Gordon Ryan: What to Learn and How to Study His Systems

Who Gordon Ryan Is and Why Students Seek Him Out

Gordon Ryan is widely associated with systemized no-gi grappling built around pressure passing, tight front headlock and strangle mechanics, and structured leg entanglements. Rather than relying on athletic bursts, his approach emphasizes layered control, incremental advantage, and submission sequences that leave opponents with progressively worse options.

Students look him up because his instruction tends to explain not only what to do, but why it works—detailing decision trees, weight distribution, and counters to common reactions. Even if you don’t aim to copy his entire game, learning how he links positions into reliable finishing routes can raise your overall mat IQ.

Gordon Ryan Videos on BJJ University (Top 20 Videos, Top 10 Courses)

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HOW TO ESCAPE RUBBER GUARD - GORDON RYAN

1m · Gordon Ryan

Gordon Ryan teaches how to escape from the rubber guard position in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Initially, the aim is to post both hands on the ground and move the right shoulder forward. However, if the opponent's elbow dominates the inside space and prevents this, one should pace both hands on the floor, lean head over head, and stand. Then, turn the thumbs down and shake until the head and arm come free.

Position: Open Guard Category: Escapes

KNEE ELBOW ESCAPE by Gordon Ryan

1m · Gordon Ryan

Gordon Ryan, a well-known BJJ instructor, demonstrates the 'Knee Elbow Escape' technique in this instructional video. The technique begins with the practitioner on the bottom of the guard, bridging and straightening their leg to expose the top player's foot. The bottom player traps the exposed foot between their two legs and uses a series of leg movements to wedge the top player's knee. The sequence culminates with the practitioner escaping to a half guard position.

Position: Mount Category: Escapes

PREMIUM

All Access Pass by Gordon Ryan

$11899.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video is an advertisement for the "Gordon Ryan All Access Pass", offering access to Gordon Ryan's vast library of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructionals on BJJ Fanatics. Gordon Ryan is an accomplished student of famous coach John Danaher, recognized for his competitive experience and his ability to explain complex grappling concepts clearly. This collection aims not just to teach techniques but to provide a comprehensive grappling education. The All-Access Pass is promoted as a valuable resource but does not include future releases.

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HOW TO GET CHEST TO CHEST #1 Gordon Ryan

27s · Gordon Ryan

The video features BJJ superstar, Gordon Ryan explaining a guard passing method to get chest to chest contact with the opponent. He emphasizes the importance of working around the opponent's frames, using a cross shoulder post. He also describes a 'pull-push' game, which includes a hip switch and an over back grip to gain control over the opponent's head and shoulders. Once control is gained, Gordon demonstrates how to easily start getting "chest to chest" and pass the guard, even if the opponent attempts to push away.

Technique: Grip Fighting / Hand Fighting Position: Other Category: Guard Passing

INSIDE ELBOW ESCAPE From BOTTOM MOUNT by Gordon Ryan

18s · Gordon Ryan

The video features instructor Gordon Ryan teaching the Inside Elbow Escape from a Bottom Mount position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ryan demonstrates escaping when the opponent has their hands on the floor and feet close together, no crossface applied. He emphasizes securing the inside position before initiating a bridge to successfully escape, putting yourself in a better position to counterattack.

Position: Mount Category: Escapes

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The Ultimate Guard Bundle by Gordon Ryan

$999.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video titled "The Ultimate Guard Bundle by Gordon Ryan" teaches viewers about maintaining and utilizing their guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The content focuses on various techniques such as shoulder crunch sumi gaeshi, X guard and ashi entries and butterfly half guard, which are shown and explained by three-time ADCC Gold Medalist and Absolute IBJJF No-Gi World Champion, Gordon Ryan. In addition to explaining techniques in detail, Ryan also offers strategic insights on how to prevent and counter guard passers from the bottom position.

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One of my favorite ways to get to a triangle. #bjj #jiujitsu #gordonryan #jonjones

1m · Gordon Ryan

In this YouTube video, renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) competitor Gordon Ryan presents an instructional video on how to set up a triangle choke from the guard position. He demonstrates this technique by taking control of his opponent's wrist and shoulder, which forces the opponent to move in a specific direction. Ryan then uses this movement to take his knee inside of his partner's shoulder and throw his foot over to establish the triangle choke. He emphasizes on the importance of controlling the angle and the opponent's leg to secure the submission.

Position: Triangle Choke Category: Submissions

Guard Retention - How To Never Get Your Guard Passed In Jiu Jitsu by Gordon Ryan

13m · Gordon Ryan

In this instructional video renowned Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athlete, Gordon Ryan, demonstrates how to retain guard. He emphasizes the importance of not allowing your opponent to pass your guard, particularly past your hips which he refers to as the "J point". Ryan demonstrates various grips and transitions to keep the opponent in front and avoid guard pass, stressing the concept of "stickiness" and constant off-balancing. He also outlines strategies for preventing the opponent from taking control of the head and keeping control of the inside position.

Position: Guard Generic Category: Guard Retention

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Attacking From Guard Bundle by Gordon Ryan

$629.00 • BJJ Fanatics

"The video is a comprehensive tutorial by Gordon Ryan on attacking from a supine guard position. He provides a detailed guide towards mastering sweeps, back takes, and leg locks that are applicable at the highest levels of grappling. Viewers can also gain insights from watching Gordon Ryan roll in real-time, as he breaks down the footage to explain the system's workings in action. It’s a valuable resource for grappling enthusiasts aiming for a competitive edge.

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Great Kimura Sequence from Butterfly Guard by Gordon Ryan

1m · Gordon Ryan

The video features instructor Gordon Ryan explaining a Kimura sequence from the butterfly guard position. He shows how to let the opponent cross-face, then reach around and lock hands for the Kimura. He explains options they have based on the opponent's reaction, such as getting their hand behind their back or using it for positional gains. He mentions the possibility of transitioning to other attacks like armbar, triangle, or taking the back.

Technique: Kimura Position: Butterfly Guard Category: Submissions

Great Options From Mount Position by Gordon Ryan

59s · Gordon Ryan

In this video, instructor Gordon Ryan explains a strategy for maintaining positional control from the mount position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He demonstrates how to pin down the opponent's hand and describes using a "dilemma" strategy, where the opponent has to choose between two unfavorable options. If the opponent does not react to the hand pin, Ryan advises to lift their arm above their head. However, if the opponent attempts to remove the pin, it opens them up to several other submissions or back exposure. Ryan emphasizes the importance of creating these sort of dilemmas to control the fight and stay a step ahead of your opponent.

Position: Mount Category: Positional Control

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My Evolution Your Revolution ADCC Breakdown Bundle by Gordon Ryan

$499.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video is a promotional breakdown bundle by Gordon Ryan highlighting the techniques and strategies that led to his double gold win at the ADCC. He discusses his most successful systems such as back takes, back attacks, open guard, leg locks and guard passes. It also includes footage of Gordon Ryan in action with his techniques being broken down in real-time to provide a deeper understanding of his strategies in motion. The aim of the video is to allow the viewers to gain insight into his methods and to incorporate these winning techniques into their own game.

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What Every BJJ White Belt And Blue Belt Should Learn And Focus In Jiu Jitsu by Gordon Ryan

6m · Gordon Ryan

In this video, Gordon Ryan emphasizes the importance of learning to escape and defend bad positions before moving on to attacking techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Gordon Ryan advises that white to blue belts should focus on their pin escapes and submission escapes which will instill the confidence to open up and attempt submissions and attacks. From purple belt onwards the focus can then shift towards attacking techniques as by that point the practitioner should have a solid defensive foundation. He suggests this structure based on his own experiences and training.

Position: Various Category: Concepts/Strategy

The Best Way To Escape From The Jiu Jitsu Body Triangle by Gordon Ryan

9m · Gordon Ryan

In this video, Gordon Ryan teaches how to efficiently escape the "Body Triangle" position, a commonly used back control technique in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Ryan explains and demonstrates that one key to escaping this position is having confidence in your primary defensive hand's ability to prevent the opponent from strangling you. Simultaneously, the secondary hand aids in unlocking the opponent's triangle lock and escaping. The method revolves around the idea of trapping the opponent's leg between your legs, and creating ankle exposure through strategic hip rotating and hand-assisting methods. This technique, he argues, is the most effective way of escaping the body triangle.

Technique: Triangle Choke Position: Back Control Category: Escapes

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Turtle & Back Attacks Bundle by Gordon Ryan

$419.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video features Gordon Ryan teaching his specialized turtle position transitions and back attacks. Gordon demonstrates key fundamentals, hand fighting systems, and techniques for securing hooks and achieving back control. The instruction is broken down with footage of Gordon rolling, highlighting these transitions and attacks in real-life grappling scenarios. Throughout, Gordon emphasizes the strategic use of these techniques, sharing the same skills that have helped him become a successful no-gi black belt champion.

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ARM DRAG TO BACK TAKE - GORDON RYAN

1m · Gordon Ryan

This YouTube video features BJJ black belt Gordon Ryan demonstrating the "Arm Drag to Back Take" technique. After obtaining a high armpit grip on the partner's arm, Gordon elevates his elbow and pushes his partner's arm underneath it. Then, he simultaneously pulls across the hands and over the right shoulder to position his partner's arm across the center line, achieving a tight grip. Subsequently, with a pendulum action of his left leg, he tucks in the right elbow while hanging off his partner's body, gaining control over his partner's posture and successfully taking their back. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high grip on the armpit for better control and grip retention.

Technique: Back Take Position: Back Control Category: Transitions

How To Perfectly Escape From Mount, Side Control and North South No Gi by Gordon Ryan

13m · Gordon Ryan

In this instructional video, Gordon Ryan demonstrates how to escape from mount, side control, and north-south positions effectively in no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the concept of "pin escapes". Ryan builds on the idea of cranium control and the necessity of controlling the opponent's head and shoulders to maintain a pin. The primary strategy revolves around establishing an inside position, where the practitioner fights to bring their limbs to the inside while simultaneously separating the opponent's control from their head and shoulders. Furthermore, he explores adjustments for north-south position due to its unique nature where the opponent does not control the practitioner's head and shoulders. Ryan finishes by highlighting the transition from a defensive cycle to an offensive one after successfully escaping.

Position: Mount Category: Escapes

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Systematically Attacking From Top Pins Bundle by Gordon Ryan

$419.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this video, top no-gi grappler and 3-time ADCC Gold Medalist Gordon Ryan gives detailed instructions on maintaining the mount against different escape attempts. Techniques to counter these defenses and subsequently launch submission attacks are also explained. The video incorporates rolling footage, broken down in real-time by Gordon, to illustrate the concepts taught.

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Gordon Ryan on how women can beat men in BJJ #jiujitsu

1m · Gordon Ryan

In this YouTube video, the world-renowned No-Gi BJJ practitioner, Gordon Ryan, offers his advice on how women can compete against men in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Gordon emphasizes that the key is to focus on lower body submissions such as leg entanglements, as this prevents men from leveraging their upper body strength. He further explains that these techniques not only keep the opponent’s weight off but also limit their hand usage, thus allowing females to use both their arms and legs against the opponent's legs.

Position: Leg Entanglement Category: Submissions

BJJ Techniques: Arm Drag to Back Take by Gordon Ryan

5m · Gordon Ryan

Gordon Ryan, a renowned BJJ grappler, presents an instructional video on the technique of transitioning from a Closed Guard position to a Back Take using an Arm Drag. Highlighting the importance of gripping, he demonstrates multiple scenarios where an arm drag could be employed and elaborates the process of performing it. Ryan emphasizes the need for an excellent grip, precise movements, and maintaining offensive control from the very beginning to ensure success. He discusses the significance of putting weight on the partner's arm and turning the chest downwards to maintain control and thwart the opponent's attempts to regain posture.

Technique: Back Take Position: Closed Guard Category: Transitions

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Ultimate Back Attacks and Escapes Bundle by Gordon Ryan

$419.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video, "Ultimate Back Attacks and Escapes Bundle" by Gordon Ryan, teaches a complete system for mastering defense from aggressive back control, which is a dominant position in grappling. Gordon Ryan, a multi-time ADCC gold medalist and accomplished No-Gi grappler, provides insightful instruction. The content aids understanding the offensive and defensive approaches to the back position and helps viewers anticipate their opponents' strategies during grappling exchanges.

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Best Way To Control The Mount In Jiu Jitsu by Gordon Ryan

8m · Gordon Ryan

In this video, Gordon Ryan teaches a unique technique to maintain control in the top mount position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The method involves using a deliberate and systematic approach to isolating the opponent's limbs using cross grip techniques, as opposed to the common straight wrist grips. This isolates the weaker rotator cuff muscles of the opponent instead of their stronger chest muscles. Ryan also discusses creating a series of dilemmas for the opponent by manipulating their limbs. He suggests that this method of control is useful, especially in no-gi matches.

Technique: Grip Fighting / Hand Fighting Position: Mount Category: Positional Control

The Best No Gi Guard Passing System On The Planet by Gordon Ryan

12m · Gordon Ryan

The video is a 12-minute tutorial from BJJ instructor Gordon Ryan, teaching his Passing Guard System 2.0 in a No Gi context. He explains the importance of getting past the opponent's hip line, known as the "J-point", and camping there. He demonstrates a series of techniques like Toriyando passing, high-step passing, and preventing the opponent's guard recovery through effective head placement and maintaining pressure. He also outlines how to smoothly transition into other later positions, such as half guard, based on the opponent's reactions. The tutorial stresses the role of adaptability and energy conservation during guard passing.

Position: Open Guard Category: Guard Passing

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Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock by Gordon Ryan

$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this 8-part instructional video, Gordon Ryan presents an advanced system for attacking from the front headlock position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He demonstrates how to conduct elite attacks such as guillotines, anacondas, and d'arces, and counters to common defenses. He also underlines the key differences between wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu when it comes to executing front headlock techniques. Gordon shares top-tier finishing and control concepts, and provides strategies on defeating defensive reactions from opponents.

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ADRESSING a HIGH MOUNT by Gordon Ryan

24s · Gordon Ryan

In this video, Gordon Ryan explains and demonstrates strategies and movements to address and escape a high mount in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Focused on survival and defense, he emphasizes the inability to simply bridge or bring elbows down while the opponent extends your arms overhead. Instead, he suggests playing a waiting game for the opponent to switch to "juji", after which he instructs viewers through a sequence of steps involving raising legs and bringing knees inside to escape and regain control.

Position: Mount Category: Survival/Defense

One of my favorite details for the darce #bjj #jiujitsu #gordonryan #jonjones

1m · Gordon Ryan

Gordon Ryan, a well-known BJJ athlete, explains his preferred technique for applying the Darce choke. He emphasizes the importance of using one's ear to restrict the opponent's movement by pressing it onto their rear deltoid. This allows him to set his hands without having to rush, leading to a more secure choke. The effectiveness of the choke also relies on the proximity of the hand positioning to the opponent's shoulder blades.

Position: Darce Choke Category: Submissions

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Systematically Attacking The Kimura by Gordon Ryan

$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this video, ADCC champion Gordon Ryan provides a detailed teaching of his systematic approach to attacking the Kimura from various situations. He explains how Kimura can be used as a controlling position as well as a submission, and emphasizes the importance of techniques in real-time motion. The video includes training footage of Gordon executing the Kimura in a genuine rolling situation, followed by a thorough breakdown of what he does and why. The video aims to give viewers an understanding of the complete Kimura system as employed by one of the greatest No-Gi grapplers in the world.

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Gordon Ryan’s secret for white and blue belts in Jiu Jitsu #bjj #gordonryan #jiujitsu

46s · Gordon Ryan

In this video, renowned BJJ instructor Gordon Ryan imparts advice targeted at white and blue belt practitioners. He emphasizes on the importance of having clear short-term and long-term goals in order to make substantive progress in the sport. He stresses that actively thinking about the sport, even when off the mat, and having a vision of what they want to accomplish can drastically increase the rate of their progression. He also notes that time is the main factor in improving in jiu-jitsu, and faster progression can be achieved through consistent goal setting and focus.

Position: Other Category: Concepts/Strategy

How to Never Lose the Mount Position by Gordon Ryan

54s · Gordon Ryan

In this video, Gordon Ryan instructs on how to maintain control while in the mount position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He emphasizes the importance of having effective default grips to counter the opponent's attempts to dislodge or escape from the mount. Ryan demonstrates how to pin an opponent's hand to the mat when they bridge or push against the chest. He further explains how to isolate their arm when they attempt to escape or off-balance the mount position.

Position: Mount Category: Positional Control

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Systematically Attacking The Guillotine by Gordon Ryan

$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video is a comprehensive guide by Gordon Ryan, focusing on targeting the guillotine in a systematic way. He not only portrays the guillotine as an accessible and high-percentage submission in no-gi but shows how it can be used to sweep, submit, pass and pin. Apart from the techniques, he also explains his approach and thought process during a match. The tutorial spans 8 volumes and includes rolling commentary by Ryan himself.

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Teaching Style: Systems, Decision Trees, and Pressure First

Gordon’s teaching is best understood as systems-based. He builds positions into families—entries, controls, reactions, and finishes—so you always have the next answer. He often prioritizes high-percentage control points (inside position with the legs, head height, elbow-knee connection, inside ties) before chasing submissions. This turns each exchange into a problem where you hold the decisive levers.

Expect a heavy emphasis on sequencing. For example, if a pass stalls, he shifts to a mount or back exposure threat; if a leg entry draws a strong defense, he uses it to climb into upper-body attacks. His instruction frequently highlights how to keep shoulders pinned, hips controlled, and wedges in place so opponents can’t meaningfully turn, stand, or pummel to safety.

Mechanically, he stresses tight alignment, patient pressure, and safe grips over speed. You’ll find a lot of detail on strangle mechanics—how to win the chin line, connect your shoulders and elbows, and finish without relying on grip strength. Likewise, his leg lock material underscores bite mechanics, breaking pressure, hip-knee-ankle alignment, and transitions between inside and outside positions to keep initiative.

What He’s Known For: Core Systems to Put on Your Radar

Pressure passing and mount/back control: His passing blends body wedges, crossface control, and hip pinning to force predictable escapes. From there, he favors stable finishing positions—mount and the back—where strangles become inevitable if you deny defensive frames and head positioning.

Front headlock and strangle pathways: He consistently treats the front headlock as a control hub that cashes out into guillotines, darces, or back takes. The focus is on trapping the shoulders, protecting your own base, and winning the chin line before committing to the finish.

Leg entanglements with transitions: He views leg locks as both a finishing lane and a strategic lever to expose upper-body submissions. Rather than one-off shots, entries connect to inside and outside heel hook scenarios, with clear re-entries if opponents rotate or hide the heel.

System continuity: Perhaps the defining trait is how these parts connect—threaten legs to expose upper body, pass to mount to force back exposure, use the front headlock to convert scrambles into control. This continuity is what makes the approach feel inevitable once it starts to snowball.

What to Study First (A Practical Roadmap)

Start with pressure passing fundamentals. Many learners see immediate results by focusing on crossface and underhook mechanics, head positioning, and hip wedges that stall guard recovery. Learn to progress from half guard or headquarters-style positions into chest-to-chest pins, and build clear transitions from stalled passes to mount or back exposure. This creates safe, high-percentage routes without needing fast scrambles.

Add back control and strangle mechanics. Pair your passing with a simple back-attack flow: controlling the seatbelt, winning head height, keeping your choking arm protected, and climbing to a tight strangle without overextending. Prioritize understanding of shoulder alignment and elbow connection so your finishes remain stable even against frantic escapes.

Layer in front headlock control. Introduce snap-down entries, defensive responsibilities (protecting your base and neck), and the rules for maintaining the chin line. Train the sequence of controlling the head-and-arm, walking to angles, and finishing without giving up position. This hub skill catches opponents during their stand-ups and scrambles.

Finally, integrate leg entanglement basics. Focus on safe entries, controlling the knee line, and understanding when to use inside vs. outside positions. Even if you don’t specialize in leg locks, knowing the control principles helps you either finish responsibly or climb to dominant upper-body pins when opponents over-defend their legs.

Drill order suggestion for new students: 1) crossface/underhook pressure from half guard, 2) mount stabilization and back exposure from mount, 3) seatbelt maintenance and basic rear naked strangle mechanics, 4) front headlock entries and guillotine safety, 5) introductory inside heel hook positional control with clear exit rules. Keep sessions focused and short, then add resistance.

How to Get the Most Out of His Instruction

Take notes on the decision tree, not just individual moves. Write down the trigger that moves you from one step to the next (for example: opponent frames across your neck—switch to knee cut or cross-shoulder post).

Film a few rounds and track where the chain breaks. If your pass consistently stalls at the knee line, review how Gordon structures hip wedges and crossface pressure, then isolate that piece in drilling.

Train with clear win conditions. Decide before the round whether you’ll force mount and back exposure, or whether you’ll build from front headlock scrambles. Narrow focus improves transfer from study to rolling.

Respect safety in leg entanglements. Use controlled application, agree on finish signals, and emphasize angle and knee-line control instead of ripping through submissions.

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Start with the Gordon Ryan video library, organize your queue around pressure passing, back attacks, front headlock control, and leg entanglements, then branch out as you build confidence. Bookmark BJJ University for ongoing study and share it with teammates or friends who want more free BJJ learning resources tailored to real training needs.

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