The Versatility of the Guillotine Choke

The guillotine choke stands as one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's most effective submissions due to its applicability across numerous positions and scenarios. Its technical depth creates multiple offensive opportunities for practitioners of all levels seeking to expand their submission arsenal.

Establishing the Shallow Grip

The grip foundation determines submission success. The practitioner places their thumb directly on the opponent's carotid artery, maintaining a shallow grip that prevents the opponent from accessing the choking hand. This positioning forces any hand-fighting attempts to compromise the opponent's structural integrity while simultaneously tightening the choke.

Critical Mechanics: Elbow Position and Compression

The choking hand remains static while the second hand completes the grip and pulls it into the neck. The elbow positioning on top of the opponent's head enables downward compression combined with chest tension. This integrated mechanics creates an inescapable choke regardless of defensive attempts, as any resistance compounds the submission's effectiveness.

Arm-and-Guillotine Variation

By trapping the opponent's arm within the choke, the practitioner eliminates a critical defensive tool while maintaining equal choke effectiveness. This variation prevents the opponent from posting or stripping the grip, creating a highly efficient submission with reduced defensive options.

Ground Application from Half Guard

Proper positioning requires elevating the back off the mat before initiating the choke. The practitioner scoots their hips out while establishing thumb placement, then gradually applies pressure rather than immediately falling backward. This methodical descent allows continuous adjustment and chin control, ensuring maximum choke tightness upon finish.

Guillotine After Guard Pass

When an opponent achieves inside control position, the arm-and-guillotine remains viable through leg entanglement. The practitioner captures the opponent's leg with both hooks, preventing perpendicular escape while maintaining choke pressure. This counter-attack is particularly effective against opponents who believe they have achieved a safe passing position.

One-Armed Guillotine from Top Position

The guillotine pass initiates from open guard, establishing chin control as the practitioner hops to north-south position. Maintaining arm control prevents hand-fighting while chest pressure secures the position. The one-armed finish requires heavy chest engagement and controlled neck extension for submission completion.

Mount Position Transition and Finish

From north-south position, the practitioner transitions to mount by using the opponent's chin and tricep as leverage points while placing legs over their arms. The one-armed guillotine from mount allows the free hand to post on the mat, enabling positional adjustments. Walking the posting hand across the mat exponentially increases choke pressure for the final submission.

How To Guillotine ANYONE In BJJ

Tyler Spangler

Guillotine Choke From Closed Guard

2 min read·8 key moments·PT8M4S video

Key Takeaways

•The Versatility of the Guillotine Choke
•Establishing the Shallow Grip
•Critical Mechanics: Elbow Position and Compression
•Arm-and-Guillotine Variation

See how I choke anyone in BJJ using the guillotine. I created this guide to help you with everything needed guillotine an opponent. This is my favorite move. I show it in GI and NO GI. Sponsor: https://www.xmartial.com/?ref=TYLER https://www.patreon.com/tylerspangler I have been practicing BJJ for 12 years and wrestling since I was a child. I appreciate everyone that watches the videos and try to help my viewers with any questions. So don't forget to.... ►Subscribe to me https://bit.ly/2ZQ0n95 Latest video is here: https://youtu.be/F7BZNbp14ow IG: https://www.instagram.com/spanglertyler/ #bjj #guillotine

Related Techniques

Guillotine Choke From Front-Headlock Sprawl Guillotine Choke From Standing Snap-Down Guillotine Choke From Top Half-Guard Marcelotine High Elbow Guillotine

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about guillotine choke from closed guard?

This video covers the versatility of the guillotine choke, establishing the shallow grip, critical mechanics: elbow position and compression. It provides detailed instruction from Tyler Spangler.

How long does it take to learn guillotine choke from closed guard?

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.