Introduction to Standing Guillotine Defense

The standing guillotine choke ranks as the second most common choke encountered in street self-defense situations. This instructional segment covers the three phases of escape: prevention, early recognition, and post-application defense.

Phase One: Prevention Through Posture

The primary defense against a standing guillotine begins before the choke is applied. Practitioners must maintain an upright head position and avoid looking downward, as this posture makes the neck vulnerable to attack. Proper wrestling technique requires keeping the face forward and elevated, even when closing distance—sacrificing facial contact to prevent choking.

Phase One: Grip Fighting and Head Control

Active grip fighting prevents an attacker from securing clear access to the head and neck. By maintaining defensive hand placement and not allowing an opponent to position their arm around the neck, practitioners significantly reduce the likelihood of a successful guillotine application.

Phase Two: Early Escape with the Arch

Once a guillotine attempt is recognized, the defender should immediately look upward toward the sky while performing a hammer-lock position with the arms. This arch combined with proper arm positioning allows the defender to bypass the choke before it fully locks and transition to a superior position.

Phase Three: Escaping a Locked Guillotine—Upper Body Defense

When a guillotine is fully locked, the defender must use maximum effort to pull the attacker's wrist downward to create space while maintaining an arched back. Simultaneously, the defender should use the free hand to control and prevent the attacker's hip arch, which is critical to tightening the choke.

Phase Three: Double-Head Control Counter

If the attacker becomes fatigued and their head position drops, the defender can establish a double-head control position by coming over the attacker's head with their arm. From this position, the defender can execute a takedown by stepping back and pulling, leveraging superior body mechanics to force the attacker to the ground.

Summary: Defense Mirrors Attack

Effective guillotine defense mirrors the mechanics of a successful guillotine attack—both require proper arching, head positioning, and control of the opponent's head. Success depends on executing the correct technique first, making timing and recognition the most critical defensive skills.

How to Defend a Standing Guillotine Choke with Stephan Kesting

Ando Mierzwa

Standard Guillotine Counter

2 min read·7 key moments·PT6M46S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Standing Guillotine Defense
•Phase One: Prevention Through Posture
•Phase One: Grip Fighting and Head Control
•Phase Two: Early Escape with the Arch

Learning how to defend against the standing guillotine choke is a MUST for every martial artist, whether you're into MMA or street self-defense. In this video, Stephan Kesting shares the most crucial tips to prevent the choke, save your neck... and maybe your life! Summary below. Check out Stephan's Kesting's YouTube channels for more great info: ►GRAPPLEARTS: https://www.youtube.com/user/StephanKesting ►SELF DEFENSE TUTORIALS: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj4JOZ3jvgkHPYew0ksfDZw 🔔 THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING: http://bit.ly/SenseiAndo SUMMARY. To defend a standing guillotine choke-- 1- HEAD UP! Would you rather be punched in the face or choked out? Hopefully, you can avoid both! But if you want to stay conscious in a fight, keeping your head up will make it trickier to grab. 2 - LOOK UP! If you do get caught looking down, arch your back and look to the sky. This will help you slip the choke and put your attacker's arm in an uncomfortable position. 3 - ARM OVER THE SHOULDER! To finish the choke, the bad guy usually needs to arch his back. By pulling down on his choking arm and throwing your free arm over his shoulder, you can keep him closer and make arching more difficult. If your attacker gets frustrated and sloppy, you can also try throwing your arm over his head and turn the tides with a simple step-behind takedown. Of course, never underestimate the guillotine! Even if you don't get choked, you can still get your neck wrenched. So, focus on preventing trouble and keep your head out of danger! :) 👍🏼Thanks for LIKING and SUBSCRIBING! Keep fighting for a happy life! 🥧 BUY ME A PIECE OF PIE: (Thank you!) https://paypal.me/SenseiAndo 🖥️ ONLINE VIDEO COURSES https://www.senseiando.com/school/ 💪🏼TRAIN WITH ANDO (Online or in-person): https://www.senseiando.com/train-with-ando/ ✅7-DAY MARTIAL ARTS CHALLENGE! https://www.senseiando.com/updates/ ▶︎ Website: http://www.senseiando.com ▶︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ando_mierzwa/ ▶︎ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SenseiAndo 👕 Tee Shirts: Shop: https://teespring.com/stores/happy-life-martial-arts ❌WARNING: The advice and movements shown in this video are for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before engaging in any exercise or martial arts program. #guillotine #selfdefense #mma #martialarts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard guillotine counter?

This video covers introduction to standing guillotine defense, phase one: prevention through posture, phase one: grip fighting and head control. It provides detailed instruction from Ando Mierzwa.

How long does it take to learn standard guillotine counter?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.