BJJ Headlock Escapes — Side Headlock & Guillotine Defense
☰Contents
How to escape BJJ headlocks — side headlock escape, guillotine defense, and the concepts that apply to all head-control situations.
How to escape BJJ headlocks — side headlock escape, guillotine defense, and the concepts that apply to all head-control situations.
Why Headlock Escapes Matter
Headlocks — side headlocks, guillotines, and front headlock control — trap your head and neck, limiting movement and creating choke opportunities. Knowing the escape mechanics prevents panic and allows you to attack from compromised positions.
Side Headlock Escape
The side headlock (kesa gatame or scarf hold) is one of the most common defensive positions. The standard escape: create space with a hip bump, post the far leg, bridge into the opponent, and spin under to recover guard or take side control.
Key Steps
- Never reach up with the trapped arm — this tightens the headlock
- Pull their elbow down to relieve pressure on your neck first
- Bridge toward them (not away) to off-balance before spinning
- Keep your chin down to protect against choke attempts
Guillotine Defense
Against a standing guillotine: tuck your chin, step to the same side as their guillotine arm, and circle your head out in that direction (not against the choke). Alternatively, shoot a double leg — if the guillotine arm isn't very deep, the takedown often forces a release.
Arm-In Guillotine Defense
The arm-in guillotine (a high-percentage position) is more dangerous. Your arm is trapped inside the choke, making chin-tuck less effective. Focus on getting your hips past theirs and your head to their hip, or transition to a top-control position to relieve the choke angle.
Front Headlock Defense
From front headlock control (them standing above you), do not let them establish the D'Arce or anaconda grip. Use a pummel to free the trapped arm, step under with your hips, and recover to a level change or guard.
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FAQ
Pull their elbow down to relieve pressure, bridge toward them to off-balance, then spin under to recover guard. Never reach up with the trapped arm — it tightens the lock.
Tuck your chin and circle your head to the same side as their choking arm. Stepping to that side while turning your head out breaks most standing guillotines.
Yes — the arm-in position removes the chin-tuck defense. Focus on getting your hips past theirs and your body into a top-control angle to relieve the choke geometry.