Unorthodox, high-pressure guillotine finishes from catch-wrestling’s most notorious coach.
The Bottom Line
You learn unique finishes that punish stubborn defenses. You also learn transitions that suit MMA or hard no-gi rooms. You will not get a gentle beginner curriculum.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Pressure hunters
Skip if: Hate neck cranks
Tech focus: Handgun Choke, High Elbow Guillotine, Darce
Biggest takeaway: Finish through resistance
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What You'll Learn
Melanson brings catch-wrestling grit to the guillotine. You get unorthodox options like the handgun, twisted fister, manly choke, and more, plus classic high-elbow and arm-in details. The series is aggressive and emphasizes finishing mechanics and brutal transitions. Four volumes cover both standing and ground entries.
It is perfect if you like front headlock pressure, neck cranks, and surprise angles.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Handgun Choke
- Twisted Fister
- Manly Choke
- High Elbow Guillotine
- Nelson Necktie
- Boa Choke
- Cement Mixer
- Darce
- Front Facelock
- Counter Underhook
Format & Level
- Instructional style: Technique Collection, System Based
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 3 hours and 38 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I rate this highly because the finishing sophistication fixes the most common hobbyist problem: weak squeezes.
Why Neil Melanson?
Neil Melanson coached elite MMA teams like Xtreme Couture and Blackzilians and blends catch-wrestling with BJJ finishing mechanics.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Headhunter DVD taught me to finish stubborn necks.
- Great for MMA or no-gi pressure styles.
- Unique variations opened up more taps.
- Entries work well against wrestlers.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Naming and structure feel chaotic.
- Some content is too brutal for gi rooms.
- Less beginner-friendly than conceptual sets.
Smart Alternatives
- The Modified Guillotine – A deeper, newer dive if you want Melanson’s latest variations. (Price: $127.00, 6 vols)
- Killer Catch Wrestling Front Headlock Attacks – If you want more catch-wrestling context; not guillotine-only.
Sources & References
Official listing: View The Headhunter Guillotine Series on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
