Guillotine Choke – Techniques, Defense & Mastery

Have you ever seen a fighter shoot in for a takedown… only to wake up seconds later?

That’s the power of the guillotine choke.

I remember my first time getting caught in one. I shot in hard during live rolling, head down like a bull, and snap — next thing I knew, I was tapping fast, vision fading. My training partner, a quiet blue belt, just smiled and said, “Gotcha.”

That moment changed how I saw this move.

The guillotine isn’t just flashy — it’s one of the most effective submissions in grappling. Used in BJJ, MMA, self-defense, and even wrestling scrambles, it turns aggression against itself.

It works from the bottom, the top, standing, or on the ground. It doesn’t care if you’re big or small. All it needs is one mistake: a dropped chin.

At Martial Boss, we believe every martial artist should master both sides of this choke — offense and defense.

So let’s break it down, step by step.

What Is a Guillotine Choke? Understanding the Mechanics

Guillotine Choke BJJ

Blood Choke vs. Air Choke – What’s the Difference?

Here’s a truth many beginners miss: not all chokes work the same way.

The guillotine can be both a blood choke and an air choke — but only one will win fights safely.

A blood choke cuts off blood flow through the carotid arteries. Pressure here makes someone pass out in 8–10 seconds. Clean. Fast. Safe.

An air choke crushes the windpipe. It hurts like crazy, but takes longer and risks injury.

So which should you aim for?

Always go for the blood choke.

It’s faster, safer, and harder to survive. Think of it like turning off a light switch instead of suffocating someone slowly.

And yes — when done right, the guillotine is mostly a blood choke.

How the Guillotine Works – The Simple Physics

Imagine a vise closing on your neck from the front.

Your forearm acts as the blade. Your chest and shoulder seal the trap. Your hips drive upward like a piston.

Together, they compress the sides of the neck — not the front.

That’s key.

You’re not trying to crush the throat. You’re squeezing the carotids, like shutting off two garden hoses to the brain.

No blood → no consciousness.

Simple.

But only if you get the details right.

Why Is It Called a “Guillotine”?

Great question.

No, we’re not executing anyone.

The name comes from the French execution device used during the Revolution — the kind with a heavy blade that drops straight down.

When you lock in a tight guillotine, your arm and chest come together like that falling blade — trapping the head from above.

It’s dramatic, sure. But it sticks in your mind.

And in martial arts, names that stick? They usually belong to moves that work.

Origins and Evolution of the Guillotine Choke

From Judo to BJJ to UFC – A Submission That Crossed Borders

You might think the guillotine was born in MMA.

It wasn’t.

Its roots go back to Judo’s Hadaka-jime — the “naked strangle.” Early catch wrestlers used similar front chokes too.

But it wasn’t until Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gave it love that the guillotine became a weapon.

Then came MMA.

And suddenly, every wrestler had to worry about their neck the second they shot in.

I’ll never forget watching Joe Lauzon sink in a standing guillotine in the UFC. No guard. No setup. Just timing, precision, and boom — fight over.

That’s when I knew: this choke wasn’t just for BJJ mats. It belonged everywhere.

Now, fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Dustin Poirier, and Cody McKenzie have made it legendary.

And Marcelo Garcia? He didn’t just use it — he reinvented it.

Types of Guillotine Choke Variations (With Step-by-Step Breakdowns)

Let’s get practical.

There’s not just one guillotine.

There are several — each with its own timing, grip, and purpose.

Master these, and you’ll never run out of options.

Standard (Arm-Out) Guillotine Choke

This is your bread-and-butter.

You see the head, you wrap it, you squeeze.

Best used when your opponent shoots in with their head high.

I teach this first to white belts because it’s simple:

As they dive in, sprawl your hips back.
Slide your arm under the neck — deep, so your forearm sits under the chin.
Lock your hand (gable grip or palm-to-palm).
Fall back, close your guard, and lift your hips.

Boom. Pressure builds fast.

Just don’t leave space. That’s how people escape.

Arm-In Guillotine Choke

Now things get tighter.

In the arm-in guillotine, you trap your opponent’s arm inside the choke.

Why does that matter?

Because it locks their shoulder in place. Makes it harder to turn or stack you.

But there’s a danger.

If you don’t finish it fast, they might hit a Von Flue choke — a shoulder-pressure counter that hurts a lot.

So when you go for arm-in, commit. Don’t hesitate.

Use it when they post their far hand wide during a takedown.

Trap the arm, lock the neck, and drive through.

High-Elbow Guillotine (“Marcelotine”)

Ever heard of Marcelo Garcia?

If not, go watch his ADCC matches. Now.

He didn’t just win with the guillotine — he made it look like magic.

His version? The high-elbow guillotine, aka the “Marcelotine.”

Here’s what makes it special:

Instead of tucking your elbow down, you point it straight up — like you’re waving at someone across the room.

This changes the angle. Makes it sharper. And guess what?

Most people’s escapes don’t work against it.

I’ve felt it firsthand. My instructor popped it on me once in class. I thought I had space — then crunch — lights out.

Learn this variation. It’s a game-changer.

Standing Guillotine Choke

This one shines in MMA and self-defense.

No guard. No ground. Just you, your arms, and their exposed neck.

Common setup: They lunge at you, hands high, head low.

You circle, trap the neck, lock the grip, and drop your weight.

Gravity helps you. So does surprise.

But balance matters.

Lean too far back, and you both fall. Lean too far forward, and they walk you into the cage.

Practice it slow first. Then add speed.

Ten-Finger (Gable Grip) Guillotine

Grip strength wins chokes.

And the ten-finger grip — also called the gable grip — is one of the strongest.

Interlock your fingers tightly, palms closed, like you’re holding a steering wheel.

This grip:

Prevents hand separation
Increases control
Lets you apply pressure longer

It’s legal in IBJJF and ADCC, so competition-ready.

But don’t over-grip. Tense hands = tired arms = weak choke.

Stay relaxed until the final squeeze.

Mounted Guillotine Choke

You’re on top. They’re trapped. Now what?

Most people go for an armbar or crossface.

But why not a mounted guillotine?

It’s underrated. And brutal.

While mounted, slide your arm under their neck. Keep your other hand framing to avoid being bucked.

Then — arch your back, lift your hips, and squeeze.

They can’t roll. Can’t posture. Can barely breathe.

I’ve seen brown belts tap instantly to this.

Try it next time you’re in mount. Surprise them.

Rolling Guillotine (Dynamic Entry)

Flashy? Yes.

High-risk? Absolutely.

But when it lands?

Pure adrenaline.

The rolling guillotine happens in scrambles. You see an opening, spin under, and lock it mid-motion.

It looks wild on highlight reels.

But don’t try this unless you’ve drilled it a hundred times.

One wrong move, and you’re giving up your back.

Save it for advanced sparring — not your first tournament.

Guillotine from Guard (Closed/Open/High Guard)

Bottom game lovers — this one’s for you.

You don’t need to be on top to win.

From closed guard, break their posture. Pull them forward. As they resist, pop your hips and trap the head.

Same idea from open guard or butterfly guard.

Timing is everything.

Wait for them to lean in. Then bam — lock it in before they reset.

I once finished a purple belt this way in a local comp.

He thought he was passing. Instead, he got choked.

Never underestimate the power of surprise.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Execute the Perfect Guillotine Choke

You’ve seen the variations. Now let’s lock one in — from start to tap.

This step-by-step works whether you’re standing or on the ground.

And yes, I’ll tell you the exact details I teach my students at our academy.

Setup and Entry – Catching the Mistake

Every great choke starts with a mistake.

In the case of the guillotine, that mistake is simple: a dropped chin.

Your job? Be ready when it happens.

Most common moments:

Opponent shoots for a takedown
They dive forward to pass guard
You snap their head down during stand-up

I was rolling once with a new guy. He kept shooting in, head high, neck exposed. By the third time, I didn’t even think — my arm just went under. That’s muscle memory.

So train your eyes: watch the head. Not the hands. Not the hips. The head.

When it drops, attack.

Securing the Position – No Space, No Escape

Here’s where most people fail.

They grab the neck… but leave space.

And space = survival.

To kill the escape, you must close the gap — chest to chest, like a bear hug.

Tuck your chin to your own shoulder. This protects your neck and angles yours deeper.

Your forearm should be under the chin, not on the throat.

Think “chin strap” pressure — like buckling a helmet strap under the jaw.

Then lock your grip: gable grip or palm-to-palm. Either works.

Now trap their body. If standing, drop into guard. If already on the ground, squeeze your legs.

Control first. Squeeze later.

Finishing the Choke – It’s Not Your Arms

Big myth: chokes are won with arm strength.

Nope.

If you’re squeezing with only your arms, you’ll tire fast — and lose.

The real power comes from your back, hips, and core.

Here’s how:

Arch your lower back slightly.
Drive your hips upward — like doing a bridge.
Pull your elbows down and in.
Keep your chin tucked.

It’s like closing a car door with your whole body, not just your hand.

I once choked out a much bigger guy using this method. My arms were weak. But my hips? Strong.

Use physics, not force.

Top 3 High-Percentage Setups for the Guillotine Choke

You don’t need fancy chains. Just three reliable setups.

Master these, and you’ll hit guillotines regularly — even against tough opponents.

The Sprawl-to-Guillotine (Anti-Wrestling Tool)

This is the #1 setup in MMA and BJJ.

Opponent shoots in → you sprawl hard → wrap the neck.

Simple. Brutal. Effective.

Key details:

Don’t just sprawl backward — sprawl down. Flatten their posture.
Your trapping arm goes under the neck before they clear your hips.
Lock the grip early. Don’t wait.

I drilled this hundreds of times with my coach. Now it’s automatic.

Pro tip: If they shoot wide, go for the arm-in version. More control.

The Snap Down (From Feet or Open Guard)

Standing or in open guard, use hand-fighting to break their posture.

Grab the head. Yank it forward and down — like pulling a rope.

As their chin drops, slide your arm under.

This works best in No-Gi or MMA, where collars aren’t available.

I used this in a tournament once. My opponent was taller, stronger. But he kept framing with his hands. So I snapped his head down — and boom. Tap in five seconds.

Timing beats strength.

From Closed Guard (Posture Break)

Bottom players, listen up.

You’re not defenseless.

Break their posture by pulling on the sleeves or collar.

When they resist and lean forward, that’s your moment.

Pop your hips, trap the head, and lock the choke before they reset.

Even if they block the initial attempt, you’ve created space to sweep or transition.

I’ve turned bad positions into submissions dozens of times this way.

Guard isn’t passive. It’s a trap.

How to Defend Against the Guillotine Choke

Now flip the script.

What if you’re the one getting choked?

Don’t panic.

Escape is possible — if you act fast.

And trust me, I’ve been there. More than I’d like to admit.

Prevention – The First Line of Defense

Best defense? Never get caught.

Keep your chin tucked at all times — especially during takedowns.

Don’t dive head-first like a linebacker.

Hand-fight aggressively. Don’t let them secure the grip.

If they start wrapping, peel their hand off immediately.

Once the choke is deep, it’s over.

I learned this the hard way after tapping seven times in one class.

Now I keep my head safe — always.

Early-Stage Escapes – Stop It Before It Starts

Caught early? Good.

Two quick fixes:

“Answer the Phone”: Use both hands to peel their gripping hand off like answering a ringing phone.
Walk to the Safe Side: Circle your feet toward the side of their choking arm. This reduces pressure and buys time.

Do this before they fall back or elevate.

Speed matters.

I drill this with beginners every week. Ten reps per side. Muscle memory saves lives.

Late-Stage Escapes – When the Choke Is Deep

Too late to peel? Now it’s serious.

Options:

Hop Over Escape: Jump over their body to the opposite side. Uses their momentum against them.
Stack and Smash: In MMA, drive forward with your weight. Flatten them. Then peel.
Von Flue Counter (vs Arm-In): Trap their biceps with your far arm and extend your neck. Relieves pressure fast.

I’ve used the hop-over in live rolls. Looks wild, but works.

Tap early if you can’t escape. Pride gets you hurt.

Counters and Transitions – Turn Defense Into Attack

Best grapplers don’t just survive — they reverse.

Block a guillotine? Now you can:

Take their back
Pass to mount
Hit an armbar from the scramble

I once defended a guillotine, spun behind, and locked a rear-naked choke in one motion.

That’s chain grappling.

Defense isn’t the end. It’s the beginning.

Common Mistakes When Applying the Guillotine (And How to Fix Them)

Let’s fix what’s broken.

These mistakes cost wins.

Mistake 1: Leaving Space Between Bodies
→ Lets them breathe and escape.
✅ Fix: Close chest-to-chest. Use your hips to press in.

Mistake 2: Squeezing with Only Your Arms
→ Tires you out. Weak pressure.
✅ Fix: Arch your back, lift your hips, engage your core.

Mistake 3: Shallow Wrist or Wrong Grip
→ Blade of forearm not under the chin.
✅ Fix: Reach deep before finishing. Aim for the jawline.

Mistake 4: Rushing the Finish
→ Misses timing. Gets countered.
✅ Fix: Control first. Then submit.

Mistake 5: Poor Head Alignment
→ Reduces leverage, risks your own neck.
✅ Fix: Tuck your chin to your shoulder. Stay tight.

Drill these corrections. They make the difference between almost and tap.

Training the Guillotine Choke: Drills and Development

Want a tighter guillotine?

You don’t need more strength.

You need better drills.

Solo Drills

No partner? No problem.

Shadow Rolling: Practice wrapping motions slowly. Focus on depth and angle.
Grip Strength: Use grippers, towel pull-ups, or rope climbs.
Neck Mobility: Gentle rolls and stretches prevent injury.

I do 5 minutes of shadow drilling before every class. Keeps the movement fresh.

Partner Drills

Now add resistance.

Sprawl-and-Choke: One shoots, one sprawls and attacks.
Guard Entry Drill: From closed guard, practice trapping the head on posture breaks.
Flow Rolling: Chain guillotine attempts with escapes and counters.

Start slow. Build timing. Speed comes later.

Sparring Integration

Now test it live.

But don’t go hunting.

Wait for the right moment:

Takedown entries
Posture lapses
Scrambles

And if it fails? Reset. Learn. Try again.

I once failed five guillotines in a row. Sixth one worked.

Persistence pays.

The Guillotine Choke in Competition & Real-World Context

Rules matter. Context matters more.

Rule Set Differences

IBJJF: Legal in Gi and No-Gi. High-elevation allowed.
ADCC: Encouraged. Rolling guillotines are common.
MMA: Fully legal. A staple anti-wrestler tool.
Judo: Illegal. Neck cranks and chokes from front are banned.

Know the rules before you compete.

Strategic Game Planning

Is the guillotine your main weapon or a surprise counter?

Either works.

But don’t sacrifice position for it.

I’ve seen blue belts give up mount chasing a guillotine. Bad trade.

Use feints. Draw reactions. Set traps.

Make them want to shoot — so you can choke.

Self-Defense Applications

On the street, the standing guillotine shines.

Someone rushes you? Trap the head, drop your weight, squeeze.

No need for fancy moves.

Just survival.

But remember: multiple attackers or weapons change everything.

Chokes work best one-on-one.

Advanced Concepts: Taking Your Guillotine to the Next Level

Ready for more?

Chain Wrestling & Submission Sequences

Missed the guillotine?

No problem.

Go to:

Armbar
Triangle
Omoplata
Sweep

The threat of the choke opens doors.

I call it “the choke that gives.”

Style-Specific Adaptations

BJJ Gi: Use the collar to control posture before attacking.
Wrestling: Combine with whizzers and underhooks.
MMA: Add strikes to create openings.

Adapt or die.

High-Elevation Technique

Lift their legs off the ground. Cuts blood flow faster.

Legal in most rulesets — just don’t hyperextend the neck.

Use it wisely.

Safety Considerations and Injury Prevention

This isn’t a game.

A bad choke can injure.

Risks:

Whiplash
Tracheal bruising
Carotid strain

Prevent them by:

Tapping early
Releasing immediately
Drilling slowly with new partners

I had a student ignore pain after a deep choke. Took two weeks to recover.

Don’t be that person.

Tap. Live to roll again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the guillotine a blood choke or air choke?
→ Mostly blood choke. Faster, safer, more efficient.

Q: Is it legal in BJJ tournaments?
→ Yes. IBJJF, ADCC, Grappling Industries — all allow it.

Q: Who has the best guillotine in MMA?
→ Joe Lauzon, Khabib, Cody McKenzie, Dustin Poirier.

Q: What’s the difference between guillotine and rear-naked choke?
→ Guillotine is front. RNC is from behind. Both are blood chokes.

Q: Can you pass out from it?
→ Yes. Usually in 8–10 seconds with proper pressure.

Q: When should I learn it?
→ White belt level. But drill safely.

Q: How do I avoid it when shooting?
→ Keep chin tucked, head up, hand-fight aggressively.

Conclusion

The guillotine choke isn’t just a move.

It’s a mindset.

It teaches timing. Patience. Awareness.

It rewards those who watch the head — not the hands.

I’ve lost to it. Won with it. Drilled it thousands of times.

And I still learn something new every week.

So here’s my challenge to you:

This week, drill one guillotine setup 50 times.

Sprawl. Snap down. Guard entry. Pick one.

Repetition builds mastery.

At Martial Boss, we’re not just about flashy techniques.

We’re about real skills that work — on the mat, in competition, and in life.