A pressure-first arm triangle system that anticipates every common escape.
The Bottom Line
You learn a true system for head-and-arm chokes. The focus is leverage and phased finishing, not strength. You will not get flashy gi grip chains or point-specific strategy.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: No-gi grapplers who love pressure
Skip if: You want light, flowy rolling
Tech focus: Arm Triangle, Kata Gatame, Von Flue
Biggest takeaway: Phased finishing that resists escapes
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What You'll Learn
Catch-wrestling coach Neil Melanson lays out a phased arm triangle system that works in no-gi and gi. He covers set-ups from mount, side control, half guard, and transitions to kimura, crucifix armlock, and triangles. The course also includes related finishes like the Von Flue and north-south. Expect clear heuristics and pressure mechanics rather than strength-based tips (price shown on product page).
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Arm Triangle
- Kata Gatame
- Von Flue
- North South Choke
- Kimura
- Crucifix Armlock
- Half Guard Pass
- Butterfly Sweep To Arm Triangle
- Headlock Tilt
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 3 hours and 32 minutes
- Volumes: 4
- Released: 2020
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I found the phase-by-phase finish cues make it easy to recover a failing choke without bailing position.
Why Neil Melanson?
Neil Melanson is a renowned catch-wrestling based grappling coach who has trained elite UFC contenders. He specializes in head-and-arm strangles and pressure control.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Melanson's details feel brutal yet technical, perfect for no-gi.
- His head-and-arm stuff is 'scary good' and works for MMA style pressure.
- Anything by Melanson gets recommended when people ask for catch-based chokes.
- Reviewers say his technique is legit even if you doubt catch wrestling.
- People credit his arm triangle concepts for big jumps in finishing rate.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some find the pacing dense and old-school compared to newer courses.
- Catch-influenced control can feel grindy for hobbyists.
- Pressure-first approach may annoy training partners who dislike kesa-style pins.
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Smart Alternatives
- Championship Catch Wrestling: The Head and Arm Ride – Wrestling-first kesa and diaphragm choke paths that complement arm triangles. (Price: $127.00, 3 vols)
- The Kata Gatame Game Plan – More IBJJF-focused entries, counters, and defenses. (Price: $149.00, 4 vols, 2023)
- Front Headlocks: Enter The System – Broader head-and-arm family context if you want Darce/Anaconda links.
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
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.