Key Takeaways:
- Comprehensive submission system covering front headlock, guillotine variations, and finishing positions from a proven UFC/Bellator veteran
- Four volumes with detailed breakdowns of high-percentage No-Gi chokes including D’Arce, Anaconda, and rear naked choke variations
- The No-Gi Choke and Strangles Blueprint by Rory MacDonald DVD is perfect for intermediate to advanced No-Gi grapplers looking to sharpen their finishing skills and understand proper mechanics
- Strong focus on control-first mentality rather than just submission hunting, reflecting MacDonald’s MMA background
- Some techniques may require significant flexibility and timing that newer practitioners might struggle with initially
- Rating: 8.5/10
NO-GI CHOKE AND STRANGLES BLUEPRINT BY RORY MACDONALD
The No-Gi Choke and Strangles Blueprint by Rory MacDonald represents a methodical approach to submission grappling from one of mixed martial arts’ most technically sound fighters. MacDonald, who challenged for the UFC welterweight championship and became Bellator champion, brings his wealth of high-level competition experience to this four-volume instructional series.
What sets this system apart from typical submission collections is MacDonald’s emphasis on controlling positions first, then systematically breaking down the mechanics that make chokes inevitable rather than forced attempts.
The Hardest Part of Chokes: Finishing
Submission finishing represents the highest expression of grappling control, where positional dominance transitions into fight-ending technique. In No-Gi competition, chokes and strangles become even more critical since the absence of gi grips eliminates many traditional joint lock setups.
The modern No-Gi submission game revolves around front headlock control, back attacks, and opportunistic finishing from dominant positions. Understanding proper pressure application, angle creation, and defensive counters separates recreational grapplers from serious competitors. MacDonald’s systematic approach addresses these fundamentals while building toward advanced finishing sequences that work under pressure.
MMA Veteran Rory MacDonald
Rory MacDonald competed at the highest levels of mixed martial arts for over a decade, establishing himself as one of the most technically proficient welterweights of his generation. The Canadian fighter earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under David Lea and compiled a professional MMA record of 23-10-1.
MacDonald challenged Robbie Lawler for the UFC welterweight championship at UFC 189 in what many consider one of the greatest welterweight fights in UFC history. After leaving the UFC, he captured the Bellator Welterweight World Championship by defeating Douglas Lima and successfully defended it twice. His transition to the Professional Fighters League in 2019 further demonstrated his adaptability across different rule sets.
MacDonald’s grappling credentials include competing at Metamoris V against high-level Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, proving his submission skills translate beyond MMA contexts.
No-Gi Choke and Strangles Blueprint by Rory MacDonald DVD Review
The four-volume structure allows focused study of specific submission categories while building toward a complete finishing game. While the instruction assumes intermediate-level knowledge and some techniques demand significant practice to master, serious No-Gi practitioners will find substantial value in MacDonald’s methodical approach to submission grappling. The system’s emphasis on position-first mentality and mechanical precision makes it a worthwhile investment for grapplers looking to elevate their finishing skills.
Volume 1 – Front Headlock Chokes
The opening volume establishes MacDonald’s systematic approach through comprehensive front headlock and guillotine instruction. The ten-finger guillotine provides the foundation, followed by the essential Gable grip front headlock choke that forms the backbone of modern No-Gi attacks. MacDonald methodically covers the core guillotine family including power guillotine, arm-in variations, and modified arm-in positions.
The ninja choke and high elbow guillotine demonstrate advanced applications, while the “Nicotine” technique adds a creative finishing option. Each technique receives detailed mechanical breakdown showing exactly how to create the angle, apply pressure, and finish cleanly. The D’Arce, Anaconda, and Peruvian neck tie round out the front headlock system, giving grapplers multiple finishing options from similar control positions.
Volume 2 – Head and Arm Specials
Volume two shifts focus to head-and-arm control scenarios that frequently arise in No-Gi grappling. The classic head and arm choke receives thorough treatment, followed by the Monoplata variation that provides an escape-resistant finishing option. MacDonald introduces the Vagner Rocha Special, a creative technique that demonstrates his willingness to incorporate modern innovations.
The Ezekiel choke adaptation for No-Gi contexts shows how traditional techniques translate without gi grips. Von Flue and North South chokes complete this section, covering dominant position control that frequently appears in both grappling and MMA situations. MacDonald’s explanations emphasize proper shoulder pressure and hip positioning to maintain control while setting up submissions.
Volume 3 – Triangles & Buggies
The third volume explores lower body and front-facing submission opportunities, beginning with comprehensive triangle instruction. MacDonald’s triangle setup and finishing details reflect his competition experience, showing multiple entries and defensive counters.
The Gogoplata receives detailed attention despite being a lower-percentage technique, with MacDonald explaining when and why to attempt it. The Buggy choke and Gogo clinch variations provide additional front-facing options that work well in No-Gi scenarios. This volume demonstrates MacDonald’s versatility, moving beyond traditional submission categories to include creative finishing positions that arise during scrambles.
Volume 4 – RNC Masterclass
The final volume focuses entirely on back control and rear naked choke mastery. MacDonald’s approach to the rear naked choke goes far beyond basic instruction, covering grip variations, angle adjustments, and troubleshooting common defensive responses.
His emphasis on control maintenance reflects years of high-level competition where losing position means losing the submission opportunity. The systematic progression from initial back take to submission finish provides a complete roadmap for developing reliable back attack skills.
Master Positional Details First
This instructional series works best when practitioners focus on one volume at a time, drilling the techniques until the mechanics become automatic before moving to live applications.
Rory’s control-first philosophy means grapplers should spend significant time on positional drilling, especially front headlock and back control scenarios. The system integrates well with both pure grappling training and MMA preparation, since all techniques work without gi dependencies.
Regular positional sparring from the covered positions will help students understand timing and resistance patterns. More advanced practitioners can begin connecting techniques across volumes, creating submission chains that flow naturally during rolling sessions.
DOWNLOAD RORY MACDONALD NO-GI CHOKE AND STRANGLES DVD
Who Is This For?
This instructional targets solid blue belts through black belts who want to systematically improve their No-Gi submission finishing rates. Competitors will find particular value in MacDonald’s emphasis on maintaining control under pressure and working through defensive reactions.
The system works well for both pure No-Gi specialists and mixed martial artists looking to shore up their ground finishing skills. Students with flexible front headlock games will get the most immediate value, though the progression allows development of these positions over time. Brand new white belts may find the pace and complexity overwhelming, as MacDonald assumes basic positional knowledge and doesn’t spend time on fundamental concepts.
Pros & Potential Drawbacks
Pros:
- Comprehensive system covering all major No-Gi submission categories with logical progression between techniques
- High-level competition experience evident in troubleshooting defensive reactions and maintaining position under pressure
- Excellent technical instruction with clear mechanical breakdowns showing exactly how pressure and angles create submissions
- Control-first mentality that emphasizes position before submission, leading to higher success rates in live situations
- Good variety of techniques within each category, giving practitioners multiple options from similar control positions
- Production quality allows clear viewing of all grip details and body positioning throughout instruction
Potential Drawbacks:
- Some techniques require significant flexibility and timing that developing practitioners may struggle with initially
- Advanced instruction assumes solid understanding of basic No-Gi positional concepts without extensive review
- Focus on No-Gi specific applications means gi players get limited crossover value from certain techniques
- Pace moves quickly through complex positions, potentially requiring multiple viewings for full comprehension
Match-Ending Strangles
The No-Gi Choke and Strangles Blueprint succeeds as a comprehensive submission system built on solid fundamentals and tested through high-level competition. MacDonald’s systematic approach to control and finishing provides grapplers with reliable tools for ending matches rather than just attempting submissions.
