Competition-proven guillotine pathways with crisp setups and reliable back takes.
The Bottom Line
You learn fast entries from the front headlock into multiple finishes. You also learn how to bail to back attacks if defenses appear. You will not get in-depth gi grip work.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Aggressive passers
Skip if: Hate fast pacing
Tech focus: Combatine, High Elbow Guillotine, Back Take
Biggest takeaway: Snapdown to finish
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What You'll Learn
John Combs is known for competition guillotines and the Combatine variation. This course builds entries from snapdowns and front headlocks into high-elbow, high-wrist, and arm-in finishes. It also shows reliable transitions to the back when the choke stalls. Four volumes cover top, bottom, and turtle.
If you want a tested, athletic game plan that still scales to hobbyists, this is the performance pick.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- High Elbow Guillotine
- High Wrist Guillotine
- Arm In Guillotine
- Combatine
- Snapdown
- Front Headlock
- Go Behind
- Turtle Guillotine
- Mounted Guillotine
- Back Take
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I like how Combs chains finish-or-back options so you do not waste guillotine threats.
Why John Combs?
John Combs is an Easton BJJ black belt and standout no-gi competitor with a well-documented guillotine game.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Combs hits guillotines at speed in competition.
- Great pathways from snapdown to finish or back take.
- Combatine variation gives another finish when elbows fail.
- Solid coverage of defense and counters for safety.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Pacing can feel fast for beginners.
- Less gi-specific detail.
- Wants more live sparring footage.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- The No Gi Game Plan: Takedown, Pass, Finish – Pairs well if you want a broader Combs roadmap. (Price: $79.00)
- Hingertine: Guillotine Concepts by Josh Hinger – Famous arm-in style to contrast Combs; product not on BJJ Fanatics.
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Mastering the Guillotine on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
