Anaconda from Turtle

The Anaconda from Turtle is a dynamic submission setup that transitions from turtle top position to anaconda control through a rolling motion. This technique is technically similar to the D’arce choke but requires trapping the near arm instead of the far arm, and involves rolling to your side or back rather than maintaining top position. The anaconda exploits opponent’s defensive turtle posture by threading your arm under their neck while trapping their near arm, then using a figure-four grip and rolling motion to secure optimal choking angle. The execution requires precise timing - threading the arm deep with palm-down orientation, ensuring the near arm is trapped between your choking arm and their neck, locking the grip tight, and committing to the roll before opponent can defend. Your bicep compresses one carotid artery while their own trapped arm and shoulder compress the other, creating bilateral pressure. The rolling momentum is not just a finishing detail but essential for creating the proper choking angle. This technique has become a staple of modern no-gi grappling, particularly effective because the dynamic roll is unexpected and often secures the finish before opponents can defend properly. It represents a high-level understanding of front headlock mechanics combined with dynamic movement principles.

Starting Position: Turtle Ending Position: Anaconda Control Success Rates: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%

Key Principles

• Thread far arm deep under neck with palm-down orientation toward near shoulder
• Trap the near arm (not far arm) between your choking arm and their neck
• Secure tight figure-four grip before initiating roll
• Commit immediately to the roll once grip is locked - hesitation allows defense
• Roll decisively to side that brings opponent over their trapped arm
• Squeeze with bicep while engaging lat muscles for bilateral compression
• Rolling momentum creates optimal choking angle and secures position

Prerequisites

• Turtle top position established with chest pressure on opponent
• Opponent’s near-side arm accessible for trap
• Control of opponent’s near arm with your hand
• Opponent has not anticipated roll or secured extremely strong base
• Sufficient space to execute rolling motion without obstruction
• Ability to thread arm deep under neck to near shoulder
• Opponent’s posture is forward or neutral (not extremely defensive)

Execution Steps

1. Establish Position: Secure turtle top position with chest pressure on opponent’s back while controlling their near-side arm with your hand. Maintain tight top pressure to prevent them from standing or rolling before you’re ready to attack. Your weight should be distributed forward to keep them flattened and unable to create defensive space.
2. Arm Threading: Thread your far-side arm under opponent’s neck toward their near shoulder, maintaining palm-down position throughout. Drive your arm deep until your wrist clears past their near shoulder to ensure proper depth for the choking position. The deeper the threading, the tighter the eventual finish will be.
3. Trap Near Arm: Ensure opponent’s near arm is trapped between your choking arm and their neck - this is the critical element that distinguishes anaconda from D’arce. The near arm creates pressure on one carotid while your bicep targets the other side. Verify the arm is fully trapped before proceeding to next step.
4. Lock Grip: Secure figure-four grip by grabbing your own bicep with your opposite hand, eliminating all space in the lock. Pull your elbows together to tighten the grip maximally. Grip must be extremely tight before initiating roll to prevent escape during the transition. This is the point of no return - once locked, commit to the finish.
5. Roll to Side: Roll decisively to your side or onto your back, bringing opponent with you using the momentum. Roll toward the side that brings opponent over their trapped arm for optimal pressure angle. Commit fully to the roll without hesitation - use your legs to generate rotational force. The roll should be smooth but explosive. (Timing: Initiate within 1 second of locking grip)
6. Apply Pressure: Squeeze with your bicep while engaging lat muscles to create anaconda choke compression. Your bicep compresses one carotid artery while their trapped arm and shoulder compress the other side, creating bilateral pressure for the finish. Pull your elbows together and expand your chest to maximize pressure. Maintain squeeze until tap. (Timing: 3-5 seconds for complete pressure application)
7. Adjust Position: If initial pressure is insufficient, adjust your body angle by walking your hips away from opponent’s head or adjusting the depth of your squeeze. Small positional adjustments can dramatically increase choking effectiveness. Maintain grip integrity throughout all adjustments.

Opponent Counters

• Pull Arm In - opponent retracts near arm before trap is secured (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Recognize early and transition to different attack from turtle top such as Darce (trap far arm instead), or pursue the arm as they pull it in and follow to back take position
• Base Out - opponent posts with free arm to prevent roll (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain pressure and grip, walk your body around their posted base to find new rolling angle, or transition to side control position while maintaining front headlock control and threatening guillotine
• Counter Roll - opponent rolls opposite direction to escape (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain grip and use their momentum to adjust to new angle, follow their roll while keeping figure-four locked, or release and scramble for dominant position if grip is compromised
• Stand Up - explosive standing to create space before roll initiated (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Follow them up maintaining front headlock position, adjust to standing anaconda setup, or transition to guillotine if they expose their neck during standing motion
• Chin Tuck - opponent tucks chin to prevent arm threading (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Use hand fighting to create opening, attack opposite side, or transition to different turtle attack such as back take or crucifix while they defend the neck

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Trapping far arm instead of near arm
  • Consequence: Changes technique to D’arce instead of anaconda, requires different finishing angle and mechanics, cannot generate effective pressure even with correct roll
  • Correction: Identify which arm is closest to you (near arm) and trap that one specifically for anaconda mechanics. Near arm trap is what defines the anaconda. If you have far arm, commit to D’arce instead.
• Mistake: Hesitating or delaying the roll after securing grip
  • Consequence: Gives opponent time to base out with free arm and prevent roll completion, losing the momentum advantage that makes this technique effective
  • Correction: Commit immediately to roll once figure-four grip is locked tight. Speed and decisiveness are critical - the roll must happen within 1 second before they can react defensively.
• Mistake: Rolling in wrong direction or insufficient roll momentum
  • Consequence: Incorrect angle prevents proper carotid compression, technique feels weak despite having proper arm trap and grip, opponent may escape during transition
  • Correction: Roll decisively to the side that brings opponent over their trapped arm. Commit fully to the rolling motion with momentum. Use your legs to generate explosive rotation.
• Mistake: Not maintaining tight grip during roll transition
  • Consequence: Loose grip allows opponent to create space and escape during the rolling motion when position is most vulnerable, complete loss of submission opportunity
  • Correction: Lock figure-four grip extremely tight before initiating roll. Maintain maximum tightness throughout entire rolling transition. Pull elbows together continuously.
• Mistake: Threading arm too shallow, not reaching past near shoulder
  • Consequence: Insufficient arm depth means proper choking position is never achieved, cannot secure effective squeeze even after rolling, opponent easily escapes
  • Correction: Drive threading arm deep until wrist clearly clears opponent’s near shoulder. Depth is essential for proper mechanics. If you cannot achieve depth, attack different technique.
• Mistake: Failing to control near arm before threading
  • Consequence: Opponent pulls arm free during setup, preventing trap and eliminating anaconda opportunity entirely
  • Correction: Establish control of near arm first with your hand, then thread your choking arm while maintaining that control. Arm must be secured before neck threading begins.

Training Progressions

Solo Practice (Week 1-2) - Rolling motion and arm threading mechanics Practice rolling motion with grappling dummy to develop coordination and muscle memory. Work arm threading depth and palm-down positioning without resistance. Focus on smooth, controlled rolls that end in proper finishing position. Develop comfort with the inverted positions created by rolling motion. (Resistance: None)

Cooperative Drilling (Week 3-4) - Timing development with compliant partner Partner allows trap and roll so you can develop smooth timing between grip lock and roll initiation. Focus on feeling proper depth and tight grip before rolling. Practice identifying which arm is ‘near arm’ from various turtle angles. Build confidence in committing to the roll. (Resistance: None)

Light Resistance (Week 5-8) - Dealing with basic defensive reactions Partner provides light resistance by attempting to pull arm free or base out slowly. Learn to secure arm control earlier and recognize when roll must be accelerated. Develop sensitivity to opponent’s defensive timing. (Resistance: Light)

Positional Resistance (Week 9-12) - Defending against base-out and counter-rolls Partner actively defends with base-out attempts, counter-roll defense, and explosive movements. Learn to commit to roll decisively and adjust to defensive reactions in real-time. Practice transitioning to alternative attacks when anaconda is defended. (Resistance: Medium)

Sparring Integration (Month 4+) - Recognizing opportunities during scrambles Identify near-arm trap opportunities when opponent turtles during live rolling. Develop ability to recognize setup windows and commit to technique under pressure. Integrate with your existing turtle attack system. (Resistance: Full)

Advanced Troubleshooting (Ongoing) - Adjusting for different defensive reactions Work with advanced partners who defend with various reactions and counter-techniques. Learn to adjust roll direction, maintain control during scrambles, and finish from different angles. Develop ability to chain anaconda with other front headlock attacks. (Resistance: Full)

Variations

Gi Anaconda: Can use gi grips for additional control though technique is primarily designed for no-gi. Collar grips can supplement the figure-four, and lapel can be used to enhance the choke. Sleeve control makes arm trapping easier. (When to use: In gi training when additional grip options are available to enhance control and finishing pressure)

No-Gi Standard: Primary application relying entirely on arm trap and body mechanics. Pure figure-four grip without gi assists. This is the foundational version and most commonly used in submission grappling and MMA. (When to use: No-gi competition, submission grappling, MMA applications where gi grips are unavailable)

Standing Anaconda: If opponent stands up during setup, follow them up and finish anaconda from standing front headlock position. Requires maintaining tight grip and adjusting angle as they rise. (When to use: When opponent attempts to escape by standing before roll is initiated, maintaining submission threat through position change)

Gator Roll Variation: More aggressive rolling motion with multiple rotations to disorient opponent and secure finish. Continuous rolling can prevent defensive adjustments and increase submission rate. (When to use: Against extremely defensive opponents or to increase finishing momentum when single roll is insufficient)

High Elbow Anaconda: Variation where choking elbow is kept high near opponent’s ear rather than threaded deep. Creates different pressure angle but same bilateral compression. (When to use: When deep threading is prevented by opponent’s defense or body structure limitations)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What creates the choking pressure in the anaconda from turtle? A: The choking pressure comes from bilateral compression - your bicep squeezes one carotid artery while the opponent’s own trapped near arm and shoulder compress the other carotid. This dual-sided pressure is what makes the anaconda effective, distinguishing it from single-sided chokes. The trapped arm essentially becomes part of the choking mechanism.

Q2: When should you initiate the roll in the anaconda setup? A: You should initiate the roll immediately after locking the figure-four grip while opponent is still adjusting - within approximately 1 second of securing the grip. Hesitation gives them time to base out and prevent the roll. Speed and commitment are critical - the roll must happen before they can react defensively with posting or counter-rolling.

Q3: Which arm should be trapped for the anaconda from turtle? A: The near arm (closest to you) must be trapped for the anaconda. This is what distinguishes anaconda from D’arce choke, which traps the far arm. The near arm trap is essential for creating proper pressure angle after the roll, as it positions the opponent’s own arm to compress their carotid artery.

Q4: What must be accomplished before rolling in the anaconda setup? A: Before rolling you must achieve three critical elements: (1) near arm trapped between your choking arm and their neck, (2) deep arm threading with wrist past near shoulder, and (3) tight figure-four grip secured with elbows pulled together. All three elements must be in place or the roll will fail and opponent will escape during transition.

Q5: How do you adjust if opponent bases out during your roll attempt? A: If opponent bases out, maintain pressure and grip while walking your body around their posted base to find a new rolling angle. Alternatively, transition to side control while maintaining front headlock control, or attack different submission from the modified position such as guillotine. The key is maintaining grip integrity and not forcing a compromised roll.

Q6: What is the main difference between anaconda and D’arce chokes from turtle? A: The anaconda traps the near arm (closest to you) between your choking arm and opponent’s neck, while the D’arce traps the far arm. This fundamental difference changes the pressure mechanics, rolling direction, and finishing angle. Anaconda typically requires more commitment to the roll while D’arce can sometimes finish from top position.

Q7: Why is the rolling motion essential rather than optional in the anaconda? A: The rolling motion is essential because it creates the proper choking angle for bilateral carotid compression. Unlike some chokes that can finish from multiple angles, the anaconda specifically requires the inverted angle created by rolling to position your bicep and their trapped arm optimally against both carotid arteries. Without the roll, pressure is insufficient for a finish.

Safety Considerations

When practicing the anaconda from turtle, execute the rolling motion smoothly and controlled to prevent partner from landing awkwardly or being thrown with excessive force. Apply choking pressure gradually in training, never explosively or with full force. Monitor partner’s response carefully and release immediately upon tap signal - do not hold chokes after submission. Ensure partner is prepared for the rolling motion before initiating and communicate during initial drilling phases. Be particularly mindful of neck safety during the roll transition, supporting partner’s head and neck during the movement. In drilling, use progressive resistance to build coordination before attempting at full speed or with full resistance. Partners should communicate clearly about comfort level with rolling techniques and inversion. Never practice this technique on untrained partners who do not understand tap protocols. Be aware that bilateral chokes can cause unconsciousness rapidly - maintain awareness of partner’s state throughout application.

Position Integration

The anaconda from turtle is part of the front headlock family and represents a high-level submission setup from turtle top control. It connects to the broader turtle attack system where you have options including back takes, guillotines, D’arce chokes, and now the anaconda. The technique is particularly valuable because turtle is a common defensive position in both gi and no-gi grappling - opponents frequently turtle to defend guard passes or back attacks, making the anaconda readily available. It integrates with modern no-gi systems emphasizing front headlock control, submission wrestling, and dynamic transitions. The rolling element makes it especially effective in scramble situations where momentum can be used to your advantage. In competition, it serves as both a submission threat and position improvement tool - even if the choke doesn’t finish, you often establish dominant side control or back position. The anaconda has become fundamental in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu and Eddie Bravo’s system, as well as in submission grappling competitions like ADCC where turtle attacks are heavily rewarded. It fits within the broader front headlock series alongside guillotine, D’arce, Japanese necktie, and marce variations, creating a complete attacking system from this control position. Understanding anaconda mechanics also improves your overall front headlock game and teaches important principles about bilateral pressure, arm trapping, and dynamic movement.

Related Techniques

• Darce from Turtle - Alternative - similar front headlock choke but traps far arm instead of near arm, different finishing mechanics
• Guillotine from Turtle - Alternative - different choke option from turtle top position using neck control without arm trap
• Anaconda Choke - Follow-up - the finishing submission this technique sets up and transitions into
• Front Headlock - Position family - anaconda belongs to front headlock control system
• Turtle to Back Take - Alternative - different attacking option from turtle top focusing on position rather than submission
• Anaconda Control - Ending position - where successful execution leads
• Front Headlock to Anaconda - Related setup - alternative entry to anaconda position from standing or scrambling
• Crucifix from Turtle - Alternative - different control and submission option from turtle top
• Arm Triangle from Turtle - Alternative - another choke option from turtle using different mechanics
• D’arce-Anaconda Connection - System connection - understanding relationship between these similar techniques
• Darce Choke - Related submission - closely related technique with similar grip but different arm trap
• Front Headlock Series - System integration - anaconda as part of comprehensive front headlock attack system

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The anaconda from turtle is technically similar to the D’arce but requires an additional element of rolling to secure the optimal finishing angle. The critical distinction is that you trap the near arm rather than the far arm, and the finish typically involves rolling to your side or back rather than staying on top. Thread your arm deep with palm down, ensuring the near arm is trapped between your choking arm and their neck. The rolling motion is not just a finishing detail - it’s essential for creating the proper choking angle where your bicep compresses one carotid artery while their own trapped arm and shoulder compress the other. The biomechanics demand bilateral pressure, which only functions correctly after the roll inverts the position. Many practitioners fail this technique because they don’t commit fully to the roll or they trap the wrong arm. Identify the near arm explicitly before beginning your attack sequence.
• Gordon Ryan: The anaconda from turtle is one of my favorite techniques because it’s unexpected and the roll momentum often secures the finish before they can defend properly. The key is committing to the roll once you have the grip - hesitation gives them time to base out and kill the whole technique. I thread the arm deep, lock that figure-four grip tight, and immediately roll to my side without any delay. Even if the choke doesn’t finish right away, I’ve usually secured a dominant control position with multiple attacking options. It’s a high-reward technique when executed with speed and confidence. In competition, I use it as both a submission threat and position advancement - the worst case scenario is I end up in side control with front headlock control, which is still excellent. The best case is a quick tap within seconds of hitting the roll. Practice this until the motion is completely automatic and you can execute it explosively.
• Eddie Bravo: We use the anaconda constantly in our system, especially from turtle and during scrambles. The beautiful thing about the anaconda is the roll - it’s dynamic, it’s aggressive, and opponents don’t see it coming until it’s too late. Once you get comfortable with that gator roll motion, you can hit anacondas from all kinds of positions and situations. From turtle it’s especially good because they’re already in a compromised position and thinking about other defenses. Thread deep, trap that near arm - not the far one, that’s a D’arce - and roll hard with commitment. The momentum does half the work for you. We drill this extensively because it teaches important principles about dynamic movement and using momentum in submissions. Don’t be timid with the roll - commit to it fully. The anaconda is one of those techniques that separates people who just know moves from people who can actually finish in live situations.