We ranked the best Neil Melanson instructionals on BJJ Fanatics using r/bjj sentiment, structure, applicability, and production quality so you can buy the right system for your game.
Tactical Turtle
Turn your turtle into an attacking hub with a tested, wrestling-influenced no-gi system.
Cradle of Filth
Learn legal, high-pressure cradles that pass and expose the back fast.
The Science of Filthy Triangles
Build a reliable triangle finish tree with crisp mechanics and smart variations.
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🥋 #1 Tactical Turtle by Neil Melanson
Instructor: Neil Melanson
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 8 hours and 53 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Make turtle truly offensive
Techniques: Turtle, Front Headlock, Kimura
- Crack The Turtle – Shorter turtle-attacking roadmap if you want a compact set.
- Beating Them From Behind – Pairs perfectly by finishing sequences once hooks are in.
- The Shoulder Pin Guard System – Budget entry to Melanson control concepts from guard.
You will build a safe, structured turtle with clear defensive rules. You will add go-behinds, singles, and choking chains to score and finish. You will not get a loose move-dump.
✅ Pros
- Most praised and broadly applicable Melanson system for hobbyists and competitors.
- Clarity from defense to offense reduces panic and stalling in turtle.
- Excellent synergy with back attack and guillotine games.
⚠️ Cons
- Eight volumes can feel overwhelming at first pass.
- Some sections have long chains that require drilling to retain.
- Presentation style is less linear than other brands.
💡 I found turtle becomes a position of control once you adopt his grip rules and immediate go-behinds. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Cradle of Filth by Neil Melanson
Instructor: Neil Melanson
Style: System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 5 hours and 2 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Cradles unlock passes safely
Techniques: Cradle, Guard Passing, Back Takes
- Filthy Cross Body Attacks – Adds side-control finishes that pair well after cradle passes.
- Top Half Guard – Great next step for top pressure players.
- The Catch Wrestling Formula – Conceptual links between catch and BJJ control.
You will tie passing to back exposure with tight cradles. You will create reliable attacks without diving for risky submissions. You will not need exotic flexibility.
✅ Pros
- Clear legal framework for cradles in BJJ contexts.
- Excellent bridge for wrestlers entering no-gi jiu-jitsu.
- Short, focused series that is easy to revisit.
⚠️ Cons
- Locking hands consistently can be hard for smaller players.
- Fewer pure submission details than the side-control set.
- Some entries feel strength dependent at first.
💡 I saw cradle pressure drastically reduce opponents' hip movement, making passes effortless. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #3 The Science of Filthy Triangles by Neil Melanson
Instructor: Neil Melanson
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 5 hours and 55 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Finishes beat entries
Techniques: Triangle, Reverse Triangle, Kimura
- The Irish Collar – Adds collar-based triangles and kimuras that mesh cleanly.
- The Filthy Kimura – Great complement when triangles force shoulder locks.
You will learn how to secure and finish triangles from many positions. You will connect triangles to kimuras when angles fail. You will not get lost without first-principle cues.
✅ Pros
- Uncommon finishing details improve success quickly.
- Pairs with shoulder-pin and Irish Collar concepts.
- Breadth of positions keeps it relevant long-term.
⚠️ Cons
- Eight parts require deliberate study time.
- Angles and leg pummeling demand reps for smaller players.
- Less focus on gi-specific grips.
💡 I saw triangle finishing jump when I prioritized head control and leg pinching as taught. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 The Irish Collar by Neil Melanson
Instructor: Neil Melanson
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 5 minutes
Volumes: 6
Biggest takeaway: Collar grips drive triangles
Techniques: Irish Collar, Triangle, Kimura
- The Shoulder Pin Guard System – Budget on-ramp to similar control mechanics.
- The Science of Filthy Triangles – Adds finishing depth to collar triangle funnels.
You will control posture and create predictable reactions. You will attack triangles and kimuras from safe overhooks and collars. You will not rely on flexibility-heavy guards.
✅ Pros
- Control-first approach that scales to many body types.
- Pairs naturally with shoulder-pin and triangle systems.
- Strong emphasis on posture-breaking before submissions.
⚠️ Cons
- Requires diligent drilling to retain longer chains.
- Less suitable if you dislike closed-guard attacks.
- Some find guard-focused Melanson sets less structured.
💡 I found collar grips make stubborn posture battles winnable without muscling. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 Top Half Guard by Neil Melanson
Instructor: Neil Melanson
Style: System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 4 hours and 29 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Passes chain into finishes
Techniques: Pressure Passing, Kimura, Arm Triangle
- Filthy Cross Body Attacks – Side-control attacks to finish after half-guard passes.
- Cradle of Filth – Alternative top control to smash through stubborn guards.
You will learn to dominate top half without giving space. You will tie passes directly to kimuras and chokes. You will not rely on athletic scrambles.
✅ Pros
- Clear pressure philosophy that scales to all sizes.
- Submission-first passing keeps opponents pinned.
- Volume count supports long-term reference use.
⚠️ Cons
- Longer chains require drilling partners and notes.
- Less crisp editing than smaller sets.
- Minimal gi transfer if you rely on lapel grips.
💡 I noticed opponents concede underhooks once the wrist pin threats start. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 The Snap Guard by Neil Melanson
Instructor: Neil Melanson
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 55 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Hand fighting drives offense
Techniques: Russian Tie, Front Headlock, Triangle
- The Science of Filthy Triangles – Builds finishes once you win ties to head control.
- The Irish Collar – Closed-guard collar path if you dislike open guard.
You will hand fight into ties that expose submissions. You will switch to top when they overreact. You will not rely on lapel grips or flexible guards.
✅ Pros
- Compact four-volume format with immediate returns.
- Adds wrestling literacy to bottom game.
- Affordable price for a system-level course.
⚠️ Cons
- Open-guard emphasis may not suit closed-guard purists.
- Demands consistent drilling to mask entries.
- Less useful in gi without collar adaptations.
💡 I realized guard offense skyrockets after learning to hand fight like a wrestler. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 The Filthy Kimura by Neil Melanson
Instructor: Neil Melanson
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 54 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Kimura is a hub
Techniques: Kimura, Top Wrist Lock, Armbar
- The Science of Filthy Triangles – Natural follow-up when kimuras expose triangle angles.
- Filthy Cross Body Attacks – Top wrist locks and kimuras from side control positions.
You will master control before cranking. You will use kimura to expose armbars and triangles. You will not rely on strength-only finishes or risky standing entries.
✅ Pros
- Clear grip-fighting that transfers across positions.
- Good safety emphasis for the shoulder.
- Affordable, focused four-volume structure.
⚠️ Cons
- Less appeal if you dislike shoulder locks.
- Some entries need strength without angle discipline.
- Limited standing content for safety reasons.
💡 I stopped forcing finishes and used the grip to climb to stronger submissions. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 Filthy Cross Body Attacks by Neil Melanson
Instructor: Neil Melanson
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 6 hours and 40 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Pin before attacking
Techniques: Scarf Hold, Arm Triangle, Kimura
- Top Half Guard – Easier entries into side control with built-in finishes.
- Cradle of Filth – Different control path that still pins hips and head.
You will learn to hold side control with rides and clamps. You will attack with triangles, wrist locks, and armbars without losing position. You will not rely on speed-heavy scrambles.
✅ Pros
- Ride pressure philosophy reduces escape chances.
- Uncommon submissions keep opponents guessing.
- Great finisher library for top players.
⚠️ Cons
- Eight volumes require sustained study time.
- Less mobility if you prefer float passing styles.
- Higher price than compact introductions.
💡 I realized how rides let you attack without giving hips or frames back. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #9 The Shoulder Pin Guard System by Neil Melanson
Instructor: Neil Melanson
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Beginner
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 42 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Overhooks break posture
Techniques: Shoulder Pin, Neil Knot, Triangle
- The Irish Collar – Bigger curriculum for collar-based control and triangles.
- The Science of Filthy Triangles – Adds finishing density to shoulder-pin funnels.
You will learn a simple, flexible posture-breaking framework. You will connect to triangles and omoplatas efficiently. You will not depend on rubber-guard flexibility or lapels.
✅ Pros
- Low price makes entry risk minimal.
- Easy integration into day-one guard rounds.
- Strong synergy with other Melanson guard sets.
⚠️ Cons
- Structure feels lighter than larger courses.
- Some drills needed to prevent stalling positions.
- Less coverage of open-guard movement.
💡 I saw posture fights tilt quickly once the shoulder pin locked in. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #10 Ground Marshal Leglocks by Neil Melanson
Instructor: Neil Melanson
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Advanced
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 57 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Unique compression locks
Techniques: Leglocks, Kneebar, Compression Locks
- The Catch Wrestling Formula – More general catch concepts with guard links.
- Top Half Guard – Focus on control and submissions without leglock rules issues.
You will learn uncommon leg attacks and counters. You will surprise opponents who only train modern ashi systems. You will not find pure IBJJF-friendly content throughout.
✅ Pros
- Different perspective from mainstream ashi-focused systems.
- Compression locks create tap-or-damage urgency.
- Affordable way to expand lower-body options.
⚠️ Cons
- Skepticism on certain moves in modern meta.
- Ruleset conflicts reduce training partners' willingness.
- Less cohesive than his top or turtle systems.
💡 I treat this as a library to borrow a few gems, not a full game. Recommendation: Skip.
Who should start where with Neil Melanson?
If you wrestle or turtle a lot, start with Tactical Turtle because the defensive rules and go-behinds translate immediately to live rounds. Pressure passers who like to pin hips should pick Cradle of Filth or Top Half Guard to link control and submissions without giving space. Guard-first players on a budget can try The Shoulder Pin Guard System to learn posture-breaking and the Neil Knot, then layer in The Irish Collar for deeper triangle and kimura chains. If you want a focused finisher library, The Science of Filthy Triangles is the most evergreen set. Save Ground Marshal Leglocks for no-gi rooms that allow broader rules and where partners are comfortable training compression locks.
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