The Guillotine Choke is a well-known submission move in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and other grappling martial arts. It’s a maneuver that targets the opponent’s neck and can be used as a powerful counter-attack or as part of an offensive strategy. In this article, we’ll explore three different ways to execute the guillotine choke effectively.

1. Standard Guillotine Choke

The standard Guillotine Choke is the most commonly used variation and serves as the foundation for other techniques. Here’s how to perform it:

a. Start by facing your opponent in a standing position or from your knees if you’re practicing in a grappling context.

b. Secure a front headlock by wrapping your arm around their neck, with your forearm under their throat and their head pressed against your chest.

c. Grip your hands together using either an S-grip or palm-to-palm grip.

d. Lean back while arching your hips, using your body weight to apply pressure to their throat. Maintain control until your opponent taps out.

2. Arm-In Guillotine Choke

The Arm-In Guillotine Choke is another popular variation that incorporates the opponent’s arm into the equation, further limiting their mobility and options for escape.

a. Begin as you would with the standard guillotine choke but allow your opponent’s arm to be trapped along with their head.

b. Instead of gripping your own wrist, grip the hand of your choking arm using a palm-to-palm grip.

c. Use either a closed guard or half guard to control their lower body.

d. Squeeze and apply pressure by pulling up with both arms while extending your hips upward, ensuring maximum compression on their neck.

3. High-Elbow Guillotine Choke (Marcelotine)

This technique was popularized by Marcelo Garcia, one of the greatest BJJ practitioners of all time. The High-Elbow Guillotine, also known as the Marcelotine, is an advanced version of the guillotine choke that requires precise execution but offers increased leverage and control.

a. Secure a front headlock as with other variations but slide your choking arm’s elbow high and forward, ensuring your opponent’s head is trapped under your armpit.

b. Adopt a palm-to-palm grip or an S-grip for an even tighter finish.

c. Quickly jump into a closed guard or butterfly guard position if practicing on the ground.

d. For increased pressure, pinch your elbows together while engaging your core to add torque. Maintain control until the submission is achieved.

In conclusion, mastering various guillotine choke variations will expand your arsenal of submission techniques and improve your grappling capabilities. Remember to practice with safety in mind and always respect the tap to avoid any potential injuries.