Guillotine Choke

Front Choke from Full Guard

Key Steps

Step 1: Establish control

From the full guard, keep your hips active and your knees wrapped around their torso to limit their posture. Maintain chest-to-chest pressure to reduce space.

Step 2: Wrap arm around the neck

Slide one arm from around their neck, elbow tight, forearm pressing across the throat. Your grip should be secure without twisting your shoulder.

Step 3: Secure the finishing grip

With your other hand, grab your choking wrist or secure a grip behind their head to lock the hold and prevent escapes.

Step 4: Finish with hips and squeeze

Pull the choking arm toward your hip while driving your hips upward and squeezing with your legs to compress the neck.

Application

This is a fundamental submission in both Gi and No-Gi settings within jiujitsu moves and bjj techniques. Follow a step-by-step approach to build confidence for beginners learning how to apply this from guard.

Mistakes

Posture and space

letting them post up or creating space makes escapes easy.

Guard control

Losing grip or letting the guard open allows the opponent to pass or frame out.

Grip strength

Weak or misaligned grips reduce leverage and finish.

Telegraphed finish

Slow, obvious movement invites defense; keep the finish compact and decisive.

Tips

Elbow tight

Keep the elbow close to the neck to maximize pressure.

Angling

Angle your chest slightly to the side for better leverage.

Breathing

Breathe steadily and coordinate the squeeze with hip drive for a clean finish.