Guillotine defence: survive first, then escape
The guillotine punishes sloppy takedowns. Learn the priorities that keep you safe and the escape that gets you to top position.
Priorities
- Hand fight: pull down on the choking wrist with both hands.
- Turn your chin towards their chest to protect the airway.
- Climb to the side of the arm that's choking you, chest to chest.
The escape
When they fall to guard, step your legs over to the choking-arm side and drive your shoulder into their jaw. The choke loosens as your head pops free beside their hip.
Drill
Partner applies the choke at 50% from standing and guard. Ten reps each side, then live positional rounds starting from the grip.
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