How to Do the Guillotine to Von Flue Defense in BJJ
When caught in a guillotine from guard, this escape involves passing to side control while they maintain the guillotine. In side control, their own guillotine grip becomes a liability as you apply shoulder pressure to their neck.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Immediately pass to side control when guillotined
- 2 Keep head tight and chin tucked
- 3 Drive shoulder into their neck once in side control
- 4 Their own grip chokes them (Von Flue)
- 5 Wait for them to release or they tap
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Staying in guard while guillotined
- ⚠️ Not driving shoulder pressure into neck
- ⚠️ Pulling head out instead of passing
- ⚠️ Giving up the pass
- ⚠️ Not being patient with pressure
🔄 Variations
- → Direct Von Flue application
- → Pass to north-south
- → Limp arm escape to pass
- → Stack and pass escape
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Release guillotine before side control
- → Guard retention to prevent pass
- → Switch to high elbow guillotine
- → Switch to darce
Track Your Guillotine to Von Flue Defense Progress
Log every time you practice the Guillotine to Von Flue Defense and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Guillotine to Von Flue Defense? ▼
The Guillotine to Von Flue Defense is typically introduced at the blue belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. Building a technical foundation. Developing a guard game and understanding of timing.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Guillotine to Von Flue Defense works in both gi and no-gi, though grip adjustments may be necessary. In no-gi, focus on body control and underhooks instead of gi grips.
How do I set up the Guillotine to Von Flue Defense? ▼
The Guillotine to Von Flue Defense is typically executed from guillotine bottom. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.