Learn the BJJ Guillotine Choke step-by-step. Master proper hand placement, body mechanics, and common variations for this powerful submission. Improve...
Choke
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Intermediate
The Guillotine Choke is a fundamental and highly effective submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, particularly potent in no-gi grappling. It targets the carotid arteries by compressing the neck, often catching opponents as they shoot for takedowns or expose their head. Mastering this choke requires precise hand placement, body mechanics, and an understanding of its various setups.
Technique Map
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Choke["Choke"]:::catNode
Choke --> Guillotine_Choke
Guillotine_Choke["Guillotine Choke"]:::currentNode
Guillotine_Choke -.-> Rear_Naked_Choke["Rear Naked Choke"]:::relNode
Guillotine_Choke -.-> Triangle_Choke["Triangle Choke"]:::relNode
Guillotine_Choke -.-> Bow_and_Arrow_Choke["Bow and Arrow Choke"]:::relNode
Guillotine_Choke -.-> Ezekiel_Choke["Ezekiel Choke"]:::relNode
Guillotine_Choke -.-> D_Arce_Choke["D'Arce Choke"]:::relNode
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classDef relNode fill:#141926,stroke:#1f2840,color:#a78bfa
classDef catNode fill:#1f2840,stroke:#7c6af7,color:#7c6af7,font-style:italic
How to Execute
1
Capture the Head and Arm: When your opponent shoots for a takedown or exposes their neck, quickly wrap your arm around their neck, ensuring your bicep is under their chin and your forearm is across their throat. Simultaneously, capture their arm on the same side as your choking arm, pinning it close to their body if possible.
2
Secure the Grip: Bring your free hand over your choking hand and secure a strong grip, typically palm-to-palm (gable grip) or an S-grip, ensuring your wrists are straight and your elbows are tucked in. Your goal is to create a tight, unyielding connection around their neck.
3
Establish Position and Control: Depending on the situation, either sprawl back to flatten your opponent, pull guard, or sit back into a strong guard position, maintaining tight head and arm control. Ensure your hips are close to your opponent's body to prevent them from posturing up.
4
Finish the Choke: Extend your hips forward while arching your back, simultaneously pulling your elbows towards your chest. This action cinches the choke, applying pressure to the carotid arteries and forcing the tap.
Key Details & Tips
1
Wrist Position: Keep your choking wrist straight and your elbows tucked in to maximize leverage and prevent your grip from breaking. Flaring your elbows weakens the choke significantly.
2
Neck vs. Windpipe: Aim for the carotid arteries on the sides of the neck, not just the windpipe. Your forearm should be across their throat, but the primary squeeze comes from compressing the sides.
3
Hip Connection: Maintain a strong hip connection to your opponent's body. Driving your hips forward and arching your back adds immense power and tightness to the submission.
4
Safety First: Always apply chokes slowly and allow your training partner ample time to tap. Rushing the choke can cause serious injury.
Variations
1
Arm-In Guillotine: This variation involves trapping one of your opponent's arms inside your choking arm, adding an extra layer of control and often making the choke tighter.
2
High-Elbow Guillotine (Marcelotine): A highly effective no-gi variation where the choking arm's elbow is positioned very high, almost behind the opponent's head, allowing for a deep, powerful squeeze.
3
Standing Guillotine: Applied when both grapplers are on their feet, often after a failed takedown attempt, requiring strong posture and a controlled descent to the ground.
When to Use
This technique is highly effective when an opponent shoots for a single or double leg takedown, exposing their neck. It also works well from the guard, particularly closed guard or Butterfly Guard, as they posture up or try to pass, and during scrambles where an opponent turtles or exposes their head and neck.
Counters & Defenses
1
Posture Up: Immediately posture your head and body upright, pulling your head out of the choke's line of attack before the grip is fully secured.
2
Hand Fight/Pummel: Use your free hand to break their grip or pummel your arm inside their choking arm to create space and relieve pressure.
3
Roll Out: If caught in a standing or kneeling guillotine, attempt to roll your opponent over your shoulder, escaping their body control and potentially reversing the position.
Elite Athletes Who Use This Technique
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Q: What is the key difference between a Guillotine and a Front Headlock?
While related, a Guillotine is a submission focused on compressing the carotid arteries, whereas a Front Headlock is primarily a control position used for setting up chokes, takedowns, or transitions, with the potential to become a Guillotine.
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