"I just finished watching [Jen's] new UG3 videos. Let me say that I have every single tape by every teacher out there and this is the best video set on a specific element of the guard that has ever been produced. I have been trying to mimic the butterfly guard used by Royler [Gracie] and JJ Machado for some time now but its difficult to understand this concept just by watching Abu Dhabi tapes. This is where [Jen's] new tape becomes invaluable.
This tape is good for both beginners and advanced players in that the movements shown are really easy and basic that a beginner can do the moves but also an advanced player can see even more options that can be made available by being pointed in the right direction.
[Jen] explains in great detail the position each part of your body should be in and why. He goes on to show many sweeps from each position. If your opponent changes his position [Jen] explains what to do. If your opponent tries to pass a certain way [Jen] explains how to counter. If this doesn't work,do this-you get the idea.
Each position presented flows into a situation that gives you multiple options. As far as being applicable for gi or no gi, I would say you could use more than the 60-70% for both that [Jen] originally stated. If you have watched Royler or JJ or Renzo [Gracie] use this guard in NHB, you could easily modify these techniques taught by [Jen] for NHB.
The best thing [Jen] points out in this video is to always remember not to force this butterfly guard if its not there. Meaning if you don't have it, switch to another form of open guard or half guard. This is the stuff that most BJJ Black Belts conveniently keep to themselves. Also, there is no overlap with Sperry's submission grappling set which does touch on the butterfly guard briefly.
By the way, I have never posted any review before but [Jen] deserves this for breaking new ground on BJJ Guard videos and giving us what we have been waiting for."
-Scratch
"I liked the tapes. I have had some pretty extensive and quality training on the butterfly guard and I was interested to see another take on this position. I was afraid that there would be some horrible overlap with what I already knew but this was not the case. Most of these options were different than what I had seen before. I will be attempting them during training to see how they work for me and how they fit into my existing game. If you do not already have a solid closed and open guard game and are not comfortable with the standard sweeps and submissions these tapes should probably wait. I would say that this tape is good for a blue or purple belt who is beginning to work this position or wants a different perspective. I would also recommend it for those people who do not have constant access to an instructor because these tapes lay a solid groundwork position-wise. I will be ordering the half-guard tapes and look forward to learning some new options to add to my game in this position."
- Braeson
"These tapes are a must have. The best thing about [Jen]'s tapes are they build a strong base for a certain position. This way you don't get just a few moves, you really understand the concept behind a position. This gives you the needed tools to create for yourself. You cant build a strong building without a good base. I have all of [Jen]'s tapes as well as many others. When I need to go back and learn a move, I always use [Jen]'s tapes. Once again, we have a great tape set to watch. Good job."
- Python
"I just finished watching my butterfly guard tapes, and they are fantastic. I like how [Jen] starts with a technique and then covers responses to various kinds of *resistances*. Many other tape sets show a technique and then say: "If your opponent does this, then you do this..." However, Bolo's instruction is more like "when you *feel* your opponent starting to do x, this is what you do ..." A subtle but important difference."
- ParTerre
"I just received and watched [Jen]'s Butterfly Guard Tapes. As with all his tapes the instruction is great. [Jen] covers sweeps, counters, submissions, transition to, etc., worth every cent. Unlike other tapes I've seen who's contents doesn't live up to the hype, [Jen]'s tapes have no hype but great content."
- Stuart Igarta
"I was cautious about ordering but after going to [Jen's] site and checking out the free moves he has there and saw that he shows solid moves not just some sloppy or flashy technique I decided to order the videos. My thinking was that it is hard to really learn the butterfly guard if you don't train with a black belt and he might point out some thigns to me I haven't seen yet. Well as far as the tapes go....THEY ROCK. I was totally impressed. Smooth Video, clear picture and good explanation of he technique and how to counter counters. So in a way he taught some counters too. The only complaint that I have is the pause between some of the moves is a little long but over all I give these tapes an "A" and I have seen just about every set out there and would rank these up there with the best."
- Termi1
