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Guillotine Choke 🚧

Quick Introduction​

The guillotine is a front headlock choke that can be applied standing, from guard, or during scrambles. It's a fundamental submission that punishes opponents who lower their head, making it essential for both offense and defense.

Technique Overview​

Type: Choke (can be air or blood choke depending on application)

Available from: Standing, closed guard 🚧, half guard 🚧, turtle, scrambles

Finish: Arm around neck, pulling up while hips drive forward

Guillotine Variations (3 Main Applications)​

🎯 Standard Guillotine (Pull Guard)​

Setup Position

Standing or scramble position with opponent's head down

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Opponent lowers their head (shooting, passing, scrambling)
  2. Wrap arm around their neck (hand to opposite hip)
  3. Lock hands (gable grip or arm-in grip)
  4. Pull guard (closed or half guard)
  5. Arch back while pulling up on neck
  6. Squeeze and lift

Critical Details

  • Catch them when head is down
  • Lock before pulling guard
  • Closed guard preferred for control
  • Lift up, drive hips forward
  • Crook of elbow (not wrist) should be on throat

Tactical Advantage

Fast finish; punishes poor posture; works gi and no-gi; can finish standing; excellent defensive tool

⚔️ High Elbow Guillotine (Arm-In)​

Setup Position

Guard position with guillotine grip established (their arm trapped inside)

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Have guillotine grip with their arm trapped inside
  2. Pull your choking elbow high (toward ceiling)
  3. Extend your body while keeping grip tight
  4. Create angle with your hips
  5. Squeeze and shrug shoulder

Critical Details

  • Elbow must point to ceiling (high elbow)
  • Extend your body long
  • Shrug shoulder toward choking side
  • Their arm being inside changes mechanics
  • More technical than standard

Tactical Advantage

Higher percentage when arm is inside; more control; modern evolution; works even when they defend standard version

🔄 Ten Finger Guillotine (No-Gi Specialty)​

Setup Position

Similar to standard but with modified grip

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Get guillotine position
  2. Instead of gable or arm-in, interlace all 10 fingers
  3. Pull up while driving hips
  4. Crunch and squeeze

Critical Details

  • All fingers interlaced
  • More surface area for squeeze
  • Popular in no-gi
  • Good for beginners learning mechanics

Tactical Advantage

Easier to finish for beginners; good grip security; simple mechanics; no-gi friendly

Important Observations (General Rules)​

Core Principles​

  1. 🎯 Catch the lowered head - Timing is when they drop head
  2. 💪 Crook of elbow on throat - Not wrist or forearm
  3. ⏱️ Pull up, drive hips - Two directions of pressure
  4. 🔄 Guard or standing - Can finish from both
  5. 🎮 Variation selection - Choose based on situation:
    • Standard → When their head drops, fastest setup
    • High Elbow → When they defend or arm is trapped
    • Ten Finger → For no-gi or learning mechanics

Connection to Theories​

Applying core principles:

  • Timing: Catch them during transitions
  • Two-Direction Pressure: Up and forward simultaneously
  • Position: Can finish from guard or standing

Common Mistakes​

⚠️ Wrist on throat - Ineffective, should be crook of elbow

⚠️ Only pulling up - Must also drive hips forward

⚠️ Chasing it standing too long - Better to pull guard and secure

⚠️ Wrong grip - Hands not connected properly

⚠️ Not arching back - Reduces effectiveness significantly

⚠️ Catching too late - Must get it as they drop head

🎯 Next Steps​

After mastering guillotine:

  1. Practice timing → Drill catching the lowered head
  2. Learn both grips → Standard and high elbow applications
  3. Defensive use → How to threaten guillotine to prevent takedowns

🔗 Related Resources​