How do I defend the guillotine choke?

The guillotine is one of the most common submissions because it catches people during transitions, especially after failed takedowns. Defense starts with prevention. When shooting for takedowns, keep your head on the inside (their chest) rather than to the side where they can snap your head down. If caught, the urgency depends on whether it is an arm-in or high-elbow guillotine. The arm-in guillotine is less dangerous and can be survived by tucking your chin and working to pass guard. The high-elbow guillotine is extremely tight and requires immediate action. From standing, posture up, grab their hips, and circle to the choking arm side. From inside their guard, stack them by driving forward and work to pass to the side of the choking arm, which relieves the pressure. The Von Flue choke is a counter where you pass guard while they hold the guillotine and then shoulder-pressure their neck from side control.