How to Do the Guillotine Choke in BJJ
Also known as: Front choke, Front headlock choke
The guillotine is a front headlock choke that can be applied standing or on the ground. It's particularly effective against wrestlers and aggressive grapplers who shoot for takedowns with their head down.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Arm wraps around the neck with the blade of your forearm on the throat
- 2 Grab your own wrist or use a palm-to-palm grip
- 3 Close your guard to prevent them from passing
- 4 Hip forward while pulling up with your arms
- 5 Look up and arch your back for extra pressure
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Arm too shallow around the neck
- ⚠️ Not closing guard (allowing pass to side control)
- ⚠️ Pulling straight back instead of arching up
- ⚠️ Choking hand too low on the neck
- ⚠️ Not engaging hips in the squeeze
🔄 Variations
- → Arm-in guillotine
- → High elbow guillotine (Marcelotine)
- → Standing guillotine
- → Ten-finger guillotine
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Von Flue choke
- → Pass to side control
- → Stack and extract head
- → Limp arm
Track Your Guillotine Choke Progress
Log every time you practice the Guillotine Choke and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
Related Techniques
More Submissions
View all →Rear Naked Choke
The rear naked choke (RNC) is one of the most high-percentage submissions in BJJ and MMA. Applied fr...
Triangle Choke
The triangle choke is a signature BJJ submission where you use your legs to form a triangle around y...
Bow and Arrow Choke
The bow and arrow choke is one of the tightest collar chokes in BJJ. From back control, you use the ...
D'Arce Choke
The D'Arce choke (also called Brabo choke) is an arm triangle choke where your choking arm goes unde...
Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Guillotine Choke? ▼
The Guillotine Choke is typically introduced at the white belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. The beginning of the BJJ journey. Focus on survival, basic positions, and fundamental movements.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Guillotine Choke 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 Choke? ▼
The Guillotine Choke is typically executed from closed guard. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.