Use wrestling ties to make your guard attack constantly without risky dives.
The Bottom Line
You will hand fight into ties that expose submissions. You will switch to top when they overreact. You will not rely on lapel grips or flexible guards.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Aggressive guard players
Skip if: You avoid wrestling ties
Tech focus: Russian Tie, Front Headlock, Triangle
Biggest takeaway: Hand fighting drives offense
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What You'll Learn
Four volumes that turn wrestling ties into a highly aggressive guard. Expect Russian ties, arm drags, front headlocks, and triangles chained from bottom positions, plus transitions to top for pressure players.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Snap Guard
- Russian Tie
- Front Headlock
- Arm Drag
- Triangle
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 55 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I realized guard offense skyrockets after learning to hand fight like a wrestler.
Why Neil Melanson?
Melanson adapts wrestling ties and front headlocks into bottom systems that lead to finishes or top.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Great conceptual DVD; improved butterfly and attacking mindset.
- Frequently mentioned as worth the money among no-gi sets.
- Integrates wrestling hand-fighting that BJJ players often skip.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some recommend skipping his guard sets if you want basic structure.
- Requires drilling to avoid telegraphing ties and shucks.
- Unorthodox sequences may not fit classic closed-guard players.
Smart Alternatives
- The Science of Filthy Triangles – Builds finishes once you win ties to head control. (Price: $127.00, 8 vols)
- The Irish Collar – Closed-guard collar path if you dislike open guard. (Price: $127.00, 6 vols)
Sources & References
Official listing: View The Snap Guard on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
