BJJ Graph

Hindulotine

Dec 09, 20258 min read

The Hindulotine is a specialized guillotine variation that combines elements of traditional guillotine mechanics with unique body positioning that creates exceptional pressure on the opponent’s neck and spine. Named for its origins in catch wrestling and modern no-gi grappling, this position represents an evolution of front headlock attacks where the controlling practitioner uses their hips and legs to generate torque while maintaining the guillotine grip.

Unlike the standard guillotine where the attacker typically pulls guard or maintains standing control, the Hindulotine involves a specific hip placement and leg configuration that allows the attacker to apply rotational pressure while controlling the opponent’s posture. This creates a submission threat that is difficult to defend against once fully locked in, as the opponent faces both the choking pressure of the guillotine and the cranking pressure from the body positioning.

The Hindulotine is most commonly entered from front headlock positions, failed takedown attempts, or scrambles where the opponent’s head becomes exposed. It requires precise timing and positioning to establish properly, but once secured, it offers a high-percentage finishing opportunity. The position is particularly effective in no-gi grappling where collar grips are unavailable and practitioners must rely on body mechanics and leverage to control and submit opponents.

The strategic value of the Hindulotine lies in its ability to force defensive reactions that open additional attacking opportunities. Opponents who defend by turning away expose their back for taking. Those who drive forward can be swept or transitioned to mount. This creates a dilemma where all defensive options benefit the attacker, embodying modern submission grappling principles where position and submission threats work synergistically.

Key Principles

  • Maintain constant grip pressure on the neck throughout all transitions and adjustments

  • Create rotational torque through hip angle rather than relying on arm strength alone

  • Control opponent’s hips with legs to prevent circular escape movements

  • Establish grip high on the neck before opponent can achieve defensive posture

  • Flow between guillotine, darce, and anaconda variations based on defensive reactions

  • Use opponent’s escape attempts as triggers for position advancement or back takes

  • Combine choking pressure with neck cranking through proper body alignment

Top vs Bottom

 BottomTop
Position TypeOffensiveOffensive/Controlling
Risk LevelMediumLow to Medium
Energy CostMediumMedium
TimeShort to MediumMedium

Key Difference: Rotational torque replaces linear pulling

Playing as Bottom

→ Full Bottom Guide

Key Principles

  • Grip must be established high on the neck under the chin before opponent can achieve defensive posture

  • Hip angle creates the mechanical advantage - position hips perpendicular to opponent’s spine for rotational pressure

  • Legs control opponent’s ability to circle out or posture up - use closed guard, butterfly hooks, or strategic foot placement

  • Core rotation generates finishing pressure more effectively than arm strength alone

  • Make incremental grip adjustments without loosening pressure when opponent defends

  • Opponent’s defensive movements create transition opportunities to sweep, take the back, or switch submissions

  • Prevent opponent’s near-side shoulder from creating a defensive frame between their body and yours

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Pulling straight back on the guillotine grip using only arm strength instead of creating rotational pressure through hip positioning

    • Consequence: Opponent can defend by tucking chin and driving forward, neutralizing the choke and potentially passing your guard to achieve dominant position
    • ✅ Correction: Focus on angling your hips perpendicular to opponent’s body and using core rotation to generate the choking pressure rather than relying on bicep strength

  • ❌ Establishing grip too low on the neck near the shoulder instead of high under the chin

    • Consequence: Choking pressure is applied to muscular areas rather than carotid arteries, allowing opponent to endure the pressure and eventually escape
    • ✅ Correction: Ensure the blade of your wrist or forearm is positioned directly under opponent’s chin with the grip as high on the neck as possible before attempting to finish

  • ❌ Failing to control opponent’s hips with your legs, allowing them to circle and change angles

    • Consequence: Opponent can rotate their body to achieve angles that relieve neck pressure, eventually escaping the position entirely
    • ✅ Correction: Use closed guard, butterfly hooks, or strategic leg placement to restrict opponent’s hip movement and maintain your attacking angle

  • ❌ Loosening grip pressure when adjusting body position or attempting to improve angle

    • Consequence: Any reduction in grip tightness allows opponent to breathe, extract their head, and escape the submission completely
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain maximum grip pressure as a constant while making all body adjustments incrementally without releasing the choking force

  • ❌ Allowing opponent to establish a frame with their near-side shoulder between their body and yours

    • Consequence: The defensive frame creates space that relieves choking pressure and gives opponent leverage to push away and escape
    • ✅ Correction: Keep your body tight to opponent’s and use your legs to control their near arm, preventing the establishment of defensive frames

Playing as Top

→ Full Top Guide

Key Principles

  • Use body weight and gravity as force multipliers for submission pressure rather than relying solely on arm strength

  • Maintain wide base with legs to prevent being rolled or swept while applying submission pressure

  • Control opponent’s hips and shoulders to prevent them from achieving angles that relieve neck pressure

  • Create rotational torque through hip positioning rather than straight downward pulling on the neck

  • Transition smoothly to mount, back, or north-south when opponent’s defensive movements create opportunities

  • Keep opponent’s posture broken forward continuously to maintain submission threat and positional control

  • Adjust grip height and pressure angle based on opponent’s defensive reactions without loosening control

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Hanging on opponent with straight arms instead of using hip angle and body weight to create pressure

    • Consequence: Submission becomes purely dependent on arm strength which fatigues quickly, allowing opponent to defend until you must release the position
    • ✅ Correction: Position your hips at an angle to opponent’s spine and use your body weight combined with core rotation to generate pressure, reserving arm strength for grip maintenance only

  • ❌ Establishing narrow base with feet too close together while attempting submission from top

    • Consequence: Opponent can roll you over or sweep you, reversing the position and potentially putting you in bottom position under their control
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain wide base with at least one leg posted far from your body for stability, making it mechanically difficult for opponent to roll or sweep

  • ❌ Gripping too low on the neck near opponent’s shoulders instead of high under their chin

    • Consequence: Choking pressure is ineffective against muscular areas, allowing opponent to withstand pressure and work defensive escapes methodically
    • ✅ Correction: Before committing to the position, ensure your grip is positioned high on the neck with the blade of your forearm directly under opponent’s chin for maximum efficiency

  • ❌ Failing to control opponent’s hips, allowing them to circle and change angles relative to your body

    • Consequence: Opponent can achieve angles that relieve neck pressure or position themselves to stand up and escape entirely
    • ✅ Correction: Use your legs to control opponent’s hip movement and maintain your attacking angle, preventing circular escape movements

  • ❌ Remaining static in one position rather than making micro-adjustments to pressure and angle

    • Consequence: Opponent adapts to the static pressure and finds defensive positions that neutralize the submission threat
    • ✅ Correction: Continuously make small adjustments to hip angle, weight distribution, and grip position to prevent opponent from settling into comfortable defensive posture

  • Guillotine Control - Parent position with standard guillotine mechanics

  • Front Headlock - Primary entry position for Hindulotine setup

  • D’arce Control - Alternative finish when opponent creates near-side space

  • Anaconda Control - Alternative finish when opponent creates defensive frames

  • Back Control - Common transition when opponent turns to escape neck pressure

  • Closed Guard - Can transition to Hindulotine from guard break attempts

  • Turtle - Entry position when attacking flattened opponent

  • Standing Position - Starting position for takedown defense entries