Turtle Position BJJ – FREE Curated Videos, Escapes & Tips
The turtle position BJJ is a compact defensive shell that opens doors to back takes, turnovers, and front headlock attacks—plus gritty survival. Below, we’ve hand-picked free videos and breakdowns covering gi and no-gi: seatbelt control, crucifix entries, kimura traps, cow-catcher/clock choke chains, wrestle-ups, and smart turtle defense and re-guards. Compare teaching styles from coaches like John Danaher, Lachlan Giles, Priit Mihkelson, Gordon Ryan, and more, with clips that contrast systems for securing hooks, breaking the shell, or recovering guard. Quickly scan short clips, longer instructionals, and positional studies to pressure from top or stay safe underneath. Scroll, watch, and build a reliable turtle game that transitions cleanly between defense, attacks, and back exposure control. Read the full Turtle position guide.
Turtle Submissions (Top 20 Videos)
Strangles & Turtle Breakdowns: BJJ Fundamentals - Go Further Faster by John Danaher
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video, created by the renowned BJJ coach, John Danaher, is a deep-dive into the performance of effective gi strangles and turtle breakdown techniques. A 3x3 approach is adopted for gi strangles - sliding collar strangles, cross collar strangles, and Ezekiel strangles. The video also comprehensively covers the strategic breakdown of a turtle position to assume a dominant stance. Importantly, these teachings are aimed at helping practitioners across all skill levels advance their BJJ competency more swiftly.
The Gregorian Lapel Submissions System by Greg Hamilton
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional on the Gregorian Lapel Submission System by Greg Hamilton. The technique can be applied in various positions including turtle, top side control, north/south, mount, half and quarter guard, closed guard, and others. The Gregorian Lapel Submission System forces an opponent to turtle from numerous positions and once applied, does not allow for any escape. This system is novel and has brought about a revolution in the BJJ world.
The G-Lock by Gesias Cavalcante
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video teaches how to effectively perform the G-Lock submission, under the expert guidance of Gesias Cavalcante. The instructor demonstrates how this can be performed from a variety of positions including standing, off arm drags, and from the turtle position. Emphasizing on control and leverage, Cavalcante provides useful tips for executing this submission safely and easily. The video also includes advice on complementing the G-Lock with other submissions such as the triangle and various shoulder locks.
Bulldog Choke Mastery by Bjorn Friedrich
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, BJJ Black Belt, Bjorn Friedrich, teaches how to effectively apply the Bulldog Choke from the Turtle position. He shows various strategies to combine this submission with other techniques, both from top, turtle, and back positions, to create a complete system of attacking. Friedrich explains transitional formulas and submission blueprints to make it easier to integrate this technique into your existing game. He also includes some troubleshooting procedures and discusses other possible submissions from these positions.
Turtle Escapes (18 Videos)
Back Escapes For Everyone by Gregor Gracie
$149.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, Gregor Gracie teaches how to effectively escape from the turtle position. He covers various choke defenses, making you able to counter collar chokes, bow and arrow chokes, guillotines and more. His detailed escape plan is designed to make you immune to your opponent's back attack offense and virtually impossible to control or submit from this challenging position.
Unchokeable by Dinu Bucalet
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video, titled "Unchokeable" by Dinu Bucalet, focuses on defending against the most often used chokes in both gi and no-gi setting and offers solid escape tactics, counters, and reversals. The instruction emphasizes control from the turtle position, demonstrating how to avoid chokes while maneuvering back to your guard. The tutorial includes several methods to handle a guillotine choke stemming from various situations and positions. Besides, Bucalet also helps troubleshoot the common mistakes made when defending against chokes, providing preventative measures to shut down submissions.
Bulletproof Back Escapes: The Deep Turtle Position by Gabriel Almeida
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Gabriel Almeida, a gold medalist in numerous competitions, instructs viewers on escape tactics from the deep turtle position during a back attack. As a popular representative of Team Checkmats, he shares his refined technical details for preventing back attacks. His lessons also include shedding the opponent's controls and avoiding submissions. Gabriel's teachings are grounded in world-level details and strategies.
Turtle Positional Control (9 Videos)
Systematically Attacking the Turtle Position by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features instructor Gordon Ryan who thoroughly explains and demonstrates his approach to attacking the turtle position step-by-step, focusing on handfighting, setting traps, and sinking hooks for back control. The approach taught in the video is largely responsible for Ryan's successful back control and submissions, with notable success in the ADCC. The instructional video is part of an eight-volume series that showcases how Ryan strategically gets to his opponents' backs and sinks in fight ending strangles. His methodical and detailed technique is easy to understand, setting the course for other grapplers wanting to improve their turtle position attacking techniques.
The Turtle System by Henry Akins
$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, Henry Akins, a black belt instructor, provides a masterclass on the dynamic Turtle position in BJJ. The tutorial covers powerful attacks, smooth transitions, and efficient defenses, aiming to transform the viewer's understanding and usage of the turtle position within their game. Akins emphasizes the strategic value of the turtle, detailing techniques to transition into dominant positions, execute potent back takes and submissions. The goal is to enhance one's overall BJJ skills via effective application of the Turtle position.
Gracie Fundamentals: Turtle Mastery by Rayron Gracie
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Instructor Rayron Gracie, renowned for his solid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) fundamentals, presents his unique approach to mastering the Turtle position. Coming from the revered Gracie lineage which emphasizes simplicity in technique and strong fundamentals, Rayron shares his knowledge on the classic approach to BJJ. Students will dive into the reasons why many enthusiasts are keen to learn from Rayron, as he represents the next generation of the Gracie family's innovative approaches to training.
The Roger Gracie Turtle Attack System by Roger Gracie
$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Roger Gracie, a 10-time BJJ World Champion, presents his Turtle Attack System. The tutorial aims to enhance learners' BJJ proficiency by teaching effective attack strategies, improving positional control, and shutting down possible escapes from the Turtle position. Emphasizing a technique-focused approach, Gracie demonstrates systematic methods for taking the back and securing hooks, thus opening up guarded opponents. This series of techniques is intended to make the viewer's ground game progressively dangerous.
Turtle Transitions (15 Videos)
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.
Tactical Turtle by Neil Melanson
$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video is an instructional video by Neil Melanson, renowned grappling coach experienced in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, catch wrestling, MMA ground game, and other grappling disciplines. The focus is on the "Tactical Turtle" technique, which transforms a defensive turtle position into an offensive one. Melanson instructs viewers on how to effectively use the turtle position for safety while also teaching transitions into dominant positions, which include wrestling reversals such as ankle picks, single legs, rolls, and peek outs. Submissions, including Neil's devastating double wrist lock kimura series, are also part of the instruction.
Hybrid Grappling Explained by Jesse Marez
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, Jesse Marez explains the concept of Hybrid Grappling. He teaches techniques to land successful takedowns rather than simply playing the guard, versatile back attack options beyond the traditional rear-naked choke, and ways to transition seamlessly from takedowns into submissions. Additionally, Marez also offers insights on executing leg locks from positions that are typically not utilized for this purpose, such as from the turtle position and from within the opponent's guard.
Attacking The Turtle Guard With Wrestlers For BJJ by Casey Lamb
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In the video, Casey Lamb breaks down several techniques to break and attack the turtle guard using wrestling moves adapted for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Lamb discusses various moves such as Gable to Kimura variations, cradle transitions, and half-nelson techniques. Additionally, he goes through some common defensive strategies used by the opponent and demonstrates how to counter them. Finally, he explores the cross saddle position, along with several submissions, including the wrist lock, omoplata, gogoplata, and armbar.
Flying Cartwheel by Estevan Martinez
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
Estevan Martinez, a black belt competitor, teaches viewers how to utilize the cartwheel in BJJ, offering plenty of applications to integrate it into their grappling game. Martinez delves into the basics of cartwheels, front flips, and backflips and highlights how they can be turned into useful skillsets on the mat. The video includes advice on flying over body lock passes, exploiting the turtle position and more. He states that an understanding of these movements can assist in improving guard passing and leg dragging.
Complete Guide To Sankaku by Kelita Zupancic
$47.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional guide by Kelita Zupancic over two parts, teaching viewers how to effectively set up and enter into the Sankaku position from the turtle position for submissions. She demonstrates how to force the opponent into a turtle position and methodically attack it with clever setups and transitions without providing any escape options. The video also incorporates transitioning directly from standing techniques into Sankaku. Kelita aims to provide an approach suitable for athletes of all levels.
Turtle Survival/Defense (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.
Turtle Guard Passing (3 Videos)
Turtle Sweeps (2 Videos)
Turtle Other (2 Videos)
Protecting & Generating Dynamic Offense From The Turtle by Priit Mihkelson
$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Priit Mihkelson shares his system for retaining guard and generating offense from the turtle guard position. He suggests that lack of flexibility, athleticism, youth, or explosiveness is not a hindrance in effectively using this technique. By taking a no-nonsense approach and using the moves he teaches daily, practitioners can feel comfortable playing turtle guard even against younger, faster, and more explosive opponents.