The guillotine choke is a popular submission hold in mixed martial arts (MMA) that can be used in both grappling and striking situations. The technique involves trapping an opponent’s neck between the attacker’s arm and body, applying pressure to the sides and front of the neck in order to cut off blood flow and oxygen to the brain. The choke can be performed from a variety of positions, including standing, kneeling, and on the ground.
In MMA, the guillotine choke is often used as a counter to a takedown attempt. When an opponent shoots in for a takedown, the attacker can wrap their arm around the opponent’s neck and use their body weight to apply pressure, forcing the opponent to either tap out or risk losing consciousness. The choke can also be used in combination with other techniques, such as a sweep or a submission hold on the opponent’s limbs.
While the guillotine choke can be a highly effective technique in MMA, it requires a great deal of skill and practice to execute properly. Improperly applied, the choke can cause serious injury or even death. As with any martial arts technique, it is important for practitioners to receive proper training and to exercise caution when using the guillotine choke in competition.
What is a Guillotine Choke?
The guillotine choke is a popular submission hold in mixed martial arts (MMA) that can be used in both grappling and striking situations. It is a chokehold that is applied from the front of the opponent, and the arms encircle the head and pressure the neck. The choke is named after the very effective execution device widely used in the years of the French Revolution.
The Basic Mechanics of a Guillotine Choke
In a guillotine choke, the attacker’s arms encircle the opponent’s neck to resemble a guillotine. The attacker’s head is under the opponent’s armpit, while the forearm pressures the neck. The choke is typically performed with one arm but can also be done with both arms. The goal is to put pressure on the sides and front of the neck to cut off blood flow and oxygen to the brain, ultimately leading to unconsciousness.
The basic mechanics of a guillotine choke involve using the strength of the arms to apply pressure to the neck. The attacker’s legs are typically used to control the opponent’s body and prevent them from escaping the chokehold. The choke can be applied from various positions with or without the opponent’s arm.
The Different Types of Guillotine Chokes
There are several types of guillotine chokes, each with its own mechanics and variations. Some of the most common types include:
- Arm-in Guillotine Choke: This variation involves trapping the opponent’s arm inside the chokehold, which adds additional pressure to the neck.
- High Elbow Guillotine Choke: This variation involves using the elbow to apply pressure to the neck, rather than the forearm.
- Marcelotine Choke: This variation involves trapping the opponent’s arm behind their back while applying the chokehold.
- Peruvian Necktie: This variation involves using the legs to trap the opponent’s head while applying the chokehold.
Overall, the guillotine choke is a highly effective submission hold in MMA that can be used in a variety of situations. However, it should only be used with caution and under the guidance of a trained instructor.
How to Apply a Guillotine Choke in MMA
To apply a guillotine choke in MMA, you need to understand the proper techniques and strategies. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Setting Up the Guillotine Choke
- Get into a clinch position with your opponent. This can be done by grabbing your opponent’s head or neck with one arm while wrapping your other arm around their waist or hips.
- Keep your head close to your opponent’s body to avoid strikes to the face.
- Position your choking arm under your opponent’s neck, with your bicep against their throat and your hand on the back of their head.
- Use your other arm to secure your choking arm by grabbing your bicep or wrist.
- Adjust your grip and position to ensure that your opponent’s neck is trapped between your arm and their own shoulder.
- Use your legs to maintain balance and control over your opponent.
Executing the Guillotine Choke
- Squeeze your arms together to apply pressure to your opponent’s neck and cut off their air supply.
- Use your legs to drive your opponent’s body down and increase the pressure on their neck.
- Keep your grip tight and maintain control of your opponent’s body to prevent them from escaping.
- Wait for your opponent to tap out or lose consciousness before releasing the choke.
It’s important to note that the guillotine choke can be executed from a variety of positions, including standing, in the clinch, and on the ground. It’s also important to use proper technique and avoid using excessive force that could cause serious injury to your opponent.
Overall, the guillotine choke is a highly effective submission hold that can be used to quickly end a fight in MMA. By mastering the proper techniques and strategies, you can add this powerful move to your arsenal and improve your chances of success in the ring.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The guillotine choke is a powerful submission technique that can be used to great effect in MMA. However, fighters make several common mistakes when attempting to execute this move. Here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid these mistakes:
1. Focusing too much on the grip
Many fighters make the mistake of focusing too much on getting the perfect grip for the guillotine choke. While a good grip is certainly important, it’s not the only factor that determines the success of the move. Maintaining proper positioning and using your body weight to apply pressure to your opponent’s neck is essential.
2. Allowing your opponent to control the position
Another common mistake is allowing your opponent to control the position when attempting the guillotine choke. If your opponent is able to get into a dominant position, it will be much more difficult to execute the move. Therefore, it’s important to maintain control of the situation and use your legs and hips to prevent your opponent from gaining an advantage.
3. Not adjusting the choke as needed
The guillotine choke is not a one-size-fits-all move. Depending on your opponent’s position and body type, you may need to adjust the choke to make it more effective. For example, if your opponent has a long neck, you may need to adjust the grip to ensure that the choke is applied correctly.
4. Trying to force the choke
Finally, one of the biggest mistakes that fighters make when attempting the guillotine choke is trying to force the move. If the choke is not applied correctly, it can actually be counterproductive and give your opponent an opportunity to escape. Therefore, it’s important to be patient and wait for the right moment to apply the choke with the correct technique.
By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on proper technique and positioning, you can increase your chances of successfully executing the guillotine choke in MMA.
When to Use a Guillotine Choke in MMA
The guillotine choke is a versatile technique that can be used in a variety of situations in MMA. Here are some scenarios where the guillotine choke can be particularly effective:
Against Opponents with Poor Takedown Defense
If your opponent is struggling with takedown defense, the guillotine choke can be a great way to capitalize on their weakness. As they shoot for a takedown, you can sprawl and wrap your arms around their neck, locking in the choke and forcing them to tap out.
Against Opponents with a Low Guard
If your opponent has a low guard, you can use the guillotine choke to take advantage of their vulnerability. As they move in to strike, you can wrap your arms around their neck and pull them down into the choke, leaving them with few options but to tap out.
As a Counter to a Failed Takedown Attempt
If your opponent attempts a takedown but fails to complete it, you can use the guillotine choke as a counter. As they back away or try to recover, you can quickly wrap your arms around their neck and lock in the choke, forcing them to submit.
In each of these scenarios, the guillotine choke can be a highly effective technique for finishing the fight. However, it’s important to note that the guillotine choke is not foolproof, and there are situations where it may not be the best option. As with any technique in MMA, it’s important to use the guillotine choke judiciously and with proper technique.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the guillotine choke is a highly effective submission hold that has been used successfully in many different grappling arts as well as in both MMA and self-defense scenarios. It is a bio-mechanically natural choke that is easy to administer and even easier to learn.
The guillotine choke hold is a high-percentage finisher when done correctly. It has been used by many fighters to end fights quickly and efficiently. However, it should also be noted that guillotine chokes are not always easy to learn. Too often, people see them in the UFC and believe they can be easily replicated. It takes practice and technique to apply the choke correctly.
The guillotine choke is a valuable tool in any fighter’s arsenal. It is a versatile submission hold that can be used in a variety of situations. Anyone can learn to apply the guillotine choke effectively with practice and technique.
