How to Do a Martial Arts Guillotine

The guillotine is a martial arts technique used to choke out an opponent. It is most effectively thrown when an opponent is shooting at your legs with his head down. If a guillotine is locked in correctly, it is very difficult for an opponent to escape.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
   Look for Opportunity

   Look for an opportunity to throw a guillotine. Many times an opponent will offer it to you when he tries to take you down. It is necessary to reach around your opponent's neck from above to do the guillotine.

2. 
   Wrap Around the Throat

   Wrap your forearm across your opponent's throat. Keep your thumb facing up so the sharp radius bone is pressed against his Adam's Apple.

3. 
   Lock It In

   Reach over and grab the wrist or hand of your choking arm with your other hand. Pull both hands tight to your body. This locks in the guillotine and traps your opponent's head. You must hold your opponent's head tight so it does not slip out. This can be difficult if your opponent is especially strong or is slippery with sweat.

4. 
   Sit Down

   Drop your weight down to the ground taking your opponent with you. If you are squeezing his neck tight enough, he will be too concerned with that to maintain his balance. Make sure to control your drop or your opponent could roll over the top of you.

5. 
   Lock Your Legs

   Wrap your legs around your opponent's body and lock your ankles together. This traps your opponent in the guillotine. He will not be able to turn or roll out of it if you control his body.

6. 
   Stretch Out

   Force your opponent's head down by arching backward and pressing your forearm into his throat. At the same time tighten your legs and stretch them out. This will immediately cut off your opponent's air supply. He will either submit or pass out within seconds.

Tips & Warnings

• The guillotine is potentially very dangerous. It should only be performed by qualified martial artists under controlled conditions. Always release the guillotine immediately once your opponent taps out or loses consciousness.

Resources

• Third Coast Martial Arts
• Punch and Kick .com
• Martial Arts Pressure Points
• eHow Tae Kwon Do Topic Guide

[sanderdoe]

on 7/20/2009 Wow this is cool! Doubt I'll ever try a martial arts guillotine but I enjoyed reading about it! 5*