Mastering the Guillotine Choke: A Comprehensive Guide for Grapplers

The guillotine choke is a powerful and versatile submission hold that’s a staple in many grappling disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), mixed martial arts (MMA), and wrestling. When applied correctly, it can quickly force an opponent to tap, making it a crucial tool in any grappler’s arsenal. However, like any submission, mastering the guillotine choke requires a deep understanding of its mechanics, proper technique, and consistent practice. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the guillotine, providing you with the knowledge and steps needed to effectively execute this submission.

Understanding the Guillotine Choke

The guillotine choke is a front-facing neck restraint that primarily restricts blood flow to the brain through compression of the carotid arteries. It’s important to note that while the trachea (windpipe) may be slightly affected, the primary goal is to impede blood flow. This is why a properly executed guillotine can induce a quick tap, as the opponent’s consciousness can be compromised rapidly. A poorly executed guillotine, on the other hand, might only result in discomfort or an easy escape.

Key Principles of a Successful Guillotine Choke

• Correct Grip: A solid grip is fundamental for a successful guillotine. The most common grip is the Gable grip (interlocked hands), though other variations exist.
• Tightness: The choke should be applied tightly, ensuring there is no space between your arms and your opponent’s neck.
• Body Positioning: Your body position significantly influences the effectiveness of the choke. Being too far away or too close can compromise your ability to apply pressure.
• Legs and Hips: Your legs and hips are crucial for generating the necessary squeeze. Proper hip positioning is essential for achieving maximum pressure.
• Finishing Mechanics: Understanding how to correctly finish the choke, such as pulling your opponent down and squeezing, is essential.
• Adaptability: The ability to adapt your technique based on your opponent’s reactions is crucial for success.

Step-by-Step Guide to Executing the Guillotine Choke

Let’s break down the process into detailed steps, focusing on the common standing guillotine and a variation from the guard:

Standing Guillotine Choke

This is often initiated from a standing position, either as a reaction to a takedown attempt or a controlled clinch.

Step 1: Securing the Grip

Initial Engagement: When your opponent moves into range for a takedown or a clinch, you’ll want to react quickly. As they come forward, position yourself to get in front of them, angling slightly to the side, but directly in front enough to secure the neck. Your lead foot should be angled towards the side of their body you plan to attack.

The Grip: Bring your lead hand up and over their neck, aiming to place your wrist bone on the carotid artery of the opposite side. Your palm should be facing towards you. Your hand will land at the base of their neck to one side. Simultaneously, bring your other hand around their neck, and clasp your hands using a Gable grip (interlocked fingers). Make sure the grip is tight but not too high, it needs to be around the neck not the chin.

Grip Variations: While the Gable grip is most common, the s-grip is also a very common and effective variation, where you create a “S” shape with your hand, the pinkie finger on the hand you are using to wrap with is the first finger you use to make the grip. You hook the finger, then bring the thumb into the palm and use the remaining fingers to secure the grip.

Step 2: Positioning and Posture

Lowering your center of gravity: Once you have secured the grip you need to work to lower your center of gravity. Bend your knees slightly and sink your hips. This will bring your chest up to their back and take away their ability to posture up. This helps apply pressure to the front of their neck. Ensure your chest is making contact with their upper back.

Maintaining a tight grip: You need to ensure your grip is as tight as possible and that there is no gap in your arms from their neck to your body.

Angle your body: Angle your body to the side of the opponent. This helps prevent them from posturing up and creating space. If you are directly in front of them they have an easier time of creating space and breaking the grip. Keep your back straight.

Step 3: The Squeeze and Pull

Pull down: Once you have lowered your level and have a tight grip and have your body positioned on their back, pull down on the head by driving with your shoulders and core. At the same time pull in with your arms. Your shoulders should be level with their body.

Squeeze with your arms: Bring your elbows together and squeeze your arms tight. This is not a bicep focused squeeze, but rather a squeezing from your chest muscles and back muscles.

Hip Drive: Engage your hips by pushing them forward. A subtle lift from your hips can significantly enhance the choke’s effectiveness. This is a very small movement, not a large one.

Final Adjustments: If necessary, make slight adjustments to your grip and body angle to increase the pressure and effectiveness of the choke. It is possible to transition into a front headlock or a Darce choke variation if the traditional Guillotine is not working.

Step 4: Finishing the Choke

Maintain Pressure: Keep squeezing with your arms and driving with your hips until your opponent taps.

Stay Calm: Don’t panic if you don’t get the tap immediately. Maintain a consistent, steady pressure and you will get the tap if the technique is correct.

Release Safely: As soon as your opponent taps, release the choke immediately. This prevents any unnecessary injury.

Guillotine Choke from Guard

This variation involves transitioning from a guard position (either closed or open) to secure the guillotine. It is a high-percentage choke from the guard.

Step 1: Setting Up the Transition

Break their Posture: When in guard, control your opponent’s posture. Control their wrist using both of your hands and break their posture down by pulling them forward, this will give you the opportunity to control their neck.

Frame with one hand: Frame with one hand in their chest, using this to create a small amount of space to work from.

Control their head with the other hand: Use the other hand to control their head and bring it towards your chest, use this control to begin to wrap your arm around their neck.

Step 2: Securing the Grip

Underhook the Neck: Slide your arm under their neck from the side, reaching for the far side of their neck.

Secure the grip: Bring your other hand and secure the grip, be it gable or an S grip.

Step 3: Elevate Your Hips

Hip bump: As you secure the grip bump your hips up and angle your body slightly to the side. This helps to elevate your opponent’s body and give you a more effective squeeze.

Step 4: The Squeeze and Finish

Pull Their Head to Your Chest: Pull their head toward your chest and squeeze with your arms and core. This will force their head deeper into your chest and complete the squeeze.

Maintain Pressure: Continue squeezing until your opponent taps. Keep your legs locked and actively participate in creating pressure.

Transition if Needed: If they are resisting and you cannot finish from here, use the moment to move to a stronger position or change submissions.

Drills and Training

To truly master the guillotine choke, consistent practice and drilling are essential. Here are some drills you can incorporate into your training:

• Partner Drills: Practice each step slowly with a partner, ensuring correct grip, body positioning, and squeezing mechanics.
• Resisted Drills: Have your partner offer slight resistance during the drill to simulate a real-world situation.
• Live Sparring: After getting familiar with the drills, implement the guillotine during live sparring, but be careful and start at low intensities and build up to higher intensity.
• Positional Sparring: Focus on initiating the guillotine from specific positions, such as the clinch or guard.
• Wall Drills: Use a wall to practice the squeeze and hip drive, focusing on keeping your body tight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with diligent practice, it’s easy to fall into common errors when applying the guillotine. Here are some to watch out for:

• Not Getting a Tight Grip: Having gaps in your grip will significantly reduce the effectiveness of the choke.
• Grip Being Too High on the Chin: You want your grip to be below the chin around the neck.
• Standing Too Straight Up: The effectiveness comes from pulling down, not just squeezing. If your level is too high, you are much weaker.
• Not Using Your Hips: Failing to engage your hips will reduce the power of your squeeze.
• Not Maintaining Control: Losing control of your opponent’s body will give them space to escape.
• Rushing the Technique: Focus on proper technique instead of speed. Speed will come with time and practice.
• Pulling only with arms: You need to engage your full body to pull the head down, your back and core should be used to help pull.

Safety Considerations

The guillotine choke is a powerful submission that can cause temporary unconsciousness if applied correctly. Therefore, safety is paramount when training:

• Train with Experienced Partners: Practice with partners who understand the technique and can tap out appropriately.
• Tap Early and Often: Do not hesitate to tap early when caught in a guillotine. The earlier you tap, the safer it will be.
• Release Immediately Upon Tap: As soon as your partner taps, release the choke immediately.
• Communicate: Talk to your training partner about your intent and theirs, especially when practicing new submissions.
• Start Slow and Controlled: Avoid trying to muscle a submission. Focus on proper technique and control.

Conclusion

The guillotine choke is a devastating submission hold that, when applied correctly, can be a game-changer in any grappling encounter. By understanding the underlying principles, practicing diligently, and avoiding common mistakes, you can effectively add the guillotine to your arsenal. Remember that consistent practice, attention to detail, and a focus on safety are paramount to becoming proficient in this powerful submission. With patience and persistence, you’ll soon be applying the guillotine choke with confidence and control. Always practice safe and continue to learn from more experienced training partners.