULIAN ESPINOSA DVD GET HERE

Slip N Slide Into Victory Julián Espinosa DVD Preview — FULL DVD TRAILER: Slip N Slide Into Victory Julián Espinosa DVD

While finishing actual leg locks from Ashi Garami positions that opponents can’t untangle should remain your priority when you’re looking to be the next big thing in leg locks, you can’t oversee entries. You’ll always struggle with finishing, but if you can’t get into position in the first place, it won’t really matter.

The Slip N Slide Into Victory Julián Espinosa DVD is a short and precise instructional that looks into one very specific method of entering Ashi Garami entanglements. Sliding is highly effective, easy to use, and doesn’t require any particular athletic abilities – perfect for the lazy BJJ hobbyist looking to introduce some leg locks to their bi-weekly physical activity.

Sliding Leg Lock Entries

Ever since we saw Ryan Hall scare the living daylight out of professional UFC fighters by spinning into heel hooks, the BJJ world has been curious about learning them, and wary of falling victim to such attractive leg lock entries.

Danaher managed to put a method to the madness, sharing a foolproof way of practicing Imanari Rolls and similar entries such as the Jackie Chen. That made them more accessible to everyone, taking focus away from a whole set of entries that are arguably the most useful Ashi Garami gateways for guard players – sliding entries.

While you can spin and invert into leg locks with a great degree of success, or bait your opponent to step over by gifting you an Ashi entry, the most reliable method remains sliding under their center of gravity and relying on good old Kuzishi to get an Ashi, or complete a sweep.

This aspect of leg lock entries tends to get lost in the visual appeal of spinning and inverting entries, which is part of the reason why some really useful leg locking attacks end up labeled as one-off moves. The Slip N Slide Into Victory Julián Espinosa DVD sheds some light on how you can use sliding for both ‘boring’ and attractive leg lock entries.

Costan Rican BJJ Black Belt Julián Espinosa

Arturo Wesson black belt Julian Espinosa has one of the most exciting styles of BJJ in the world. Before I discuss him or his Slip N Slide Julián Espinosa DVD any further, let me tell you that you won’t be able to emulate him unless you have a strong gymnastics background.

That, however, doesn’t mean you can’t learn a lot from the young grappling champion. Aged 24, and already the holder of the European Champion title in No-Gi, IBJJF JJ CON No-Gi Champion, and plenty of super-fight victories, there is a lot that we’ll be seeing from Julian in the near future.

Espinosa started grappling fairly young, discovering Jiu-Jitsu when he was 9 years old. He went through all the kids’ belts, followed by the adult belts, training with Juan Barrantes and Javier Valenciano. He moved to Wesson’s Renzo Gracie Costa Rica academy as a brown belt, earning his black belt in 2022 at a ceremony led by Rolles Gracie.

Slip N Slide Into Victory Julián Espinosa DVD Review

I actually liked that the Slip N Slide Julián Espinosa DVD is a single-volume DVD. Espinosa did a solid job organizing the material, and in the hour of information he had to share on the subject, he really does address every important bit of sliding leg lock entries.

Plus, I found it easier to move through the material when searching specific aspects with everything available in just one volume. This No-Gi instructional is very specific, and if you’re expecting plenty of leg lock details from it you’ll need to manage your expectations.

Julian manages to stick to the subject of leg lock entries without going into huge tangents (apart from the odd backflip here and there). He opens with a short intro, using it it segway into the underlying concept of concentric circles, and how they help guide sliding leg lock entries.

Plenty of underhook attachments feature early in this Julián Espinosa Leg Lock DVD, allowing Espinosa to get into the backside 50/50 position (mostly) and expose the heel.

Espinosa offers plenty of standing entries into leg locks using sliding methods, relying on clinching to create opportunities. The usual culprits such as arm drags and collar ties also feature, with a more athletic version of some of Danaher’s entries available from there.

I found the follow-ups to failed leg locks useful, as they help present further options than simply looking for the Ashi once you decide to slide under an opponent. That said, some setups, such as the Twister seem exceedingly far-fetched to ever work against a resisting opponent.

Hitting a 50/50 entry from a rear body lock position, on the other hand, is something I’ve been using for a while, and I did appreciate the details Espinosa shares as he concludes this BJJ DVD.

Sliding Past Leg Locks

What exactly does sliding offer apart from Ashi Garami? I know that all your leg lock specialists out there have no real interest in that, but since I was once one of you, let me tell you that the time will come when you wonder if there is anything in BJJ past leg locks.

The answer is ‘Yes’ there is plenty, and you can still use your favorite bag of leg lock tricks to do the rest of Jiu-Jitsu. Sliding is one great example of an entry method for leg locks that can improve your overall guard game, from retention to attacks.

By sliding into position without hunting from leg locks, you’ll begin recognizing other attacks, such as sweeps, or even upper body submissions, while retaining the option to revert back to Ashi if you want to.

The material provided in the Slip N Slide Into Victory Julián Espinosa DVD also provides different guard pulling and back taking methods from standing, which all share sliding entries as a common precursor.

FULL DOWNLOAD: JULIAN ESPINOSA LEG LOCKS DVD

Slip ‘N’ Slide!

Time to go for the attractive, but without sacrificing position and the health of your neck and upper back. Pick up the Slip N Slide Into Victory Julián Espinosa DVD and start exploring how reliable leg lock entries can improve your entire guard game while constantly providing the threat of Ashi Garami to your opponents.

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Effectively Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD Review [2025]

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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Effectively Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD Review

Key Takeaways

A 4-part No-Gi BJJ instructional deconstructing Luke Griffith’s competition passing system.
It features directions and drills to beat seated, supine and half guards.
Luke breaks down how to execute and combine loose and tight passing against No-Gi guards.
BJJ World Expert Rating: 9 out of 10.

EFFECTIVELY PASSING THE GUARD LUKE GRIFFITH DVD HERE:

Effectively Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD Preview — WATCH THE TRAILER: Effectively Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD

No-Gi guards are one of the most consistent sources of headaches in Jiu-Jitsu, regardless of how experienced of a grappler you are. As more and more trap-based guards spring into daily use, passers face more and more challenges in beating the legs of people lying or sitting on the ground in front of them.

While not promising to offer a silver bullet for this conundrum, the Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD does offer a very succinct way of approaching these challenges. it provides several different perspectives to passing No-Gi guard, and offers effective ways to combine them, increasing your chances of achieving pins and finally catching that pesky guard player in a sub.

Competition-Tested Passing

Guard passing is one of the most tricky aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and that’s particularly true in No-Gi. The one thing I’ve found is that people figure out ways that work for them, and they go on to use them in competitions, but when the time comes to teach others how to do the same, they fail.

That had me a bit worried when I saw that the Luke Griffith Passing DVD contains his competition-tested methods of dealing with guards. I wasn’t completely off the mark, to be honest, as some of the moves in this DVD are definitely not going to work for a wide variety of people.

However, for the most part, Luke manged to offer options, mainly by providing more than one general method of passing, and including more than one direction of passing. He also uses a fairly loose categorization of guards into seated, supine, and half-guard which is better than using a hundred different guard names and actually helps simplify his system so that anyone can use it.

Grappling Prodigy Luke Griffith

Luke Griffith is an unmissable character in the high-level competitive BJJ circuit. The South African prodigy has been killing it at the biggest stages of the sport, already winning two different EADCC Trials and the pro GrappleFest heavyweight title.

Considering that Luke is still a brown belt, which was awarded to him by John Danaher, there’s literally no limit to what the 24-year-old grappler can do. Let’s not forget that he is already a World, Pans, and European No-Gi champion, comfortably beating black belts since he was a purple belt.

Like most of the people training in Austin under the New Wave Team led by Danaher and Ryan, Luke is also an exceptionally good teacher. A lifetime on the mats means Luke has more experience than most of the team members anyway, which makes his instructionals, such as the Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD very valuable for anyone looking to improve specific aspects of their No-Gi BJJ game.

Detailed Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD Review

The four-volume Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD contains lots of material, spread over almost three hours. Using his sister Hannah as a Uke, Luke does a great job of delivering on the title of this DVD, which emphasizes efficient and effective guard passing strategies.

Part 1 – Approaching Supine Guards

There is a lot of Danaher-type categorization of the moves and concepts in this Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD, which is understandable given the New Wave connection. I found it smart that Luke decided to present his own passing systems using the base already set up by John and Gordon in terms of concepts.

The first part of his DVD addresses supine guards in No-Gi, with two recognizable modalities used by Griffith – loos and tight passing. First up he goes over a bunch of loose passes, prioritizing motion by using high steps, crossovers, X-passing, and a bunch of Torreando variations.

He follows up with his take on tight passes, mostly in the form of stacking (which makes sense against supine guards) and sitting on people using cutbacks. Up until this point, nothing much we haven’t seen, although Luke has interesting details to offer.

The best part in volume #1 comes when Griffith teaches us how to combine loose and tight passing, through the concept of camping (I really loved that one!) and feinting. The DVD concludes with drills to help you practice live.

Part 2 – Loose Passing vs. Seated Guards

The second part of the Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD goes over seated guards, but only from the aspect of loose passing. Since the threats are different against the much more mobile seated guard player, Luek shifts his attention to knee-cut passing for the most part.

Sticking to the route that takes him in between the legs, Griffith sheds light on how you can use different entries, from the traditional knee cut setup to collar-elbow or shin-shoulder pins to execute it against high-level opponents.

Feints and misdirections once again play a huge part in the success of these passes, and Luke spares no details explaining them.

Part 3 – Tight Seated Guard Passing

Part three of this already stellar Luke Griffith Passing DVD goes on to offer ways of beating seated guards, this time using pressure instead of motion. the tight passing Griffith teaches in this volume is something New Wave has built their passing success on – the body lock pass.

Using a body lock grip configuration, Luke guides you through the basics of passing the legs using different methods, such as windshield wipers, split passes, and long steps. There’s a neat chapter on forcing the body lock in there, which will help you solve lots of grip conundrums when setting the position up.

Part 4 – Beating Half Guard

After taking care of supine and seated open guards, Luke dedicates the last portion of the Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD to solving the half guard from a passer’s perspective.

Luke sticks to using underhooks as his anchors during his half guard passing exploits, shifting between single and double underhooks to set up effective ways of freeing up his trapped leg. Near and far side underhook iterations also feature, as well as ways of turning single into double underhook controls.

You Can’t Use Only One Pass

There are plenty of instances in JiuiJitsu where I advocate for the use of one or two moves/techniques/concepts to achieve a major goal. Passing is not one of them. If there is one aspect of grappling where you need diversity, it is passing guards.

It doesn’t have as much to do with all the different guards as it has to do with the threats that the bottom person can throw at you, including submissions on your upper and/or lower body, sweeps, and back takes.

Since the guard acts as a trap, going in one directionally pretty much guarantees you’ll end up tangled in the spider’s web of attacks butt scooters like to use. So, for you to pull off effective passing, you’ll need to mix up your passing methods, passing ranges, and passing directions constantly if you want to throw a wrench in any No-Gi guard.

That is exactly what you’ll get from the Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD – a very simple, yet complete program of proven guard passing methods, along with the ways in which you can use them interchangeably, and the drills to help you perfect them.

Effectively Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD Free Sample — FREE PASS TECHNIQUE: Effectively Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD

DOWNLOAD: EFFECTIVELY PASSING THE GUARD LUKE GRIFFITH DVD

Pass Everyone!

If you want to pass guard like Luke Griffith, you’ll need to figure out how to get to Austin and spend considerable time training with him. If you want to understand what he does and get useful hints and tips you can apply to his game, though, you’ve got everything you need in the Passing The Guard Luke Griffith DVD. It will still take time, especially since loose and tight passing require lots of attention each to master, but you’ll certainly emerge a better guard passer on the other end of it.

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BJJ Legend Gui Mendes Unleashes on Ecological Training

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BJJ World

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Gui Mendes Unleashes on Ecological Training

In a recent turn of events, BJJ legend Gui Mendes has sparked a lively debate within the BJJ community with his sharp response to the so-called “ecological training movement.” Gui Mendes’ critique of the ecological movement underscores the ongoing debate about the best path to mastery in Jiu-Jitsu.

BJJ Legend Gui Mendes Calls Out the Ecological Training Movement

Known for his practical insights and sharp wit, Mendes didn’t hold back when asked about the approach, dismissing it with characteristic candor:

“You guys and these crazy names. Just say drilling with reaction. We use this training style since the days we were living in Brazil.”

The term “ecological training” has been gaining traction among BJJ practitioners who advocate for a more holistic and environmentally conscious approach to training. However, Mendes, a highly respected figure in the sport, believes that the concept is overcomplicated and unnecessary.

“It’s just training with a purpose, reacting to your partner, and drilling techniques,” Mendes explained. “Why do we need these fancy names?”

While ECO BJJ training brings a fresh perspective and aims to foster creativity and adaptability, traditional BJJ training prioritizes discipline, consistency, and a systematic approach to learning.

ECO BJJ Training vs. Traditional BJJ Training: A Clash of Philosophies

As the BJJ world grapples with new training methodologies, the contrast between ECO BJJ training and traditional BJJ training has become a focal point of discussion.

Proponents of ECO BJJ emphasize a holistic approach that integrates environmental consciousness, dynamic reaction-based drills, and a more fluid, adaptive style of training.

This method encourages practitioners to engage with their surroundings and partners in a way that mimics real-life scenarios, aiming for a more natural and intuitive development of skills.

On the other hand, traditional BJJ training remains rooted in time-tested techniques and structured drilling. This approach focuses on repetition, technical precision, and the gradual build-up of muscle memory through consistent practice.

Traditionalists argue that this method provides a solid foundation, ensuring that practitioners develop a comprehensive understanding of fundamental techniques before progressing to more advanced concepts.

Mendes’ comments have ignited a firestorm of reactions on social media, with some practitioners agreeing with his straightforward perspective, while others defend the ecological approach as a valuable addition to modern training methods.

The debate has highlighted the diversity of opinions within the BJJ community and the ongoing evolution of training philosophies. As the discussion continues, Mendes remains unapologetic about his stance, urging practitioners to focus on the fundamentals and practicality of their training.

“At the end of the day, it’s about getting better on the mat,” Mendes said. “Keep it simple, train hard, and let the results speak for themselves.”

Is ECO BJJ Training the Future or Just a Fad?

As the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community continues to evolve, the debate over the ecological training movement showcases the diversity of thought within the sport. Gui Mendes’ candid dismissal of the approach highlights a preference for simplicity and practicality, urging practitioners to focus on fundamentals rather than getting caught up in trends.

While the ecological training method has its proponents who advocate for a holistic and environment-conscious approach, its long-term impact on the sport remains uncertain. Whether ECO BJJ training will become a lasting fixture or fade into obscurity depends largely on its ability to produce tangible results and resonate with the broader community.

One thing is clear: the discourse around training methods will continue to shape the future of BJJ, pushing practitioners to constantly reassess and refine their approaches on the mat. Only time will tell if ECO BJJ is here to stay or just a fleeting fad.

Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive insights as we continue to explore the stories and personalities that shape the world of combat sports. Until next time, keep rolling and stay true to the art.

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Unpinnable Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD Review [2025]

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD Review

Key Takeaways

A 5-volume No-Gi instructional helping you make sense of mount escapes.
Features detailed mechanics and concepts of dealing with upper and lower body threats.
Contains live resistance drills after each chapter to help you put the material into realistic practice.
BJJ World Expert Rating: 9.5 out of 10.

MOUNT ESCAPE MASTERY HALEEM SYED DVD GET HERE

Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD Preview — WATCH THE TRAILER: Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD

The mount can be a really daunting place to be in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I know because I love controlling and torturing people from it. Unlike back mount, you get to see their struggling faces lose hope from the mount, which makes it that much better.

If you’re one of the people stuck in the mount, let me tell you, you’re not getting out with a bridge-and-roll, or the knee-elbow escape. At least not in the way you think they work. You need to rethink your complete mount escape approach and to do that, you need to see and hear the lessons provided in the Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD.

Making Sense of BJJ Escapes

Getting out of a bad spot in BJJ requires a lot more than people think. Simply learning escape moves step-by-step is a great way of only ending up stuck even deeper, and repairing that you can’t defend anything. I know because it happened to me when I only had access to multi-step instruction.

As ti turns out the first thing you’ll need to train if you want to become unpinnable, unsubmittable, and all that jazz, is your mind. You’ll need to accept there is no quick way out, and that you’ll need to be cunning and patient if you want to get out.

Let me put it this way – you’ll need to address your defense first from any bad spot, mitigating the dangers and preventing your opponent from capitalizing more. Only when you have dangers under control, you can start thinking about turning the top person’s frustrations into mistakes and using them to get out. This is pretty much the blueprint running through the Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD.

Haleem Syed’s Practical Grappling

Who do you learn BJJ from? Someone who has been around training with the Gracies in their backyard, but who is not skilled at transferring all their amassed knowledge and experience, or a younger grappler who is also an expert at teaching? With methods such as Ecological Dynamics and the Constraints Lead Approach, BJJ coaches are also learning how to be teachers.

Haleem Syed is a representative of this second batch of ‘thinker’ coaches who like to apply methodology to teaching grappling, rather than just demonstrate stuff. A black belt in BJJ and Judo under the legendary Jimmy Pedro, there is little about grappling that eludes Haleem’s combat-trained mind.

The IBJJF World Champion in Jiu-Jitsu and US National Champion in Judo has plenty of grappling knowledge to share, but without any of the mumbo-jumbo usually seen from old-school coaches.

Instead, Haleem clears up grappling, allowing you to see goals rather than problems. His Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD is the perfect example of how new school grappling experts are redefining how we learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD Review

The Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD is one of the best BJJ DVDs I’ve seen in a while, and definitely in the top five escape instructionals ever. Over five immaculately organized volumes, Haleem delivers nearly three hours of top-quality concepts and materials on dealing with one of the toughest pins in BJJ.

Part 1 – ‘Standard’ Mount Escapes

The Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD doesn’t just feature different single-themed volumes but also has plenty of subject matter division and organization within each part. The first volume contains a short overview of the material ahead, along with Haleem’s philosophy of reducing clutter and focusing on one proven way to get out of mount rather than a bunch of half-functional ones.

Using Bruce Lee’s famous methodology of becoming an expert at one thing, he shares his system of training that has helped him and his students excel so far. In that regard, he covers drills and progressive resistance concepts that will help you understand the standard problems of the bottom mount and how to begin solving them.

Solution-wise, he shows you how to navigate the key issues of this particular pin by helping you realize common pitfalls that prevent you from escaping and drag you deeper into the top person’s game. He also outlines common sticking points for beginners.

Finally, a portion of this volume addresses the escape mindset, which is the most essential part of playing defense in BJJ.

Part 2 – Fundamental Mechanics of Mount Escapes

This second part of the Mount Escape Haleem Syed DVD contains the mechanics of shoulder walks and bridging, focusing a lot more on what not to do. This way, you end up with a set of motions that are certain to help you achieve an escape, rather than get you stuck deeper in the position.

Towards the end, Syed offers context by connecting his escape pattern to direct Ashi Garami counter attacks using the butterfly guard. He wraps up with live drills that help you put all the techniques and concepts into practice.

Part 3 – Lower Body Battles

Haleem divides the mount using the body’s natural division into upper and lower. By exploiting the endpoints of the movement range either of them has, he helps you understand how to get out of the mount using any given technical escape, such as an Upa or Knee-Elbow escape.

In this part, Haleem talks about four different leg configurations the top player has at their disposal, and how to beat them all. Crossed feet and grapevines get particular attention as two of the most difficult configurations to escape, with live drills shared by Haleem to help you understand and master the technical explanations after he addresses each.

The technical mount position also appears towards the end, offering a different perspective on the dangers and weak points by focusing on what the top person is doing with their legs.

Part 4 – Upper Body Fighting

Virtually the same as the previous part of the Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD, only addressing the upper-body battles you need to win, such as arm exposure and teh dreaded cross-face.

The underhook also gets lots of attention here, with Syed covering both the single and double underhook positions and all the problems they present. He also addresses common combinations such as cross-face underhooks, head and arm pins, and the threat of Ezekiel and Fist Chokes.

Each of the subjects covered in this part of the DVD also features a live drill section to help reinforce the key points of the technical directions while dealing with the uncertainty of live sparring.

Part 5 – KIlling Transitions

The most practical pieces of advice appear in the final portion of the Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD where Syed breaks down a concept many struggle with – the timing of escapes.

Focusing on the stuff that seems sneaky when you manage to pull it off, Haleem talks about how hidden moves you do, such as ankle traps can help set the tone of your escape by blocking transitions from happenings you start to make your way out.

Syed connects offensive cycles to escapes once again. He reinforces certain concepts already covered, such as shoulder walks and bridges, adding in shrimping to the mix. The goal with this last one is to capitalize on any movement the top person does to make sure your proven escape patterns get you out, or even better, out and directly into offense.

Less is More

When you’re looking for a way out of a pin, or even a submission, the rule of thumb is that you should move as little as possible to ensure you don’t make things worse. One incredibly useful piece of advice I’ve been following for years is to not move unless I have a clear idea of where that movement will bring me and the opponent.

Haleem does a great job of reinforcing this concept throughout the Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD. I completely agree with his take on escapes and that you should focus on one escape which you can apply to many different situations, rather than learning different escapes for every problem the top person presents.

When you’re escaping you should be patient and not panic first, then think about how you can move the least, while making the top person lose the most amount of control as a result. A few small movements such as this and you’re out!

Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD Free Sample — FREE MOUNT ESCAPE SAMPLE: Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD

FULL DOWNLOAD: MOUNT ESCAPE MASTERY HALEEM SYED

Becoming Unpinnable

If there is one investment that you can make in your Jiu-Jitsu this year that will pay off until the day you decide to hang your belt, it is grabbing the Mount Escape Mastery Haleem Syed DVD.

It won’t just help you figure out how to deal with the mount and frustrate many bigger and more experienced opponents. It will also help you figure out BJJ escapes in general and how to make them work under the extreme conditions of live grappling.

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Master Scissor Sweep Ryan Scialoia DVD Review [2025]

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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Master Scissor Sweep Ryan Scialoia DVD Review

Key Takeaways

A 3-volume Gi BJJ instructional offering two hours of material on scissor sweeps.
Features super detailed mechanics on executing the scissor sweep.
Contains different variations of the sweep and steps from a variety of Gi guards.
BJJ World Expert Rating: 8 out of 10.

SCISSOR SWEEP RYAN SCIALOIA DVD GET HERE

Master Scissor Sweep Ryan Scialoia DVD Preview — FULL DVD TRAILER: Master Scissor Sweep Ryan Scialoia DVD

The scissor sweep is a move you need to be good at BJJ. It is as simple as that. If you can’t at least threaten with a scissor sweep or a hip bump sweep then your guard sucks, no matter how good you are at tangling legs or wrapping lapels.

When all the trick-based JIu-Jitsu you’re doing doesn’t work anymore (and it never does at the highest levels), you’ll revert back to basic stuff that is reliably effective – such as the scissor sweep. So why not understand it as early as possible? Try the Scissor Sweep Ryan Scialoia DVD. It has tons of great information and is easy to follow.

One of the Most Reliable Sweeps

I really hated the scissor sweep. I never really rated the sweep as effective until I got my black belt. It was one of those Gi moves that you learn on the first day and will never work, similar to the hip twist kneeling closed guard opening.

It is safe to say I have changed my mind. However, I still don’t think the scissor sweep is day-one material for BJJ newcomers. It is highly reliable, but at least equally as technical, and requires an understanding of balance, loading, weight distribution, and timing that new folks simply don’t have.

Teaching the scissor sweep as basic is like trying to teach a Uchi Mata on day one of Judo classes – people will fail miserably. That said, leading people to explore how to unbalance the top person using guards, and offering the scissors as an example, I’ve found does wonders.

It won’t only help people master the scissor sweep, it will enable them to figure out all sweeps by focusing on a highly reliable and applicable example. The Scissor Sweep Ryan Scialoia DVD does a stellar job of presenting the scissor sweep in this manner.

Gracie Barra’s Ryan Scialoia

GB schools often get a bad rep, which is understandable given the model they are following. However, it is undeniable that there is a huge quality in GB, with some instructors able to provide their knowledge and expertise because that particular platform exists the way it does.

While I don’t like it personally (I was a part of a GB school for years, both training and teaching), there is a lot to learn from people like Ryan Scialoia, who found their home under the Red Shield. Ryan is a double black belt, holding a BJJ black belt and a Shotokan karate black belt. His dedication to martial arts dates back over 20 years, and he is still far from done.

Currently coaching at GB Orlando, he is not just dedicated to his students, but also trying to enable law enforcement officers to use BJJ for their own protection. Relentless with issuing high-quality, instructionals the Scissor Sweep Ryan Scialoia DVD is a promising title even before we start looking into it.

Detailed Scissor Sweep Ryan Scialoia DVD Review

The Scissor Sweep Ryan Scialoia DVD is a three-part BJJ Gi instructional deconstructing the essentials of a staple technique in the sport, which is the scissor sweep. Over the course of almost two hours, Ryan offers different setups, detailed mechanics, and variations that will help you land the move:

Part 1 – Directions of Sweeping

The Scissor Sweep Ryan Scialoia DVD starts off slow and very methodically, outlining the key details that make or break the scissor sweep. Ryan begins by covering weight distribution, a concept that is important for any sweep, but absolutely crucial for the scissor sweep.

The instructions Scialoia provides will help you understand where to look when you’re trying to scissor sweep someone, how to optimally place your grips, and how to figure out the hardest part of the puzzle – off-balancing a kneeling opponent. Ryan helps solve the number one mistake people make with this staple sweep, making it easy to build on it afterward.

Part 2 – Scissor Sweep Variations

One thing most folks don’t consider is that there are countless versions of the basics. There is no need to come up with new sweeps when stuff like the scissor sweep offers more than enough variability to work for anyone.

The second part of the Scissor Sweep Ryan Scialoia DVD presents several different iterations of the scissor sweep, starting with the closed guard setup of the classic first-class sweep most people learn. As a big proponent of double-sleeve grips, I enjoyed the different ways of wrapping up the sweep using this control.

Ryan does not stop at the basics and provides several variations and directions of the sweep, including one-leg finishes and butterfly hook sweep follow-ups. The arm trap position is another great one to explore if you like playing closed guard, and the inclusion of the reverse scissor sweep really leaves no stone unturned.

Part 3 – Advanced Guard Setups

As we reach the final portion of the Scissor Sweep Ryan Scialoia DVD, more advanced Jiu-Jitsu appears, as Ryan starts to diversify the guards he uses to set the sweep up. This part sees him explore the spider guard, De la Riva guard, collar sleeve guard, and half guard for scissor-sweeping folks who are wary of the closed guard setup.

He also covers submission connections that appear as natural follow-ups to the sweep attempt, creating dilemma scenarios. I enjoyed the guard pull to sweep chatpers as well, offering a way to get teh match to the mats and earn top position without doing any takedowns.

Advanced BJJ Basics

Stuff like the scissor sweep is invaluable in understanding how to make people fall when you’re playing guard. The scissoring motion is used in all martial arts in some form on account of the undeniable mechanics that allow it to provide us with leverage.

In BJJ, scissor sweeping extends past just sweeping the legs and torso using your legs from the closed guard. You can use the motion against half-kneeling and even standing opponents as well, sweeping one leg, or even focusing on attacking an arm post with a scissor motion.

The basic idea of causing folding in the body with a scissoring motion is one of the key foundations of grappling control. So, when you’re thinking about the scissor sweep, try to think past just the two points and try to understand why so many people use this staple technique so often and with such great success. The Scissor Sweep Ryan Scialoia DVD will help you clear up many scissor sweep-related questions.

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FULL DOWNLOAD: SCISSOR SWEEP RYAN SCIALOIA DVD

First to Learn First to Master

It doesn’t matter if you think you know the scissor sweep because you did it on week one of your Jiu-Jitsu journey. You need to put in some time and effort to figure it out. While you’re at it, go for all the classics, such as armbars, triangles, arm-drag back attacks, and hip bump sweeps – they’re just as valuable in the long run. The Scissor Sweep Ryan Scialoia DVD is one of the resources that you’ll find extremely useful as you progress in BJJ.

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Shoulder Lock Mastery Zach Green DVD Review [2025]

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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Shoulder Lock Mastery Zach Green DVD Review

Key Takeaways

A three-part No-Gi instructional shedding light on the use of hammerlocks in BJJ.
Features hammerlock finishes and setups, transitional attacks, and control.
Contains innovative ways of setting up the crucifix as well as escaping bad spots.
BJJ World Expert Rating: 9 out of 10.

SHOULDER LOCK MASTERY ZACH GREEN DVD GET HERE

Shoulder Lock Mastery Zach Green DVD Preview — CHECK OUT THE TRAILER: Shoulder Lock Mastery Zach Green DVD

There are shoulder locks in grappling that you are not considering doing at all, and it is holding you back. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Gi BJJ specialist and just want to use lapels to finish people – you need to understand the mechanics of shoulder lock and how to ride the shoulders.

For those interested in a different way to approach shoulder locks, the Shoulder Lock Mastery Zach Green DVD is a great place to start. It blends moves that are useful and make sense in a BJJ, but are derived from wrestling and catch. The perfect combination to catch anyone off guard as you mix together the threat of submission and tight transitional control that allows you to dictate the pace and place of the exchange.

The Strangest Joint Lock

Shoulder locks are the weirdest joint lock in grappling. They attack a joint that has a wide range of motion and does have the tendency to be hard to control. And yet, they’re staples of the upper body submission game in any grappling martial art.

When you come to think of it, no other joint in the body, including the elusive ankle, offers so many challenges to people trying to control it as the shoulder does. The fact that both shoulders are connected via the collarbone girdle only makes things more difficult.

One way that we tend to solve the issue of fixating the shoulder joint enough to manage to apply braking pressure to it is to trap it by leverage. That leaves arm configurations such as Kimuras and Americanas as effective, but also very recognizable.

Further options come in the form of what I consider to be the strongest shoulder locks, such as leg-based submissions such as the Omoplata, Monoplata, Tarikoplata, etc. While more powerful and harder to stop than arm-based shoulder locks, these are also much harder to reach and set up.

That brings us to sneakiness. And for that, we have catch wrestling. While hardly worth it on their own, when put into a BJJ context and helped by some common grappling principles, catch wrestling shoulder lock grips tend to provide a surprisingly reliable way of controlling the shoulder, eventually getting that much sought-after tap.

The Shoulder Lock Mastery Zach Green DVD offers one such system that’s worth checking out.

Grappling Coach Zach Green

A lifetime of grappling is what defines Zach Green, a BJJ black belt, and Judo brown belt. He works as the head instructor and Jiu-Jitsu coach at Onyx Combat Sports, teaching grappling to all levels and ages.

A black belt in the Gracie Humaita system, Zach started BJJ in 2008 and has never looked back since. He perfected his craft under many renowned instructors, such as Zack Maxwell, Regis Lebre, and Brian Rago, to mention a few. With a strong base of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and an innovative, modern approach learned from some of the biggest names in No-Gi, Zach has a very unique style of grappling that he teaches.

Green has spent considerable time on the competition mats, with plenty of local medals to show for it, as well as super fight victories and several No-Gi Pans medals. Zach is also a huge martial arts nerd, studying the history and geography of martial arts in his spare time. That’s just another reason to consider the Shoulder Lock Mastery Zach Green DVD.

Shoulder Lock Mastery Zach Green DVD Review

Over the course of almost two hours, and with material organized in three distinct volumes, the Shoulder Lock Mastery Zach Green DVD provides all the information you need to figure out hammerlocks for BJJ and how to use shoulder locks for control and motion on top of finishing:

Part 1 – Wrist Rides and Hammer Locks

As the Shoulder Lock Mastery Zach Green DVD kicks off, Zach presents the hammerlock, a submission I am still slightly unconvinced about. Wrestlers and catch wrestlers swear by it, and I’ve gotten some taps over the years, but I still find it to be unreliable for BJJ.

That said, at least Zach doesn’t just regurgitate the same old wrestling stuff in this instructional, but instead gives it a BJJ dimension. He actually emphasizes wrist rides as a means of control, preventing people from rolling out of his shoulder locks, which makes lots of sense.

Several hammerlock finishes appear in this part, some of which I am going to give the benefit of the doubt and try out next time I roll. The integration of hammerlocks for improved back control is viable, and I enjoyed the chapters covering it a lot. The turtle stuff is not usable.

Part 2 – Crucifix

Part two of this Shoulder Lock Zach Green DVD is where the magic happens. Green offers very interesting twists on playing the crucifix, mainly by offering a ‘handcuffs’ concept enabled by hammerlock principles. As one of the early victims of the ‘French handcuffs’ I tend to value any grappling move that has the word ‘handcuff’ in it.

The crucifix chapters only take up half of the second volume of the instructional, paving the way for Zach to cover the mount and side control as part of his shoulder locking system too. The blood eagle from the mount is super cool, while the side control and closed/half-guard options revolve around Kimuras and Omoplatas.

Part 3 – Transitions and Escapes

As we reach the final part of the Shoulder Lock Mastery Zach Green DVD, the attention is on movement and setting up the hammerlocks and wrist rides in the first place. Zach offers several ways to use headlocks from the Kesa Gatame position to set up the finishes demonstrated earlier.

I particularly appreciated the counter-attacking portion of the instructional which shows you how to deal with headlocks and BJJ pins like side control, mount, and back, while escaping towards hammerlocks. I’d say the escapes shown here are practical, reliable, and fairly easy to figure out by watching this DVD.

Riding Shoulder Locks

One of the best uses of shoulder locks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not to finish submissions. I tend to get incredible success with them when I need to pin someone in place, or, even better, when I want to make someone move against their will.

Take the Omoplata for example. I love setting up triangle chokes from the Omoplata, as people get obsessed about regaining control of their shoulder back, even though I am not trying to finish the shoulder lock. This gives me entries to triangles, or, if I end up on top (which happens all the time) Gogoplatas. Because why not look cool when you can?

The Kimura Trap is another example of how you can literally ride someone using a shoulder lock through all kinds of BJJ positions. Finishing is always an option, but so is transitioning which usually means more submission options than just the obvious shoulder lock. Some food for thought as you consider learning from the Shoulder Lock Mastery Zach Green DVD.

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Getting Hammered

Time to be the hammer, and nail a bunch of unexpected arm locks using the tactics and instructions in the Shoulder Lock Mastery Zach Green DVD. I’d single out the crucifix portion and Zach’s directions on escaping pins and bad spots straight into hammerlocks and wrist rides. The entire DVD is a very useful one though, and I think that those that will benefit the most from it are the Gi people not considering it at all.

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BJJ Practitioner’s Wife Exposes Jeff Glover’s Inappropriate Messages

By

BJJ World

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BJJ Legend Jeff Glover Sparks Outrage with Controversial Messages to BJJ Practitioner's Wife

In a shocking turn of events, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Jeff Glover has sparked widespread backlash after allegedly sending confrontational messages to a black belt BJJ practitioner’s wife following a seminar dispute. The incident, which has ignited a firestorm on social media, has raised serious concerns about professional conduct within the BJJ community.

A BJJ Practitioner’s Wife Exposes Jeff Glover Messages After Seminar Dispute

Sophie Fletcher Gilmore, who has never met Glover personally, revealed screenshots of the messages she received from the BJJ athlete after he conducted a seminar at her husband’s academy.

The messages included derogatory comments about her appearance and an alarming inquiry about their home security. She also highlighted her worry about Glover’s interactions with women and children at seminars.

“Miss Piggy!” read one of the messages from Glover’s account, followed by “You guys have security?”

Glover then added that her husband “got scared and blocked him” after they allegedly exchanged words.

Basically, he messages me. I have never met this man.” explained Sophie on TikTok. “He did a Jiu-Jitsu seminar at my husband’s Jiu-Jitsu school where he is a black belt. Literally never met this guy. Apparently there was some, I don’t know, beef or something with my husband. So what does this man do?

“You know, as any rational grown man would do, he messages the guys wife who he has a problem with. Calling her Miss Piggy because you know, why not call me fat? Asking if we have a security system, I’m not sure if that’s meant to be a threat or what, I don’t know.”

“I’m pretty sure this guys lives in another state. Then just kinda sends me another message about my husband being a baby or something, I don’t really know.”

@sophiefletchergilmore Do y’all know Jeff Glover? Do we think he’s for real? Are all BJJ people like this? #JeffGlover #JiuJitsu #BJJ #FYP #instagram #creep ♬ original sound – Sophie Fletcher Gilmore

A Step Too Far From Glover?

The BJJ community has had a complicated relationship with Glover, who was once a fan favorite but has faced criticism for his controversial comments over the years.

This latest incident has only intensified the scrutiny, with many practitioners expressing solidarity with Fletcher Gilmore and condemning Glover’s inappropriate behavior.

Glover’s actions in messaging a BJJ practitioner’s Wife have prompted a broader discussion about the standards of conduct at seminars and the safety of participants, particularly women and children.

Fletcher Gilmore expressed particular concern about Glover’s interaction with women and children at such events, given the nature of his communications.

“It seems very bizarre to me that a grown man would do this,” Fletcher Gilmore stated, sharing her experience on social media.

Glover Enjoys Being the Bad Guy

As of now, Glover has not publicly addressed the allegations, leaving the BJJ community to grapple with the fallout from this unsettling incident. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining professional and respectful behavior in all interactions within the martial arts world.

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Marcelo Garcia: The Unfiltered Truth About PEDs in Jiu-Jitsu and Gordon Ryan’s Legacy

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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Marcelo Garcia: The Unfiltered Truth About PEDs in Jiu-Jitsu and Gordon Ryan's Role

Ladies and gentlemen, fight fans and jiu-jitsu enthusiasts, gather around for an eye-opening deep dive into the world of BJJ. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Marcelo Garcia has made headlines recently with his candid comments on the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in the sport and his blunt assessment of Gordon Ryan’s claim to the title of greatest grappler of all time.

Marcelo Garcia Shares PEDs in Jiu-Jitsu Stories

In a series of interviews and statements, Garcia, a five-time ADCC World Champion and revered figure in the Jiu-Jitsu community, has been outspoken about the detrimental impact of PEDs on the sport.

“The use of PEDs in Jiu-Jitsu never translates to the success you need to be a champion,” Garcia asserted in a recent conversation. Known for his clean and ethical approach to the sport, Garcia has never considered using such substances to elevate his grappling prowess.

“I never felt like I needed that,” Garcia stated, emphasizing the importance of skill, dedication, and hard work over artificial enhancements. He believes that relying on PEDs undermines the true essence of martial arts and contaminates the purity of competition.

“If someone has used steroids once, he’s already contaminated,” Garcia added, underlining his zero-tolerance stance on the issue.

“I’m sorry, but I think it’s a problem. For example, look how frustrated I am. I grew up with a lot of people who used it around me. I see people use that around me. I was lucky nobody ever told me I needed to use that. My coach, everybody knew that I was big, I was strong.”

The Real GOAT vs. the PED GOAT?

But perhaps the most controversial of Garcia’s recent comments revolves around his evaluation of Gordon Ryan, a dominant figure in contemporary grappling who has been vocal about his use of PEDs.

Ryan, despite his impressive track record and undeniable skill, has yet to earn Garcia’s endorsement as the GOAT. In a revealing interview, Garcia explained why he believes Ryan hasn’t yet reached that pinnacle.

“Gordon Ryan isn’t the grappling GOAT,” Garcia remarked. “Yes, he’s accomplished a lot, but the GOAT title is about more than just victories. It’s about legacy, influence, and the way you conduct yourself both on and off the mat.”

Garcia’s critiques extend beyond Ryan’s PED use to his overall approach to the sport and his behavior.

While acknowledging Ryan’s technical brilliance and competitive success, Garcia believes the true measure of greatness encompasses a broader spectrum of attributes, including integrity, respect, and the ability to inspire others positively.

‘PEDs in Jiu-Jitsu are Legal’

Ryan, who has amassed a legion of fans with his dominant performances and outspoken personality, has not shied away from addressing his use of PEDs, framing it as a necessary step in achieving peak performance.

Gordon has been going back and forth with everyone who cares to debate the subject, most recently that being Kron Gracie. Ryan challenged Kron’s comments on his PED use by claiming the following:

“Talking to these people is like talking to liberals. You present facts, and they’re just like “no,” lol. I say we are on earth. They say we are on Mars. We just aren’t. They say steroids are illegal in jj.. they’re just not. Like, they’re just… not lmao.”

Ryan also fired at the entire Gracie family asking Kron via social media “Also, you’re gonna tell me the family hasn’t used steroids in jj and mma for like the last 5+ decades?”

This is pretty much in line with Marcelo’s account of people doing steroids and PEDs since teh early days of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil. However, Garcia’s perspective offers a sobering counterpoint, urging the community to consider the long-term implications of normalizing PED use in Jiu-Jitsu.

For Gordon, it seems, PEDs are worth taking years off his life if it means he is the GOAT, a status Garcia challenges on account of those same steroids:

“Even if it were to take 20 years off of my life, I wouldn’t regret doing the things that I’ve done to become the greatest of all time in this sport. Because ultimately when I die, my legacy is what’s going to be remembered.”

The debate over PEDs and the criteria for GOAT status is far from settled, but one thing is clear: Marcelo Garcia’s voice carries significant weight in the martial arts world.

His unwavering commitment to clean competition and his holistic view of greatness continue to shape the dialogue in jiu-jitsu, challenging both current and future generations to strive for excellence with integrity.

Are Steroids the Way Forward or Back?

As the sport evolves and new champions emerge, Garcia’s insights remind us that the true essence of jiu-jitsu lies not just in winning but in the journey of personal and collective growth. For Garcia, the path to greatness is paved with hard work, ethical conduct, and a relentless pursuit of mastery—both on and off the mat.

Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive insights as we continue to explore the stories and personalities that shape the world of combat sports. Until next time, keep rolling and stay true to the art.

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Back Hacks Yigit Haney BJJ DVD Review [2025]

By

Ognen Dzabirski

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Key Takeaways

A 2-volume No-Gi instructional offering an hour of martial on wedging back takes.
Features pinning using the wedge position, as well as direct and counter-based back attacks.
Contains leg lock entries as an alternative attacking option from the wedge.
BJJ World Expert Rating: 8 out of 10.

BACK HACKS YIGIT HANEY BJJ DVD GET HERE

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You’ll go for the back if you see it, and you know it. Even if you’re a leg locker, it is wise to have a back attack or two up your sleeve. That said, you don’t have to go all out and master Danaher’s days-long DVDs – you’ll probably lose patience with them quickly.

A proven way that allows you to expose the back, while also keeping you in a pinning position and opening leg lock attacks might sound too good to be true. WEll, the Back Hacks Yigit Haney BJJ DVD delivers on this, making smart use of a tried and tested wrestling method that is tailor-made for BJJ -wedging.

Exposing the Back

Back attacks are only as good as back exposure is. You need to find the back first, establish solid diagonal control, keep said control, and win the grip fight before you can think about finishing. That is a lot of work, or as I like to say, you have the entire sport of Jiu-Jitsu between taking the back and finishing from there.

One thing I’ve had the fortune of picking up early as a blue belt was the concept of attacking submissions in transitions. The back is the perfect example, as you can go for choke setups as you enter the position from the turtle or the mount. As I got handy with these setups I started messing around with the truck and rolling entries, once again looking to choke before even arriving at the back.

This brought back my attention to entries. At the end of the day, with back exposure, you have two routes. One is the methodical, control-based approach that takes you through all the steps I mentioned above (a.k.a. the entire sport of Jiu-Jitsu).

Another approach is to use entries to mask your submission setups, ending with simultaneous control and strangle a.k.a. doing a sort of a dilemma attack while in motion. This requires a bit more finesse and time to figure out, though. Or, it requires an instructional offering a wedging system, like the Back Hacks Yigit Haney BJJ DVD.

Turkish Black Belt Yigit Haney

There are not many high-level grapplers coming out of Turkey. In fact, I know of none, with the exception of Yigit Haney. Getting recognized worldwide in a sport that doesn’t really have any exposure or a network in a specific region is a feat on its own.

Understandably, the 25-year-old had to create opportunities for himself, which he did by regularly training not just with Europe’s best, but also the Renzo Gracie academy HQ in New York. Haney started in Carlson Gracie’s Istanbul academy, going up to purple belt under Chalgar Yazman, before opting to learn from Arturo Wesson, a Renzo black belt who eventually gave Yigit his black belt.

Haney is still very young for this sport and has everything up for grabs. So far, he has had impressive performances at ADCC trials in 2023 and 2024 at black belt, and a world champion and European champion titles at brown. The Back Hacks Yigit Haney BJJ DVD is the first instructional I’ve seen by the Turkish grappler.

Detailed Back Hacks Yigit Haney BJJ DVD Review

The Back Hacks Yigit Haney BJJ DVD is a No-Gi instructional that consists of two parts, each filled with plenty of information on how to expose the back, take the back, and re-take the back. The counter back takes are a particularly valuable section.

Part 1 – Wedges and Countering

Yigit Haney presents an interesting concept that is the centerpiece of his back attacks game, which is wedging. The concept is known and widely used in BJJ, but most people see it as a piece of the puzzle, rather than a driving force behind back takes. That is exactly what makes this Back Hacks Yigit Haney BJJ DVD genius.

Yigit offers a new checkpoint in the back attacks BJJ game – wedging one of the opponent’s legs with your legs, or more precisely, your knees. Pretty close to the leg rides that inspired the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Truck position, the wedge is an entry and exit point for the back, one which you can use from various positions.

Haney offers options against sitting and leaning opponents and also covers keeping and regaining the wedge position. He then concludes the first volume of the instructional with information on countering common reactions such as the reverse half guard, Bolos, and tight waist underhook control.

Part 2 – Berimbolos and Leg Locks

The second portion of the Back Hacks Yigit Haney DVD screams modern Jiu-Jitsu. Yigit offers plenty of advanced movement concepts with lots of inversions and spins to open different routes to the back. He shares even more counter-attacking options, which are perfect for No-Gi.

As the DVD draws to a conclusion, Yigit connects the wedge position to leg locks, as an alternate entry when back attacks are not possible. The focus is on 50/50, Outside Ashi, and an overview of the Single Leg X straight Ashi position. The instructional wraps up with more details on wedging control.

The Concept of Wedging

The moment I got wedging in as part of back attacks was during a seminar I attended at a BJJ camp. What clicked for me then was that you didn’t have to set up a truck hook from the top side control to expose the back. It is smooth and looks great, but when you are an aging grappler with a bad neck it is not always the smartest choice.

An alternative is to simply grab on the top leg of an opponent you have in side control with any type of hook you want – even a kind of reverse half-guard will do. Then, you still roll to your back, but you don’t have to go all the way – you simply lie down on your shoulder blades and pinch your knees.

This pinch right there is the all-important wedge that is a real game-changer in regard to back attacks. It helps block the other person with their lower or upper back on the mats, but without the dangers of flipping the Truck, courtesy of wedging instead of hooking.

Once I managed to locate the same wedge in the Ashi Garami game, I suddenly became a lot more interested in this aspect of grappling. If you have no idea where to start, go for the Back Hacks Yigit Haney BJJ DVD. If you want to go deeper, start looking into different leg rides from wrestling.

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Hack the Back!

Using the wedge position to improve your back attacks is truly a hack, and those don’t come often in BJJ, especially for staple positions such as back mount. The Back Hacks Yigit Haney BJJ DVD offers an innovative and fairly open-ended way of getting to the back using an unusual, but reliable checkpoint that works just as well in Gi and No-Gi.

Plus, with a bit of ingenuity, you’ll start seeing submission openings as you move and wedge, saving yourself time on grip fighting and elaborate control systems.

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