How to Defend a Standing Guillotine Choke with Stephan Kesting

Learning how to defend the standing guillotine choke is a MUST for every martial artist. In this video, Stephan Kesting shares the most crucial tips to save your neck... and maybe your life!
Check out Stephan's Kesting's KZbin channels for more great info:
►GRAPPLEARTS: / stephankesting
►SELF DEFENSE TUTORIALS: / @selfdefensetutorials
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paypal.me/SenseiAndo
A quick review...
To defend a standing guillotine choke--
1- HEAD UP! Would you rather be punched in the face or choked out? Hopefully, you can avoid both! But if you want to stay conscious in a fight, keeping your head up will make it trickier to grab.
2 - LOOK UP! If you do get caught looking down, arch your back and look to the sky. This will help you slip the choke and put your attacker's arm in an uncomfortable position.
3 - ARM OVER THE SHOULDER! To finish the choke, the bad guy usually needs to arch his back. By pulling down on his choking arm and throwing your free arm over his shoulder, you can keep him closer and make arching more difficult.
If your attacker gets frustrated and sloppy, you can also try throwing your arm over his head and turn the tides with a simple step-behind takedown.
Of course, never underestimate the guillotine! Even if you don't get choked, you can still get your neck wrenched.
So, focus on preventing trouble and keep your head out of danger! :)
THANKS FOR WATCHING! For more tips on martial arts training, self-defense, and living a happy life, check out my links...
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Keep fighting for a happy life! :)
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WARNING: The advice and movements shown in this video are for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before engaging in any exercise or martial arts program.

[@dodoboodrough6044]

Simple and to the point. I love the simplicity of your counters. Thank you!

[@Docinaplane]

Good to see you two together! Thank you!

[@AndoMierzwa]

He’s a true gentleman. Thank you!

[@russellthompson6079]

Great video and explanation: lesson learned here: do not attempt to put a standing guillotine choke on a Polish man, they bite! Don't do it!

[@AndoMierzwa]

HA! 😄 Polska power! 🇵🇱

[@marshalllord554]

I respect Stephan's honesty in his teaching. He is confident and knowledgeable, but realistic. Can't ask for much more than that.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Agreed!

[@cameronafrasiabi4166]

Great video!! I’ve been waiting for Stephan to make a video like this. Thanks guys!!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! I’ll have to check... he MUST have covered this before somewhere! :)

[@memyselfandi4581]

I appreciate your teaching style very relaxed and easy to comprehend thanks alot!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the comment!

[@petronela910]

Great vid, great collaboration. Right, who wore the squeaky shoes?

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! The ground was wet... we share the blame. :)

[@bikersoncall]

The squeaking was dubbed in with youtube editor.

[@arielchris1155]

InstaBlaster

[@jcont3544]

This is great! Thanks for showing this! The martial arts world needs more of this. I know your a lung fu guy, but I love how you brought a grappler in to show how get out of grappling situation. Keep it up!!!!

[@AndoMierzwa]

I like your spirit! Yes, let’s all work together!

[@essuazo8643]

For street fight scenarios like that, use your free hand & just hit the balls.

[@AndoMierzwa]

That can help!

[@gringogringo9268]

Wat about women eh?

[@essuazo8643]

For women who really wana choke you seriously, still use your free hands & just grab their parts! 😉

[@gringogringo9268]

Lol 😂 2 birds with one stone

[@elliottberry5317]

I agree, a good hard punch to the grapes will make you forget all about how tight your grip is up top. It should buy you time at the very least.

[@unidielts]

Excellent video, skill and escape! I love it!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the kind words! 🙏🏻

[@AgusNizami]

It's glad to know we compete in a very good way. Still become friends. Still learn to each other. It's a not one man show. Bravo sensei Ando!

[@AndoMierzwa]

We are stronger together, for sure! :-)

[@veluta2549]

I needed to see this. This is being used alot in my school and just in case for street fights. And wrestling obvously.

[@PelegoRecords]

Keep your Head High, Look to the Sky. Reach Over, Grab a Shoulder. Sit on their Knee, Set Yourself Free...I'm Practicing this NOW!!! 😇

[@iuer4643]

how about a song to encode this? like an oral kata :D

[@johngr1747]

poetry at its best lol

[@christiangarvin7351]

Isn't that a song?

[@innertubez]

Lol reads like song lyrics.

[@Wasteman365]

innertubez that’s exactly the point

[@Ragekicker12]

Hilarious jokes! 😂Keep up the good work!

[@leodaido]

Thanks Senseis! Always great tips you both!

[@AndoMierzwa]

I’m happy if you’re happy, Leo!

[@donoberloh]

Just FYI The plural is Sensei is Sensei. No s after Sensei in the Japanese language.

[@seba_ksports]

Excellent. Loves Kesting explanations and down to earth style

[@AndoMierzwa]

Me, too! 😁

[@mm2mm0]

Thanks for the video sir, gonna practice it

[@AndoMierzwa]

Excellent! 👍🏼

[@piotrlitwic5935]

Another great video! This might be a very useful technique to use in self defence, though I hope I'll never have to. Thank you so much! P. S. I hope Mr. Kesting got his tooth put back together.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Crazy how it’s the simple things that can injure you! Thank you for all your support, sir! 🙏🏻

[@garycollins865]

This was good Ando. Thank you for producing.

[@AndoMierzwa]

My pleasure, sir. Thanks for the comment!

[@goa7516]

Thanks ! Ando and Stephan , God bless You'll 🙏 .

[@AndoMierzwa]

Bless you, too! 🙏🏻

[@tinfoil7463]

Thanks, I can defend my classmates that can defend in my classroom.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Defending friends… you’re awesome!

[@tinfoil7463]

Thanks!

[@vato9797]

Stephan looks like Hitman 2's character. :D Thanks Ando & Stephan!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! I think you’ll take that as a compliment.

[@vato9797]

Sure xD

[@johnhardingtd4523]

Love that video guys thank you so much i can defend myself even better now cheers guys keep doing it

[@maxime05c]

Good stuff. I'll watch more that's for sure. But i already can tell this is an underrated man (Ando) and channel.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate that! Keep fighting! 👊🏼

[@davidbennettarts2205]

Some very interesting points as always, and instant good mood too 😉 One of the things that I have learned from training in self defence that would generally be overlooked in wresting/sports of that nature, is "Inserting Strikes to the Technique". Meaning where I would absolutely study the life out of this, I would always add a "Softener" to the Technique. Where? Initially when you are looking up to defend against the grabbing, I would do that and at the same time strike the groin with my closest hand - to discourage him from pulling your neck up and pressing with his hips. You could also insert that strike as you grab his wrist with your other hand, if he has the hold, and then put that arm over the shoulder and continue the technique. "Inserting" "Softeners" can really go a long way in self defence. Just thought I'd add a bit of my own advice. As always, massive respect to you and your channel, and your teaching.

[@dannythorne7143]

I totally agree. Adding strikes always helps, especially when hitting the groin area. It causes your opponent to flinch which creates space.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Yes and yes! Striking and grappling should work together. Thank you for the comment!

[@tjl4688]

@@dannythorne7143 But it might also make the opponent angrier. Never rely on strikes and pain, rely on leverage.

[@michaelhanson4811]

When I transitioned out of the USMC. Ended up in Santa Barbara California. Ended up becoming homeless. There was this dude named Ron Pedersen (another homeless person). Who didn't like veterans too much. One day. Ron decided to confront me. Ron. Came up to push me. He was obviously trying to fight me on his terms. He attempted to push me again, and received a judo throw over my left shoulder. Ron, unfortunately had no judo training and was slammed down on the concrete sidewalk. Fortunately.Ron did not suffer from anything other than complete humiliation. As things turned out. I gained the reputation of giving people a flying lesson. Being trained in basic hand to hand combat techniques. Learned some very important facts. You evaded before you block. You block before you hurt. You hurt before you maim. And you maim before you kill. Why? Because life is precious! I'm definitely not a billy badass, even though I have been actively training in the martial arts since 1975. What I have learned is that you de-escalate before you employ martial arts training. Use your brain first slick.

[@davidbennettarts2205]

@@michaelhanson4811 Massive respect. Yes looking back on it now a few years on, I have to agree, I think that evasion should absolutely be the first intention, instead of getting locked into straight away

[@michaelw7867]

Another option is grabbing the wrist with both hands and pulling down with all your strength, and tucking your chin into the crook of his elbow, thus protecting your windpipe. Then you apply your follow-up moves.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Absolutely. Different timing and angles open up lots of options. Thanks for that one!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for the comment, sir!

[@kobiesboxing4956]

Michael W Something to think about, and consider.

[@luvspus69]

@@mattthompson4868 That is why I teach thumb breaking early. He is absolutely right about turning the head to protect the windpipe. And you are right that no matter what you choose to do, staying calm helps. Also training for fear is best.

[@snowcat6071]

Great vid! I always know it’s going to be something good when u and Stephan get together😁

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate that. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@sergiosaveas8337]

Great video Sensei, it is very illustrative. Thank you for posting this... BTW, I really liked the intro....it is the funiest you've made so far😂😂😂 Greetings from Guadalajara, Jalisco, México ☺

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks, Sergio! Greetings from the USA!

[@VelhaGuardaTricolor]

My years of Martial Arts training were a major waste of time apparently, the comment session thought me that all I need to do is two things and I will be unbeatable: 1.BITE 2.HIT the NUTS If only someone had told me years ago

[@AndoMierzwa]

HA! 😄

[@andrewschneider2121]

Bite the nuts

[@nomadicgrenada]

Depends on what you were learning and for what purpose. If you spent years learning 'how to block' then yeah, wasted time.

[@ElimRem]

I'd start with a Thai clinch and knee my opponent and go for the choke after the knees soften him up.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Go for it!

[@jthb]

If he knows what he is doing he would pull you down and your knees will be ineffective worsening your case

[@sittiemacasindel2277]

Over the head is my favorite! Ty for sharing!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@andymma6286]

I like the counter take down you have for the guillotine very cool 💯

[@leelunk8235]

I ENJOY SWORD FIGHTING NAKED

[@heartlxss_lycan2312]

Dom sannie

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

ah that is a really STUPID statement and easy to see all vulnerable parts = i would castrate you in less than a heart beat = dumb and stupid - sheng dow fa ! = your out !

[@bradowen8862]

it's a good technique but I think it's not easy especially if the choker is bigger and stronger. Is it possible if you lift the opponent and smash him on the floor like a sufflex move they do in the wrestling?

[@AndoMierzwa]

Your move sounds like you need even more strength! 😄

[@dannythorne7143]

This technique works well even on bigger, stronger opponents. I have practiced this technique on bigger guys. Once you have wrapped your arms around his head and drop down, you have a tremendous amount of leverage to your advantage. It does work very well.

[@sohamghatak754]

Wow. That was pretty cool. Thanks Ando.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Glad you liked it! Thank you!

[@simpleguy6869]

Thank you for these good advices

[@AndoMierzwa]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@kemetfirst315]

you could also bite his forearm if you get caught in the hold while tiger clawing him in the face.

[@AndoMierzwa]

True! And those choices are roooted on the same basic hand and body positions. Thanks!

[@harderheart]

Lol

[@kevintibbets1351]

Martial Arts Demonstrations 101: Make sure your partner is smaller, lighter, and weaker than you are!

[@AndoMierzwa]

HA! 😄

[@kootarofuuma9456]

It depends on the practioner 😉

[@christianamaris8807]

You definetely won't be standing guillotine someone bigger and stronger than you... Be real lul. The demo is meant for smaller ones

[@pagetv567]

Steven Seagal

[@bencovington1121]

Right. These are not the best defenses.

[@bloodwynn]

I'm subscribing both of you. Great guys :)

[@AndoMierzwa]

Welcome! Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@psyience3213]

Awesome stuff like always!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you kindly, Matthew! 👍🏼

[@Rabbit.760]

Defend it standing? Oh well that's easy! Simply sit down 😂

[@darko7182]

Try it with me and you will be in a emergency room

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

knee to the face and double knee bombs to your chest = your dead !

[@patdennis3751]

Best defense is a good gun. Not available? Go for the balls!

[@tonyedwards8067]

Excellent tuition thanks 🙏

[@MartialArtsTutorialsFighttips]

Good to see this version.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for the comment, sir!

[@rivi9576]

Biggest fan From india

[@AndoMierzwa]

Greetings from the USA! :)

[@vato9797]

+Make It Super I'm actually bigger.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! :D

[@beedoubleu]

First! Yay!

[@AndoMierzwa]

You win! 😄

[@beedoubleu]

Flawless Victory! LOL

[@Christopher01970]

Good moves! Thanks for sharing.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@zachnewsom4071]

Awesome video guys!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@pranakhan]

Love the counter throw. Very good stuff

[@AndoMierzwa]

Cool move, right? 👍🏼

[@davidwayne9982]

I've only had ONE guy try that on me in 40 years experience--- and now he sings FALSETTO beautifully!!

[@askvanita]

Great content. Thanks for sharing

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@LK-bz9sk]

Very good. Well explained. Thanks

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate that. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@haistapaska20]

Finally quality info on guillotine

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@raycorrigan3297]

1 Grab choking arm to release pressure. 2 place arm deep over opposite shoulder( as Stephan did) 3 Use oppononants upward pressure to move feet to opposite side of choke. 4 collapse his left leg and go to ground with him. 4 grind forearm in to throat to effect release of choke( you are on the wrong side for ur opponent to finish choke). 5 you are now in excellent side control position. Rain some pain( restamp thr groin!!!!)Great demonstration as usual . Cheers .

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for the breakdown, sir! 👍🏼

[@coffeeder]

that is a awesome technique ando, thanks

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@bikersoncall]

Brilliant!!

[@haydendoan7691]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@user-qj6vg8gp3l]

I learned a great way to get out of guillotines in wrestling, I can't believe I have never seen it on youtube it works great, no one regardless of high their grappling ability is has been able to successfully choke me out with it. You can often get out of it often without even using your hands.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Time to make a video. 😁

[@sarahdeol]

Just what I needed 👍

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@edrock26]

Great technique!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@AceeSoul]

Fantastic video and great points. The shoes squeaking the whole time was a little tough, lol

[@AndoMierzwa]

My good mic wasn’t working.

[@ernestk522]

again thank you very helpful

[@AndoMierzwa]

Great to hear! Thank you for the comment!

[@askchristyle741]

Awesome video!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you, Christyle! 🙏🏻

[@Halffullofjuice]

Practise practise practise. No one will break free without first practising over and over, and over. Then over some more. Great video.

[@AndoMierzwa]

True enough! Thanks for the comment!

[@davejohnson-yi2rk]

Very well done, explanation AND production values. Sorry about that chipped tooth though! Ouch! Shows it even happens to pros. You've always gotta be super careful.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Absolutely! It’s always the shot you don’t see coming! Thanks for the kindness, Dave! 🙏🏻

[@Win94ae]

Very good! Thank you!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Very welcome! 🙏🏻

[@yohannschroo5644]

Good defense technique and useful, thanks

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the kind words! 🙏🏻

[@yohannschroo5644]

@@AndoMierzwa It is nothing 👍

[@jamesyoxon4852]

great video!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@general5104]

Great lesson. I subbed. Bill, from Tn. 🇺🇸

[@AndoMierzwa]

A pleasure to meet you, sir! 🙏🏻

[@gsellona]

Great tips

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you!

[@DonCarlos590]

i learned a lot here. Thanks. Now all i have to do i get my instructors attention.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Keep working!

[@brianburgess1703]

That was pretty good, thanx.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for watching, Brian!

[@Msosbog]

Thank you both, another excellent video and great tips! 🙏 I really like the acknowledgement of what you can do to them, they can also do to you. Who is faster, who is better trained and experienced, who makes a mistake first...Grappling is like chess, each side has the same pieces and capabilities but it comes down to awareness, strategy and correct application (paraphrasing my old bjj professor). Edit (hope Mr. Kesting is ok! 🙏)

[@AndoMierzwa]

Chess, indeed! Full contact speed chess! 😁

[@Msosbog]

😁 That's the best kind! Now, if only I could find 31 other people to participate...

[@AndoMierzwa]

@@Msosbog HA!

[@Quinns_Cars]

Noice!! The arm over the shoulder and other hand protecting the neck helps ALOT!!! My brother is really big a lot bigger then me and we will be cranking the guillotine so hard that my legs get lifted off the round. But all the force in going into my arms and not my neck if that makes sense. The gracies have some cool.ones where if your big you can fall back and they have to let go. If not there face will hit the ground. They have a couple of others as well. Anyways good video and I like seeing you guys team Up!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Man! You and your brother don't play around! :) Thanks for the comment!

[@andreassteffens4598]

Stephan Kesting is such a nice guy

[@AndoMierzwa]

True! :)

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

if it is in the street - a groin strike or a grab of the balls and squeeze = but you must be quick and strike hard - there is also an accupressure point on the jaw just under the jaw about in line with the corner of the mouth ! good luck and thank you for the great video and - heads up top of the class !

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for the tips, sir! 🙏🏻

[@user-ii6hd7lv2w]

Very cool

[@taiirvan1563]

One scenario that always gets overlooked is using your surroundings. Like driving they guy to the nearest wall or pushing him to ongoing traffic. For me that always work, by giving him a bigger threat to worry about

[@AndoMierzwa]

Running someone into a bus… well done! 🚌😁

[@juliochingaling5824]

Great video.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@gregparker9614]

Great tactics!!

[@AndoMierzwa]

I agree! Thanks! :)

[@richardwalker1405]

Thank you!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@jamespisano1164]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@eastoforion]

Beautiful counter!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Right? 👍🏼

[@jbonechannel8611]

Helpful 👍

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome!

[@annoyed707]

If you can stall the choke and get the arm draped, you could use that weight on the shoulder to pin the choker while you circle toward the opposite side enough to sweep the far leg at the knee, breaking their structure. Somebody, probably a BJJ guy, has a video showing that counter somewhere on YT.

[@AndoMierzwa]

There are definitely other videos to consult!

[@tmntforever2684]

Good tips Ando in that situation you'd try anything to stay alive I would also stamp on the feet and kick between the legs! What ever you try keep moving and don't make it easy for them and take them down at all costs!! 🤛 Praying is one thing Defending yourself is another ⚔

[@AndoMierzwa]

Prayer and pain together! 😄 I like your tip to keep moving. If you freeze, you’re dead. Thank you, my friend!

[@ratlips4363]

Good stuff...thanks

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@riccarrasquilla379]

good tips. thx

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@rocklee5090]

yo that was really good

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@LLJR]

This guy is a hell of a fighter

[@AndoMierzwa]

Stephan has deep roots!

[@masterrajanaeemqaisarchinesema]

Very good 👍

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@masterrajanaeemqaisarchinesema]

@@AndoMierzwa welcome dear

[@Alex00789]

Could you do some videos on how to escape rear bear hugs, full nelson etc.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Slowly, but surely! 👍🏼

[@pigfigjig]

Love you guys are awesome ❤👍

[@AndoMierzwa]

Much appreciated! 🙏🏻

[@nomorelibs9228]

Thanks!

[@AndoMierzwa]

My pleasure!

[@annoyed707]

I have seen a move where you hang your arm over the shoulder to pin that foot a bit, circle around to that side and then buckle their opposite-side leg.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I think I know what you mean… it's a good one to know!

[@austinhuber3131]

That beginning made me laugh out loud and I'm on a film set. Damn you.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! “Cut! Who was that? You’re fired!” Sorry…

[@austinhuber3131]

Ando Mierzwa lol it's all good. Love your channel.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks very much!

[@DirtyMoe55]

Nice !

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@andreaslack8379]

The arm over the shoulder helps, but that arm can also be used to attack the groin or that arm can support the other arm keeping the choke from being tight and then shoulder roll against the attackers hands to break open the choke

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the comment!

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you

[@AndoMierzwa]

My pleasure, sir!

[@yoganathan962]

Thanks sir

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you!