Concept-first guillotine system that shows offense, defense, and counters you can apply in gi or no-gi.
The Bottom Line
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.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Concept learners
Skip if: Want flashy drills
Tech focus: Fox Guillotine, Arm In Guillotine, High Elbow Guillotine
Biggest takeaway: Position before squeeze
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
Karel Pravec packages the guillotine as a position first, submission second. You get principles for grips, head control, and entries that connect standing, guard, and top. The signature Fox Guillotine shows a clean no-arm finish with clear tradeoffs vs arm-in. Volumes also tackle defense and counters so you can attack safely.
If you want a concise, concept-first roadmap that works in gi and no-gi, this is the easiest starting point at a fair price.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- High Elbow Guillotine
- Fox Guillotine
- Arm In Guillotine
- Chin Strap
- Five Finger Guillotine
- Front Headlock
- Snapdown
- Takedown Defense
- Counter Von Flue
- Cement Mixer Sweep
Format & Level
- Instructional style: Conceptual, System Based
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 1 hour and 58 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I recommend this first because principles shorten your path to consistent finishes regardless of body type.
Why Karel 'Silver Fox' Pravec?
Karel Pravec is a Renzo Gracie black belt and respected coach known for the Fox Guillotine and pragmatic teaching style.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Concept-first teaching made my finishes tighter fast.
- Silver Fox explains low-wrist and five-finger options better than most.
- Great blend of offense, defense, and counters for safety.
- Applies well to smaller grapplers and hobbyists.
- Clear distinction between no-arm and arm-in use cases.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Less focus on high-elbow MG-style details.
- Some want more drills and live examples.
- Production is spartan compared to premium sets.
Smart Alternatives
- Systematically Attacking The Guillotine by Gordon Ryan – Deepest library if you want exhaustive detail and rolling commentary. (Price: $349.00, 8 vols)
- The Front Headlock System by John Danaher – If you want a broader front headlock framework that feeds guillotines. (Price: $197.00)
- The Marcelotine by Marcelo Garcia – Classic high-elbow approach from a legendary finisher. (Price: $149.00)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Mastering Guillotine Concepts and Principles on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
