When it comes to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, there are a plethora of instructional videos that are available to buy and watch. The catch? Some of these videos can be incredibly expensive and costly to purchase. So, what about those who are on a budget?
Here, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best, free BJJ instructionals. From gi to no gi, fundamentals to advanced, everything is here. There is no catch, and they’re all available for free on Youtube. From Firas Zahabi to Rener Gracie, there is something for everyone. With this said, you should never feel left out again and can take your learning to the next level…without spending a single cent either.
Table of Contents
No gi Back Attacks 2.0 by Tom Halpin
Tom Halpin has a previous back attacks instructional on Youtube which is good, but the filming quality is inferior with less intricate details too. Too often, gi players can struggle out of the gi which is where this video comes in handy. Here, he goes over grip fighting, trapping arms and various other important techniques.
The series also has a section on front headlocks when people get out of back control. Here, he also shows submissions which are useful to know.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for beginners by Rener Gracie
When it comes to the fundamentals, this is something that Rener Gracie is big on and takes very seriously. This particular instructional course goes through 6 basic moves in great detail and the video is over 2 hours in length. Here, Rener teaches an array of self defense techniques such as mount escapes and also key movements such as shrimping.
As ever with Rener, there is an emphasis on self defense which is to be expected. If you’re a beginner watching this, there’s a lot to learn and it’s well presented. Another bonus of this is the filming quality. Due to Rener’s experience in filming, it looks highly professional.
BJJ Old Man Style by Rick and Roy Dean
As the title suggests, this instructional is intended for older practitioners. Although you may want to cartwheel pass and explode forever, sadly this just isn’t the case and as you age you will slow down. Rick is over 60 and understands this, so his instructional is aimed at older BJJ practitioners.
At 1 hour and 45 minutes, it’s comprehensive and goes over a lot of ground. This includes a lot on guard passing, closed guard attacks, self defense and takedowns. At the end of the video, Roy Dean also goes through a number of his favorite moves. Even if you aren’t old and just enjoy slower moves, then this is suitable for you.
BJJ Takedown Class by Travis Stevens
Travis Stevens is a takedown expert who is an Olympic medalist in Judo, so it’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about taking down opponents. There will be no guard pulling here! He is also a John Danaher black belt and is very comfortable on the ground.
At one hour in length, Stevens goes through the most effective takedowns for BJJ in the gi. Here, he guides you through the correct grips, stances, and footwork. If you want to improve your takedowns, then there’s no better man to start from.
The Ultimate Guide to BJJ Weak Side Back Attacks by Rob Biernacki
Rob Biernacki is well versed in teaching BJJ video instructionals, so it’s nice to see something free that he and Stephan Kesting put together. Here, he shows how to attack and submit opponents whilst on the weak side of their back. Often in BJJ, people are taught a lot about back attacks. However, very little is taught about finishing from the back when your opponent defends correctly and shuts down your main attacks.
Here, Biernacki looks at arm locks, triangle chokes and transitions into the crucifix. For back retention alone, this video is well worth a watch. Coming in at over one hour in length, there’s a lot here and some great, small details to help improve your back mount.
Turtle Defense seminar by Priit Mihkelson
Priit Mihkelson has a solid reputation when it comes to playing the Turtle position and this is a recorded video of him teaching it at a BJJ Globetrotters camp. Here, he shows his Turtle philosophies in both the gi and in no gi. If you’re tired of getting constantly submitted in Turtle or passed, then this seminar is well worth a watch.
It’s nearly 1 hour 30 minutes too, so there’s a lot to digest. Priit is very articulate about his BJJ thoughts too, so his ideas may spark more creativity within your thoughts. He’s also very unconventional too so offers something a little different.
Mastering the Guillotine with Karel Silver Fox Pravec and Coach Zahabi
When it comes to teaching, these two are held in high esteem. Here, they go through entries, control and finishing the Guillotine choke. Although this choke is often popular with newcomers, it is also highly technical and can be difficult to learn. There are also lots of variations that the pair go through in great detail.
Pravec also has a lot of gems on his own Youtube channel, whereas Zahabi’s also has lots of BJJ, but is also MMA focused. As you may have imagined with Zahabi on board, this is exclusively a no gi instructional.
