Guillotine choke
A front headlock strangle that closes the arms under the chin, often from a stuffed shot.
How to read it
What this entry helps you see
The guillotine closes a strangle from the front headlock, a position that often appears when a shot is stuffed or a partner ducks their head low. One arm wraps under the chin while the other frames and connects. This strangle can act quickly and loads the neck, so apply it slowly, avoid cranking, and release the instant your partner taps.
Key steps
- From a front headlock, wrap your choking arm under the partner chin and around the neck.
- Connect your hands or grip your own wrist to build the frame.
- Bring your forearm blade against the throat, not the jaw.
- Close your guard or step back to keep the partner from posturing out.
- Lift your elbows and draw the arms together slowly to close the strangle.
- Release immediately on any tap.
Study cues
- Wrap under the chin so the arm crosses the neck, not the face
- Deny the partner posture with your guard or your feet
- Close the strangle by connecting the arms rather than cranking the neck
Common errors
- Sawing across the jaw instead of the neck
- Letting the partner posture up and step out
- Wrenching the neck rather than tightening with control