Sneaky Rule Breaking Killer Guillotine By Neil Melanson

Exploring the sneaky guillotine by Neil Melanson that breaks all the rules...

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 him 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 detail so that is can be easily understood by even the grappling novice.

Neil often times will use this guillotine in bad positions. It is beautiful for several reasons. First, the normal rules for escaping a guillotine do not work in this variation. Second, it allows you to submit someone from a seemly bad position.

The demonstration starts by Neil emphasizing the importance of having the pinky finger on the throat. The opposite palm is on top of the primary arm. It is almost like a 10 finger position minus the fingers. The choke is finished by bringing the elbows together. The movement resembles a thigh master.

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From the front head lock position, Neil sets up the submission by using a chin strap to mis-align the spine. He uses kuzushi in a push pull motion to set up the choke. His shoulder is on the back of the neck and he is careful to protect his secondary hand. He drops his shoulder down to create additional pressure. He then pinches his elbows to finish. Pay attention to the unique finish. He does not sit back in the way traditional guillotines are finished. If an escape is attempted by changing the angle and falling to the hip it is no big deal. Neil is happy to finish the submission from that position.

This submission also works beautifully from bottom half guard.  One way to set it up is off either feigning a kimura or a failed kimura. Neil maintains wrist control on the far side arm while he swings the other arm over for a chin strap. He exchanges the chin strap for the fist on throat palm on top of hand grip. He then scoots back. If someone uses the two traditional escapes, either driving into him or passing the guard to top side control the submission is easily finished. From the half guard position, Neil just pinches his elbows and finishes his opponent. From the bottom side mount position, the choke allows you to bridge your opponent over and finish. In either scenario, the submission works beautifully.

Many consider Neil Melanson to be a mad scientist of grappling. The 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 a brilliant testament to that.  If you have ever seen Neil’s instructional videos then you certainly understand what we mean. If you have not had the privilege, click on the link below to learn the forgotten secrets of the Guillotine – from the most deadly Catch Wrestler on earth, Neil Melanson.

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