BJJ Defense FREE Videos: Best Self-Defense Techniques
BJJ defense is the skill of surviving bad positions, framing, and escaping with efficient timing—under pressure in gi and no-gi. On this page you’ll find a curated library of free videos and breakdowns covering escapes, survival posture, guard retention, late-stage bridging and hip heists, turtle defense, back escapes, and submission counters. Compare systems from instructors like John Danaher, Priit Mihkelson’s defensive posture, Ryan Hall’s inversion and elbow-knee connection, Gordon Ryan’s pins, Lachlan Giles, and Craig Jones. Browse clips, full lessons, and match-focused analyses to see how different teaching styles apply frames, wedges, and connection against mount, side control, back control, and leg entanglements. Watch, test variations in training, and keep scrolling to build layered defensive reactions that keep you safe and set up smart reversals. Read the full Survival Defense category guide.
Survival Defense from Standing (10 Videos)
Kill The Collar Tie: BJJ Trendsetters by Dima Murovanni
$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video, hosted by Dima Murovanni, focuses on the collar tie strategy in BJJ, specifically on how to neutralize or 'kill' it. As an integral part of no-gi BJJ and grappling in general, the collar tie, if not properly addressed, can impede performance or hinder defensive or offensive capabilities. Murovanni goes in-depth with this often overlooked position, teaching ways of transforming defensive strategies into offensive ones. This video aims to help fighters enhance their overall BJJ game by mastering the collar tie defense.
Edged Weapon Defense and Control Holds by David Kahn
$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, instructor David Kahn, who has trained the U.S. Military and law enforcement, provides techniques for defending against attacks from assailants using edged weapons. He covers various scenarios, including multiple attackers and ground situations, and explains the difference between handling pre and post-deployment of a weapon. David Kahn also introduces unique control holds for managing aggressive assailants and discusses how to disrupt attackers using kicks.
Firearm Defense by David Kahn
$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features David Kahn teaching firearm defense strategies, useful for scenarios where one is threatened from the front, side, or rear positions. Khan covers effective disarming techniques for handguns and long guns, going beyond self-defense by considering third-party applications to protect other innocent bystanders. He also discusses critical safety concepts like situational awareness and the element of surprise, simplifying complex strategies in a digestible manner. Khan uses his experience working with the U.S. Military and law enforcement to provide real-world examples and applications.
Dynamic Striking Defense by Duane Ludwig
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Duane Ludwig, a former elite muay thai and MMA fighter turned coach, provides detailed instructions on dynamic striking defense. He covers how to use footwork, angles, and guards to effectively block and evade punches and kicks. Ludwig also demonstrates how to counter aggression with various techniques like catches, slips, jabs, and crosses. The video offers a thorough approach to defending against kicks at all levels including inside and outside leg kicks.
The Art of Defense by Teddy Atlas
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is a comprehensive tutorial on key defensive strategies in boxing, presented by Hall of Fame trainer Teddy Atlas. Techniques such as "Olay", "U Tube", and "Rain Delay" are explained and demonstrated, providing viewers with potent defense tactic options for ring situations. Teddy's decades-long experience in high-level boxing comes to the fore, emphasized by his belief that defensive proficiency can be a pivotal factor in long-term boxing success. This training series equips students with the skills required to be more resilient and confident in their defense while boxing.
Survival Defense from Various (2 Videos)
Winning The Street Fight: The Self-Defense Encyclopedia for Surviving & Dominating Ph…
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video, "The Self-Defense Encyclopedia for Surviving and Dominating Physical Attacks," is taught by UFC legend Georges St-Pierre (GSP). He instructs viewers on how to use real-world BJJ self-defense tactics in street fights. This comprehensive guide focuses on safety and effectiveness, suitable for both inexperienced participants and trained martial artists. GSP uses a methodical approach to teach life-saving techniques, intending to enhance the learner's confidence and resilience in dangerous situations.
Survival Defense from Back Control (6 Videos)
The Mirroring Principle: Back Defense & Being Offensive by Wim Deputter
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This Belgium-based black belt instructor, Wim Deputter, provides an instructional video on 'The Mirroring Principle' which is used for escaping bad positions, especially the Back Control. He demonstrates this principle along with other techniques like the Baby Bridge and Scooping Shoulders to aid in effective escapes. The tutorial provides various BJJ hacks for a defensive approach, aiding students in saving time spent on traditional trial and error.
White Belt Defense: The Back by Joel Bouhey
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Instructor Joel Bouhey, a black belt under Luis Heredia, offers a detailed beginners guide on effective back defense and escape tactics. The video concentrates on correct positioning for feet and hands and provides practical guidance on managing common submission attacks whilst on the defense. It also covers strategies such as baiting concepts and crossed feet tactics to improve the viewer’s defensive skills. Bouhey emphasizes the importance of having a solid defensive mindset to successfully handle attacks when one's back is under threat.
Nightmare Back Defense: Submit Them by Thomas McAuliffe
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video tutorial, BJJ black-belt, Thomas Mcauliffe demonstrates a unique system for surviving and countering control from the back position. Through this unorthodox approach known as "nightmare back defense," Thomas explains how to exploit opponent's mistakes and transform a defensive stance into an attacking one, incorporating unexpected submission techniques such as heel hooks, straight foot locks, and arm bars. Various back control scenarios, including one/two hooks and body triangles, are systematically discussed and methods to dismantle these invasive control techniques are meticulously demonstrated.
Survival Defense from Turtle (9 Instructionals)
The Ultimate Turtle Bundle by Priit Mihkelson
$154.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features BJJ instructor, Priit Mihkelson, teaching defensive measures, guard retention strategies, and reversals from the turtle position. Priit's teaching method emphasizes safety and includes a creative approach using a position known as the 'Panda'. He instructs how to use the turtle position not only defensively against aggressive guard passers, but also to transition into offense. This comprehensive guide transforms the turtle position into a dynamic one, and is suitable for BJJ practitioners seeking to enhance their defensive and offensive tactics.
Catch Wrestling Turtle Encyclopedia: Fighting From The Turtle by Joel Bane
$99.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video teaches how to defend, escape, and capitalize on the turtle position in grappling. It is instructed by Joel Bane, who is experienced in both Catch Wrestling and BJJ. The techniques are explained with precision and they are suitable for any level of practitioner, from beginners to advanced grapplers. The main aim of this instructional video is to enable a seamless transition between positions and maintaining control.
The Ninja Turtle by Zach Makovsky
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Zach Makovsky provides a new perspective to the traditionally defensive turtle position. Known as 'The Ninja Turtle,' this technique changes the turtle from a position of survival into a strategic opportunity. Makovsky's combined experience in BJJ and MMA allows him to expose the hidden layers of strategy within the turtle position. Whether under pressure or baiting an opponent, he emphasizes on leveraging the turtle position to create regrets for the opponent.
The Sitting Turtle by Priit Mihkelson
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features Priit Mihkelson explaining his Sitting Turtle or Panda position, which, contrary to traditional jiu-jitsu teachings, involves exposing your back. He claims this technique can protect against back attacks and help manage other challenging positions. Mihkelson is well known worldwide for his unique and philosophical approach to BJJ, simplifying complex ideas, making his techniques suitable for grapplers of all levels seeking a new perspective on well-established positions.
The Turtle and Back Defense Blueprint by Thiago Macedo
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features Thiago Macedo, a champion of IBJJF 2020 Pan, instructing on how to defend while in turtle and back positions. He covers various techniques ranging from basic turtle fundamentals, crab ride, and standing tactics to advanced defensive strategies. It's designed to cater to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners at all levels. Through this instructional video, viewers can get a comprehensive understanding of the turtle position and transition techniques.
Turtle Concepts & Escapes by Dinu Bucalet
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional tutorial on defensive techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, specifically the turtle position. The instructor, Dinu Bucalet, explains how to transform the turtle position from a defensive stance to an advantageous one. Concepts and principles underpinning the position are thoroughly discussed. The video also includes actionable drills to practice these concepts and strategies.
The Turtle Guard Revisited by Eduardo Telles
$47.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional guide on how to utilize the Turtle Guard, taught by BJJ legend Eduardo Telles. He presents his unique and unorthodox techniques that have been tested in competitions. Telles' main focus is teaching learners how to improve their game and defend effectively to ensure that their backs are not taken in BJJ matches.
The Quad Pod system by Max & Ben Askren
$47.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, NCAA Champion brothers Max & Ben Askren teach viewers how to use the Quad Pod position to defend against takedowns. Known for their strategic and technical focus on positioning, the Askrens show you how to use hand control concepts to maintain your positional advantage. The instruction also includes ways to counter some of the most common Quad Pod counters, such as the cradle, chop, and spiral ride. This video is not specific to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but provides content applicable to wrestling and grappling martial arts.
The Naked Turtle by Eduardo Telles
$39.50 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Eduardo Telles, a well-known Jiu-Jitsu pioneer teaches the viewers about the Naked Turtle technique from the Turtle Guard position. This strategy is aimed to help viewers develop confidence in dealing with opponents who manage to take their back and allow them to reverse the position to their advantage. Telles also introduces a variety of ankle pick attacks and rolling sweeps, which can be used against aggressive guard passers. Lastly, they demonstrate how to force opponents to let go their seat belt grip by executing a range of attacks.
Survival Defense from Standing — Transitional States (3 Videos)
Next Level Defensive Fundamentals by Dan Vallimont
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this tutorial, Dan Vallimont teaches defensive wrestling techniques that have been instrumental in his success in folkstyle and freestyle wrestling. The video specifically covers how to effectively use counter holds such as the whizzer and crackdown. It focuses on the necessity of good defense in wrestling and how to turn an opponent's offense into your points. Vallimont's instructions are aimed at improving a wrestler's survival tactics during competition.
Survival Defense from Mount (5 Videos)
Avoiding Mount by Pedro Sauer
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, 8th Degree Coral Belt Pedro Sauer, who trained under Helio Gracie and Rickson Gracie, teaches how to avoid being mounted in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Sauer explains key elements that opponents need for successful transition to the mount and how to disrupt their plans. He also offers premeditation strategies to avoid this potentially devastating position. The lesson focuses on understanding opponent's intentions, essential survival skills, and intelligent escape plans to counteract some of the most dominant positions in BJJ.
Survival Defense from Standing — Torso Control (1 Videos)
Reality Check Self-Defense by Pat Major
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video by Pat Major is focused on providing viewers with essential knowledge in reality check self-defense. The importance of being able to effectively manage the many variables of street altercations is highlighted. Major explains the various stages of a fight and what actions need to be taken at each stage to ensure personal safety and efficiency when under stress. Despite its focus on self-defense techniques, the video does not include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu content.
Survival Defense from Bottom Position (2 Videos)
Championship Catch Wrestling: Bottom Defense & Counter Offense by Josh Barnett
$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, decorated grappler and MMA pioneer, Josh Barnett shares the secrets of his infamous Catch Wrestling systems, focusing on bottom defense and counter offense. Unlike many other grappling styles, Barnett’s system emphasizes maintaining dominance and aggression even in down positions. He teaches his fundamental moves for escaping and countering from common grappling positions. Techniques taught in this video include the sitout, granby roll, defending the back take, hip heist, and mastering hand fighting concepts.
Survival Defense from Side Control (4 Videos)
The Running Man & The Baby Bridge: Essential Postures To Keep You Safe by Priit Mihke…
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Priit Mihkelson, a known authority on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) efficiency and energy conservation, teaches two fundamental postures — "The Running Man" and "The Baby Bridge". These postures are key for a defensive strategy to help conserve energy and prevent opponents from achieving dominant positions. The instruction focuses on escaping side control, a common dominant position in BJJ, by using these two techniques, which can make it nearly impossible for rivals to settle in and gain dominance.
Survival Defense from Front Headlock (1 Videos)
Brick Wall Defense by Hayden Zillmer
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, NCAA All-American Hayden Zillmer teaches a technique he calls the "Brick Wall Defense". Zillmer, who has also served on both the Freestyle and Greco National Teams, covers defense and counteroffense strategies from different positions - including front headlocks and crackdowns. He also explains various creative scrambling options, all aimed to develop an impenetrable defense, and to help viewers become more versatile grapplers.
Survival Defense from Leg Entanglement 50 50 (4 Videos)
Survival Defense from Open Guard (1 Videos)
Position, Transition and Submission by Eli Knight
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features BJJ black belt instructor, Eli Knight, who gives an insightful look into the concepts of adapting your Jiu-Jitsu to street style encounters. He focusses on the role of strategic strikes in a street style exchange and how Jiu-Jitsu must be modified to handle this unexpected variable. He also uncovers the principles of the pyramid guard and its utilities, teaching methods to escape from some unfavorable positions in real life combat.
Survival Defense from Submission Escape (4 Instructionals)
Pillars of Defense: Guillotines by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Gordon Ryan teaches guillotine defense with a focus on early and late escapes. He provides insights on how to maintain key positions and avoid falling into vulnerable positions while under a guillotine attack. The video helps practitioners in understanding how to use defensive reactions to not only escape the threat but also progress their own positions. This instructional content is designed for both beginners and advanced practitioners looking to refine their skills against one of the highest percentage submissions in No-Gi BJJ.
Survive and Escape by Matt Thornton
$159.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video by Matt Thornton, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, provides essential insights into survival and escape strategies in BJJ. He utilizes his unique "aliveness" concepts and methods, incorporating old school secrets to break away from challenging positions and scenarios. Thornton teaches viewers how to transition from undesirable positions safely, thereby not just escaping but also creating new offensive opportunities.
Arm Lock Defense by Dinu Bucalet
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features instructor Dinu Bucalet teaching Arm Lock Defense with an emphasis on Armbar Defense. Bucalet instructs on how to avoid or defend against armbars from various positions by using preventative measures to make the attacks less effective. He teaches meticulously about the correct alignment of one's arm to survive these high level attacks. The video also includes a section on hitchhiker escape technique to evade late stage armbars.
The Winning Keys To Par Terre Defense by Dan Vallimont
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video taught the basics of Par Terre Defense focusing on Gut Wrench and Leg Lace defensive strategies taught by Dan Vallimont. These strategies involve learning several variations on how to prevent leg lace along with correct hand grip techniques. This video aims to let the viewer gain a fundamental understanding of these defensive moves and be able to implement them at a high level of proficiency. No Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) content was included.
Survival Defense from Half Guard (3 Videos)
Survival Defense from Knee On Belly (2 Videos)
Gi To Street Self-Defense by Eli Knight
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Eli Knight, a BJJ black belt and self-defense expert, instructs on using the Knee on Belly position to apply a choke for self-defense in a street situation. He thoroughly breaks down the technique emphasizing its utility in a real-life scenario outside the BJJ class context. He advocates for combining traditional martial arts skills with situational adaptability. The overall aim is to boost confidence and equip practitioners with practical capabilities to ensure personal safety.
Survival Defense from Standing — Leg Control (3 Videos)
Survival Defense from Armbar (1 Videos)
First Principles Submissions Defense Volume 1: Arm Locks by Stephen Whittier
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features instructor Stephen Whittier teaching general principles of defending against submissions, specifically focusing on arm locks. He explains the concept of preventing arm isolation to disable your opponent's potential attacks. The video also introduces various armbar defense tactics from numerous positions and highlights the Hitchhiker Escape. Other high-level defenses against Americanas, Omoplatas, and bicep slicers are also covered.
Survival Defense from Closed Guard (1 Videos)
Surviving The Closed Guard by Ante Dzolic
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video provides an exhaustive guide to surviving and passing the closed guard position. Instructor Ante Dzolic discusses techniques from both top and bottom positions, including various sweep variations. The objective is to equip viewers with a deep understanding of how these techniques work, and how to use them effectively to enhance their offense and guard retention.
Survival Defense from Guard Generic (2 Instructionals)
The Ground And Pound Safety Manual by Javier Vazquez
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Javier Vazquez goes over four basic rules to avoid being hit while on the ground. He also discusses five ranges of attack that can occur when an opponent is on top and attempts to strike. Vazquez demonstrates how to successfully counter these strikes with overhooks and submissions. This video is aimed at ensuring safety during cage fights or street encounters.
Leglock Prevention by Bjorn Friedrich
$47.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video provides a deep tutorial on preventing leglocks, particularly at the early stages from positions such as Single Leg X Guard, X Guard, and 50/50, under the instruction of Bjorn Friedrich. Focusing on preventive measures against heel hooks and Imanari rolls, Friedrich, a BJJ Black belt, offers effective strategies to manage and feel secure against these dangerous submissions. The instruction enables practitioners to engage safely on the mat, especially in the evolving context of BJJ where leglocks and lower half submissions have become increasingly significant.