Tripod Passing by John Frankl
22 reviews · 4.91 / 5
John Frankl · Combo
Fundamental Movement Series: Iron Pillow System by John Frankl reviews, page 3
Fundamental Movement Series: Iron Pillow System by John Frankl has 63 customer reviews in this archive, averaging 4.98 out of 5. 98% are five-star and 0 are one or two stars. Reviews run from September 24, 2021 to March 26, 2026. All of them are published below in full, unedited.
63
Reviews
4.98 / 5
Average rating
0
1–2 star
98%
Verified buyers
Reviews 51–63
The missing link
I was a Student of Professor Frankl in Korea. This video is a perfect example of how an accomplished academic, who has years and years of experience in Jiu Jitsu, can deliver high quality instruction that fills a major knowledge gap! The knowledge gap between guard pass, and side control defense, finally has a light of hope, and fortunately I'll be watching that light while I lay on my Iron Pillow! thanks for the video, looking forward to more in the future!
Response from BJJ Fanatics:hugging::+1::skin-tone-2:incredible concept
He suggests such a weird but really efficient method to recover so i like it.
Response from BJJ Fanatics:hugging::+1::skin-tone-2:One of the best bjj videos you'll ever watch
Come for the techniques but you'll be equally mesmerized by John's ability to break down BJJ. As a Harvard Phd, he has an analytical capacity that will blow you away. I use iron pillow ALL the time. People hate me for this. They stop trying to pass my guard because they have no answer for the iron pillow waiting beyond it.
Response from BJJ Fanatics:fire::fire::fire:Pure gold
Excellent concepts and excellent explanation
Response from BJJ Fanatics:hugging::+1::skin-tone-2:This is an excellent instructional.
This is an excellent instructional. The demonstrations are clear and the explanation of the underlying principles has transformed the way I think about posture.
Response from BJJ Fanatics:hugging::+1::skin-tone-2:J.C.
Professor Frankl provides excellent instruction and provides more BJJ knowledge in the aside comments than most instructional videos do in their entire instructional. The Iron Pillow is like the Prang color wheel, once you know the primary colors you create a lot of colors.
Response from BJJ Fanatics:hugging::call_me_hand::skin-tone-2:Glad to see Frankl at BJJ Fanatics!
Frankl is a fantastic teacher and communicator. And this curriculum will help any practitioner to develop more confidence in their surviving and escaping.
Response from BJJ Fanatics:hugging::call_me_hand::skin-tone-2:Hidden gem on this website
I learned of Professor Frankl on youtube where he taught some great concepts and ideas, and always had a desire to learn from him on an instructional one day. Then lo and behold this instructional came! This series is great for a few reasons: 1. It's immediately actionable - the iron pillow system doesn't require some extraordinary effort, it's quite simple as it consists of denying head/shoulder space and fishing for underhooks, while maintaining connection to the ground and the opponent. Professor Frankl gives you only the concept to work on and insists in the video for the viewer to take skill development for themselves which I think is the best way for instructionals to approach a topic. 2. It's effective - since I started using the iron pillow system I haven't really been fully pinned down with both shoulders on the mat in a very long time. Even if I do get there, I know what threats I need to shut off for me to be safe and what I need to look for in counter attacks. Of course it doesn't prevent all attacks from your opponent but the words "an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of medicine" really applies when you work this system. 3. It's safe - I'm not a particularly athletic person and I started jiu jitsu only about 2 years ago. I don't like to play extremely aggressive styles that rely on athleticism or explosiveness. The iron pillow gives you a foundational approach that works off of the principles of jiu jitsu that make it different from any other martial art (Professor Frankl has done a bunch of other martial arts as well). 4. Professor Frankl teaches really well - A lot of instructionals have good athletes but unfortunately poor teachers. And even some good teachers can be roundabout or repetitive. Professor Frankl just gives you the points you need to know from a bunch of different angles and wants you to explore all the skill-side things on your own; this is something I've never seen in an instructional before. Overall, worth your money as it's cheaper than other videos, but I think in terms of value this might be the most valuable instructional on this website.
One of the best in
One of the best in the business and approach to teaching that makes all of this accessible.
Response from BJJ Fanatics:hugging::+1::skin-tone-2:Beautiful Stuff From An Incredible Coach
I owe a good chunk of my Brown Belt through Black Belt development to Coach Frankl and this series in particular. Coach Frankl is incredible at taking one fundamental movement/structure and using that to build a solid complete game. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fundamentally sound way of surviving and defending against aggressive training partners and immediately turning that aggression into your advantage.
Response from BJJ Fanatics:hugging::+1::skin-tone-2:Great fundamental lesson!
John does a great job narrowly covering one concept that will help in all aspects of your BJJ. He doesn’t drift into a dozen different directions away from the core concept. Therefore, you get a very comprehensive understanding of the iron pillow and how it can expand every part of your game.
Response from BJJ Fanatics:hugging::+1::skin-tone-2:Iron Pillow System
Since I practice this system, my rolling changed a lot. At least I have more chance to escape from being pinned. The lesson is simple but critical.
Response from BJJ Fanatics:call_me_hand::skin-tone-2:For the Advanced Student this was one of the best
I've been using courses from BJJF for many years. The concepts in this course have been excellent. I am already testing them in the academy with the brown and black belts and it's creating dilemmas that we never considered. Excellent course and full respect to Prof John Frankl, he is a very knowledgable coach and instructor.
Response from BJJ Fanatics:hugging::+1::skin-tone-2:
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