Guillotine Choke From Standing Snap-Down Ten-Finger (No-Arm)

Variety

Translation

Not yet documented

Range & classification

Overview

The Ten-Finger (No-Arm) Guillotine from standing snap-down is a guillotine variation where all ten fingers are interlocked around the opponent's neck WITHOUT trapping the arm — creating a pure neck-only choke that compresses the trachea and/or carotid arteries using both hands clasped around the bare neck. ^[1] The 'no-arm' version is considered by many to be tighter than the arm-in variation because the trapped arm takes up space inside the choke; without the arm, the forearm contacts the throat more directly. ^[1],[2]

Also known as

Ten-Finger GuillotineNo-Arm GuillotineLaced-Finger Guillotine

Used in

BJJ Submission Grappling MMA Catch Wrestling

History & Origin

This variation developed within the broader choking/cranking system of its parent technique family. ^[1],[2]

Country of origin· shown in random order

BrazilBJJ, Submission Grappling, MMA
JapanBJJ, Submission Grappling
USASubmission Grappling, MMA, Catch Wrestling
EnglandCatch Wrestling

Effectiveness

Effective when the specific grip and positioning requirements are met — each variation addresses a specific defensive scenario. ^[1],[2]

Lineage

Developed within the BJJ/grappling submission system. ^[1]

Competition Record

Used in BJJ, MMA, and submission grappling competition. ^[1]

Images

No images yet for this technique.

Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary Action — Applying this specific choking or cranking configuration to the opponent's neck or spine

Joints Involved — Neck (cervical spine — the target of all chokes/cranks in this family), arms (the choking limb creates the compression surface), shoulders (positioning determines the choking angle)

Force Vector — Bilateral compression (chokes compress from two sides) or rotational/extension (cranks apply torsion or hyperextension)

Submission Mechanic — The specific grip, arm positioning, and body alignment create the unique compression geometry of this variation

Position & Entry

From back control — Establish back control, then transition to this specific choke/crank variation

From front headlock — Secure the front headlock, then apply this specific choke configuration

From the parent position — Enter through the position described in the parent genus/species

Variants

This is a specific variation — see parent genus/species for alternative variations

Videos

Trillo Jiujitsu Academy

Overview

Snap Down to Guillotine/Clock Choke

Guillotine Choke From Standing Snap-Down Ten-Finger (No-Arm)·Trillo Jiujitsu Academy

Checkout this Snap Down to Turtle. From there, we can attack the Guillotine, Back Takes etc with any number of attacks. …

1 video

Learn This Technique

No instructional courses yet for this technique.

Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

Very High8/10

Chokes and neck cranks carry significant risk; blood chokes cause unconsciousness in 6-10 seconds; neck cranks can cause cervical spine damage; always tap early

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Intermediate

Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

Illegal

— FIAS Sport Sambo — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo

FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF

Legal

— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes a...

IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF

— shime-waza

IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF

— 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 RulesPDF

Training Notes

✓Apply slowly in training — chokes and cranks can cause injury if applied explosively

✓Tap early when caught — blood chokes cause unconsciousness rapidly; neck cranks can damage the cervical spine

✓Drill the specific grip and positioning until automatic

✓Chain with alternative choke variations when this one is defended

Common Mistakes

!Applying too fast — gradual application is safer and often more effective

!Wrong grip positioning — the specific grip variation defines this technique; incorrect grip = different technique

!Not controlling posture before applying

!Holding after the tap — release immediately

Related Techniques

Parent genus techniqueAlternative finishing variationsDefence against this specific choke/crank

Counter Techniques

Hand fighting — stripping the grip before the choke is set Chin tuck — protecting the throat Posture — creating distance to prevent the choke Turning — turning to face the attacker

Setup Chain

1Establish Control Position

2Secure the Specific Grip

3Position the Choking Surface

4Apply Compression

5Finish

Sources & References

Primary Source

Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)

1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)

Description sources — [1] Choking/cranking technique curriculum [2] Competition analysis

2BookMastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)

3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention

Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities

4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)

Description sources — [1] Choking/cranking technique curriculum [2] Competition analysis

5CitationMastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)

Community

Athletics

Requires

grip strength, arm positioning precision, back control ability

Key muscles

forearms (squeeze), biceps (compression), shoulders (positioning)

Frequently Asked Questions

What should my feet and knees do when setting up the snap-down?

Make sure you don't cross your feet and keep your knees slightly bent as your opponent walks towards you. This gives you a stable base to guide them into the technique.

Can I practice this technique with just one hand?

Yes, practicing with one hand while your partner walks towards you is a good drill to develop your guiding mechanics and control.

Where should I position my shoulders and how do I secure the grip?

Keep your shoulders on the back of the opponent's neck and maintain a grip there while staying heavy. Once you have a solid grip, you can sit them up and bring your knee in to finish the technique.

How does the Guillotine Choke From Standing Snap-Down Ten-Finger (No-Arm) work?

The Ten-Finger (No-Arm) Guillotine from standing snap-down is a guillotine variation where all ten fingers are interlocked around the opponent's neck WITHOUT trapping the arm — creating a pure neck-only choke that compresses the trachea and/or carotid arteries using both hands clasped around the bare neck. The 'no-arm' version is considered by many to be tighter than the arm-in variation because the trapped arm takes up space inside the choke; without the arm, the forearm contacts the throat more directly.

Where does the Guillotine Choke From Standing Snap-Down Ten-Finger (No-Arm) come from?

This variation developed within the broader choking/cranking system of its parent technique family.

Is the Guillotine Choke From Standing Snap-Down Ten-Finger (No-Arm) 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 Standing Snap-Down Ten-Finger (No-Arm)?

Danger rating 8/10. High — chokes and neck cranks carry significant risk; blood chokes cause unconsciousness in 6-10 seconds; neck cranks can cause cervical spine damage; always tap early

How do I set up the Guillotine Choke From Standing Snap-Down Ten-Finger (No-Arm)?

The standard setup chain: Establish Control Position → Secure the Specific Grip → Position the Choking Surface → Apply Compression → Finish.

How do I defend against the Guillotine Choke From Standing Snap-Down Ten-Finger (No-Arm)?

Standard counters include: Hand fighting — stripping the grip before the choke is set / Chin tuck — protecting the throat / Posture — creating distance to prevent the choke / Turning — turning to face the attacker.

What are the variants of the Guillotine Choke From Standing Snap-Down Ten-Finger (No-Arm)?

Common variants: This is a specific variation (see parent genus/species for alternative variations).

How effective is the Guillotine Choke From Standing Snap-Down Ten-Finger (No-Arm) in competition?

Used in BJJ, MMA, and submission grappling competition.

What are common mistakes when doing the Guillotine Choke From Standing Snap-Down Ten-Finger (No-Arm)?

Top errors to watch for: Applying too fast — gradual application is safer and often more effective / Wrong grip positioning — the specific grip variation defines this technique; incorrect grip = different technique / Not controlling posture before applying / Holding after the tap — release immediately.

What are other names for the Guillotine Choke From Standing Snap-Down Ten-Finger (No-Arm)?

The Guillotine Choke From Standing Snap-Down Ten-Finger (No-Arm) is also known as Ten-Finger Guillotine, No-Arm Guillotine, Laced-Finger Guillotine.

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