Locked and Loaded: Guillotine Choke Techniques from Top Half Guard

The guillotine choke is a powerful submission that can be applied from a variety of positions. From the top half guard, the guillotine can be particularly effective due to the control that the top person has over their opponent’s head and neck. In this guide, we will explore different guillotine variations and techniques that will help you master this submission from top half guard.

Head Position and Control:

One of the keys to a successful guillotine from top half guard is proper head position and control. The top person should have their chest and shoulder tight to their opponent’s shoulder, and their head should be underneath their opponent’s chin. This will help create the necessary leverage to finish the choke. To further control their opponent’s head and neck, the top person can also use their free arm to grab the opposite shoulder or collar.

The Arm-In Guillotine:

One of the most effective guillotine variations from top half guard is the arm-in guillotine. To set up this submission, the top person will reach their free arm underneath their opponent’s arm and grab their own bicep. From here, the top person will slide their other arm around their opponent’s neck and lock up the guillotine. To finish the submission, the top person will drive their hips forward and squeeze their arms together to cut off their opponent’s blood flow.

The High Elbow Guillotine:

Another effective guillotine variation from top half guard is the high elbow guillotine. To set up this submission, the top person will reach their free arm over their opponent’s arm and grab their own wrist. From here, the top person will use their elbow to drive into their opponent’s neck, creating a choke that is difficult to defend. To finish the submission, the top person will drive their hips forward and squeeze their arms together.

The Armless Guillotine:

The armless guillotine is a variation of the guillotine choke that does not require the use of the top person’s arms. To set up this submission, the top person will use their chest and shoulder to compress their opponent’s neck while simultaneously trapping their opponent’s head with their chin. From here, the top person will use their hips to drive forward and create the necessary pressure to finish the choke.

Defending the Guillotine:

If you find yourself on the receiving end of a guillotine from top half guard, there are a few key defenses that you can use. The first defense is to try to posture up and create space between your head and your opponent’s chest. This will make it more difficult for your opponent to finish the choke. Another defense is to try to grab your opponent’s leg and roll into them, creating a scramble that can help you escape the choke.

 

The guillotine choke is a powerful submission that can be a great addition to your arsenal from top half guard. By mastering different variations and techniques, you can become a submission threat from this position. Just remember to always prioritize proper head position and control, and to be aware of your opponent’s defenses.