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The Guillotine Choke is one of the most popular submissions today in both MMA as well as submission grappling matches.

This move is quite popular due to the low degree of difficulty in applying the choke, as well as the abundant opportunities that this choke can be applied from standing (i.e. your opponent attempts a leg takedown) or from the guard when you have broken your opponents posture.

 Renzo Gracie demonstates the Guillotine Choke

Example of the Guillotine Choke from Standing:

Escaping the Gullotine from Closed Guard

The key to escaping the Guillotine Choke from the Closed Guard is to establish a good defensive posture and then remain relaxed and patient. If the choke is not aligned properly, even by a fraction of an inch, the defender can resist and not be choked out. Although the position may be claustrophobic for beginners, with some practice you can learn to relax in this position and let your opponent waste their energy and strength.

To defend from the closed guard position, you first make good posture by turning your chin into your opponents ribs, and pulling down at your opponents wrist to take pressure off your neck (not to escape, but just to help relieve pressure). With your other arm, cup behind your opponents back and place that shoulder into your opponents face.

Then, form a pyramid with your body: the top of the pyramid is your butt, and the points in contact with the ground are both your feet (the balls of your feet), and your shoulder (which is driving into your opponents face). Maintain a good wide base with your feet (be careful not to get swept). Push off the ground with your feet so that about 80% of your weight is driving into the opponents face, and maintain your position. Eventually, your opponent will tire and have to release their grip. Just be wary of any sweeps and be ready to drop your hips back down if the opponent starts a sweeping action.

Gene Simco of www.jiu-jitsu.net demonstrates these principles:

An Escape from the Standing Guillotine Choke:

Guillotine Choke Setups from multiple positions

Guillotine Choke from Standing (Modified Grip)

Here is a video of a modified Guillotine Choke grip from the standing position, demonstrated by Kenny Florian, BJJ Black Belt, UFC fighter and Ultimate Fighter finalist:

James Clingerman of Indiana Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy demonstrates multiple Guillotine Choke setups from the guard, back position:

Old School Flying Guillotine