Are BJJ Instructionals Worth It? A Deep Dive Into Their Real Value

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has exploded in popularity in recent years, and with it, the number of online instructionals has skyrocketed. Whether you’re a white belt trying to grasp the basics or a seasoned purple belt chasing mastery, chances are you’ve come across BJJ instructionals promising to revolutionize your game. But are BJJ instructionals really worth it?

Let’s break it down and see whether investing in these digital products is a game-changer or just another drain on your wallet.

The Rise of BJJ Instructionals

In the past, learning BJJ was limited to attending physical classes and soaking up as much knowledge as your coach could provide. Fast forward to today, and we have an entire digital universe of grappling content: YouTube tutorials, detailed instructionals, and full-blown subscription platforms like BJJ Fanatics.

The accessibility of instructionals means you can learn from world champions and legendary coaches—right from your living room. Sounds incredible, right? Well, it can be, but only if you know how to use them effectively.

Learn about Are BJJ Dummies Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide

The Pros of BJJ Instructionals

1. Learn From the Best

Most instructionals feature high-level competitors and coaches—think John Danaher, Gordon Ryan, Lachlan Giles, and Craig Jones. These are the same minds behind tournament-winning techniques. Imagine having Gordon Ryan teach you leg locks for a fraction of what a seminar would cost.

2. Repeatable Learning

Unlike a class where the technique is shown once or twice, instructionals allow unlimited replays. You can pause, rewind, slow things down, or even loop specific parts. That’s a massive advantage when trying to understand complex movements.

3. Structured Content

Well-made instructionals often present techniques in a logical, progressive format. This structure is especially useful for solo learners or hobbyists who want to focus on specific positions, submissions, or game plans.

4. Learn at Your Own Pace

Life gets busy. Maybe you can’t hit the mats as often as you’d like. Instructionals give you the freedom to learn anytime, anywhere. That flexibility can keep your brain sharp and help you retain knowledge between training sessions.

The Cons of BJJ Instructionals

1. Information Overload

One of the biggest pitfalls? Too much content, too fast. A two-hour instructional might contain more information than you can realistically apply in a month. Without a clear game plan or focus, you’re likely to get overwhelmed and retain very little.

2. Lack of Feedback

An instructional can’t correct your posture or timing. You may think you’re nailing a move, but without real-time feedback from a coach or training partner, small mistakes can go unnoticed—and those details matter in BJJ.

3. Passive Learning

Watching an instructional doesn’t equate to real improvement unless you actively drill and apply what you’ve learned. It’s easy to become a “technique collector” who knows a ton of moves but can’t execute them effectively in live rolls.

4. Cost Factor

Some BJJ instructionals are pricey—$100 or more for a single series. While that may still be cheaper than private lessons, it can add up quickly, especially if you buy multiple series and don’t use them efficiently.

Who Benefits the Most From BJJ Instructionals?

1. Intermediate to Advanced Practitioners

While white belts can definitely benefit from high-quality fundamentals-based instructionals, the true value is often unlocked by blue belts and above. That’s because more experienced grapplers already understand the basics and can identify which techniques fit into their personal style.

2. Competitors

If you’re actively competing, instructionals can help you study your opponents’ favorite positions, refine your strategy, and keep up with the latest meta-game. Many competitors treat instructionals like homework before big tournaments.

3. Visual Learners

Some people absorb information best by watching and mimicking. If you’re a visual learner, instructionals can drastically boost your understanding of body mechanics and movement patterns.

How to Get the Most Out of BJJ Instructionals

To truly make instructionals worth it, you need a focused approach. Here’s how:

• Pick a Theme: Don’t jump between unrelated series. Pick one area—say, half guard or passing—and dive deep.
• Take Notes: Treat it like a college class. Write down key concepts, steps, and transitions.
• Drill the Techniques: Learning happens on the mat, not just on screen. Drill what you learn until it becomes second nature.
• Apply in Sparring: Try the techniques during live rolls. Start with positional sparring to test concepts in a controlled setting.
• Review & Repeat: Go back to refresh your memory and refine the details you might have missed.

Are Free Resources a Better Option?

There’s a ton of free BJJ content on YouTube and social media. While some of it is fantastic, much of it lacks structure and depth. Instructionals generally offer more cohesive, detailed systems and explanations. Still, for those on a budget, curating a playlist of reliable, free content is a solid option—just be ready to do more digging and organizing on your own.

The Verdict: Are BJJ Instructionals Worth It?

Yes—if you use them right.
BJJ instructionals are a powerful supplement to your training, especially when chosen and used with intention. They’re not a replacement for mat time, but they’re a great tool for sharpening your game, understanding new systems, and accessing world-class coaching at your convenience.

Just remember: don’t binge-watch and expect miracles. Use them like a study guide, drill like a madman, and test your skills in real situations.

FAQs

1. Can beginners benefit from BJJ instructionals?
Yes, especially if the instructional focuses on fundamentals. Look for beginner-friendly content and avoid overly advanced systems until you have a solid base.

2. What’s the best BJJ instructional for starting out?
Instructionals by Saulo Ribeiro, John Danaher’s “Go Further Faster” series, or Lachlan Giles’ beginner series are excellent choices for new grapplers.

3. How many techniques should I learn from one instructional?
Start with 2-3 techniques, drill them, and try them live before moving on. Quality over quantity wins in BJJ.

4. Are BJJ instructionals better than attending seminars?
They’re different. Seminars offer live feedback and interaction, while instructionals provide deeper study and repetition. Ideally, use both.

5. Can you learn BJJ only from instructionals without going to class?
Not really. You need live training partners and feedback to truly progress. Instructionals are best used as a supplement to in-person training.

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