Duane van Helvoirt guest technique
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Reverse Guillotine From Sprawl Spin-Behind·Energia Martial Arts
Duane van Helvoirt guest technique ONE FC fighter and UFC grappling coach Duane van Helvoirt will show you a quick and d…
Reverse Guillotine From Sprawl Spin-Behind
Speciesリバースギロチン(Ribāsu Girochin)
TransliterationTranslation: Reverse Guillotine (katakana loanword)
Overview
The reverse guillotine from sprawl spin-behind is applied during a transition where the attacker sprawls to defend a takedown, then spins behind the opponent while maintaining a reverse-wrapped neck grip. [1],[2] As the attacker moves from front to side or behind, the reverse guillotine grip naturally tightens as the angle changes, creating compression on the carotid from a different vector than the original front-facing position. [1] The spin-behind adds rotational torque to the strangle, making it a dynamic transition submission. [1],[2]
History & Origin
The sprawl-to-spin-behind reverse guillotine developed as a chain wrestling concept adapted for submission grappling, where the traditional wrestling spin-behind was enhanced with a choking grip. [1],[2] Competitors in no-gi grappling found that maintaining the reverse guillotine grip during the spin created a submission opportunity that pure wrestlers would not expect. [1] This dynamic transition reflects the blending of wrestling movement patterns with BJJ submission mechanics. [1],[2]
Effectiveness
Moderate effectiveness — requires precise timing during the sprawl-and-spin transition; higher percentage when the opponent is already compromised from a failed takedown [1]
Lineage
A hybrid wrestling-BJJ technique that emerged as MMA cross-training became standard in the 2000s [1]
Competition Record
More common in MMA than pure grappling competition; seen when wrestlers' shot attempts are stuffed [1]
Images
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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
BJJ No Gi High Elbow Guillotine Tutorial
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Reverse Guillotine From Sprawl Spin-Behind·Stuart Tomlinson
Kate Jackson, Pro MMA fighter, coach of Pure Grappling and instructor at Koncept Gym in Cornwall is here filmed by the W…
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The reverse guillotine from sprawl spin-behind is not directly addressed in these transcripts. Instructor 1 (Stuart Tomlinson via Warrior Collective) teaches a high-elbow guillotine primarily from side control and half-guard positions, emphasizing a deep palm-to-palm grip with the arm rolled through the neck, followed by chest expansion and elbow compression to create a blood choke rather than windpipe pressure. The technique involves posting on the head to create space, rolling the arm over the top, and maintaining an underhook for control before executing the submission. Instructor 2 (Energia Martial Arts featuring Duane van Helvoirt) demonstrates a takedown from back control with double underhooks—a completely different entry point and technique involving hip displacement, stepping to create angle, and executing a throw rather than a ground submission. These videos address distinct technical domains: Tomlinson covers submission mechanics from positional advantage on the ground, while van Helvoirt covers takedown defense and offensive positioning from standing/clinch range. Neither transcript contains specific instruction on the reverse guillotine from a sprawl spin-behind sequence.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- Warrior Collective / Concert Gym — BJJ No Gi High Elbow Guillotine Tutorial: Detailed high-elbow guillotine grip mechanics, palm-to-palm positioning, and chest-expansion finishing pressure from side control and half-guard; emphasizes blood choke application over windpipe compression.
- Energia Martial Arts — Duane van Helvoirt guest technique: Back control takedown with double underhooks and hip displacement; addresses head positioning and base management but covers standing/clinch range rather than ground submission from sprawl.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
Reverse-wrap chokes use an inverted grip pattern from front headlock for a different angle of attack
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
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 reverse guillotine from sprawl with spin-behind applies the reverse guillotine after sprawling and spinning to the opponent's back — the defensive sprawl transitions to an offensive neck wrap from behind (Danaher, Front Headlock System: Go Further Faster, 2019)
✓The sequence: after sprawling on a takedown attempt, spin behind the opponent's hips — from behind, wrap the arm around the neck in the reverse direction and finish
✓The spin-behind creates the reverse-guillotine angle: approaching from behind the opponent naturally positions the arm for a far-side neck wrap — the 'reverse' direction
✓From behind the sprawled opponent: the neck is accessible and the opponent is prone or turtled — ideal for the reverse wrap
✓The reverse guillotine from spin-behind is a counter-wrestling submission chain: sprawl (defend) → spin (reposition) → reverse guillotine (submit)
✓The spin-behind provides positional advantage: the attacker is behind the opponent with top pressure and gravity — a strong position for any submission
✓Multiple finishes are available from this position: elbow pin (mat compression), overhook assist (shoulder wedge), or transition to standard back attacks if the choke is defended
Common Mistakes
!Spinning without maintaining contact — stay connected to the opponent during the spin; separation allows them to recover position
!Not completing the sprawl first — the sprawl must stop the takedown; spinning during a successful takedown loses position
!Wrapping too loosely after the spin — the wrap must be tight immediately; the spin creates momentum that can loosen the grip
!Not choosing a finishing method — elbow pin, overhook, or back take; plan the finish during the spin
!Attempting to spin behind a much larger opponent — the spin requires the opponent to be off-balance from the sprawl; a barely affected opponent resists the spin
!Over-rotating past the opponent — spin to the side or behind, not past them; over-rotation creates distance
!Not having a backup plan if the reverse guillotine fails — the behind-the-opponent position supports back takes, body locks, and other attacks; transition if the choke is defended
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
Japanese BJJ community; derived from ギロチンチョーク
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese BJJ community; derived from ギロチンチョーク
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3CitationJapanese BJJ community; derived from ギロチンチョーク
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese BJJ community; derived from ギロチンチョーク
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my opponent keep hiding their head between my shoulder blades when I try this?
When you're not tight enough, your opponent will naturally tuck their head to escape. Duane van Helvoirt emphasizes that if you're not controlling the position properly, they'll find angles to get your back easily.
What's the correct grip and chest position for a tight reverse guillotine?
Stuart Tomlinson recommends getting an underhook, pulling your legs back, compressing your elbows and chest in tight, then securing a palm-to-palm grip as deep as possible with the arm around the head in a front naked choke position with their chin inside the crook.
How do I finish the choke once I have the position locked?
Post on the head to clear room, roll the arm through, and then bring your leg up for extra drive while posting on the other leg and squeezing with your chest and elbows compressed together.
How does the Reverse Guillotine From Sprawl Spin-Behind work?
The reverse guillotine from sprawl spin-behind is applied during a transition where the attacker sprawls to defend a takedown, then spins behind the opponent while maintaining a reverse-wrapped neck grip. As the attacker moves from front to side or behind, the reverse guillotine grip naturally tightens as the angle changes, creating compression on the carotid from a different vector than the original front-facing position.
Where does the Reverse Guillotine From Sprawl Spin-Behind come from?
The sprawl-to-spin-behind reverse guillotine developed as a chain wrestling concept adapted for submission grappling, where the traditional wrestling spin-behind was enhanced with a choking grip. Competitors in no-gi grappling found that maintaining the reverse guillotine grip during the spin created a submission opportunity that pure wrestlers would not expect.
Is the Reverse Guillotine From Sprawl Spin-Behind 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 Reverse Guillotine From Sprawl Spin-Behind?
Danger rating 8/10. Reverse-wrap chokes use an inverted grip pattern from front headlock for a different angle of attack
How do I set up the Reverse Guillotine From Sprawl Spin-Behind?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position → Isolate the Neck → Set the Grip → Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Reverse Guillotine From Sprawl Spin-Behind?
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 Reverse Guillotine From Sprawl Spin-Behind?
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 Reverse Guillotine From Sprawl Spin-Behind in competition?
More common in MMA than pure grappling competition; seen when wrestlers' shot attempts are stuffed
What are common mistakes when doing the Reverse Guillotine From Sprawl Spin-Behind?
Top errors to watch for: Spinning without maintaining contact — stay connected to the opponent during the spin; separation allows them to reco… / Not completing the sprawl first — the sprawl must stop the takedown; spinning during a successful takedown loses posi… / Wrapping too loosely after the spin — the wrap must be tight immediately; the spin creates momentum that can loosen t… / Not choosing a finishing method — elbow pin, overhook, or back take; plan the finish during the spin.
What are other names for the Reverse Guillotine From Sprawl Spin-Behind?
The Reverse Guillotine From Sprawl Spin-Behind is also known as Ribāsu Girochin, Sprawl Spin-Behind Reverse Guillotine, Reverse Guillotine from Spin.