Concepts For Defending - Escaping And Counter

Escaping, defending, and counter-submitting from a front headlock guillotine involves specific body positioning and movements. To defend against a guillotine off a takedown, it's crucial to be mindful of your chest projection and head position to prevent spinal cord injuries.

1. Step to the outside of your opponent's body to avoid being trapped in closed guard and to keep your chest up, which helps in negating the guillotine attempt.
2. Ensure your leg is on the outside of your opponent's to maintain a strong base and prevent them from capturing you in closed guard.
3. Tilt your head towards your opponent, looking at their far side shoulder, to alleviate pressure from the armpit and assist in escaping the hold.
4. Use your hands to either keep one on the elbow or assist in breaking the opponent's grip, while being conscious of where you are looking to maximize the space for your escape.
5. Keep the opponent's elbow away from their hip line, as this is where they can tighten the guillotine.
6. If possible, escape the submission attempt or maintain a body clinch to defend against the guillotine, using your chest and hips to stay attached to the opponent.
7. When your head is on the outside of the opponent's body, get your leg out wide and lift with your chest.
8. Reach your free arm towards the opponent's neck for a high strangle, setting up for a counter-submission known as the Von Flue Choke or the John Danaher Lock (JDL).
9. Limit space by pulling the opponent's head towards you and shooting your forearm up to raise your elbow on their back.
10. Secure a Gable Grip to finish the choke or use a spiral turn to bring the opponent to the ground for a submission.

Even if captured in a headlock-only guillotine, stepping to the outside and using your chest to push up while reaching your bicep into the opponent's neck can set up a tight Von Flue or JDL choke.