Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has exploded with educational resources in recent years, especially through platforms like BJJ Fanatics. With so many instructionals out there — from basic fundamentals to highly specialized techniques — the real challenge isn’t finding one, but choosing the right one for you.
The secret isn’t just buying what’s trending or what your favorite competitor released last month. Instead, the key is to select instructionals that align with your current stage of development, plug gaps in your game, and promote well-rounded growth. Here’s how.
1. Understand That You’re Building a Complete Game
Too often, practitioners think of BJJ as just a collection of techniques. But at its core, Jiu-Jitsu is about building a system — a cohesive, connected game where each movement leads logically to the next.
When choosing an instructional, ask yourself:
- Will this help me build systems, not just memorize moves?
- How does this fit into what I already do well?
- Does it reinforce the kind of game I want to develop?
You’re not just downloading techniques; you’re laying bricks on top of a foundation. Your purchases should reflect long-term thinking, not just short-term excitement.
2. Identify the Gaps in Your Game
The biggest mistake beginners and intermediate grapplers make is training around their weaknesses. It’s fun to watch instructionals about techniques you already love. But real growth comes from addressing what you avoid.
To identify gaps:
- Review your rolling footage or reflect on your sessions.
- Ask yourself: Where do I consistently struggle?
- Which positions do I avoid or feel uncomfortable in?
For example, if you love playing open guard but frequently get passed and struggle to recover, an instructional on guard retention might be more valuable than yet another guard attack series.
Or if you feel confident from top but freeze when you’re stuck under mount, it might be time to learn escapes and survival.
3. Don’t Just Feed Your A-Game
Building your “A-game” is important — especially if you’re a competitor — but overdeveloping your strengths can stunt your growth in the long run. Jiu-Jitsu is unpredictable. You won’t always get to your favorite position, and you’ll face opponents who neutralize your go-to strategies.
Instead, aim to become dangerous from every position.
A balanced BJJ athlete should have:
- Good top pressure and passing
- Solid guard retention and sweeps
- Reliable escapes from bad positions
- Submissions from multiple pathways
When choosing your next instructional, try to think like this:
“If I couldn’t get to my best position, how would I win?”
Choose instructionals that round you out, not just hype up what you’re already good at.
4. Consider Skill Level and Teaching Style
Not all instructionals are created equal — and not all of them are right for you at this moment.
Ask:
- Is this for my current skill level?
- Does the instructor explain concepts or just list techniques?
- Is the system compatible with my body type or training style?
For example, John Danaher and Lachlan Giles are known for deep conceptual teaching, ideal for students who like to think. Gordon Ryan’s systems are precise and competition-focused. Bernardo Faria and Henry Akins offer beginner-friendly instructionals with smooth, basic movement that scales well.
5. Build with Intent, Not Impulse
Instead of randomly picking instructionals:
- Create a learning plan (e.g., “Next 3 months: focus on escapes and pressure passing”)
- Budget purchases based on holes in your game
- Rewatch and apply before moving to the next topic
Watching instructionals passively is like reading cookbooks and never cooking. Choose one that aligns with your needs and watch it with intention.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right BJJ instructional is less about hype and more about strategy. You’re building a personal Jiu-Jitsu blueprint — one that’s adaptable, balanced, and effective. That means filling in your blind spots, resisting the urge to only chase flashy techniques, and always aiming for well-rounded improvement.
Next time you’re browsing BJJFanatics.com or considering a new series, ask yourself: Is this helping me grow — or just entertaining me?
Choose wisely. Train smart. Roll better.
Recommended Reading For You
- Best BJJ Instructionals
Comparison of the top videos - Best Intructionals for Beginners
Which videos should a beginners choose
Leave a Comment