Neil Melanson

Neil Melanson is an American submission grappling coach. Melanson specializes in catch wrestling, while drawing elements from judo, and focuses his coaching specifically on grappling in mixed martial arts. He is especially known for his guard work, leg locks and triangle chokes.[1] He is currently the head grappling coach at Jaco Hybrid Training Center. He is the former head grappling coach at both Xtreme Couture Las Vegas and Alliance MMA.

Neil Melanson
ResidenceLas Vegas, Nevada, United States
StyleCatch Wrestling, Judo
TeamHayastan Studio, Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts
Teacher(s)Gokor Chivichyan, Gene LeBell, Karo Parisyan
RankBlack belt in Hayastan wrestling
SpouseErin Toughill (2009)
Notable studentsDominick Cruz, Vitor Belfort, Randy Couture, Todd Duffee, Gray Maynard, Karo Parisyan, Goran Reljic, Chael Sonnen

Melanson's hybrid grappling style comes from his training under Gene LeBell, Gokor Chivichyan, and Karo Parisyan (who awarded him his black belt) at the Hayastan MMA Academy. Gene LeBell learned catch wrestling from feared wrestlers Lou Thesz, Ed Lewis and Karl Gotch, which is mixed with Gokor Chivichyan's expertise in judo and sambo. Melanson considers this unique style a massive influence on his grappling, and has since incorporated techniques from Brazilian jiu-jitsu into his own style.[2]

Throughout his career, the professional fighters Melanson has trained include: Randy Couture, Karo Parisyan, Gray Maynard, Todd Duffee, Goran Reljic, Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, Anthony Johnson, Patrick Cummins and also professional wrestler Bryan Danielson.[3]

Prior to working at Xtreme Couture Las Vegas, Melanson spent seven years in the United States Navy and five years as a Special Agent for the Federal Air Marshals. [1]

Melanson's book "Mastering Triangle Chokes: Ground Marshal Submission Grappling" was released by Victory Belt Publishing. The book serves as a complete guide to the physiology and science of triangle submissions.[4]

Personal life

Melanson married female MMA fighter Erin Toughill in a private ceremony on November 20, 2009.[5][6] The couple is currently going through a divorce.[7] Melanson was born with Behcet’s disease which caused him to go blind at the age of 28. With the help of doctors and Remicade Infusions, he regained sight but only in his right eye.[8]

References

  1. "Neil Melanson". XTREMECOUTURE.tv. 2010-10-02. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  2. Gould, KJ. "UFC 129 Interview: Neil Melanson, Randy Couture's Grappling Coach". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  3. That's What They Do: Wildest Superstar Hobbies
  4. "Triangles From The Guard". NEILMELANSON.com. 2010-10-02. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
  5. "Just Married: Neil Melanson and Erin Toughill Tie The Knot". FIVEOUNCESOFPAIN.com. 2009-11-20. Retrieved 2009-11-21.
  6. "Erin Toughill Interview". FighterGirls.com. 2009-12-26. Retrieved 2009-12-31.
  7. "Erin Toughill Discusses Her Marriage Split, Gina Carano & Illness Before Her Last Fight". Addictedmma.com. 2011-05-17. Archived from the original on 2011-08-11. Retrieved 2011-05-17.
  8. "An Interview with Neil Melanson: Newest Member of Team EFS". ELITEFTS.com. 2010-10-02. Archived from the original on 2010-09-03. Retrieved 2010-10-02.
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