Neil Melanson isn’t your typical BJJ instructor. With his catch wrestling background and experience coaching elite MMA fighters, his “filthy” approach to grappling offers a refreshing break from traditional jiu-jitsu. If you’re looking to add some nasty, effective techniques to your arsenal, Melanson’s instructionals are worth your investment.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down all of Neil Melanson’s instructionals available on BJJ Fanatics, highlighting what makes each one unique and who would benefit most from them. Whether you’re hunting for submissions, perfecting your guard game, or looking to dominate from the top, Melanson has something for you.
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Neil Melanson’s Complete Instructional Collection
1. Cradle of Filth
Buy Cradle of Filth on BJJ Fanatics
At approximately 4 hours, this is Melanson’s most comprehensive instructional. The cradle position is a wrestling-inspired control technique that Melanson has adapted brilliantly for submission grappling. What makes this instructional stand out is how he transforms this wrestling position into a submission goldmine.
Key features include:
- Detailed breakdown of cradle variations
- Guard passing sequences from the cradle
- Multiple submission chains including arm locks and chokes
- Pressure-based control that even larger opponents will struggle against
This instructional is perfect for wrestlers transitioning to BJJ and for grapplers who love pressure passing. The techniques are brutal, efficient, and surprisingly technical.
2. The Headhunter Guillotine Series
Buy The Headhunter Guillotine Series on BJJ Fanatics
If you’ve ever wondered why your guillotine chokes aren’t working, this 3+ hour instructional will change your game. Melanson’s approach to the guillotine is systematic and vicious, covering every detail from grip placement to body positioning.
Highlights include:
- Multiple guillotine variations (high-elbow, arm-in, seated)
- Defensive counters when opponents attempt to escape
- Transitions to other submissions
- Common mistakes and how to fix them
I was particularly impressed by his attention to the subtle details that make guillotines effective. This isn’t just about squeezing harder—it’s about leverage, angle, and proper execution.
3. Guard Systems Bundle
Buy the Guard Systems Bundle on BJJ Fanatics
This comprehensive bundle combines several of Melanson’s guard-focused instructionals, including the Ground Marshal Half Guard, Advanced Guard Systems, and the Snap Guard. At approximately 2 hours total, it provides excellent value for anyone looking to improve their guard game.
The bundle covers:
- The Ground Marshal Half Guard system for controlling stronger opponents
- Advanced retention techniques against aggressive passers
- Snap Guard concepts for creating scrambles and transitions
- Submission chains from various guard positions
What’s unique about Melanson’s guard approach is that it focuses on control first, submissions second—an uncommon perspective that yields great results.
4. Filthy Grappling Takedowns
Buy Filthy Grappling Takedowns on BJJ Fanatics
In this 90-minute instructional, Melanson addresses the often-neglected takedown aspect of grappling. His “filthy” approach focuses on practical, high-percentage techniques that work in both gi and no-gi contexts.
Key content includes:
- Body lock setups and finishes
- 2-on-1 control sequences
- Chain wrestling concepts adapted for BJJ
- Takedown defense and counter-attacks
What I appreciate about this instructional is that the techniques don’t require exceptional athleticism—they’re based on leverage and timing rather than explosiveness.
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5. Top Half Guard
Buy Top Half Guard on BJJ Fanatics
This 2-hour instructional flips the script on half guard by focusing on the top position rather than the bottom. Melanson’s approach to passing half guard is methodical and pressure-based, leaving your opponent with few options.
The instructional covers:
- Establishing dominant pressure from top half
- Preventing common sweeps and escapes
- Multiple passing sequences
- Submission opportunities during the pass
If you struggle with opponents who have a strong half guard game, this instructional will give you the tools to shut them down completely.
6. Beating Them From Behind
Buy Beating Them From Behind on BJJ Fanatics
Despite the cheeky title, this 90-minute instructional offers serious back control techniques. Melanson’s approach to back control is unique in that it focuses on controlling the opponent’s movement before hunting for the submission.
Key points include:
- Transitioning to the back from various positions
- Maintaining control against defensive opponents
- Submission chains when traditional rear-naked chokes aren’t available
- Countering common escape attempts
The back mount is statistically the most dominant position in jiu-jitsu, and Melanson’s approach makes it even more effective.
7. The Filthy Kimura
Buy The Filthy Kimura on BJJ Fanatics
In this 90-minute instructional, Melanson breaks down his approach to one of grappling’s most versatile submissions. The kimura isn’t just a submission in Melanson’s system—it’s a position of control that opens up multiple attacking options.
The instructional covers:
- Setting up kimuras from various positions
- Using the kimura grip as a control method
- Transitions to other submissions when the kimura is defended
- Details that make the difference between a failed attempt and a tap
What makes this instructional special is Melanson’s focus on using the kimura as a positional control tool rather than just a submission.
8. The Catch Wrestling Formula
Buy The Catch Wrestling Formula on BJJ Fanatics
This 90-minute instructional provides a fascinating look at how Melanson adapts traditional catch wrestling concepts for modern grappling. If you’re looking to add some old-school brutality to your game, this is the instructional for you.
Key topics include:
- Pressure-based control techniques
- Submission chains that catch opponents off guard
- Riding positions that neutralize modern guard games
- Pain compliance techniques that are tournament-legal
The beauty of Melanson’s catch wrestling approach is that it works against both traditional BJJ players and wrestlers.
9. The Ground Marshal Half Guard
Buy The Ground Marshal Half Guard on BJJ Fanatics
This 60-minute instructional focuses on Melanson’s signature half guard system. Unlike many half guard approaches that focus on sweeps, the Ground Marshal system prioritizes control and submissions.
The instructional covers:
- Establishing the Ground Marshal position
- Controlling larger, stronger opponents
- Submission opportunities from the position
- Transitions to other positions when needed
What makes this half guard unique is its defensive solidity combined with offensive capabilities—you can both protect yourself and attack from this position.
10. Ground Marshal Leglocks
Buy Ground Marshal Leglocks on BJJ Fanatics
In this 60-minute instructional, Melanson applies his Ground Marshal concepts to the world of leglocks. Despite being shorter than some of his other offerings, it’s packed with practical techniques.
Key content includes:
- Safe entries to leglock positions
- Finishing details for common leglocks
- Countering leglock defense
- Transitioning between different leglock attacks
What I appreciate about Melanson’s approach to leglocks is that it’s systematic and safety-conscious while still being effective.
11. Advanced Guard Systems
Buy Advanced Guard Systems on BJJ Fanatics
This 90-minute instructional dives deeper into Melanson’s approach to guard play. While many instructors teach specific guard positions, Melanson focuses on the systems and principles that make any guard work.
The instructional covers:
- Advanced retention techniques
- Creating and exploiting angles from guard
- Submission chains from various guard positions
- Countering aggressive passing attempts
If you already have a developed guard game but are looking to take it to the next level, this instructional provides the conceptual framework to do so.
12. The Snap Guard
Buy The Snap Guard on BJJ Fanatics
In this 60-minute instructional, Melanson introduces his Snap Guard concept—a dynamic approach to guard play that creates opportunities through disruption rather than static control.
Key points include:
- Creating and exploiting scrambles
- Transitioning between guard positions
- Using the opponent’s movement against them
- Submission opportunities during transitions
The Snap Guard is particularly effective against larger, pressure-based passers who rely on pinning you in place.
My Final Verdict on Neil Melanson’s Instructionals
After reviewing all of Neil Melanson’s instructionals, I can confidently say that his material offers a unique perspective that most BJJ practitioners would benefit from studying. His blend of catch wrestling brutality with modern technical details creates a grappling style that’s both effective and adaptable.
If you’re new to Melanson’s teaching, I’d recommend starting with either the Cradle of Filth or The Headhunter Guillotine Series as they showcase his teaching style and technical approach most comprehensively. For those with specific positional interests, his other instructionals provide excellent focused content.
What sets Melanson apart from many instructors is his ability to explain not just what to do, but why it works—connecting techniques to fundamental principles of leverage, pressure, and control. His no-nonsense approach cuts through the fluff and delivers practical techniques you can implement immediately.
Check out Neil Melanson’s complete catalog on BJJ Fanatics and elevate your grappling game today.
If you enjoyed this breakdown of Neil Melanson’s instructionals, you might also be interested in my analysis of Craig Jones’ best instructionals, another instructor with a unique and highly effective approach to modern jiu-jitsu.
