Guillotine Choke from Full Guard (Every White Belt Should Know This One)
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Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard·Chewjitsu
Today's BJJ technique video is a request for a Guillotine Choke from Full Guard. This is one of the earliest submissions…
Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard
Speciesギロチンチョーク(Girochin Chōku)
TransliterationTranslation: Guillotine Choke (katakana loanword); also フロントチョーク
Overview
The guillotine choke from closed guard is applied by wrapping one arm around the opponent's neck from the front, locking the hands together, and squeezing while using the closed guard to prevent the opponent from posturing up or pulling their head free. [1],[2] The guard player typically catches the guillotine as the opponent shoots or dives into the guard, then closes the legs to secure the position. [1] Hip elevation and a slight angle to the choking side increase leverage and direct the forearm blade more precisely into the carotid artery. [1],[2],[3]
History & Origin
The guillotine from closed guard is one of the earliest and most fundamental front choke applications in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, used by Royce Gracie in the inaugural UFC events to submit larger opponents. [1],[2] The technique derives from mae-hadaka-jime (front naked strangle) in judo but was refined through the BJJ guard system, which added leg control to prevent escape. [1],[3] It remains one of the most commonly attempted submissions in both MMA and sport grappling at all levels. [1],[2]
Effectiveness
The guillotine from closed guard is one of the most commonly finished submissions in both MMA and BJJ. The guard provides leg control preventing escape, while multiple arm positions (arm-in, arm-out, high-elbow) create a versatile attack system. [1]
Lineage
The closed guard guillotine evolved from basic front headlock chokes through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guard development. Marcelo Garcia's guard guillotine innovations were the most significant modern advancement. [1]
Competition Record
Statistically one of the top 5 submissions in MMA history. Extremely common at all levels of BJJ and submission grappling competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Bilateral compression of the carotid arteries — restricts blood flow to the brain, causing unconsciousness within seconds
Joints Involved — Cervical spine (lateral flexion), glenohumeral joint of the trapped arm (if arm-in), nuchal region
Force Vector — Lateral squeeze creates inward pressure on both sides of the neck simultaneously
Choking Mechanism — Vascular strangle — occludes carotid arteries and jugular veins, distinct from airway (tracheal) chokes
Position & Entry
From standing (opponent shoots) — Sprawl on the shot, secure chin-strap grip around the neck, lock the guillotine and pull guard or finish standing
From closed guard — Opponent dives head down, wrap arm around the neck, clasp hands and arch the back while squeezing
From front headlock (snap-down) — Snap the opponent's head down, secure the chin-strap, sit to guard or sprawl to finish
Videos
How To Guillotine ANYONE In BJJ
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Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard·Tyler Spangler
See how I choke anyone in BJJ using the guillotine. I created this guide to help you with everything needed guillotine a…
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The guillotine choke from closed guard is a fundamental submission that both Tyler Spangler and Chewjitsu emphasize as highly versatile and effective. Both instructors prioritize grip mechanics, though with different emphases. Spangler stresses the shallow grip with the thumb placed directly on the carotid artery as the critical control point, arguing this positioning makes hand-fighting by the opponent counterproductive and enables the choke even with an arm trapped (arm-and-guillotine variation). Chewjitsu, working from full guard following a sweep setup, offers alternative grip options including a reverse gable grip for situations where standard wrist control fails, particularly when the opponent defends tightly. Both instructors agree on the importance of body positioning: Spangler emphasizes getting the back off the mat and maintaining height to allow adjustment space before falling, while Chewjitsu stresses switching hips to the side and "cutting the angle" rather than finishing straight back, preventing the head from popping out. Spangler demonstrates the choke from half guard and multiple follow-up sequences including mounted variations, while Chewjitsu focuses on guard-based setups following sweep mechanics. Both recommend leaning into or "rocking the baby" (compressing chest pressure) as the finishing mechanic. The instructors agree the choke requires minimal energy expenditure when executed correctly, relying on proper positioning and angle rather than brute force.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- Tyler Spangler — How To Guillotine ANYONE In BJJ: Detailed shallow grip mechanics with thumb placement on carotid artery; emphasis on elbow positioning for compression; arm-and-guillotine variation; height maintenance before finishing; multiple position setups including half guard, north-south, and mount; one-armed guillotine finishes
- Chewjitsu — Guillotine Choke from Full Guard (Every White Belt Should Know This One): Full guard setup from bump/Kimora sweep; hip switching and angle-cutting technique to prevent head escape; reverse gable grip alternative for arm-in situations; emphasis on side positioning rather than straight-back finish; rocking-the-baby compression finish
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Guillotine variants compress the trachea and carotids from front headlock control
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— FIAS Sport Sambo — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes a...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal — choke submissions are among the mos...
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The guillotine choke from closed guard encompasses all guillotine variations executed from the bottom closed guard position — using the guard's leg control to maintain distance and prevent escape (Danaher, Front Headlock System: Go Further Faster, 2019)
✓Closed guard provides the ideal platform for guillotines: the legs prevent the opponent from backing out, the hips generate compression force, and the position is stable
✓The standard sequence: catch the opponent's head as they drive forward, wrap the choking arm, close the guard, connect the hands, and finish with hip extension
✓Three primary variations exist from closed guard: arm-out (neck only), arm-in (neck and arm), and high-elbow (Marcelotine) — each targeting different anatomical structures
✓The closed guard guillotine is a counter-attack: it punishes the opponent for driving forward aggressively, making it a natural complement to guard sweeps that require forward pressure
✓Finishing from guard: extend the hips upward while pulling the head down — the opposition between hip extension and head control creates the choking pressure
✓The closed guard guillotine is statistically one of the most common submissions in MMA: fighters who shoot carelessly from inside the guard are caught consistently
Common Mistakes
!Not closing the guard before attempting the finish — open guard allows the opponent to pass; close the guard immediately after catching the head
!Pulling the head without extending the hips — the guillotine from guard requires hip extension as the primary force; head-pulling alone is insufficient
!Lying flat on the back — angle slightly to the choking side for better forearm-to-neck contact
!Not connecting the hands securely — the grip must be locked before attempting to finish; loose grips are stripped
!Attempting without the opponent's head being fully inside the loop — the neck must be wrapped past the chin; a loose loop that catches the chin is a neck crank, not a choke
!Not switching between guillotine variations — if the arm-out fails, transition to arm-in or high-elbow rather than forcing the same angle
!Holding the guillotine from guard while the opponent stacks — if they drive forward to stack, adjust hip angle or consider releasing to retain guard rather than being stacked and passed
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Tuck Chin — protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinkingTwo-on-One Grip Fight — use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locksTurn Into — rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressurePosture Up — straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle
Setup Chain
1Achieve Controlling Position — secure the position from which the choke is applied
2Isolate the Neck — clear defending hands and establish access to the throat
3Set the Grip — lock the choking configuration (arm, lapel, or leg placement)
4Apply Pressure — squeeze to compress the carotid arteries for the finish
Sources & References
Primary Source
柔術B (jiujitsu-b.com); gentle-world.tech; Yahoo知恵袋; Wikipedia ja (フロントチョーク)
Major Japanese BJJ publication — comprehensive technique lists
Japanese BJJ submission guide
Japanese Q&A community — BJJ technique name verification
Japanese Wikipedia — martial arts technique articles
5OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
6Citation柔術B (jiujitsu-b.com); gentle-world.tech; Yahoo知恵袋; Wikipedia ja (フロントチョーク)
Japanese terminology sourced from 柔術B (jiujitsu-b.com); gentle-world.tech; Yahoo知恵袋; Wikipedia ja (フロントチョーク)
Community
Athletics
Requires
forearm and grip strength, hip flexibility for guard retention
Favours
longer arms for deeper chin-strap wrap
Key muscles
forearm flexors, biceps, hip flexors
Sub-techniques
Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard Arm-In
VarietyThe arm-in guillotine from closed guard traps the opponent's arm alongside their neck inside the choking loop, creating a head-and-arm strangle rather than a pure neck choke. [1] The attacker wraps one arm around the opponent's neck and one trapped arm, locks a grip with the free hand, then closes the guard and squeezes while curling the wrist upward into the throat. [1,2] The trapped arm acts as additional compression material — it fills space on one side of the neck, so the forearm only needs to compress the opposite carotid. [2] The arm-in configuration changes the angle of attack and can be more accessible when the opponent is posturing low with both arms extended. [2,3]
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Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard High-Elbow
VarietyThe high-elbow guillotine from closed guard — often called the Marcelotine when applied from guard — positions the choking elbow high above the opponent's back, creating a steep downward angle of the forearm across the throat. [1] The attacker wraps the arm around the neck, then elevates the elbow dramatically upward so the wrist digs deep under the chin and the forearm presses at an acute angle against the trachea and carotid arteries. [1,2] The high elbow creates superior mechanical advantage compared to the flat guillotine because the angle generates more compression per unit of squeeze force. [2] From closed guard, the legs pull the opponent's torso forward into the choke while the high elbow prevents them from posturing out. [2,3]
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a shallow grip important when applying the guillotine choke from closed guard?
A shallow grip prevents your opponent from hand-fighting effectively—if they try to defend your hands, they compromise their position and make the choke worse. Tyler Spangler emphasizes that keeping your opponent from reaching your hand is the most important part of the offense.
How do I generate finishing power once I have the guillotine locked in?
Use heavy chest pressure by puffing your chest forward while pulling up on the neck, and place your elbow on top of the head, pulling it down and compressing your chest and everything together. Tyler Spangler notes that once you execute this compression correctly, your opponent will tap no matter what.
How do I prevent my opponent from escaping by bridging?
Maintain extremely heavy chest pressure and make sure to puff your chest forward as you pull up on the neck to prevent them from bridging out, which will lead to an easy submission.
What grip should I use for the guillotine from closed guard?
Chewjitsu recommends using a gable grip: grab your wrist with your choking arm, then take your thumb and go down to secure it. A reverse gable grip variation is also effective and described as tighter.
How does the Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard work?
The guillotine choke from closed guard is applied by wrapping one arm around the opponent's neck from the front, locking the hands together, and squeezing while using the closed guard to prevent the opponent from posturing up or pulling their head free. The guard player typically catches the guillotine as the opponent shoots or dives into the guard, then closes the legs to secure the position.
Where does the Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard come from?
The guillotine from closed guard is one of the earliest and most fundamental front choke applications in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, used by Royce Gracie in the inaugural UFC events to submit larger opponents. The technique derives from mae-hadaka-jime (front naked strangle) in judo but was refined through the BJJ guard system, which added leg control to prevent escape.
Is the Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes are the safest submission cat…; IJF: legal — Legal (shime-waza) — strangulation techniques are one of three permitted subm…; ADCC: legal — Legal; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — choke submissions are among the most common finishes in MMA; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard?
Danger rating 9/10. Guillotine variants compress the trachea and carotids from front headlock control
How do I set up the Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position → Isolate the Neck → Set the Grip → Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard?
Standard counters include: Tuck Chin — protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinking / Two-on-One Grip Fight — use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locks / Turn Into — rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressure / Posture Up — straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle.
What are the variants of the Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard?
Common variants: Arm-in guillotine (traps the opponent's arm inside the choke for additional …); High-elbow guillotine (Marcelotine) (elevates the elbow above the head for stronger carotid co…); Standing guillotine (finished from the feet without pulling guard); Power guillotine (chin-strap grip with a rear-naked-choke-style finish for …).
How effective is the Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard in competition?
Statistically one of the top 5 submissions in MMA history. Extremely common at all levels of BJJ and submission grappling competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard?
Top errors to watch for: Not closing the guard before attempting the finish — open guard allows the opponent to pass; close the guard immediat… / Pulling the head without extending the hips — the guillotine from guard requires hip extension as the primary force; … / Lying flat on the back — angle slightly to the choking side for better forearm-to-neck contact / Not connecting the hands securely — the grip must be locked before attempting to finish; loose grips are stripped.
What are other names for the Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard?
The Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard is also known as Girochin Chōku, Guard Guillotine, Guilhotina from Guard, Closed Guard Guillotine.