Entry Position and Shoulder Placement

The guillotine choke begins with establishing control through a two-count striking pattern before transitioning into position. The practitioner slips their shoulder over the opponent's head rather than reaching around from standing, keeping the shoulder barely over the target. This shoulder placement is critical as it creates the structural foundation for the choke.

Hand Connection and Grip Formation

After securing the shoulder position, the practitioner wraps their arm around the opponent's neck and clasps their own wrist. The key to completing the choke is dropping the elbow while puffing the chest downward, rather than attempting to apply pressure with the blade of the forearm. This hand position provides superior control and leverage for the submission.

Alternative Hand Positioning

Beyond the standard wrist-clasp grip, practitioners can employ a palm-to-palm hand position with the elbow wrapped over the opponent's neck. This alternate grip, popularized by Marcelo Garcia, provides equivalent finishing power and offers versatility in various positions. Both hand configurations are viable options depending on the practitioner's comfort and positioning.

Guard Position Setup with Hip Movement

When executing the guillotine from guard, the practitioner initiates a hip bump; if the opponent resists, the practitioner rides that momentum backward while immediately moving their hips away from the opponent. This hip withdrawal creates sufficient space to connect both hands and secure the choke. Timing this hip movement with the opponent's defensive pressure significantly increases submission success.

Guillotine to Triangle Transition

If the opponent defends the guillotine by blocking the arm, the practitioner drops their leg outside the opponent's elbow and leans back to transition into a triangle choke. This combination works by first committing to the guillotine, forcing the opponent to defend, then seamlessly converting to the triangle. The two submissions are complementary, creating a high-percentage attack sequence from the same position.

Triangle Refinement and Supplementary Submissions

Once in triangle position, the practitioner can transition to additional submissions including the Kimura or standard triangle choke by adjusting their leg placement and grip. Foot-on-hip positioning combined with hip rotation maximizes leverage and control. From this position, practitioners have multiple finishing options, making the sequence exceptionally adaptable to opponent defense.

How To Do The Guillotine Choke | The Jiu Jitsu Class

ROYDEAN

Guillotine Choke

2 min read·6 key moments·PT6M28S video

Key Takeaways

•Entry Position and Shoulder Placement
•Hand Connection and Grip Formation
•Alternative Hand Positioning
•Guard Position Setup with Hip Movement

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about guillotine choke?

This video covers entry position and shoulder placement, hand connection and grip formation, alternative hand positioning. It provides detailed instruction from ROYDEAN.

How long does it take to learn guillotine choke?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.