Initial Positioning in Top Half-Guard

The instructor establishes top half-guard position, deliberately placing himself in this vulnerable-looking spot to set the trap. By controlling Kyle's locked half-guard and blocking his access to the double-leg, he maintains heavy pressure while preparing the submission sequence.

Base and Defensive Framework

The instructor sprawls his outside leg back to maintain a stronger base and prevent sweeps. He keeps his elbows tight to his ribs, denying his opponent the underhook while positioning himself chest-to-chest for maximum pressure.

Creating Space with Rib Pressure

Using concentrated rib pressure against his opponent's face, the instructor forces the head upward to create the necessary space for arm insertion. This weight distribution is uncomfortable for the bottom player without causing damage, and serves as a setup for the next phase.

Arm Positioning and Misdirection

The instructor places his elbow in the back of his opponent's head and uses arm positioning to create false threats of a Kimura or straight armbar. This misdirection sets up the actual target: threading the arm deep for the guillotine setup.

Threading the Arm Deep

Rolling to his side, the instructor drives his elbow down while simultaneously knifing his hand upward as deep as possible. The goal is to position the inside of his elbow near his opponent's throat while forcing the head upward to open the neck.

Securing Hand Placement

The critical finish requires getting the top hand inside the opponent's neck, wrapping around both sides to attack both carotid arteries. The instructor emphasizes that if the opponent's arm blocks this position, the choke cannot be completed, making hand placement essential.

Defending Against Arm Defense

If the opponent blocks the threading arm with their own arm or secures an underhook, the instructor maintains heavy pressure on the head while working to create angles for hand insertion. He keeps his top hand tight to his body before executing the final drive.

Execution and Finish

From the trapped position with the opponent's head controlled, the instructor drives his arm deep across the neck with his thumb reaching to the far side. He then uses his outside hand to push upward, forcing the guillotine choke across both carotid arteries for the submission.

Guillotine Submission From Top Half Guard - BJJ

Jon Foster

Guillotine Choke From Top Half-Guard

2 min read·8 key moments·PT4M25S video

Key Takeaways

•Initial Positioning in Top Half-Guard
•Base and Defensive Framework
•Creating Space with Rib Pressure
•Arm Positioning and Misdirection

A guillotine submission from top half guard position for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling or MMA. This set up can be difficult to defend against and is a tight choke. If defended well against with the under hook there is also a darce choke option (see darce from top half guard vid).

Related Techniques

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about guillotine choke from top half-guard?

This video covers initial positioning in top half-guard, base and defensive framework, creating space with rib pressure. It provides detailed instruction from Jon Foster.

How long does it take to learn guillotine choke from top half-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.