Shoulder Pin Arm Bar From The Mad Scientist of Grappling

Shoulder Pin Arm Bar by Neil Melanson

Who is Neil Melanson? Neil could easily be considered one of the most dangerous men on the planet. Neil was the head coach of the infamous Blackzillians MMA Team and Randy Couture’s Xtreme Couture gym. He has coached some of the best UFC fighters to ever compete to the pinnacle of the sport including Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Randy Couture, Matt Mitrione and many more. His students have given high praise. Chael Sonnen said, “Neil would slap Rickson Gracie around like it was easy.” Jiu Jitsu black belt and former UFC Champion Vitor Belfort stated that “Neil could triangle anybody in any room.”

Neil boasts a unique education when it comes to grappling.  He began his education at the Hayastan School where he learned techniques from Catch Wrestling, Judo and Sambo from world renowned coaches Gene Lebel and Gokor Chivichyan. His grappling style is a combination of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Catch Wresting and Sambo. He is the living embodiment of the Bruce Lee quote, "Absorb what is useful. Reject what is useless. Add what is essentially your own.”

Beyond his impressive education and grappling abilities, Neil is an extremely capable teacher. He takes a meticulous approach and breaks down the details so that it can be easily understood by even the grappling novice.

What can catch wrestling do for your half guard?  Click Learn More!

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Neil starts the video by discussing that unless a technique works on competitors of the highest level, you are wasting your time. He certainly believes this sequence meets those criteria. He starts in the traditional bottom half guard position. His is on his side. His knee is about half way up between his opponent’s chest and waist.  His am is adding to the structure. Like most of Melanson’s technique, he opts to grab his opponent’s wrist instead of focusing on the under hook battle.  He transfers the grip to a cross grip and comes up on his knees. The position is similar to a dog fight position however his leg alignment is still the same as in half guard. From here he over hooks to secure the wizard. He posts on his head. He then slides to his side and his knee comes up to lock the pin into place. From here he can either secure the tap or roll for an arm bar cradle. The sequence provides some new possibilities to traditional Jiu Jitsu positions.

Many consider Neil Melanson to be a mad scientist of grappling. This sequence is a fine testament to that. His approach is not based on a singular style but a hybrid of many approaches. He is obsessed with independent and free thinkers like Nicola Tesla and his style of grappling is brilliant testament to that.  If you have ever seen Neil’s instructional videos than you certainly understand what we mean. If you have not had the privilege, click on the link below below for more Ground Marshal Half Guard, check out Neil Melanson's DVD of the same name from BJJ Fanatics!  Trust us, you've never seen such brutally effective and perfect techniques as these ones!  Get it here at BJJ Fanatics!

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