Starting your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey can feel overwhelming, but the correct instruction can dramatically accelerate your learning. Whether you’re training in a gym or at home, BJJ Fanatics offers world-class instructional videos from top-tier black belts. We’ve rounded up the best BJJ instructionals for beginners, so you can build a solid foundation from day one.
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1. Foundations of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Bernardo Faria
Why It’s Great:
Bernardo Faria is a five-time World Champion with a gift for making complex techniques beginner-friendly. This course covers fundamental positions, movements, and principles—all broken down slowly and clearly.
- Positional basics: closed guard, mount, side control
- Beginner sweeps and submissions
- Extremely beginner-focused, no fluff
Perfect for: Complete beginners who want a reliable, structured start.
2. BJJ Fundamentals: John Danaher
Why It’s Great:
John Danaher is arguably the most cerebral mind in modern BJJ. His “BJJ Fundamentals” series gives you a deep conceptual understanding of how grappling works — not just what to do, but why.
- Masterclass in foundational mechanics and alignment
- Ideal for long-term understanding
- Concepts that scale well as you improve
Perfect for: Analytical learners who want to “think” BJJ, not just memorize moves.
3. Systematically Attacking From Closed Guard: Gordon Ryan
Why It’s Great:
Gordon Ryan may be known for advanced no-gi systems, but this instructional is surprisingly beginner-friendly. Closed guard is often the first position new students learn, and Gordon teaches you how to build a dangerous game from day one.
- Core attacks: armbars, triangles, guillotines
- How to maintain closed guard under pressure
- Fundamental control tactics from the bottom
Perfect for: Beginners who want to be offensive from bottom guard early.
4. Self Defense for BJJ: Rener and Ryron Gracie
Why It’s Great:
If your goal is self-defense over competition, this is the best pick. The Gracie brothers teach classic techniques and concepts meant to protect you in real-world scenarios, using BJJ’s leverage and control.
- Stand-up control, distance management
- How to survive common street attacks
- No reliance on sport-only techniques
Perfect for: Beginners focused on real-life safety and confidence.
5. BJJ Concepts: Lachlan Giles
Why It’s Great:
Lachlan Giles is famous for teaching grappling with clarity and structure. His focus on conceptual understanding gives beginners tools to navigate rolling sessions more confidently, even without memorizing many techniques.
- Positional goals and hierarchy
- Escapes, guard retention, and grip fighting
- Super accessible teaching style
Perfect for: Concept-driven learners who feel overwhelmed by technique-heavy videos.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Get First?
Bernardo Faria’s Foundations course is an unbeatable place to start if you’re brand new. For those who prefer theory over repetition, Danaher or Lachlan Giles are excellent. And if self-defense is your goal, go straight to the Gracie series.
No matter your choice, investing in a great instructional early will supercharge your training and help you avoid years of trial and error.
Ready to Train Smarter?
Explore the full catalog of beginner-friendly instructional videos by using the link below. Start learning from world-class instructors today.
