How to Do the Guillotine Choke in Brazilian Jujitsu

In almost every fight, from the professional to the street, fighters put themselves in a perfect position for a guillotine choke. Knowing how to perform this popular Jujitsu choke gives you an advantage in almost every fighting scenario.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Regular Guillotine Choke

1. Get a firm base in a standing position or from the guard. Pull your opponent's head down by placing your hand on the back of his neck or by pulling down on his gi so that he faces the ground.
2. Put your arm around his head into a position that resembles a headlock. Slide your forearm down, under his chin and across his neck, making sure that the blade of your forearm (and not the flat part) is against his neck.
3. Grasp the wrist of your choking arm with your free hand. Keep the grip on his neck tight and try to keep his head wedged under your arm as deeply as possible.
4. Place one leg slightly forward. Stand up straight and twist your hips in the direction of your forward leg to execute the choke.

Spine Locking Jujitsu Guillotine

5. Bring your opponent's head down and wrap your arm around his head, as in the regular guillotine choke. Use your forearm to turn your opponent's head towards the hand of your choking arm to place pressure on his spine.
6. Place your free hand on your opponent's back on the same side of his head as your free hand. Make sure you have a firm plant on your opponent's back.
7. Grasp the wrist of your planted hand with the hand of your choking arm. Lean back to execute the guillotine spine lock.