Front headlock-first guillotine with clear wrestling counters and practical finishes.
The Bottom Line
You learn high-elbow and arm-in options from standing, guard, and top. You also learn to sweep or pass when defenses hold. You will not get a deep conceptual lecture.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: MMA-influenced
Skip if: Only train gi
Tech focus: Front Headlock, High Elbow Guillotine, Darce
Biggest takeaway: Wrestle to finish
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
Shields teaches a front headlock-first guillotine that toggles between high-elbow, arm-in, and darce. Two volumes show standing, passing, butterfly, and bottom sequences with clear wrestle-up options. Emphasis is on practical finishes and sweeping if the choke stalls.
Great if you want MMA-informed mechanics that still work in no-gi rolling.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Arm In Guillotine
- High Elbow Guillotine
- Darce
- Front Headlock
- Sit Up Sweep
- Takedown Defense
- Overhook Wizard
- Butterfly Sweep
- Knee Slice Guillotine
- Sprawl Guillotine
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 1 hour and 21 minutes
- Volumes: 2
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I like how Shields balances finish-or-sweep choices from common wrestling ties.
Why Jake Shields?
Jake Shields is a former Strikeforce champion, UFC contender, and ADCC medalist known for strong front headlock attacks.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Front headlock sequences are practical for live rolls.
- Great counters to doubles and singles.
- Mixing guillotine and darce keeps opponents guessing.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- MMA focus may feel off-topic for gi rooms.
- Only two volumes; less depth than others.
- Presentation is straightforward, not cinematic.
Smart Alternatives
- American Jiu-Jitsu Pressure Passing System – Complement if you like his top pressure off front headlocks.
- Guillotine Glossary: Finishing Mechanics – If you want more pure finishing mechanics after Shields. (Price: $79.00, 3 vols)
Sources & References
Official listing: View The American Jiu Jitsu Guillotine System on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
