Proven methods for every grappler, at every level, at every age

Complete Grappler

Front Headlock Unlocked

 

The Problem:

Most grapplers get to the front headlock... and waste it.
They snap the head down, grab the chin, maybe spin behind once or twice.
Then the opponent recovers guard, stands back up, or creates a scramble.
Because while the front headlock is one of the most dominant positions in grappling... most Jiu-Jitsu athletes only know a fraction of what to do there.
They treat it like a pause in the match instead of a scoring machine.
Meanwhile, elite wrestlers and high-level grapplers use the front headlock to finish takedowns, break opponents mentally, and create nonstop attacks that feel impossible to escape.

What's the Solution
 

Front Headlocks...They Can't Deal With

 

The Solution: Domination through the Front Headlock

In Front Headlocks They Don’t Escape, Michael Trasso reveals a complete attack system built specifically for Jiu-Jitsu competition.

This series shows you how to turn one of the most common positions in grappling into a relentless scoring weapon.

You’ll learn high-percentage snapdowns, go-behinds, spin-behinds, front headlock takedowns, reshots, chokes, and chain attacks that punish every reaction.

Instead of holding the front headlock and hoping something opens up, you’ll learn how to create constant pressure, force mistakes, and attack before your opponent can recover.

When they posture up, you snap them back down.

When they circle away, you cut the angle and score.

When they drive into you, you redirect them into takedowns.

When they expose the neck, you lock the finish.

They don’t just get controlled.

They get trapped.

 

Start Now

How This Program Works for All Belt Levels

Whether you’re a brand-new white belt or a seasoned black belt, the problem on the feet changes...but it never disappears.

White Belt — Dangerous From Day One

  • Instant Control: Learn how to secure the front headlock and stop wild scrambles before they start.

  • Simple Finishes: High-percentage go-behinds and takedowns anyone can apply quickly.

  • Stay Safe Standing: Control posture and movement without exposing yourself to easy counters.

  • Confidence in Chaos: Know exactly what to do when opponents shoot badly or panic wrestle.

    This gives white belts a reliable weapon from one of grappling’s strongest positions.

Blue Belt — Turn Reactions Into Points

  • Punish Every Mistake: Capitalize when opponents posture up, drive in, or circle away.

  • Snapdown System: Learn how to break posture and create immediate scoring chances.

  • Chain Attacks: Connect go-behinds, takedowns, and submissions without pausing.

  • Competition Ready: Use proven sequences that work in live rounds and tournaments.

    This is where blue belts start controlling the pace of standing exchanges.

Purple Belt — Build a Dangerous Front Headlock Game

  • Relentless Pressure: Make opponents carry weight, panic, and expose openings.

  • Advanced Transitions: Flow from takedowns to back takes to submissions seamlessly.

  • Reaction Traps: Force predictable responses and punish them instantly.

  • Score or Submit: Threaten points and finishes from the same position.

    This is where your front headlock becomes difficult to escape.

Brown Belt — Precision & Punishment

  • Micro Adjustments: Small grip, angle, and head-position changes that dramatically increase success.

  • Break Balance Effortlessly: Use posture and pressure to make takedowns feel automatic.

  • Punish Reactions: Recognize defensive habits instantly and counter before they recover.

  • Maximum Efficiency: Score cleanly without wasting energy in scrambles.

    Brown belts sharpen the details that make the front headlock truly dangerous.

Black Belt — Master the Front Headlock

  • Total Control: Dictate pace, posture, and movement from one of grappling’s strongest positions.

  • Weaponized Unpredictability: Attack with takedowns, back takes, and submissions opponents can’t read.

  • Conceptual Mastery: Understand the principles so you can adapt to any body type or rule set.

  • Complete Integration: Blend the front headlock seamlessly into your entire stand-up and ground game.

    This is about controlling the match before scrambles ever begin.

    All Coral and Red Belts are welcome.

Let's Go!

What’s Waiting for You

Front Headlock Control that Works

Learn how to secure dominant front headlock positions that shut down scrambles, break posture, and create immediate scoring chances.

In-Depth Video Breakdowns

Step-by-step instruction on the mechanics, timing, pressure, transitions, and finishes behind a complete front headlock system.

High-Percentage Attacks & Finishes

Master proven takedowns, go-behinds, snapdowns, back takes, and submissions that work against resisting opponents.

Pressure & Reaction Traps

Learn how to bait common defensive reactions and turn them into clean scores or submissions.

Snapdown & Go-Behind Variations

Develop powerful variations that work perfectly against common wrestling shots, turtle reactions, and standing posture.

Front Headlock Finishes that Score

Discover strategic finishes that lead directly to points, dominant position, or match-ending submissions.

Built for Jiu-Jitsu Rulesets

Every technique is taught specifically for Jiu-Jitsu competition, accounting for guard pulls, submission threats, and real grappling reactions.

Become Dangerous Everywhere

Whether standing, scrambling, or attacking the turtle, you’ll have a system that makes opponents uncomfortable everywhere.

Learn from a Champion who doesn't just talk but has receipts

Benefit from the expertise of Michael Trasso, whose Merge Grappling videos have educated and inspired hundreds of thousands of people. Tap into real-world insights proven to work with all kinds of grappling disciplines.

Real-World Training for Real-Life Results

Our programs go beyond theory, equipping you with practical skills and strategies you can use in every gym session against the novice to the seasoned grappler. 

Expert Guidance at Your Fingertips

Train with confidence, knowing you have direct access to proven methods and real experts knowledge. Get clear direction and content with answers to your questions whenever you need it.

Attack the Front Headlock

Meet Your Coach

Michael Trasso has been grappling for over 30 years - specifically Wrestling and Jiu Jitsu. He received his black belt from the legendary Professor Regis Lebre who also has an incredible record in competition. Learning the truly old school Gracie Jiu Jitsu, the modern day flare, and the addition of explosive wrestling, Trasso has a unique blend of almost every brand of grappling.

Coach Trasso has built a huge following with over 10 million views and over 50k subscribers on his online platforms.

I’ve trained with Michael Trasso for over a decade, and he’s one of the rare coaches who truly elevates every aspect of your game. His ability to merge elite-level wrestling with world-class Jiu Jitsu creates a clear, repeatable system that works for beginners and top competitors alike. Michael doesn’t just teach techniques—he fills the gaps most athletes don’t even realize they have, especially in takedowns, transitions, and control.

 

 

— Seth Belisle, President of CJI & Black Belt from Texas 

As a BJJ black belt and strength coach, I know how important it is to take the best from multiple disciplines to make your jiu jitsu the most solid it can be. Merge Grappling seamlessly combines wrestling concepts into BJJ to enrich your skill set. I still use techniques I learned from Coach Trasso years ago.

 

 

 

 

 

— Steph Gaudreau, Black Belt from California

If you've been doing Jiu Jitsu for a while, you've probably heard the name Michael Trasso. If you haven't, then your coach definitely has. Mike is a legend in the New Jersey Jiu Jitsu scene and has probably been competing since the moment he got out of diapers. Now, take all that knowledge that he gained training with and competing against some of the best in the last 20 years and mix that with a beautiful brand new school in Glen Rock. That's a winner.


  
— Mike Portela, Black Belt from New Jersey

What are you waiting for?

You deserve to take your game to the next level and bring your grappling game to life!

Get Started Now

Get to Know Coach Trasso’s Approach

Watch these videos where you will learn about Coach Trasso's training philosophy. Discover what sets his methods apart and why understanding the foundation is key to being truly exceptional on the mats.

Flip Grip Ankle Pick in Comp

Overtie Slide-By

Russian Tie

Reverse Ankle Pick

 

As Seen on YouTube, IG, FB & TT

With over 10 million views, Michael Trasso's training has gotten the nod from not only his students but some of the top competitive grapplers in the world. His videos have helped transition BJJ players into menaces who cause people to sit guard. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? Find answers to the most common things people ask about Coach Trasso’s training programs, including enrollment, course content, support, and more.

Ready to Start Your Training Journey?

Don’t miss your chance to learn from Coach Trasso

Begin Your Training

No-Gi Competition

Gi Competition

Wrestling Competition