The Guillotine choke is a very well-known and vastly used submission in the world of Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. A great example of this can be seen in the last Metamoris as Gary Tonen submitted Kit Dale using this exact submission. It entails using your arms to encircle your opponent’s neck, cutting off oxygen. This choke is also referred to as Mae Hadaka Jime (Front naked choke). If you are familiar with being put into this submission, then you are certainly well aware with how uncomfortable this position is. You may also have seen with how well Marcelo Garcia has performed it and has become quite well known for his technique of this specific maneuver.
When you look at the origins of this move, you can refer to Bruce Lee. He popularized it back in 1972 in his movie “Way of the Dragon.” It can also be seen in modern day movies such as “Never Back Down.” It has been used in other areas as well such as wrestling. Daniel Bryan, a WWE star, and TNA girl Ivelisse Velez use it as both of their finishing moves.
To break down the guillotine, first be aware of what type of choke this is. It is a wind choke, also known as a tracheal compression restraint. It prevents air flow to the lungs, but can also be used as a blood choke. It all depends on how it is being applied to your opponent. The guillotine can be performed standing or from the ground, from a position such as the guard. Performing this technique from the ground helps to control your opponent so they do not escape, and also gives you the benefit of superfluous pressure by using your hips as you apply the choke.
When it comes down to the actual application of the submission, the arms are wrapped around the trachea and the hands are typically clasped. You can also use one hand to grab the wrist of the other after your have trapped your opponent’s neck. From there, whether you are standing or working from the ground, pressure is applied upwards which cuts off blood current to the head. If working from the guard, you will most likely post up on your hand first, before reaching around the neck. At that point it is up to your opponent to determine when they should tap out, otherwise they will go unconscious. There are different variations and details that you can use when performing the guillotine such as performing it from an almost half guard position, where you end up swinging up one leg over your opponent’s back as you apply the choke It is also important to keep in mind the angle your body needs to have to make this submission effective! If you are not positioned in the right angle, either you will not be able to apply the right pressure or it will be easier for your opponent to escape. It depends on what position you are working from. Application of the guillotine can also be related to the 2002 Army Combatives manual which actually gives specific instructions on how to execute this move.
This is one of my personal favorites. Now with every BJJ attack, there is a defense to this. So be aware that if your opponent knows the defense then you may not be able to quite hit the submission. When executed properly, however, this move is extremely effective. So if this isn’t in your game, I highly suggest putting it there. What is your favorite way to hit the Guillotine?
Check out the following link for an easy breakdown of the Guillotine from closed guard by Marcelo Garcia: http://youtu.be/DLrXGWLtOoU
The post Move of The Day: Guillotine appeared first on Jiu-Jitsu Times.