Become Fighter
The guillotine: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide
A front choke for when someone dives their head under your arm.
The guillotine is a choke you catch when an opponent shoots a takedown, pulls their head down or lowers it in guard. Your arm wraps under their neck and you squeeze with your forearm and chest.
It is a very powerful choke, a real danger to the neck and windpipe if cranked. Treat the first 20 minutes with a partner as practice of the grip only. Keep it slow, and release the moment you feel a tap.
Key points
- Wrap the arm so that your forearm blade is under the chin, and hold your own wrist or hand.
- Pull the head in tight against your chest. Your elbow stays close to your ribs.
- In guard, close the legs, and lift your hips. In standing, keep your chest tight and walk back.
- Lift the elbow, not just squeeze. The lift tightens the choke.
- Apply slowly, and release at the first tap.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Cranking the neck sideways. Keep the pressure straight in line with your chest. Twisting injures the neck.
- Letting the elbow flare. Keep it near your ribs. A wide elbow leaves a gap.
- Holding on after the tap. Release instantly. Guillotines work quickly.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Submissions system module of Jiu-jitsu foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Submissions system
- Cross collar choke from guard: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide
- The triangle choke: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide
- Kimura and americana: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide
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Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.