A head-and-arm system with north south choke variations taught through catch-influenced mechanics.
The Bottom Line
You will learn arm triangle pathways that include north south options. You will not get a north south-only curriculum. You will add finishing variations that complement classic strangles.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Head-and-arm fans
Skip if: Want only NS
Tech focus: Arm Triangle, North South Choke, Kimura To Ns
Biggest takeaway: Catch details add squeeze
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What You'll Learn
Melanson's arm triangle system includes a dedicated segment on north south, including the 'butcher shop' series and arm-in north south choke. It blends catch-wrestling mechanics with BJJ control.
Best for grapplers who want to cross-train head-and-arm chokes and pick up north south variations along the way.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Arm Triangle
- North South Choke
- Butcher Shop Ns
- Kimura To Ns
- Reverse Dragon Sleeper
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Technique Collection
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 3 hours and 32 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I include this as a budget-friendly way to deepen head-and-arm finishing, including north south variants that you can port into any system.
Why Neil Melanson?
Neil Melanson, a catch-wrestling-influenced coach, is known for head-and-arm systems and pragmatic no-gi submissions.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Fans praise Melanson's slow, methodical explanations and unique details.
- Community notes his head-and-arm focus translates well to no-gi chokes.
- Viewers report success with triangles and arm triangles from his material.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Mixed reactions to style; some prefer more conventional BJJ pedagogy.
- Not a pure north south instructional; content spans many choke families.
Smart Alternatives
- Ryan Hall Arm Triangle – Well-regarded arm triangle mechanics if you prefer a pure BJJ style.
Sources & References
Official listing: View Off With Their Head: The Arm Triangle on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
