The guillotine choke is one of many submission holds in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Chances are, you have seen this countless times during MMA events.

But why do you see it often? The answer is very simple. The opponent gets into the right position that the more skills fighter sees and then executes it properly. This happens every time when that person puts their head outside of the opponentsí body so donít you think this is worth learning?

There are two types of guillotine choke. There is the blood choke and the air choke. If you apply pressure using your forearm against your opponentís windpipe, then you achieve an air choke. If this is placed on the arteries of the neck, then you have a blood choke.

In addition to the two types of chokes, you should also know that this can be done while you are standing or on the ground. Most fighters do it while they are standing because of better leverage in this position. If you are on the ground, you have to get your opponent first into a full guard position.

Now it is time to learn how to choke.

Let's make it simple by starting in a standing position and perform the regular guillotine choke. You have to first pull your opponentís head down by placing your hand on his neck or by pulling down on his GI so he is facing the ground.

Now put your arm around his neck into a position similar to a headlock. Slide your forearm down under his chin and around his neck making sure that the blade of your forearm is against his neck.

Then grasp the wrist of your choking arm with your free hand. Keep this grip on his neck tightly so that his head is wedged under your arm.

Place one leg slightly forward, stand up straight and twist your hips in the direction of your forward leg whichever you are using to execute this choke.

A more complicated version is the spine locking guillotine choke. Here, you start by bringing your opponentís head down and wrap your arms around his head which is similar to the regular guillotine choke.

Using your forearm, turn your opponent's head towards the hand of your choking arm so can put pressure on his spine.

Put your free hand on your opponent's back on the same side of his head as your free hand. Then grasp the wrist of your planted hand with the hand of your choking arm and lean back.

If executed properly, your opponent has no choice but to surrender. If they donít, they will become unconscious in the next few seconds. This move is not only used in competition but also in the street so you just have to practice how to do it.

Aside from the guillotine choke, there are other moves in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you can learn and apply in and outside the ring.

After all, this can only be used when you are in front of the opponent. There are ways to subdue them when you are able to go behind them or on their side. You just have to listen to your instructor and watch how these are done so you can spar with someone in order to do it correctly.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TRYING A BJJ CLASS AT THE DRAGON GYM IN EXTON, JUST SEND US AN EMAIL: GJJ@DRAGONGYM.COM OR GIVE US A CALL AT 610-363-7575 AND YOU CAN COME IN AND TRY A BJJ CLASS FOR FREE.  WE HOPE TO TALK TO YOU SOON!

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu(BJJ) is very popular and this is why a lot of gyms across the United States offer it. Mixed martial arts competitions had something to do with it but people have realized that this is also a very effective self-defense technique. To learn all about it, you have to find a gym.

You should know that one Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym is different from the other. In Brazil for instance, there are 4 fighting schools of this martial art and this could be traced either from Carlos Gracie or Mitsuyo Maeda.

So visit a club and don't be afraid to ask questions. They should be able to answer everything like tell you how long they have been in operation and what organizations are they affiliated with. You should also ask who the instructor is and what the student to teacher ratio is.

If you want to give it a try, go ahead since your first session is usually free. Come on time and wear a T-shirt and pants first. If you want to continue training with them, you will have to buy the official uniform worn by the students known as the Gi.

The Gi usually costs less than $100. Make sure it is clean at all times and if there is a tear, you have to go out and buy a new one.

Enrolling in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not free so it will cost you. When you are there, don't forget to ask how much do classes cost. Some instructors will not beat around the bush and say it straight. Others will try to avoid that question by telling you to avail of the free trial so don't be fooled by it because it is very important to get the information now.

You should also ask if there is a membership agreement. If there is none, it will be easy for the instructor to take your money and split or close the school.  Learning BJJ is a long term commitment.

Aside from talking to the instructor, find some time to talk to the students because their input is also important.

The gym you may be enrolling in has a lot of students and in different age groups. If you are an adult, see to it that you are not placed in a class that has kids but rather with those close to your age group.

After going around the neighborhood looking for your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu(BJJ) gym, finalize the list to at least three and then decide which one you want to go to. If you haven't made up your mind yet, try the introductory class then make up your mind.

Not everyone learns Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to compete. Some do it simply as a form of exercise, others learn it for self-defense and there are those who use this as their first step to participate in competition. Whatever you reason, beginners will start out as white belts and then move up alter on once they pass the requirements.

If you have martial arts experience in the past, the instructor will first examine your skills in your previous discipline before deciding whether you can skip the beginner's belt. The odds of this happening are higher if you know judo or aikido rather than karate or tae kwon do.

If you are interested in trying a BJJ class at the Dragon Gym in Exton, just send us an email: GJJ@dragongym.com, give us a call at 610-363-7575, or visit: dragongym.com/brazilian-jiu-jitsu and you can come in and try a BJJ class for free.  We hope to talk to you soon!