Half Guard Knee Shield Positioning

When establishing half guard with a knee shield and obtaining an underhook, the defender must keep their head connected to the opponent's chest to prevent guillotine attacks. The right hand frames on the opponent's arm while maintaining close head contact, making it difficult for the top player to secure the choke. Poor positioning—such as allowing the head to drift away from the chest—immediately creates vulnerability to the guillotine.

Baiting and Escaping the Guillotine

The defender can intentionally bait a guillotine attempt by briefly creating an opening with their head position. Once the opponent commits to the choke, the defender scoots their hips forward underneath the opponent's control and secures the opponent's wrist grip. This repositioning creates opportunities for sweeps or passing while neutralizing the guillotine's effectiveness.

Knee Lever Sweep from Guillotine Defense

If the opponent maintains the guillotine attempt while the defender stays connected, the defender executes a knee lever sweep by driving forward with their shoulder and using their leg positioning to elevate and turn the opponent. The defender maintains pressure to prevent the choke while completing the sweep to achieve top position.

Lockdown Transition to Submission

After scooting in and controlling the opponent's wrist, the defender transitions their leg positioning from a knee shield into a lockdown, stretching the opponent's arm and body. From this locked position, the defender can secure a submission by breaking the opponent's grip and applying finishing pressure.

Guard Recovery Alternative

Rather than attempting a knee lever sweep, the defender can recover their full guard by maneuvering their knee and falling back while maintaining wrist control. Once in guard with the opponent's arm still controlled, the defender transfers their free hand to execute a claw grip around the opponent's neck for a submission.

Guard Submission Variations

From guard position with the opponent attempting a guillotine, the defender pulls and stretches to break the grip, then applies a claw grip to the opponent's neck with their free hand. If the opponent straightens their arm to defend, the defender can transition to an arm triangle or rear-naked grip variation for the submission.

Body Lock Fallback Position

If the defender fails to control the opponent's wrist while transitioning to guard, they maintain a body lock position that still provides control and prevents further advancement. From this secured position, the defender retains the ability to create attacks and submissions despite missing the initial wrist grip.

Maintaining Wrist Control Under Pressure

When the opponent aggressively pursues the guillotine with both hands, the defender prevents arm withdrawal by maintaining firm wrist control while moving their hips and body position. Refusing to release the wrist grip forces the opponent into an increasingly compromised position that leads to submission opportunities.

Half Guard Counters VS the Guillotine Choke!

TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian

Guillotine Counter

3 min read·8 key moments·PT11M47S video

Key Takeaways

•Half Guard Knee Shield Positioning
•Baiting and Escaping the Guillotine
•Knee Lever Sweep from Guillotine Defense
•Lockdown Transition to Submission

This video I show a couple counters I like to use when I'm in half guard and the top guy goes for the guillotine. Check out the details and you are sure to find something useful! Enjoy! If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please comment below. More videos to come! Please like, share, and subscribe!! PLEASE Click this link to SUPPORT the TeachMeGrappling Channel!!! https://www.patreon.com/TeachMeGrappling or https://www.paypal.me/CoachBrianPeterson To purchase TMG or PG Merchandise go to... https://www.petersongrapplers.com/shop Your contribution is much appreciated and will help me continue to bring you content! 🙏 www.NextLevelGuy.com The NextLevelGuy Podcast with Coach Brian Peterson has been released!! Check it out!

Related Techniques

Knee-Strike Counter

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about guillotine counter?

This video covers half guard knee shield positioning, baiting and escaping the guillotine, knee lever sweep from guillotine defense. It provides detailed instruction from TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian.

How long does it take to learn guillotine counter?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.