Who is Mikey Musumeci and what is he known for?
Mikey Musumeci is widely recognized for exceptionally technical, detail‑oriented jiu‑jitsu built around structured guard systems and efficient finishing mechanics. He is often associated with refined open‑guard work, crisp transitions to the back, and a methodical approach to leg, arm, and strangle mechanics that emphasizes leverage over athleticism.
Students look up Mikey because his game scales well: his sequences are built from repeatable grips, clear decision trees, and timing cues that hold up against bigger, stronger opponents. He is also known for breaking positions into small, testable steps, which makes his material ideal for study and drilling. While he has competed in both gi and no‑gi formats, the through‑line is the same: high precision, structured problem‑solving, and an insistence on fundamentals executed with elite clarity.
Mikey Musumeci Videos on BJJ University (Top 20 Videos, Top 10 Courses)
The Berimbolo System Bundle by Mikey Musumeci
$647.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Mikey Musumeci provides a comprehensive guide on executing his top-selling berimbolo system. Over 10 hours of content, he uncovers the subtleties and secrets of high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, focusing particularly on the berimbolo transition. The system includes part 1: the foundation, leg drags, back takes, crab rides, submissions, and more. He emphasizes that anyone can learn this system; flexibility is not a prerequisite.
BJJ Foundations Bundle by Mikey Musumeci
$327.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional tutorial by Mikey Musumeci. It is part of his BJJ Foundations Bundle series, focusing particularly on the basic techniques and strategies required for mastering guard and passing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Musumeci teaches high-level fundamentals, making it easy for learners to understand and apply these concepts. This tutorial is aimed at helping practitioners build confidence and deepen their knowledge in BJJ.
Fundamentals of Guard Passing: Breaking Their Guard - Wall to Wall by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Mikey Musumeci, a world champion, introduces the essential foundations necessary for successful guard passing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His instruction focuses on the Wall to Wall technique for breaking opponents' guards. The video addresses both beginner and advanced practitioners by providing a step-by-step approach to understanding the core principles behind guard passing. This course aims to unleash your BJJ potential through mastering these fundamental guard passing strategies and techniques.
Slicin' Calves by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is instructional content featuring Mikey Musumeci teaching his calf slicer technique. He discusses how to transform any leg attack into a submission opportunity by transitioning into a calf slicer. Various leg attacks such as a heel hook, straight footlock, or kneebar are covered. Mikey's methodical approach and attention to detail allow students to gain a deep understanding of the technique, providing the tools to dominate from bottom to top position.
The Berimbolo System Part 1: The Foundation by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video on the Berimbolo system is delivered by Mikey Musumeci, a 3-time Black Belt World Champion. He provides an 8-volume mega-series and starts with the foundation, dispelling myths around the need for super flexibility. He explains moves, counters, and combos that are paramount to effectively executing a Berimbolo. Key positions like the double guard pull, the stack berimbolo, and the twister hook are thoroughly explained.
The Berimbolo System Part 2: Crab Ride & Leg Drags by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional on the Berimbolo system part 2 featuring BJJ World Champion, Mikey Musumeci. Mikey teaches the technique of Crab Ride and Leg Drags which form an integral part of his Berimbolo system. He emphasizes technique over speed or flexibility, demonstrating how to roll, invert, and move effectively. He also shows how to unite these techniques with attacks and counters into a cohesive system. His approach is intended to help practitioners secure the dominant position, regardless of the opponent's size or age.
The Berimbolo System Part 3: Wedges and Hooks by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In his video, black belt world champion Mikey Musumeci teaches the technique of utilizing wedges and hooks in the Berimbolo transition, a part of his instructional series. He emphasizes that anyone can use these Berimbolo strategies and techniques to take control from the back, without relying on speed or flexibility. The video explains techniques including crab rides, knee wedges, twister hooks, and leg drags for mastering Berimbolo. Musumeci brings a depth of understanding and success to this teaching, as the most successful American black belt competitor.
The Berimbolo System Part 4: Defending Gi Leg Locks and Counters by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, multiple-time world champion Mikey Musumeci teaches viewers how to defend against leg locks and set up counterattacks using his Berimbolo system. He explains how to stay safe from a variety of leg holds while seizing superior positions on your opponent. The techniques are presented in an accessible manner, suitable for practitioners irrespective of their age and flexibility. The lesson covers a wide range of defenses against different leg attacks including straight ankle locks, kneebars, and toe holds.
The Collar and Sleeve System Part 1: Outside Control On The Knees by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, multiple-time world champion Mikey Musumeci guides viewers through part one of his Collar and Sleeve Guard system. His teachings focus on managing outside control when the opponent is on their knees. He breaks down key methods for ergonomically breaking grips, executing sweeps, and performing submissions from his innovative guard position. He also highlights a detailed breakdown of the most technical scissor sweep in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
K Guard and Matrix System: Attacking The Legs From The Knees Part 1 by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video by BJJ World Champion, Mikey Musumeci, focuses on a system of attacks initiated from the K Guard. Mikey demonstrates how to create an open guard that is potent in both the lower and upper body attacks with systematic combinations. The matrix system is employed to offer creative ways to take the back position, using the right hooks, angles, and leverage. Musumeci integrates the matrix system with the baby bolo, twister hooks, and more in a step-by-step manner.
Teaching style: micro‑details that connect into systems
Mikey’s instruction tends to start with the end in mind. He defines the finishing condition—control points, wedge placements, and the direction of force—then works backward to the earlier phases of the position. This reverse‑engineering style helps students see what truly matters and why each grip or angle exists.
Expect heavy emphasis on micro‑adjustments: knee line containment, hip‑to‑hip alignment, elbow‑knee distance management, and grip sequencing that removes an opponent’s frames before advancing. He commonly uses simple rules and if/then branches so you can troubleshoot during live rounds rather than memorize isolated moves.
A hallmark of his teaching is clarity on tempo. He distinguishes when to be static and sticky versus when to accelerate through a window—especially around guard retention, back exposure, and submission entries. The result is a game that feels calm until it suddenly converts to control or a finish.
Mikey Musumeci Open Guard (4 Videos, 3 Courses)
The Collar and Sleeve System Part 1: Outside Control On The Knees by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, multiple-time world champion Mikey Musumeci guides viewers through part one of his Collar and Sleeve Guard system. His teachings focus on managing outside control when the opponent is on their knees. He breaks down key methods for ergonomically breaking grips, executing sweeps, and performing submissions from his innovative guard position. He also highlights a detailed breakdown of the most technical scissor sweep in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Collar Sleeve Inside Control System by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, Mikey Musumeci, a world champion grappler, teaches the Collar Sleeve Inside Control system. He explains how to set up inside collar sleeve, create movement, and initiate offensive techniques. Musumeci demonstrates how to read an opponent's posture to decide the best time for each attack, keeping one step ahead in the match. The video covers using omoplata, triangles, armbars, and more submissions from the inside collar sleeve control.
The Double Sleeve System by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video features Mikey Musumeci teaching his proficient Double Sleeve System. This method places emphasis on controlling opponents, launching attacks from a formidable double sleeve guard, and enabling a wide range of sweeps, backtakes, and submissions. It also includes an explanation of the “flat back” concept for improved opponent control. The video thoroughly covers chaining guards together to force opponents into a difficult defensive position, accompanied by unique tips and troubleshooting tactics on common reactions and defenses.
Core themes and systems students associate with Mikey
Structured open‑guard layers: From distance management to attachment, Mikey teaches how to stack frames, grips, and hooks so you never defend in isolation. His sequences illustrate how to convert a defensive guard into immediate off‑balancing and back exposure.
Back‑take pathways: Rather than hunting the back from desperation scrambles, Mikey favors controlled wedges that turn the opponent and trap their hip line first. Expect details on shoulder line control, seatbelt integrity, and how to keep knees and heels acting as steering wheels during transitions.
Submission efficiency: Musumeci’s finishing mechanics prioritize directionality, tight wedges, and two‑point force rather than brute strength. Whether attacking legs, arms, or the neck, he focuses on removing the opponent’s strongest defensive lever and finishing along the path of least resistance.
Retention and re‑guarding: His approach to guard recovery is systematic—identify the passing threat, re‑insert the near‑side frame first, hip‑escape to restore angle, and immediately re‑establish an attacking hook or grip. This sequence reduces the cycle of endless defensive movement.
Mikey Musumeci Transitions (3 Videos, 4 Courses)
The Berimbolo System Bundle by Mikey Musumeci
$647.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Mikey Musumeci provides a comprehensive guide on executing his top-selling berimbolo system. Over 10 hours of content, he uncovers the subtleties and secrets of high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, focusing particularly on the berimbolo transition. The system includes part 1: the foundation, leg drags, back takes, crab rides, submissions, and more. He emphasizes that anyone can learn this system; flexibility is not a prerequisite.
The Berimbolo System Part 1: The Foundation by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video on the Berimbolo system is delivered by Mikey Musumeci, a 3-time Black Belt World Champion. He provides an 8-volume mega-series and starts with the foundation, dispelling myths around the need for super flexibility. He explains moves, counters, and combos that are paramount to effectively executing a Berimbolo. Key positions like the double guard pull, the stack berimbolo, and the twister hook are thoroughly explained.
The Berimbolo System Part 2: Crab Ride & Leg Drags by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional on the Berimbolo system part 2 featuring BJJ World Champion, Mikey Musumeci. Mikey teaches the technique of Crab Ride and Leg Drags which form an integral part of his Berimbolo system. He emphasizes technique over speed or flexibility, demonstrating how to roll, invert, and move effectively. He also shows how to unite these techniques with attacks and counters into a cohesive system. His approach is intended to help practitioners secure the dominant position, regardless of the opponent's size or age.
The Berimbolo System Part 3: Wedges and Hooks by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In his video, black belt world champion Mikey Musumeci teaches the technique of utilizing wedges and hooks in the Berimbolo transition, a part of his instructional series. He emphasizes that anyone can use these Berimbolo strategies and techniques to take control from the back, without relying on speed or flexibility. The video explains techniques including crab rides, knee wedges, twister hooks, and leg drags for mastering Berimbolo. Musumeci brings a depth of understanding and success to this teaching, as the most successful American black belt competitor.
What to study first from Mikey Musumeci
Start with guard retention and connection. If you’re new to his material, learn how he layers frames and grips to stop passes before they start. Prioritize drills that build the habit of restoring inside position with your knees and shins while establishing a controlling grip or hook. This makes every other part of his game easier.
Next, add a clean back‑take sequence. Choose one pathway from an open‑guard off‑balance to the back and repeat it until it becomes automatic. Focus on turning the opponent’s hips, pinning their near hip with your shin or hook, and locking a seatbelt before hunting hooks or body triangle. Consistency here pays dividends across gi and no‑gi.
Then, pick one finishing system and go deep. Whether you prefer chokes or joint locks, study how he removes the primary defensive frame and aligns his wedges before applying force. Track your reps in rounds and only expand once your finish rate is trending upward.
How to train it this week:
- Technical session: 10 minutes of guard retention entries (near‑side frame insertion), 10 minutes of back‑take reps from a single off‑balance, 10 minutes of controlled finish reps focused on wedge placement.
- Positional sparring: Start in late‑stage guard retention, first to back exposure wins. Then start from back control and focus on maintaining seatbelt and head control before attempting the finish.
- Notes: After each round, write one sentence on which wedge or angle felt missing. Use that to cue the next rep.
Mikey Musumeci Guard Retention (6 Videos, 4 Courses)
The Collar and Sleeve System Part 1: Outside Control On The Knees by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, multiple-time world champion Mikey Musumeci guides viewers through part one of his Collar and Sleeve Guard system. His teachings focus on managing outside control when the opponent is on their knees. He breaks down key methods for ergonomically breaking grips, executing sweeps, and performing submissions from his innovative guard position. He also highlights a detailed breakdown of the most technical scissor sweep in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
K Guard and Matrix System: Attacking The Legs From The Knees Part 1 by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video by BJJ World Champion, Mikey Musumeci, focuses on a system of attacks initiated from the K Guard. Mikey demonstrates how to create an open guard that is potent in both the lower and upper body attacks with systematic combinations. The matrix system is employed to offer creative ways to take the back position, using the right hooks, angles, and leverage. Musumeci integrates the matrix system with the baby bolo, twister hooks, and more in a step-by-step manner.
The Knee Shield System Part 1: Attacking Far Side by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional video by Mikey Musumeci focusing on the Knee Shield position, particularly on launching attacks on the far side of an opponent. Mikey guides viewers on how to establish control, execute sweeps and transitions, and effectively use frames and hooks to prevent the opponent from passing the guard. He also introduces his unique Two Worlds approach, creating dilemmas for the opponent wherein any decision they make allows the viewer to counter. The video covers multiple variations and setups for the knee shield, emphasizing consistent attacks on the opponent's far side.
Foundations of Guard: Attacking by Mikey Musumeci
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video is an instructional masterclass by Mikey Musumeci on attacking from the guard position. This 6-part series breaks down key elements of the guard position and then introduces various high percentage sweeps (like the tomoe nage, double ankle sweep, tripod sweep) and submission techniques that work systematically with each other for a strong, unified game. Notably, these techniques helped Mikey achieve black belt world finals victories. Mikey also shares his understanding of the guard conceptually and provides his advice on the guard boxes, gripping, alignment, and more. Additionally, the series concludes with submissions including the triangle, omoplata, and armbar.
How Mikey’s approach fits different experience levels
Beginners benefit from his clear definitions of frames, grips, and angles. Because he emphasizes structure over athleticism, you can build a functional guard and a reliable back‑take pathway without a large playbook.
Intermediates can use his decision trees to patch common leaks—particularly allowing hip turns during passing defense or chasing submissions before control. Tightening these phases improves consistency in competition and training.
Advanced practitioners often study his micro‑details to raise finishing percentages and conserve energy. Small improvements in wedge placement or shoulder line control can produce outsized results at higher levels.
Mikey Musumeci Submissions (9 Videos)
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FAQs
Is Mikey Musumeci better to study for gi or no‑gi?
His concepts carry to both formats because they’re rooted in body alignment, wedges, and grip sequencing rather than rule‑set tricks. Start with guard retention and back‑take structure—they translate regardless of attire.
What makes his finishing mechanics different?
He prioritizes removing the defender’s strongest lever, aligning wedges, and applying force along specific directions. This reduces strength requirements and increases finish consistency.
How should I drill his material if I have limited time?
Choose one guard retention habit, one back‑take route, and one finish. Drill them daily for short, focused blocks, then run positional rounds that start in those exact phases.
Can beginners use Mikey’s systems effectively?
Yes. The stepwise structure and emphasis on frames and angles help beginners avoid chaos and build reliable sequences early.
How do I track progress with his systems?
Log attempts and conversions for your chosen back‑take and finish across rounds. If a step consistently fails, revisit the specific wedge or angle detail before adding new techniques.