Your BJJ Guide

Master BJJ - One Position at a Time

Your BJJ Guide Menu   ≡ ╳
  • Home
  • Articles
  • Instructionals
    • BJJ Instructionals
    • Gordon Ryan Instructionals
    • John Danaher Instructional
    • Best Instructionals for Beginners 2025
    • The Best Instructionals Older Grapplers
  • Gi Brands
  • How to Learn BJJ
    • 3 Ways to Learn BJJ
    • Ecological Approach
    • Learn BJJ at Home
  • BJJ Near Me
  • About

Best BJJ Instructionals for Beginners 2025

Starting your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey can feel overwhelming, but the right instructional can dramatically accelerate your learning. Whether you’re training in a gym or from home, BJJ Fanatics offers world-class instructionals from top-tier black belts. We’ve rounded up the best BJJ instructionals for beginners in 2025, so you can build a solid foundation from day one.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps keep this site running strong.


1. Foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Bernardo Faria

Visit BJJ Fanatics Now

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

Visit BJJ Fanatics Now

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

Visit BJJ Fanatics Now

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 bottom

Perfect for: Beginners who want to be offensive from bottom guard early.


4. Self Defense for BJJ – Rener and Ryron Gracie

Visit BJJ Fanatics Now

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

Visit BJJ Fanatics Now

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?
Check out the full catalog of beginner-friendly instructionals on BJJFanatics.com. Start learning from world-class instructors today.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

BJJ Fanatics

BJJ Fanatics: The number one source on the internet with the best instructional videos and promotions.

Explore BJJ Fanatics Now

Further Faster Bundle

John Danaher Go Further Faster: Master the fundamentals with clarity and purpose—just like Danaher’s top students

Further Faster Bundle Deal

Recent Posts

  • Craig Jones Invitational
  • John Danaher Instructional
  • GSP John Danaher – Training Relationship
  • IBJJF Gi Requirements
  • The Problem-Solver’s Mindset in BJJ


Your BJJ Guide Copyright © 2025 ·

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok