Guillotine: Front Headlock Choking Submission
The guillotine choke is a submission technique where a fighter wraps their arm around the opponent's neck from the front, trapping the head under the armpit, and squeezes to compress the throat or blood vessels. It can be applied while standing or on the ground, making it one of the most versatile chokes in combat sports. The guillotine is named for its resemblance to the infamous execution device, with the forearm acting as the blade.
Origins and Usage
The guillotine choke has been used in various grappling traditions for centuries, though it was refined and systematized in modern Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission wrestling. It became a staple of MMA when fighters discovered it was an effective counter to wrestling-based takedown attempts, as a fighter shooting for a double leg exposes their neck to the choke.
There are several variations of the guillotine, including the arm-in guillotine, high-elbow guillotine, and Marcelotine. Each variation targets the neck from a slightly different angle and can function as either an air choke or a blood choke depending on the grip and application.
In Underground Fighting
In underground fighting, the guillotine is a fight-ending weapon that requires no ground engagement to apply. A standing guillotine can put an opponent to sleep in seconds, making it particularly effective in bare knuckle bouts where fighters may not expect grappling attacks.
The guillotine is commonly seen in underground bouts when an aggressive fighter dives in recklessly for a clinch or takedown. Fighters with guillotine proficiency can end fights that were expected to be striking contests, catching brawlers who lower their head while pressing forward.
Related Terms
- Rear Naked Choke -- A choking submission applied from behind
- Arm Triangle -- Another choking submission from a head control position
- Triangle Choke -- A leg-based choke from the guard
See Also
- Tap Out -- The act of submitting to escape a guillotine
- Double Leg -- The takedown attempt that often exposes the neck to a guillotine