We researched r/bjj, BJJ Fanatics product pages, BJJHeroes, and YouTube to rank the best guillotine instructionals by clarity, system quality, and community reception.
Mastering Guillotine Concepts and Principles
Concept-first guillotine system that shows offense, defense, and counters you can apply in gi or no-gi.
Mastering the Guillotine
Competition-proven guillotine pathways with crisp setups and reliable back takes.
The Headhunter Guillotine Series
Unorthodox, high-pressure guillotine finishes from catch-wrestling’s most notorious coach.
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🥋 #1 Mastering Guillotine Concepts and Principles by Karel 'Silver Fox' Pravec
Instructor: Karel 'Silver Fox' Pravec
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 58 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Position before squeeze
Techniques: Fox Guillotine, Arm In Guillotine, High Elbow Guillotine
- Systematically Attacking The Guillotine by Gordon Ryan – Deepest library if you want exhaustive detail and rolling commentary.
- The Front Headlock System by John Danaher – If you want a broader front headlock framework that feeds guillotines.
- The Marcelotine by Marcelo Garcia – Classic high-elbow approach from a legendary finisher.
You learn the guillotine as a position with clear entries and finishes. You also learn key defenses and counters to stay safe. You will not get flashy drills or competition-style narration.
✅ Pros
- Concepts translate across gi, no-gi, and ages.
- Balanced offense and defense prevents getting Von Flue’d.
- Affordable and complete without filler.
⚠️ Cons
- Less live rolling or case studies.
- Minimal drilling structure built-in.
- Not a pure high-elbow masterclass.
💡 I recommend this first because principles shorten your path to consistent finishes regardless of body type. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Mastering the Guillotine by John Combs
Instructor: John Combs
Style: System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Snapdown to finish
Techniques: Combatine, High Elbow Guillotine, Back Take
- The No Gi Game Plan: Takedown, Pass, Finish – Pairs well if you want a broader Combs roadmap.
- Hingertine: Guillotine Concepts by Josh Hinger – Famous arm-in style to contrast Combs; product not on BJJ Fanatics.
You learn fast entries from the front headlock into multiple finishes. You also learn how to bail to back attacks if defenses appear. You will not get in-depth gi grip work.
✅ Pros
- Competition-tested sequences convert well to hobbyist rolling.
- Back takes save stalled chokes.
- Concise structure with minimal fluff.
⚠️ Cons
- Pacing can overwhelm newer grapplers.
- Focuses on no-gi mechanics.
- Fewer principle lectures than conceptual sets.
💡 I like how Combs chains finish-or-back options so you do not waste guillotine threats. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #3 The Headhunter Guillotine Series by Neil Melanson
Instructor: Neil Melanson
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 38 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Finish through resistance
Techniques: Handgun Choke, High Elbow Guillotine, Darce
- The Modified Guillotine – A deeper, newer dive if you want Melanson’s latest variations.
- Killer Catch Wrestling Front Headlock Attacks – If you want more catch-wrestling context; not guillotine-only.
You learn unique finishes that punish stubborn defenses. You also learn transitions that suit MMA or hard no-gi rooms. You will not get a gentle beginner curriculum.
✅ Pros
- Finishing details that break stubborn defenses.
- Wrestling-friendly entries and counters.
- Distinct variations expand options.
⚠️ Cons
- Organization can feel scattered.
- Intensity may not fit every academy.
- Less gi translation.
💡 I rate this highly because the finishing sophistication fixes the most common hobbyist problem: weak squeezes. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 Guillotine Fundamentals by Pedro Marinho
Instructor: Pedro Marinho
Style: System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 46 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Threat creates passes
Techniques: Marinhotine, Arm In Guillotine, Cradle
- Marinhotine Mastery – Expanded follow-up focused on his namesake system.
- The Marcelotine by Marcelo Garcia – If you want a pure high-elbow perspective.
You learn clear steps for arm-in and no-arm finishes plus standing entries. You also learn to turn the choke threat into cradle passes. You will not get deep theory lectures.
✅ Pros
- Direct instruction that is easy to action.
- Cradle transitions multiply scoring.
- Strong focus on finishing positions.
⚠️ Cons
- Less conceptual framing.
- Primarily no-gi applications.
- Limited defensive depth.
💡 I like how the cradle pairing makes your guillotine a pass-or-tap dilemma. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 Guillotine Choke Systems by Dante Leon
Instructor: Dante Leon
Style: System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 57 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Cradle off chin-strap
Techniques: Chin Strap, Rolling Guillotine, Cradle
- Power Back Takes – Pairs well if your guillotine threats chase the back.
- Front Headlock No-Gi Study (community resource) – Free study notes to supplement concepts and drills.
You learn entries and counters that end in clean finishes or strong positions. You also learn cradle tie-ins to pass stubborn guards. You will not get heavy gi material.
✅ Pros
- Chain reactions from threat to pass.
- Useful single-leg counters.
- Modern back take integrations.
⚠️ Cons
- Less conceptual narration.
- Athletic entries may deter beginners.
- No gi-first perspective.
💡 I like the cradle integration for winning scrambles without abandoning the choke. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 The American Jiu Jitsu Guillotine System by Jake Shields
Instructor: Jake Shields
Style: System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 21 minutes
Volumes: 2
Biggest takeaway: Wrestle to finish
Techniques: Front Headlock, High Elbow Guillotine, Darce
- American Jiu-Jitsu Pressure Passing System – Complement if you like his top pressure off front headlocks.
- Guillotine Glossary: Finishing Mechanics – If you want more pure finishing mechanics after Shields.
You learn high-elbow and arm-in options from standing, guard, and top. You also learn to sweep or pass when defenses hold. You will not get a deep conceptual lecture.
✅ Pros
- Actionable defenses vs takedowns.
- Simple chain from guillotine to darce.
- Efficient two-part structure.
⚠️ Cons
- Less depth than longer series.
- MMA slant may not fit everyone.
- Limited gi-specific advice.
💡 I like how Shields balances finish-or-sweep choices from common wrestling ties. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 Guillotine Revolution by Daniel De Groot
Instructor: Daniel De Groot
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 2 hours and 7 minutes
Volumes: 6
Biggest takeaway: System beats tricks
Techniques: Ten Finger Guillotine, Ninja Choke, Von Flue Defense
- Guillotine Glossary: Setups, Sweeps, Escapes – Budget-friendly complement for setups and escapes.
- The Front Headlock System by John Danaher – Pair if you want more headlock control theory.
You learn complete systems for top, bottom, and standing. You also learn counters to common defenses. You will not get star-name sizzle or cinematic production.
✅ Pros
- Clear, structured progression.
- Covers defenses and counters well.
- Good value for the breadth.
⚠️ Cons
- Less famous instructor.
- Production is plain.
- Pacing may feel slow.
💡 I appreciate the complete coverage at a mid price that suits systematic learners. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 Guillotine Glossary: Finishing Mechanics by Josh Janis
Instructor: Josh Janis
Style: Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 27 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Fix your squeeze
Techniques: Ten Finger Guillotine, Marcelotine, Diesel Squeezel
- Guillotine Glossary: Setups, Sweeps, Escapes (Vol 2) – Add positional setups and escapes to complete the picture.
- Mastering Guillotine Concepts and Principles – Pair with a principle-first control system.
You learn multiple finishing variants with concise explanations. You also learn standing entries and MMA notes at a basic level. You will not get a full entry or control system.
✅ Pros
- Compact lessons that improve finishing.
- Covers less-common variants.
- Budget-friendly add-on to a control system.
⚠️ Cons
- Not an end-to-end curriculum.
- Light on control and entries.
- Plain production and pacing.
💡 I include this as a budget pick to fix the highest-leverage problem: poor finishing mechanics. Recommendation: Skip.
Arm-in vs High-Elbow: Which Should You Specialize In?
High-elbow (Marcelotine) often finishes faster but exposes you to different counters and requires better shoulder positioning. Arm-in is versatile against wrestlers and integrates with front headlock transitions and passes. Build both, but specialize based on your body type and favorite positions: high-elbow from guard and front headlock; arm-in from half guard, passing, and scramble counters.
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