Finish on the Back – In-Depth Review

Turn back control into taps with a cohesive finishing system.

The Bottom Line

You will learn a complete approach to back control: grips, hand-fighting priorities, and high-percentage strangling mechanics. You will drill choke-first finishes plus auxiliary threats like triangles and crucifix. You will not get straightjacket specifics; this is Ethan’s own framework.

⚡️ Quick facts

Best for: Back hunters

Skip if: Need gi details

Tech focus: Rnc, Hand Fighting, Rear Triangle, Crucifix, Mandible Strangle, Seatbelt

Biggest takeaway: Prioritize choke before everything.

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What You'll Learn

Crelinsten is known for ruthless back control and precise strangling mechanics. This course packages his approach into a structured, no-gi system that favors tight hand-fighting, choke-first finishing, and intelligent escape prevention.
If you already reach the back but stall on the finish, this is the fast track to higher conversion.

Primary Techniques You'll Drill

  • Rnc
  • Mandible Strangle
  • Back Control
  • Seatbelt
  • Rear Triangle
  • Crucifix
  • Hand Fighting
  • Escape Prevention

Format & Level

  • Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
  • Skill level: All Levels
  • Format: No-Gi
  • Runtime: 4 hours and 21 minutes
  • Volumes: 4
  • Released: 2023

Should You Buy It?

Buy it now. I improved back finishes most by adopting his choke-first decision tree and denying my opponent’s first escape beat.

Why Ethan Crelinsten?

Ethan Crelinsten is a Canadian no-gi specialist, B-Team co-founder, and black belt promoted by John Danaher in 2020 after formative years with Firas Zahabi. He won ADCC Trials in 2017 (West Coast) and 2018 (East Coast). BJJ Heroes lists his favorite domain as back attacks with many RNC finishes. He competes at -66 kg with notable wins at EBI, Polaris, and Trials. His coaching reputation centers on precise systems and pressure-focused top games.

Community feedback

Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.

😍 Why People Love It

  • Not just straightjacket material; original finishing details throughout.
  • Changed my back control and finishing consistency overnight.
  • Great if you already play the back; concepts clicked fast.
  • Often cited as a most-impactful back resource.

🤔 Common Criticisms

  • If you want straightjacket specifics, look elsewhere.
  • Deal-hunters suggest waiting for a Daily Deal.
  • Dense concepts can overwhelm brand-new players.

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Sources & References

Video Breakdowns

Official listing: View Finish on the Back on BJJ Fanatics

Additional References

Your next step

You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.

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