About the Author

Neil "The Ground Marshal" Melanson is one of the most sought after ground fighting coaches in the world, due to his intense and relentless grappling style and paramount fighting techniques. As a Hayastan Grappler, Neil trained under "Judo" Gene LeBell, Gokor Chivichyan, and received his black belt from Karo "The Heat" Parisyan.At Hayastan, Neil learned this hybrid art of grappling that focuses on the use of neck and leg locks. Neil is well known as a master of the guard and has developed many different guard systems such as K-control, shoulder pin series, Irish collar, and others. Not only do guard players seek Neil out to learn and master the guard, but top game players do as well. Neil has made a name for himself as the man to see to learn how to beat the guard. He teaches an MMA style of grappling that focuses on protecting the head from strikes along with the practical application of the turtle in MMA.Neil has trained champion fighters such as Randy Couture, Gray Maynard, Frank Trigg, Vitor Belfort, Michael Chandler, Chael Sonnen, and others, to become a legend in the world of Mixed Martial Arts.Much of Neil's time is spent at Xtreme Couture MMA in Las Vegas, Nevada, but he also travels throughout the country to teach seminars.Marshal D. Carper grew up in southwestern Pennsylvania running from bullies and playing video games. Now, much to the surprise of his family, his former bullies, and himself, he trains Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Pedro Sauer black belt Sonny Achille and writes about fighting. In addition to being the Editor-in-Chief of Lockflow.com, Marshal has been published in Ultimate MMA Magazine, Fight! Magazine, and the Escapist. He is also the author of Cauliflower Chronicles: A Grappler's Tale of Self-Discovery and Island Living, and coauthor of Advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Marcelo Garcia and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Open Guard with BJ Penn.Lance Freimuth is a writer, editor, and photographer who lives in Las Vegas, NV. He also teaches grappling at Xtreme Couture, one of the most highly respected MMA gyms in the world.

Reviews

Coach Melanson is the best instructor I've worked with. His knowledge of submissions is secondary only to his ability to explain his knowledge. He has torn submission fighting apart and reconstructed it in a way that has never been done. I'd slap Rickson Gracie in the face five times before I'd disrespect Melanson once.--Chael Sonnen
Coach Neil's knowledge and use of the guard is unparalleled. He has so many threats at once from a universal position such as the ground. I don't feel anyone's guard comes close.--Matt Mitrione
I have rolled with some of the best in the game over my 15 years in this sport, and Neil by far has the most aggressive, slick, and violent guard game that I have experienced. I'm very happy to call him coach and friend instead of enemy.--Frank Trigg
Neil has a unique perspective on techniques that makes him a fantastic grappler and a tremendous coach. I've enjoyed learning from him, and I'm honored to have a black belt in his system. If you think his triangles are badass, you should see the rest of his game.--Randy Couture
Neil has created one of the most unique and effective grappling styles I have ever seen. He's become the elite Mad Scientist of the ground game!--Gray Maynard
Neil's guard game is one of the best in the world. He can find a way to triangle anyone. I've never seen anything like it.--Vitor Belfort
The creative and different ways Neil uses a technique as basic as a triangle and triangle setups is a true testament to his mastery of that structure. Learn it or be left behind.--Greg Jackson
The most amazing thing about Neil's grappling is its constant evolution. When he runs into a problem, no matter how minor, he dedicates himself wholeheartedly to figuring out the cause and the most efficient way to overcome it. Perhaps that's why Neil is the best grappler I've ever rolled with and the best coach I've ever had. And if you like seeing me use the Yes Lock, you can thank Neil for teaching it to me.--Bryan Danielson (WWE Pro Wrestler Daniel Bryan)