Anaconda Control Top represents a dominant submission control position where the top practitioner has secured the anaconda grip configuration while maintaining superior positioning. This position bridges the gap between transitional control and submission finish, characterized by the distinctive arm-in grip around the opponent’s neck and far shoulder. The position derives its name from the constricting nature of the choke, where the top player’s body weight and grip structure create immense pressure on the opponent’s carotid arteries and neck.
From a strategic standpoint, Anaconda Control Top provides multiple finishing options while maintaining excellent control. The position typically emerges from front headlock situations, turtle attacks, or scrambles where the defender exposes their neck. The top player secures their grip by threading one arm under the opponent’s near arm and around the neck, clasping their hands together on the far side. This creates a closed loop that tightens as the top player adjusts their positioning.
The effectiveness of this position lies in its multi-layered control mechanisms: the arm-in configuration prevents the opponent from defending their neck effectively, the top player’s weight restricts movement, and the grip itself creates immediate submission threat. Understanding the relationship between grip maintenance, body positioning, and finishing mechanics is essential for maximizing success from this powerful controlling position.
Position Definition
- Top player’s arm threaded under opponent’s near arm and around the neck, with hands clasped together on the far side creating the characteristic anaconda configuration
- Top player’s chest pressure directed downward onto opponent’s trapped shoulder and upper back, preventing upward movement and escape
- Opponent’s near arm trapped inside the loop created by top player’s grip, restricting defensive hand fighting and neck defense options
- Top player’s hips positioned beside or slightly behind opponent’s hips, allowing weight distribution through the upper body while maintaining mobility for adjustments
- Opponent’s head and neck bent forward and to the side by the grip configuration, creating the angle necessary for choking mechanics
Prerequisites
- Successful front headlock control or turtle attack positioning established
- Opponent’s near arm exposed and accessible for arm-in grip configuration
- Top player’s arm successfully threaded under opponent’s arm and around neck
- Hands clasped together on far side completing the anaconda grip structure
- Initial chest pressure established on opponent’s trapped shoulder
- Opponent’s defensive posture compromised with head pulled down and forward
Key Offensive Principles
- Maintain continuous chest pressure on opponent’s trapped shoulder to prevent escape and create submission pressure
- Keep hands tightly clasped with proper grip configuration to prevent opponent from breaking the lock
- Control opponent’s trapped arm by keeping it pinned inside the loop, eliminating their primary defense
- Position hips and legs to allow dynamic movement for roll-through or adjustment while maintaining upper body control
- Direct pressure at an angle that attacks the carotid arteries rather than purely compressing the windpipe
- Maintain connection between your chest and opponent’s shoulder throughout all transitions and adjustments
- Use body weight strategically, shifting between shoulder pressure and rolling mechanics based on opponent’s defensive reactions
Available Attacks
Anaconda Choke → Lost by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
Anaconda from Turtle → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 50%
- Intermediate: 70%
- Advanced: 85%
Front Headlock to Anaconda → Front Headlock
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Front Headlock to Darce → D’arce Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Back Take Generic → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Transition to Mount → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent’s base is strong and they resist rolling:
- Execute Anaconda Choke → Lost by Submission (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Front Headlock to Anaconda → Front Headlock (Probability: 50%)
If opponent rolls away from pressure to escape:
- Execute Anaconda from Turtle → Side Control (Probability: 80%)
- Execute Anaconda Choke → Lost by Submission (Probability: 75%)
If opponent turns into the grip exposing their back:
- Execute Back Take Generic → Back Control (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Transition to Mount → Mount (Probability: 55%)
If opponent straightens their trapped arm in defense:
- Execute Front Headlock to Darce → D’arce Control (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Anaconda Choke → Lost by Submission (Probability: 65%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Direct Anaconda Finish
Anaconda Control Top → Anaconda Choke → Lost by Submission
Roll-Through to Finish
Anaconda Control Top → Anaconda from Turtle → Side Control → Anaconda Choke → Lost by Submission
Darce Conversion Path
Anaconda Control Top → Front Headlock to Darce → D'arce Control → Darce Choke → Lost by Submission
Back Attack Sequence
Anaconda Control Top → Back Take Generic → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Lost by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 50% | 40% | 45% |
| Intermediate | 70% | 60% | 65% |
| Advanced | 85% | 75% | 80% |
Average Time in Position: 15-45 seconds (transitional position - should advance quickly)
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The anaconda control position represents a perfect example of closed kinetic chain mechanics in grappling. The arm-in configuration creates a structural trap where the opponent’s own anatomy works against them - their trapped arm actually reinforces the choking mechanism rather than defending against it. The key to maximum effectiveness lies in understanding the directional component of your pressure. Many practitioners make the error of pulling straight back or purely squeezing, but the optimal finish requires a specific angle that bisects the opponent’s neck, attacking the carotid arteries bilaterally while their trapped shoulder acts as a fulcrum. The roll-through finish isn’t simply an aesthetic choice - it’s a biomechanical necessity that allows you to use your entire body weight in a forward rolling motion, generating far more pressure than static squeezing could ever achieve. Study the relationship between your chest position, hip placement, and the angle of your forearms within the lock structure. When these three elements align correctly, the submission becomes nearly inescapable regardless of the opponent’s strength or defensive knowledge.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, the anaconda has been one of my highest-percentage submissions from top positions, particularly against opponents who rely heavily on turtle defense. The critical thing people miss is that this isn’t just a submission position - it’s a complete control system that allows you to dictate the pace and direction of the match. When I secure the anaconda grip, I’m immediately evaluating whether my opponent will give me the standing finish, the roll-through finish, or if they’ll turn into it and give me their back. Each defensive reaction opens a different finishing path, and they’re all bad for them. The competition-proven approach is to establish the grip with absolute tightness first - don’t rush the finish. I’ve won numerous matches by holding this position and waiting for the perfect moment to execute the roll or back take. Against high-level opponents, the threat of the anaconda often forces them into defensive positions that open up other attacks. The psychological pressure of being stuck in this position causes mistakes. My advice: drill the grip until you can secure it in under two seconds from turtle, and practice maintaining chest pressure while staying mobile enough to follow their escape attempts.
Eddie Bravo
The anaconda is a beautiful submission because it fits perfectly into the 10th Planet philosophy of creating submission chains and dilemmas. From our perspective, this position is the gateway to multiple finishing sequences, and we’ve developed specific modifications that increase the effectiveness. One key innovation we emphasize is the ‘anaconda vice’ variation, where instead of immediately pursuing the choke, you use the grip to break down their turtle and create secondary submission opportunities. The traditional approach teaches the roll-through as the primary finish, but we’ve found that maintaining top control and using the anaconda grip as a steering wheel to manipulate their position opens up darce opportunities, back takes, and even creates setups for our signature moves like the twister. The beautiful thing about this position is how it complements the rubber guard system - if someone escapes your rubber guard control, the scramble often puts them directly into anaconda range. We also spend significant time drilling the anaconda from unconventional entries, including from standing positions and even from certain guard positions where the opponent makes the mistake of diving for underhooks. The creativity in this position is limitless, and when you understand how to flow between anaconda, darce, and guillotine variations, you create an inescapable submission web that defines modern no-gi grappling.