Anaconda Choke

⚠️ SAFETY: Anaconda Choke targets the Carotid arteries and trachea. Risk: Loss of consciousness from carotid artery compression. Release immediately upon tap.

The Anaconda Choke is a front headlock blood choke that targets the carotid arteries through a figure-four configuration of the arms. Named for the constricting serpent, this submission wraps around the opponent’s neck and arm, creating a powerful strangling mechanism. The technique is most commonly applied from turtle position or front headlock control when the opponent is defending with their head down. Unlike the rear naked choke which attacks from behind, the Anaconda approaches from the side, threading one arm under the opponent’s neck and opposite armpit while the other arm completes the figure-four grip. The submission’s effectiveness comes from the combined pressure of the choking arm against the carotid artery while the opponent’s own shoulder is driven into their opposite carotid. This dual-sided pressure creates a rapid loss of consciousness if not defended immediately. The Anaconda is particularly effective in no-gi grappling where the absence of collar grips forces opponents to defend with posture, creating the head-down position ideal for this attack. The technique has become a staple in modern BJJ, with practitioners like Braulio Estima and Milton Vieira demonstrating its effectiveness at the highest levels of competition.

Category: Choke Type: Blood Choke Target Area: Carotid arteries and trachea Starting Position: Front Headlock Success Rates: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 75%

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Loss of consciousness from carotid artery compression	High	Immediate recovery if released promptly; potential for confusion lasting 5-30 seconds
Tracheal compression and airway damage	Medium	1-3 days for minor bruising; 1-2 weeks for significant trauma
Neck strain or cervical spine stress	Medium	3-7 days for minor strain; 2-4 weeks for moderate injury
Shoulder impingement from trapped arm position	Low	1-3 days

Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum from initial pressure to full compression. Allow partner time to recognize position and tap.

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (any verbal signal of submission)
• Physical hand tap on opponent’s body
• Physical foot tap on mat
• Desperate hand waving or frantic movement
• Any loss of resistance or limpness

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately open figure-four grip upon tap signal
2. Remove choking arm from under opponent’s neck
3. Create space by moving body away from opponent
4. Monitor partner for 10-15 seconds to ensure full consciousness
5. If partner shows signs of unconsciousness, place in recovery position and alert instructor

Training Restrictions:

• Never crank or jerk the choke - apply pressure smoothly and progressively
• Never use competition speed during drilling or light sparring
• Always ensure partner has clear tap access with at least one hand
• Stop immediately if partner makes any distress sound or shows panic
• Never continue pressure after tap signal - instant release required
• Avoid practicing on partners with known neck injuries without instructor approval

Key Principles

• Head and arm control must be established before attempting the choke
• The figure-four configuration creates leverage by using opponent’s trapped shoulder against their own neck
• Hip pressure drives the choke deeper by compressing the figure-four grip
• The choking arm threads deep under the neck, crossing to the opposite side
• Body positioning perpendicular to opponent maximizes pressure and prevents escape
• Gable grip or rear naked choke grip completes the figure-four more securely than palm-to-palm
• The finish requires squeezing elbows together while expanding chest to tighten the noose

Prerequisites

• Opponent must be in turtle position, front headlock, or defending a takedown with head down
• Secure head control with one arm wrapped around opponent’s neck
• Control opponent’s near arm, either trapped against their body or controlled with your grip
• Establish a perpendicular or angled position relative to opponent’s body
• Create enough space to thread choking arm under neck and across to far side
• Prevent opponent from posturing up or turning into you during setup
• Maintain shoulder pressure on opponent’s head to keep them flat and defensive

Execution Steps

1. Establish front headlock control: From opponent’s turtle position or as they shoot a takedown, secure your arm around their neck in a front headlock position. Your chest should be heavy on their upper back/neck area, preventing them from posturing up. Control their near arm with your free hand, either gripping their wrist or tricep, or trap it against their body. Keep your hips low and weight distributed forward to maintain control. (Timing: Initial control phase: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
2. Thread choking arm deep under neck: With your controlling arm already around their neck, begin threading it deeper, aiming to get your forearm across their far-side carotid artery. Your hand should emerge on the opposite side of their body, past their shoulder. The key is depth - shallow placement will not create sufficient pressure. As you thread, use your other hand to help guide your choking arm deeper by pushing your own elbow or pulling your wrist through. (Timing: Threading phase: 2-3 seconds) [Pressure: Light]
3. Trap opponent’s arm against their neck: As your choking arm threads through, ensure the opponent’s near-side arm is trapped tightly against their own neck and shoulder. This arm becomes part of the choking mechanism - their own shoulder will compress their opposite carotid artery. If their arm is not trapped, reach across with your free hand and pull their wrist toward their opposite shoulder, folding the arm against their neck. This creates the essential dual-sided pressure. (Timing: Arm trapping: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
4. Complete figure-four grip: Once your choking arm has threaded through and their arm is trapped, bring your free hand to meet your choking hand. Establish a Gable grip (palm to palm with fingers interlocked) or a rear naked choke grip (hand to bicep). The grip should be tight and close to your chest. Your choking-side elbow should be underneath their neck/throat area, while your other elbow hooks over their trapped arm and shoulder. This creates the figure-four configuration. (Timing: Grip completion: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
5. Roll to side and bring knees to chest: With the figure-four established, perform a controlled roll to your side (the side of your choking arm), bringing the opponent with you. As you roll, pull your knees up toward your chest in a ball position. This accomplishes two critical elements: it removes your weight from blocking their escape path, and it allows you to use hip pressure to drive the choke. Your back should be on the mat with opponent on their side facing away from you. (Timing: Rolling phase: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Firm]
6. Apply finishing pressure with hip extension and elbow squeeze: From the rolled position, apply the finish by doing three simultaneous actions: (1) Squeeze your elbows together toward each other, tightening the figure-four noose; (2) Expand your chest by arching your back slightly, which pulls your arms tighter; (3) Drive your hips forward toward opponent’s body, using hip pressure to compress the choke deeper. The pressure should be applied progressively over 3-5 seconds, allowing time for tap. Focus on steady constriction rather than explosive cranking. (Timing: Finishing phase: 3-5 seconds progressive pressure) [Pressure: Maximum]
7. Maintain control and monitor for tap: As you apply finishing pressure, keep your body tight and compact. Your knees should stay near your chest to maintain hip pressure. Monitor your partner constantly for tap signals - watch their free hand, listen for verbal tap, feel for tapping on your body. If they attempt to defend by pushing your head or grabbing your arms, maintain your grip and pressure. If no tap comes within 3-5 seconds of full pressure, they are likely defending effectively - reassess position or release and restart. (Timing: Sustained pressure: 3-5 seconds maximum before release or reassessment) [Pressure: Maximum]

Opponent Defenses

• Hand fighting to prevent figure-four completion (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Use your body weight to pin their defending hand. Alternatively, complete a partial grip and use that pressure to force their hand away, then upgrade to full figure-four. Control their wrist with your legs if possible.
• Tucking chin to protect neck and carotid arteries (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: The chin tuck is less effective on Anaconda than rear naked choke since pressure comes from the side. Drive your forearm deeper and ensure their trapped shoulder is tight to their neck. Hip pressure will often overcome chin defense.
• Pushing your head to create space and escape the choke (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Maintain tight connection between your head and your grip. If they push your head, use that moment to roll to your side more aggressively, using their push to help you rotate. Your grip is what matters, not your head position.
• Rolling toward you to relieve pressure and escape (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: If they roll toward you, they’re actually helping you achieve the finishing position. Maintain your grip and allow the roll, then immediately bring your knees to chest and apply hip pressure. This defense usually accelerates the finish.
• Straightening trapped arm to create space in the choke (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: This is one of the most effective defenses. Immediately adjust by either transitioning to Darce choke (if their arm straightens completely), or use your legs to hook their straightening arm and pull it back into trapped position. Prevention is best - trap their arm securely before completing figure-four.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Applying the choke from top position without rolling to side [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: From top position, your body weight blocks the opponent’s rolling escape path, but you cannot generate the hip pressure needed to finish. Opponent can often hand fight effectively and escape the choke.
  • Correction: After establishing the figure-four grip, commit to the roll to your side. Bring knees to chest immediately and use hip pressure to drive the choke. The roll is not optional - it’s essential to the finish.
• Mistake: Shallow threading of choking arm under opponent’s neck [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Shallow arm position fails to reach the far-side carotid artery and creates a weak, ineffective choke that opponent can defend easily. Results in wasted energy and lost submission opportunity.
  • Correction: Thread your arm as deep as possible, aiming to get your entire forearm across their neck with your hand emerging well past their far shoulder. Use your free hand to guide your elbow deeper during the threading phase.
• Mistake: Failing to trap opponent’s arm against their neck [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Without their trapped arm creating pressure on their opposite carotid, you only have single-sided pressure which is insufficient for a clean finish. Opponent can also use their free arm to defend and create space.
  • Correction: Before completing figure-four, ensure opponent’s near arm is tightly folded against their neck and shoulder. Pull their wrist toward opposite shoulder if needed. Their arm should be immobilized and contributing to the choke.
• Mistake: Jerking or cranking the choke with explosive force [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Explosive application can cause neck injury, tracheal damage, and creates dangerous situation where opponent cannot tap in time. Can result in loss of consciousness without warning.
  • Correction: Apply pressure progressively over 3-5 seconds minimum. Squeeze smoothly and steadily, allowing time for tap. In training, never use explosive finishing pressure - smooth and controlled always.
• Mistake: Continuing pressure after partner taps or shows distress [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Continuing after tap can cause loss of consciousness, neck injury, or tracheal damage. This is a serious safety violation that can result in injury and should never occur in training.
  • Correction: Release immediately upon any tap signal - verbal, physical, or loss of resistance. Monitor your partner constantly during application. If in doubt about their condition, release the pressure. Safety always takes priority over submission.
• Mistake: Using palm-to-palm grip instead of Gable or RNC grip [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Palm-to-palm grip is weaker and more likely to slip during finishing pressure, especially in no-gi. Reduces effectiveness and allows opponent to escape more easily.
  • Correction: Use Gable grip (palms together with fingers interlocked) or rear naked choke grip (hand to bicep) for maximum connection strength. These grips cannot slip and transfer hip pressure more effectively.
• Mistake: Extending hips away from opponent during finish [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Hip extension away from opponent reduces pressure and allows them to create space and escape. Removes the driving force that makes the Anaconda effective.
  • Correction: After rolling to side, drive hips forward toward opponent’s body. Your knees should be near your chest with hips pushing into their back/side. Hip pressure is what finishes the choke.
• Mistake: Forgetting to monitor partner for consciousness during finish [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Partner may go unconscious without your awareness, leading to prolonged oxygen deprivation and potential injury. Blood chokes can cause loss of consciousness in 3-5 seconds.
  • Correction: Maintain constant awareness of partner’s condition. Watch their free hand for taps, listen for verbal signals, feel for body tapping. If they go limp or stop resisting, release immediately and check consciousness.

Variations

Anaconda from Failed Sprawl: When opponent shoots a takedown and you sprawl, but they maintain head-down position with arm between your legs, secure front headlock control and thread your arm under their neck from the sprawl position. This is a common MMA and no-gi entry. (When to use: When defending takedowns against wrestlers or when opponent drives forward with poor posture)

Anaconda to Darce Transition: If opponent defends Anaconda by straightening their trapped arm, immediately transition to Darce choke by switching your choking arm to the opposite side of their neck. The two techniques are closely related and this transition is seamless. (When to use: When opponent’s trapped arm escape makes Anaconda finish impossible)

Anaconda from Turtle/Far Side: From turtle position, instead of threading under near side, reach across opponent’s back to far side and thread your arm under their far-side neck, trapping their far-side arm. This requires more mobility but surprises opponents defending the near-side attack. (When to use: When opponent is defending near-side attacks effectively or when you have better angle to far side)

Marce Choke (Modified Anaconda): Similar setup to Anaconda but instead of rolling to side with figure-four, you transition to North-South position and apply pressure from top. Named after Marcelo Garcia, this variation works when opponent’s base is too strong to roll them. (When to use: When opponent has strong base and prevents your roll, or in gi when you can use lapel control)

Standing Anaconda: Apply Anaconda choke from standing position during takedown defense or front headlock clinch. Less common but effective when you have strong front headlock control and opponent cannot counter-wrestle effectively. (When to use: In standing grappling exchanges or when opponent is on knees but not flat on turtle)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What are the minimum safety requirements for applying an Anaconda choke in training? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Apply pressure progressively over 3-5 seconds minimum (never explosive or jerking), ensure partner has clear tap access with at least one hand, monitor partner constantly for tap signals or distress, and release immediately upon any tap signal or loss of resistance. Additionally, avoid practicing on partners with neck injuries without instructor approval.

Q2: Why is the opponent’s trapped arm essential to the Anaconda choke mechanism? A: The trapped arm creates dual-sided pressure by forcing the opponent’s own shoulder against their opposite carotid artery. This means the choke attacks both carotid arteries simultaneously - your choking arm compresses one side while their trapped arm/shoulder compresses the other side. Without this trapped arm, you only have single-sided pressure which is insufficient for an effective finish.

Q3: When should you release an Anaconda choke immediately, even without a tap? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Release immediately if partner shows any signs of distress (panicked sounds, frantic movement), if partner goes limp or loses resistance, if you hear desperate breathing sounds, or if partner makes any verbal indication of submission. Also release if your partner’s free hand stops moving or defending, as this may indicate loss of consciousness. When in doubt, always release and check on your partner’s condition.

Q4: What is the proper body position for finishing the Anaconda choke after establishing the figure-four grip? A: Roll to your side (the side of your choking arm) with your back on the mat and opponent on their side facing away from you. Bring your knees up toward your chest in a ball position. From here, squeeze elbows together to tighten the figure-four, expand your chest by arching slightly, and drive hips forward toward opponent’s body. This combination of elbow squeeze, chest expansion, and hip pressure creates the finishing mechanism.

Q5: How does the Anaconda choke differ from the Darce choke in terms of arm positioning? A: In the Anaconda, your choking arm threads under the opponent’s neck on the same side as their trapped arm - arm and choke are on the same side. In the Darce, your choking arm threads under the opponent’s neck on the opposite side from their trapped arm - arm and choke are on opposite sides. Both use figure-four configuration, but the threading path and trapped arm position differ. This makes them complementary techniques with easy transitions between them.

Q6: What are the two most effective grips for completing the Anaconda figure-four? A: The two most effective grips are the Gable grip (palms together with fingers interlocked) and the rear naked choke grip (hand gripping opposite bicep). Both grips provide strong connection that cannot slip during finishing pressure, especially in no-gi situations. Palm-to-palm grip is weaker and more prone to slipping, making it less reliable for the finish.

Q7: Why is depth of arm threading critical to Anaconda choke effectiveness? A: Deep threading ensures your forearm crosses completely across the opponent’s far-side carotid artery, with your hand emerging well past their opposite shoulder. Shallow threading fails to reach the far carotid and only creates neck pressure rather than true blood choke pressure. Deep positioning also makes it much harder for opponent to defend or create space, and improves the leverage of your finishing mechanics.

Training Progressions

Technical Understanding (Week 1-2)

• Focus: Learn proper threading mechanics, figure-four grip establishment, and body positioning without applying finishing pressure. Understand anatomical targets and safety requirements.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Partner remains completely still. Practice threading depth and grip completion. No finishing pressure applied - stop at grip establishment. Focus on smooth, controlled movement and proper body positioning.

Slow Application Practice (Week 3-4)

• Focus: Practice complete technique from setup to finish with slow, progressive pressure. Partner provides zero resistance but gives feedback on pressure location and speed. Emphasis on 5-7 second application minimum.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Apply finishing pressure extremely slowly over 5-7 seconds minimum. Partner taps early (at 30-40% pressure) to practice release protocol. Practitioner must release instantly. Focus on smooth pressure application and immediate tap response.

Positional Entry Drilling (Week 5-8)

• Focus: Practice entries from turtle, front headlock, and sprawl positions. Partner begins adding mild defensive movements (posture attempts, hand fighting) but does not prevent submission.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: Partner defends entry but allows finish once position is established. Continue 5-second minimum application. Partner taps at 50-60% pressure. Focus on recognizing when position is secure enough to apply pressure.

Active Defense Drilling (Week 9-12)

• Focus: Partner actively defends with realistic hand fighting, chin protection, and escape attempts. Practitioner must overcome defenses while maintaining safety. Introduction to Anaconda-Darce transitions when defenses succeed.
• Resistance: Realistic resistance
• Safety: Application time reduces to 3-5 seconds as technique improves. Partner taps at 70-80% pressure. Practitioner must distinguish between tight control and dangerous cranking. No explosive applications allowed.

Competition Simulation (Week 13+)

• Focus: Full-speed situational training from various positions. Integrate Anaconda attempts into live rolling. Partner uses full defensive knowledge. Emphasis on recognizing when to abandon attempt versus when to transition to related attacks.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: Training partner taps at 80-90% pressure (earlier than competition). Maintain 3-5 second progressive application - never explosive finishing. Both partners responsible for safety. Stop immediately on any tap or distress signal.

Ongoing Mastery (Ongoing)

• Focus: Refine timing, setups from dynamic situations, and seamless transitions between Anaconda, Darce, and other front headlock attacks. Develop sensitivity to opponent’s defense patterns and appropriate counter-adjustments.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: Maintain safety standards regardless of skill level. Experienced practitioners have responsibility to protect less experienced partners. Never use competition-speed finishes in training. Continue progressive pressure application and instant release on tap.

From Which Positions?

• Front Headlock
• Turtle
• Anaconda Control
• Scramble Position
• Standing Position
• Clinch
• Combat Base
• Half Guard

Related Submissions

• Darce Choke
• Guillotine Choke
• Arm Triangle
• Rear Naked Choke
• Anaconda Variations
• D’arce-Anaconda Connection
• Brabo Choke
• Peruvian Necktie
• Japanese Necktie
• North-South Choke
• Arm in Guillotine
• High Elbow Guillotine
• Marce Choke

Additional Related Content

• Front Headlock to Anaconda - Primary setup transition from front headlock control
• Anaconda from Turtle - Common entry transition from opponent’s turtle position
• Anaconda Setup - General setup technique for establishing Anaconda control
• Darce from Turtle - Alternative submission from same position with related mechanics
• Darce Setup - Complementary technique with shared setup principles
• Danaher Front Headlock System - Systematic approach to front headlock attacks including Anaconda
• Submission Chains - Principle of linking Anaconda with Darce and Guillotine
• Head Control - Fundamental principle required for Anaconda setup
• Shoulder Pressure - Key principle for maintaining turtle control before submission
• Side Control - Position you can transition to if Anaconda attempt fails
• North-South - Alternative finishing position for Marce variation
• D’arce Control - Control position closely related to Anaconda mechanics

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The Anaconda choke represents a perfect example of using the opponent’s own body structure against them in the submission process. The effectiveness of this technique lies not in muscular force, but in proper understanding of the biomechanics involved. When you thread your arm under the opponent’s neck and trap their arm against their own carotid artery, you create a self-tightening mechanism where their defensive structure becomes part of the attack. The critical technical element most practitioners miss is the depth of the initial arm thread - you must get your forearm completely across to the far side carotid artery, not just around the near side of their neck. The figure-four completion is secondary to this deep initial placement. When teaching this technique, I emphasize the roll to side position because it removes your body weight as an obstacle to their rolling escape while simultaneously allowing you to use hip pressure as the primary finishing mechanism. The squeeze of the elbows and expansion of the chest tightens the noose, but it’s the forward drive of the hips that generates the pressure necessary for the finish. From a safety perspective, the Anaconda must be applied with progressive pressure over several seconds, never explosively, as the combination of carotid compression and potential tracheal pressure can cause rapid loss of consciousness.
• Gordon Ryan: In competition, the Anaconda has been one of my highest percentage submissions from top position, particularly against opponents who defend takedowns or guard passes by turtling. The key to hitting this in high-level matches is disguising your intent during the setup phase - if opponent recognizes you’re going for Anaconda too early, they’ll defend the arm trap and kill your finish. I like to threaten with other front headlock attacks first, maybe show some Guillotine pressure or a Darce attempt, then hit the Anaconda when their defensive focus shifts. The timing element is crucial: you want to lock up the figure-four grip while they’re still concerned with preventing you from taking their back or securing side control. Once you have that grip, the finish is almost automatic if you commit to the roll and hip pressure. One thing I’ve learned is that you can’t be tentative about the roll - you have to fully commit to going to your side and bringing them with you. In training versus competition, the major difference is application speed. In training, I apply the choke over 4-5 seconds and expect my partner to tap early, around 60-70% pressure. In competition, the application is faster and I hold until the tap comes or they escape, but I’m still never jerking or cranking explosively. The Anaconda pairs beautifully with the Darce - if they defend one, you transition to the other, and this creates a dilemma they can’t solve without giving up position.
• Eddie Bravo: The Anaconda is a perfect example of why the 10th Planet system emphasizes front headlock control so heavily in no-gi grappling. Without the gi grips to control posture, people naturally defend with their head down, and that’s exactly where the Anaconda lives. What I love about this submission is how it works in combination with all the other front headlock attacks - you can threaten Guillotine, Darce, Anaconda, and back takes all from the same control position, and opponent has to guess which one is coming. In our system, we drill the hell out of the transition between Anaconda and Darce because opponent’s most common defense to Anaconda is straightening that trapped arm, which immediately opens up the Darce finish. It’s like a built-in backup plan. The innovation we’ve added is using the Anaconda setup from weird positions that traditional guys wouldn’t think about - like catching it from bottom half guard when they’re trying to pass, or hitting it from dogfight position. The mechanics are the same, but the entry is unexpected. Safety-wise, we’re really strict about the progressive application in training. Everybody wants to crank it fast to feel like a badass, but that’s how you hurt your training partners and build a reputation as someone dangerous to roll with. Take your time, apply it smoothly, let them tap early, and you’ll have training partners who want to work with you for years. The Anaconda is dangerous enough when applied correctly - you don’t need to add stupid speed to make it work.