Want to start an argument?  Ask 2 Jiu-Jitsu masters how to do a Guillotine.  All hell could break loose! One guy will say to make sure the arm is in, the other will say to never trap the arm!  Only trap the neck and bring your elbow high over his back… Well John Danaher knows how to do them all, he knows how many arteries you have in your neck, and he knows how to manipulate his own hands, millimeter by millimeter  to choke anyone into unconsciousness. There is knowing how to choke someone and then there is knowing every bit there is to know about choking someone out.

What is John Danaher’s advantage?

Why is he the most sought after Grappling instructor on the planet by a mile?

The answer is simple..  John Danaher not only knows more than anyone else about how to choke someone into unconsciousness, he also knows how to break it down so anyone can learn to be an expert in an almost unthinkably low amount of time.

Most coaches say it takes a lifetime to master Jiu-Jitsu…

John Danaher says he only needs about 5 years – and he keeps proving that time after time, taking otherwise normal guys and turning them into killers.

John has a lot of famous students:

Georges St. Pierre, Chris Weidman, Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, Nicky Ryan.. he list goes on and on.  But you want to hear something even more remarkable? John’s normal students, guys who are accounatants, fund managers, construction workers and custodians -are killers too.  Anyone can learn John Danaher’s systems, they can master them and become better at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu than they ever dreamed possible.

This last weekend Gordon Ryan made his black belt debut in an IBJJF tournament at the No-Gi Pan American Championships in New York City.  Although many people doubted Gordon’s ability to adapt to this new rule set that does not allow reaping or heel hooks, Gordon was able to win gold in both his weight division and absolute – submitting all of his opponents.

Gordon was able to implement John Danaher’s front head lock system on numerous occasions.  Although he is famous for his leg locks, Gordon knows this is only one part of his game because his coach, John Danaher, teaches him to attack the whole body.

So What Makes This System So Effective?

John Danaher is like a mad scientist.  He not only understands the technical aspects of what makes techniques function, he also understands the anatomy of the body and how certain aspects of the body can be manipulated.  There is a saying in wrestling, “where the head goes, the body follows.”  This is very true and in the case of Danaher’s front headlock system, it is all about control.

This system was developed by Danaher not only for grappling but for MMA as well.  His student, George St. Pierre has use this system on several occasions in the  UFC.  The idea is to control the head and arm and use this position to exploit other opportunities.

All to often people associate head and arm control with submissions like the guillotine, the anaconda, the D’arce, and more.  Although these can very easily be obtained once you have secured head and arm control, that is not the primary reason for obtaining head and arm control.

In Greco Roman Wrestling, head and arm control is utilized almost more than any position and there are no submissions in wrestling.  Why?  Because you can use this position to achieve several powerful pinning position, sweeps, takedowns, and it is a position where you can exert minimal strength and energy while maintaining complete control of your opponent.

This control point is very similar to the infamous seat belt grip from the back position.  John Danaher always emphasizes control over your opponent, you must be able to dictate the movements, and that is precisely what his front head locks system is about: control.  There are numerous submissions you will learn, but the most valuable part of this series is that you will be able to control even the most athletic and spazzy opponent with ease.