In the Blue Belt Stripe 4 course, we will continue to build on what you learned in the Blue Belt Stripe 1, Blue Belt Stripe 2 and Blue Belt Stripe 3 courses. Broken down into seven positional chapters, this course will teach you the next layer of highly-effective street applicable strategies as well as the essential counters to previously learned techniques. To explore the lessons of the Blue Belt Stripe 4 course, simply scroll down on this page. All the published Master Cycle lessons can be accessed instantly for as low as $35/month with one of our convenient subscription plans, or you can purchase any individual lessons for a one-time premium fee of $18 or as a full chapter (price varies depending on the number of lessons). To explore the content of each lesson, scroll down on this page, and to learn more about our most popular subscription programs, as well as watch sample videos from each.
In this intro class to Blue Belt Stripe 4, Ryron and Rener discuss Recycling. Everything you need to know to start into BBS4. Once you watch the intro, it’s time to get ready for Lesson 1 – Back Door Control!
Against an unsuspecting opponent, the Back Door Escape is almost 100% effective. In this lesson, we will teach you how to position your hands and body to counter the escape. Then, we will teach you what to do if your opponent thrusts your body north and wedges both hands in your armpits.Â
The Heel Drag is one of the sneakiest and difficult mount escapes to prevent. Once used to establish the quarter guard, it is extremely difficult to free your foot and regain the mount. In this lesson, we will teach ways to delay the escape and create attack opportunities. First, weâll discuss how to free your fo…
Against a seasoned grappler, the elbow escape and trap and roll can be extremely difficult. Now that youâve learned how to counter the basic heel drag, we will teach you how to use advanced versions to slip out from beneath high level attackers. First, weâll discuss how to use a âforced heel drag&rdqu…
Half of escaping the mount is selecting the right technique; the other half is creating escape opportunities by forcing the top person to adjust their position. In this lesson, we will teach you how to neutralize your opponentâs body pressure. We will analyze upper and lower body pressure prevention, and then we …
Youâve already learned how to defend the basic cross chokes from the mount, and now itâs time to counter the gi choke extras. Unlike the cross chokes in which one system of defense neutralizes almost all of the variations, each of these extra chokes requires a unique defensive strategy based on the mechanic…
Grandmaster Helio always said, âDonât defend against the submission, defend against the preparation for the submission.â Regardless of your position, the deeper the submission, the harder it is to escape. Inevitably, we land in dire situations requiring an emergency escape. In this lesson, we will dis…
The gi is a weapon that can be used for or against you. In this lesson, weâll teach you even more uses for the gi youâve been wearing for years. The lapel choke series adds yet another attack system to your growing arsenal and substantially increases the likelihood of submitting your opponent.
You can apply the triangle choke from virtually every position in the fight. In this lesson, we discuss the triangle from the mount position. Although flashy, itâs one of the most effective submissions from the mount because it unexpectedly brings your legs into the attack. Â Ryron and Rener will share the de…
The Back Door Escape is one of the most effective side mount escapes, especially without the gi. In this lesson, we will discuss the most important details to counter this powerful escape. We begin with essential shoulder control details, and then show how to use âsplit controlâ of the opponentâs legs…
Many of our side mount attack systems, rely on the isolation of arms and the acquisition of underhooks. In this lesson, we will delve into the science of isolating your opponentâs arms using maximum leverage from any side mount position. We will begin with the powerful concept of the Forearm Pry, and then we will…
Side mount is one of the most difficult positions from which to escape, especially against a larger opponent. Exploiting windows of opportunity often requires a quick, specific responses. The cross chest position is uniquely challenging because your opponentâs low hip positioning hinders shrimp escapes. In this l…
The neck hug, or cross-face, is one of the most difficult side mount grips from which to escape. In this lesson, we will teach you the Top Shoulder Roll, an incredibly effective escape you can apply when the opponent has control of your head. We will teach you a gi and a no-gi variation as well as what to do when both …
When you first learn the Guillotine, you force your opponent to protect their neck. When you master the Guillotine, you force your opponent to change how they grapple against you. In this lesson, we will go deep down the Arm-in Guillotine tunnel, exploring the most effective setups and transitions, so you will be able …
Until now, most of our side mount submission systems were based on control. The Quick Step Armlocks introduce the element of speed to your arsenal vastly expanding the range of your attacks and your ability to confuse your opponents. We will begin with the North Step that Ryron catches on virtually every training partn…
The Crucifix position, or Split Control, is one of the most dangerous and demoralizing positions one can get trapped in. In the street, the implications are life threatening. In a grappling match, youâre just a few steps from being submitted. In this lesson, we begin with the preemptive defenses involving underho…
When it comes to submission counters, preemptive defenses are always better than emergency escapes. One defensive system that Ryron uses with incredible success is called the Safe Hug. Unlike the Safe Hands, which require you to quickly adapt based on your partnerâs arm movement, the Safe Hug allows you to neutra…
The best way to counter a submission is to prevent the set up. In this lesson, we will discuss the critical positioning concepts for neutralizing the Quick Step Armlock setups, and then weâll discuss what to do if your defense is too late and youâre caught in the submission. Weâll start with the North…
Against multiple attackers, quickly getting to your feet is of the utmost importance. Our solution is the Guard Get-up, an amazing technique that originated in the Gracie Survival Tactics (GST) course  and Women Empowered program. Weâll show you the standard technique and some advanced variations for use fro…
Your opponentâs guard is only as good as their ability to use their legs. If you neutralize their legs, you will drastically reduce their sweep and submission options. The Smash Pass enables you to bind your opponentâs legs. Patience is the key to success since your opponent will do everything to free their…
The De La Riva (DLR) guard is an effective sport guard for all shapes and sizes. Itâs time to learn how to shut it down. Using concepts from previous guard passing lessons, we will teach you how to pass by killing the connections and immobilizing your opponentâs legs. The key to success is to perfect the in…
We generally divide guard passes into two groups â speed passes and control passes. If you canât quickly pass, then you must slow down and focus on neutralizing one defensive layer at a time. In this lesson, we teach you how to trap your opponentâs foot in the three-quarter guard, and then how to &ldq…
When a determined opponent shuts down your pass, use pressure to force a response and create opportunities. In this lesson, we will teach you how to use gravity to stimulate a response, then show you a pass customized for each of the most likely situations. This passing system works equally well with or without the gi,…
Familiarity with the Overhook Series from the guard is your most important line of defense. There are several counters once  your opponent lassos your arm and starts to attack. We begin with a very reliable way to free your arm from their overhook, and show a wrist lock you can use to turn the tables when the arm …
Whether defending against strikes or submissions, whoever manages the distance manages the damage. The Arm Crush armlock is a quick, sneaky, submission that relies on the legs to keep perfect distance while the arms attack the opponentâs elbow. Therefore, your top priority when countering this submission, is to p…
Ryron catches EVERYONE with the Loop Choke. This sneaky open guard choke lands when you least expect it, and once itâs locked in there is no escape. First, we will drill some control concepts from the sitting guard position, and then weâll dig deeply into the choke details for both kneeling and standing opp…
The Guillotine is one of the most dynamic submissions in jiu-jitsu, since you can apply it from virtually every position. In this lesson, we take your Guillotine Mastery skills to the next level with four new methods of wrapping the neck, or âtying the rope,â from the bottom of the guard and half guard. We …
A sweep can dramatically shift the momentum of a match. While most sweeps require elaborate grips and momentum, the Ankle Pick Sweeps rely entirely on simple balance manipulation and the element of surprise. We will begin with the most popular variation from the kneeling open guard, in which you only control one of you…
The Shin Sweep is one of the all-time classic closed guard sweeps. When used in combination with the Double Ankle Sweep, it creates a powerful combination that can off balance almost anyone. First, we will introduce you to the standard variation, and then weâll teach you how to combine it with a failed Double Ank…
The Sit-up Guard is the sportiest of the sport guards. When you sit up in the open guard, you canât control your opponentâs hips with your feet and are vulnerable to punches in the face. Even so, this open guard system enables extremely effective sweeps because it positions you directly beneath your opponen…
To add to our balance manipulation mastery skills from the bottom of the half guard, we introduce the Waiter Sweep. This sweep works in perfect combination with the deep half guard sweeps you already know and will surprise even the most advanced training partners. First we will teach you how to get into the standard va…
There is nothing more demoralizing than being trapped beneath a training partner with solid head control. This is what makes the sitting pass from the half guard so difficult to counter. In this lesson we will teach you three super effective counters that will prevent the pass and, in many cases, turn the tables and gi…
Passing the half guard can be a nightmare against a savvy training partner. In this lesson we will teach you two Sneaky Passes that violate the traditional ârulesâ of half guard passing, and as such can be used to confuse even the most experienced training partners. We will begin with the Low Hip Hug that c…
The Guillotine can be applied from virtually anywhere, and the half guard is no exception. When you are on top half and your opponent establishes a deep underhook, they are giving you the perfect opportunity for an âinvitation Guillotine,â as well as several critical connections from there. Weâll begi…
Back attack mastery begins with the process of getting to your opponentâs back. The challenge is that your training partners become familiar with your basic back mount acquisition methods, they will do everything in their power to avoid them. In this lesson we will add several sneaky back takes to your arsenal so…
The most powerful systems of attack involve some degree of limb isolation with the goal of reducing your opponentâs defensive options. The Crucifix is a very powerful control position that can be utilized from the back mount in order to strip your opponentâs limbs away from their body while creating a multi…
Transitions from one position to another provide excellent opportunities to surprise your opponent. When you find yourself having difficulty controlling or submitting your opponent from the back mount, one viable option is to loosen up the control to give your opponent the illusion that they can escape unharmed, but th…
The turtle position is one of the most dangerous positions from a self-defense perspective due to the fact youâre your head and neck are fully exposed to strikes. In a grappling encounter, however, we sometimes find ourselves stuck in the bottom of the turtle position for a short period of time while attempting t…
As with any submission, the goal is to defend against the setup rather than waiting until the hold is fully locked in. Sometimes, however, we make a wrong turn and we find ourselves trapped in a fully-locked submission and that is where the Emergency Escapes will serve you. In this lesson weâll discuss last lines…
Novice leg lockers focus on controlling the leg that they want to submit. Expert leg lockers focus on controlling the âfreedom leg.â In this lesson, we will teach you a very advanced, nearly inescapable, foot lock set-up. We begin with the basics of the Leg Knot, and then discuss advanced entry methods for …
Understanding the Leg Knot is the first and most important step in defending against it. Now that you know the basics, letâs dismantle this leg lock system one components at a time, starting with crossover prevention.
Named after Victor Estima, this foot lock is very hard to counter, even when you know it exists. Although the Estima Lock doesnât look like a conventional toe hold, the break angle is the same, which is precisely why itâs so dangerous. The Estima Lock is commonly applied from within the opponentâs ope…
Unless âownâ the Estima Lock, you probably wonât survive when it is applied on you. In this lesson we discuss two Estima counter concepts: pre-emptive hand-fighting, and an emergency roll for when youâre too late to the hands.
Like foot locks, the best way to catch knee locks is from surprise set ups. In this lesson, we will flip the script and teach you three knee lock setups from the bottom of the fight to surprise even the most advanced partner. We will begin from half guard bottom, and then weâll discuss some advanced setups from …
When defending against inverted knee locks, itâs most important know when to resist and when to yield. Attempting to keep the position when your opponent has the advantageous angle is the most certain way to get submitted. In this lesson, we discuss the essential survival details for each variation as well as the…
The 411 position reigns supreme among advanced leg lock systems. Proven effective at the highest level of competition, this system enables the inverted heel hook without the risk associated with the 50/50 entanglement position. To ensure that you fully understand the power of the 411 system, weâve stacked this le…
If youâre trapped in the 411 position, the end is near. If tapping is not an option, there are a few things you can try. But, even when mastered, these are low percentage escapes.
Although typically not as reliable as chokes or joint locks, strikes can be effective when applied with power, speed, and precision. In this lesson, we will teach you four of Helio Gracieâs favorite strikes to quickly distract or neutralize an opponent. Use them when you find yourself facing multiple attackers an…
The more aggressively someone attacks you, the easier it is to establish the clinch and gain control. If someone crowds but does not physically assault you, it presents a difficult situation. In this lesson, we will teach you to verbally de-escalate a hostile encounter. Then, weâll show you how to protect yoursel…
Whether someone attempts to pull you off the edge of a cliff by grabbing your wrist, or you are in the middle of a grappling match and your partner gains solid wrist control, you MUST know how to use leverage to quickly and easily neutralize any wrist-grab. In this lesson, we will teach you the essential wrist re…
Many police officers struggle to handcuff aggressive suspects. In this lesson, we will teach you several arrest and control techniques from the Gracie Survival Tactics (GST) course for law enforcement professionals so that you can help a police officer arrest a violent person or control a suspect until authorities arri…
People who know how to fight are the least likely to get into fights. However, they are also the most likely to intervene when they witness abuse or bullying regardless of whether or not they know the victim. In this lesson, we will teach you several ways to neutralize an aggressive person in a standing altercation or …
If the aggressor has a knife, run away if possible. If you canât run away, we have three Dynamic Knife Defenses for use when surprised by a knife when standing or on the ground. These are the most important knife defenses youâll ever learn.Â
You have already learned a rear stickup defense against an opponent with an extended arm. Now, weâll address what to do if the opponent has the gun tucked to their body and is forcing you to move with them. As always, manage the distance, manage the damage! Â
Now that you have learned the core gun defenses from virtually every standing position and angle, we want to discuss some critical connections when the opponent resists your initial control by pulling away or switching hands on the weapon. The Outside Trip will enable you to get your opponent to the ground, immobilize …
Dealing with an active shooter is like dealing with a striking opponent, you want to be all the way out or all the way in. First, try to evade and escape. If you canât escape and choose to close the distance, weâll cover considerations for controlling an opponent with a handgun and a long gun or assault rif…
The classic rear takedown from the rear clinch will work perfectly against 99% of all opponents. For the 1% of skilled grapplers, you may need something more dynamic. In this lesson, we will teach you a sequence of techniques to off-balance your opponent from every angle, so that you can get the takedown regardless of …
Against much heavier opponents, the front headlock is a great option because it enables you to avoid shooting for a leg and risking getting caught under their sprawl. The key to success is to surprise your opponent by abruptly pulling them off balance using the âsnap down.â From the front headlock, there ar…
In this lesson, we add four more throwing techniques to your takedown arsenal. Take your time, learn them individually, and once you are confident in each throw, combine them with all previously learned techniques!Â
When defending against takedowns, you must know when to fight and when to yield. If you recognize the takedown early, you can sprawl or use underhooks to stuff it. If youâre late, however, there is still hope if you control your opponentâs momentum and use it to achieve the top position. In this lesson, we …
The Guillotine is one of the most dynamic submissions in jiu-jitsu and is especially useful when your opponent exposes their neck during a takedown attempt. In the final lesson of the Blue Belt curriculum, we will teach you how to turn any double leg or single leg takedown into the perfect Guillotine Choke, or if it fa…
Ryron and Rener introduce you to the BBS4 Test Drills.
In this drill, you will demonstrate Mount & Side Mount Techniques.
In this drill, you will demonstrate Guard & Half Guard Techniques.
In this drill, you will demonstrate Back Mount, Leg Locks & Standing Techniques.
In this drill, you and your partner will wear gi uniforms. You will begin sparring from the bottom of the mount. Spar non-stop, with resistance, for five minutes. After each submission, regardless of who applies/receives it, restart from a different inferior position â mount bottom, side mount bottom, or defensiv…
In this drill, you and your partner will spar without gis. You will begin mounted on top of your partner. Spar non-stop, with resistance, for five minutes. After each submission, regardless of who applies/receives it, restart from a different superior position â mount top, side mount top, or offensive back mount….
In this drill, you and your partner will spar without gis, but will wear mouth guards. Unlike Fight Simulation Sparring, where only one person wears large gloves, in Street Sparring, both you and your partner will wear small sparring gloves. There is no “bad guy/good guy” role during this sparring session, you will sta…
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