Turn front headlocks into reliable chokes and back takes.
The Bottom Line
Danaher maps the hand positions and controls that make guillotines reliable. The set also shows when to switch to go-behinds and back exposure. Expect long explanations but strong returns in neutral situations.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Snapdown players
Skip if: You hate guillotines
Tech focus: Guillotine, Front Headlock Controls, Go Behind, Arm In Guillotine, Chin Strap, Finishing Angles
Biggest takeaway: Control hands before cranking.
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What You'll Learn
A full guillotine and front headlock curriculum that connects snaps, go-behinds and strangles. It shows control checkpoints and hand positions that make finishes reliable.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Guillotine
- Snap Down
- Front Headlock Controls
- Go Behind
- Arm In Guillotine
- Chin Strap
- Finishing Angles
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 7 hours and 52 minutes
- Volumes: 8
- Released: 2018
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I finished more guillotines after committing to the wrist height cues.
Why John Danaher?
This course shows Danaher’s knack for mapping control points in transitional positions. It stresses grips and head position to turn the front headlock into a high-percentage threat.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Well-produced and structured compared with early releases.
- Useful across gi and no-gi for control and transitions.
- Pairs naturally with back attacks.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some felt overlap with other choke-focused content.
- Talk-heavy pace turns off quick-tip learners.
- A few argued free resources sufficed for basics.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Back Attacks: Enter The System – Converts front headlocks into back takes and finishes. (Price: $197.00, 8 vols, 2018)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View The Front Headlock System on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
