Front Headlock Series

The Front Headlock Series represents one of the most comprehensive and versatile control systems in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering multiple high-percentage attack options from a single dominant position. This position occurs frequently in scrambles, after failed takedown attempts, or when the opponent turtles defensively. From the front headlock, practitioners can seamlessly transition between submissions (Anaconda choke, Darce choke, Guillotine choke), position advancement (back takes, mount entries), or maintain superior control while the opponent exhausts themselves.

The effectiveness of this series lies in its systematic approach to creating dilemmas for the opponent. Each defensive response to one attack opens pathways to alternative finishes, making escape extremely difficult without proper technical knowledge. The front headlock allows control of the opponent’s head and one arm simultaneously, severely limiting their mobility and offensive options while you maintain a relatively safe position with multiple attacking opportunities.

Mastery of the Front Headlock Series transforms scrambles and transitional moments into dominant positions rather than chaotic exchanges. This systematic approach has revolutionized modern grappling by providing a clear decision tree for one of the most common positions encountered in both gi and no-gi competition. The series works effectively at all skill levels, though the sophistication of attack selection and execution refinement increases dramatically with experience.

Starting Position: Front Headlock Ending Position: Back Control Success Rates: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 85%

Key Principles

Control the head and one arm simultaneously to limit opponent mobility and defensive options
Maintain heavy shoulder pressure on the back of opponent’s head to break their posture and prevent escape
Create systematic dilemmas where each defensive response opens a different offensive pathway
Use the opponent’s defensive reactions to transition between submission attacks seamlessly
Keep your hips mobile and ready to adjust position based on opponent movement
Maintain connection between your chest and opponent’s upper back to prevent space creation
Apply controlled forward pressure to keep opponent flattened or prevent them from standing

Prerequisites

Opponent must be in turtle position, attempting a takedown, or in a defensive posture exposing their head
Clear access to opponent’s head and at least one arm for initial control establishment
Your body positioned to the side or front of opponent, not directly behind them
Ability to secure a front headlock grip (arm around neck, hand clasped or gripping wrist)
Sufficient space to maneuver and adjust position based on attack selection
Opponent’s weight distributed on hands and knees or in compromised standing position
Your base stable enough to apply pressure while maintaining mobility for transitions

Execution Steps

Establish front headlock control: Secure the front headlock position by wrapping your arm around the opponent’s neck, threading it deep so your bicep and forearm create a tight frame against their carotid arteries. Your other hand should control their near arm, either by overhooking it, controlling the wrist, or securing a gable grip with your choking arm. Position your chest on top of their upper back/shoulders to apply downward pressure. (Timing: Immediately upon opponent exposing their head in turtle or failed takedown)
Apply shoulder pressure and assess opponent’s reaction: Drive your shoulder into the back of opponent’s head, forcing their chin to their chest and breaking their posture. Keep your hips mobile and ready to adjust. Observe carefully how they defend: if they reach for your choking arm, prepare for Anaconda/Darce; if they try to stand or circle out, prepare for back take; if they turtle tightly, prepare for Guillotine or position advancement. (Timing: Continuous pressure while reading defensive patterns)
Select attack based on opponent’s defensive response: If opponent reaches across their body to defend your choke arm, slide your choking arm deeper and prepare Anaconda entry. If they keep their defending arm tight to their body, circle to your choking-arm side and prepare Darce. If they attempt to stand or posture up, maintain head control and circle to their back. If they stay statically defensive, adjust to Guillotine position or advance to mount/side control. (Timing: Within 2-3 seconds of establishing control)
Execute Anaconda choke entry (Option A): When opponent reaches across with their far arm, slide your choking arm deeper around the neck. Step your outside leg over their back, then thread your non-choking arm under their armpit and over your own choking wrist, securing a figure-four grip. Roll toward the choking-arm side, bringing opponent with you, and squeeze your elbows together while expanding your chest to finish the choke. (Timing: Execute roll within 1-2 seconds of securing figure-four)
Execute Darce choke entry (Option B): When opponent keeps defending arm close to their body, maintain front headlock and circle your hips toward your choking-arm side. As you circle, thread your non-choking arm under their near armpit and over your own choking wrist, creating the Darce figure-four. Drive your shoulder into the back of their head, adjust your angle perpendicular to their spine, and finish by expanding chest while squeezing elbows together. (Timing: Circle and thread arm in one fluid motion)
Execute back take (Option C): When opponent attempts to stand or turn into you, maintain tight head control with your choking arm. As they turn, release your non-choking arm control and quickly circle behind them, using your choking arm as an anchor point. Secure your second hook as you transition, establishing seat belt control, and secure back control with both hooks in. (Timing: Move to back immediately as opponent commits to turning)
Execute Guillotine adjustment (Option D): If opponent remains statically defensive or you cannot secure Anaconda/Darce angles, adjust your choking arm deeper across their throat and prepare for standing or guard-pull Guillotine. Step your outside leg back, pull opponent’s head up and forward while sitting back or pulling guard, and finish the Guillotine by arching your back and pulling upward on their head while squeezing forearm into their throat. (Timing: Transition smoothly if other options are defended)
Maintain position or advance if submissions fail: If opponent successfully defends all submission attempts, use the superior front headlock control to advance position. Drive forward pressure to flatten them, then transition to side control, mount, or maintain front headlock while they exhaust themselves defending. Never abandon the position advantage hastily; reset and attack again or consolidate positional dominance. (Timing: Continuous pressure until position improvement or submission achieved)

Opponent Counters

Opponent grabs your choking arm with both hands and pulls it away from their neck (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use their arm extension as an opportunity to switch to Darce or Anaconda. As they pull your arm across their body, thread your free arm under their armpit to complete the figure-four grip for the alternative choke.
Opponent explosively stands up or forward rolls to escape (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Maintain tight head control and follow their movement. If they stand, adjust to standing Guillotine or follow them to back control. If they roll forward, maintain connection and take their back as they expose it during the roll.
Opponent tucks their chin extremely tight and keeps elbow tight to prevent arm threading (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Apply heavy shoulder pressure to their head while walking your hips around to their side. This pressure combined with positional adjustment typically forces them to post or adjust, creating the opening you need for your choke or back take.
Opponent circles away from your choking side aggressively (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Allow the circle but maintain head control, using their circular motion to help you transition to their back. As they circle away from your choking arm, it exposes their back perfectly for you to take top position with hooks.
Opponent bridges or pushes into you to create space (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Use their forward pressure against them by pulling their head underneath you and advancing to mount or side control. Their bridge creates the space you need to step over and establish superior position.

Common Mistakes

Mistake: Releasing head control too early when attempting to switch between attacks
- Consequence: Opponent escapes the front headlock entirely, neutralizing all offensive options and potentially reversing position
- Correction: Maintain continuous head control with your choking arm throughout all transitions. Your choking arm should be the last thing to release, only when you’ve secured an alternative dominant position or submission grip.
Mistake: Staying too static in one position without applying pressure or creating dilemmas
- Consequence: Opponent can settle into defensive posture, control their breathing, and plan their escape without time pressure
- Correction: Constantly adjust pressure, change angles slightly, and threaten different attacks to keep opponent reactive and defensive. Movement creates openings.
Mistake: Attempting to force one specific submission when opponent has effectively defended that option
- Consequence: Wasted energy and potential position loss as opponent focuses all defense on the single attack you’re telegraphing
- Correction: Read opponent’s defensive reactions and smoothly transition to the attack they’ve left open. The series works because of systematic options, not forcing a single technique.
Mistake: Failing to secure proper figure-four grip depth when entering Anaconda or Darce
- Consequence: Choke lacks finishing pressure and opponent can defend or escape more easily
- Correction: Ensure your choking arm is deep around the neck before threading the second arm. Your grip should connect at or past your choking wrist, creating maximum compression of the carotid arteries.
Mistake: Allowing too much space between your chest and opponent’s upper back
- Consequence: Opponent can create frames, push off the mat, or turn into you to escape
- Correction: Maintain heavy chest pressure on opponent’s shoulders/upper back throughout. Your weight should make it difficult for them to create space or move freely.
Mistake: Looking up or away from opponent instead of keeping head position low and tight
- Consequence: Loss of connection, reduced pressure, and easier escape opportunities for opponent
- Correction: Keep your head close to opponent’s upper back or shoulders. Your head position helps maintain connection and allows you to feel their movement and defensive adjustments.
Mistake: Standing too upright when opponent is in turtle instead of keeping low posture
- Consequence: Opponent can penetrate under your hips, secure leg attacks, or escape more easily
- Correction: Keep your hips low and back slightly away from opponent’s legs while maintaining upper body pressure. This prevents them from attacking your legs while you maintain front headlock control.

Training Progressions

Week 1-2: Position Establishment - Learning to establish and maintain front headlock control with proper pressure Partner starts in turtle position. Practice securing front headlock grip with proper arm positioning around neck. Focus on applying shoulder pressure to break opponent’s posture. Partner offers light resistance, occasionally trying to sit back to guard or turn toward you. Your goal is to maintain control for 30-second intervals while keeping heavy pressure on their head. (Resistance: Light)

Week 3-4: Individual Technique Isolation - Learning each attack in isolation with proper mechanics Practice Anaconda, Darce, Guillotine, and back take separately. Partner provides clear setups for each technique. For Anaconda: partner reaches across body. For Darce: partner keeps arm tight. For back take: partner attempts to turn. For Guillotine: partner stays static. Focus on correct arm threading, hip positioning, and finishing mechanics for each technique without time pressure. (Resistance: Light)

Week 5-8: Recognition and Selection - Reading opponent reactions and selecting appropriate attack From front headlock position, partner randomly performs different defensive reactions without telling you which. You must recognize their defense and select the appropriate attack: Anaconda if they reach across, Darce if arm stays tight, back take if they turn, Guillotine if they stay static. Partner offers medium resistance once you’ve selected the correct attack. Focus on quick recognition and smooth transitions. (Resistance: Medium)

Week 9-12: Combination Attacks - Flowing between multiple attacks as opponent defends Start from front headlock and attempt to finish using any technique in the series. Partner actively defends your first attack, forcing you to transition to alternative options. Practice smooth transitions: Anaconda to Darce, Darce to back take, failed choke to position advancement. Build chains of 2-3 attacks in single sequences. Partner uses progressive resistance, defending realistically but allowing successful technique when properly executed. (Resistance: Medium)

Week 13-16: Scramble Integration - Entering front headlock from dynamic situations Partner starts from standing, or from guard, or from various positions. Create situations where front headlock opportunity appears: failed takedowns, guard passes, scrambles. Practice recognizing the opportunity, securing control quickly, and immediately threatening attacks. Partner resists realistically throughout. Goal is to make front headlock series your default response to scramble situations. (Resistance: Full)

Week 17+: Live Application - Applying front headlock series against full resistance in positional and free sparring Positional sparring starting from front headlock or turtle bottom (alternating roles). Progress to free sparring where you actively seek front headlock opportunities. Partner provides full resistance. Track success rates of different attacks, identify which setups work best for your body type and style, and develop your personal high-percentage sequences within the series. (Resistance: Full)

Variations

No-Gi Front Headlock Series: Without gi grips, the emphasis shifts to tight overhook control of the near arm and deeper head control around the neck. The Anaconda and Darce become higher percentage without fabric to impede arm threading. Head position and shoulder pressure become even more critical without gi grips to maintain control. (When to use: No-gi competition, MMA, or training without the gi where grip variations are unavailable)

Standing Front Headlock Series: From standing opponent attempting takedown or in front headlock clinch. Emphasis on Guillotine variations (high elbow, arm-in, chin strap) and snap downs to force opponent to turtle where ground-based attacks become available. Requires excellent balance and ability to defend opponent’s leg attacks while maintaining head control. (When to use: Standing grappling exchanges, defending takedown attempts, or wrestling-heavy rulesets)

Crucifix Integration: From front headlock, if opponent turtles very defensively, trap their far arm with your leg while maintaining head control. This creates crucifix control with multiple submission options including rear naked choke, far-side armbar, or returning to traditional front headlock attacks with even better control. (When to use: Against extremely defensive opponents who refuse to give clear front headlock finishing opportunities)

Front Headlock to Mount: Instead of pursuing immediate submissions, use front headlock pressure to drive opponent flat, then step over their back to establish mount position. Particularly effective when opponent defends all submissions well but you maintain positional dominance. Secure mount and attack from superior position. (When to use: When ahead on points and prioritizing positional dominance over submission attempts, or against skilled defensive grapplers)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What defensive reaction from your opponent indicates you should attempt the Anaconda choke rather than the Darce choke? A: When the opponent reaches across their body with their far arm to defend your choking arm, this creates the perfect setup for the Anaconda. Their reaching arm opens the space under their armpit for you to thread your non-choking arm and complete the figure-four grip. In contrast, the Darce is selected when they keep their defending arm tight to their body.

Q2: Why is shoulder pressure on the back of the opponent’s head such a critical component of front headlock control? A: Shoulder pressure serves multiple critical functions: it breaks the opponent’s posture making it difficult to create frames or escape, it restricts their breathing and vision creating psychological pressure, it prevents them from turning into you or standing effectively, and it keeps their head positioned perfectly for your choking arm to attack the neck. Without this pressure, opponents can posture up and escape relatively easily.

Q3: What should you do if your opponent successfully defends both your Anaconda and Darce attempts from front headlock? A: Rather than abandoning the position, you have several high-percentage options: transition to Guillotine variation by adjusting your grip and sitting back or pulling guard; take their back as they defend by circling behind them while maintaining head control; advance to mount or side control by driving forward pressure and stepping over; or maintain front headlock control and reset your attacks after they fatigue from defending. The key is never to abandon the positional advantage hastily.

Q4: How should your hip positioning differ when attempting an Anaconda versus a Darce choke from front headlock? A: For the Anaconda, you typically step your outside leg over their back and roll toward your choking-arm side, bringing opponent with you to finish on your side. For the Darce, you circle your hips toward your choking-arm side while staying more on top, threading your arm under their near armpit and finishing with your body perpendicular to their spine while driving shoulder pressure into their head. The Anaconda involves more of a rolling motion while the Darce involves circular hip movement.

Q5: What is the primary purpose of controlling the opponent’s near arm when establishing front headlock position? A: Controlling the near arm serves several purposes: it prevents them from posting effectively to stand up or create space, it eliminates one of their primary frames for defense, it keeps their body oriented in a vulnerable position for your attacks, and it creates the necessary conditions for threading your second arm for Anaconda or Darce chokes. Without arm control, opponents can use that arm to push off, create distance, or defend much more effectively.

Q6: When is the optimal time to transition from front headlock to taking the opponent’s back? A: The back take becomes optimal when the opponent attempts to turn into you or circle away from your choking arm side. Their turning motion naturally exposes their back, and by maintaining tight head control as an anchor point, you can follow their movement directly to back control. Additionally, if they attempt to stand up from turtle while you maintain head control, this creates an excellent opportunity to climb to back control. The key is recognizing their directional movement and using it to facilitate your back take rather than fighting against it.

Safety Considerations

The Front Headlock Series involves controlling the opponent’s head and neck, requiring careful attention to safety during training. Apply all chokes slowly and progressively, giving your partner ample time to tap before full pressure is reached. When practicing Anaconda and Darce chokes, be especially cautious as these chokes can come on quickly once proper position is achieved. Never spike or drop your weight suddenly onto opponent’s neck or spine. When rolling for Anaconda entries, control the roll to prevent your partner’s head from impacting the mat. Partners must tap early and clearly, and the top person must release immediately upon feeling the tap. During drilling, communicate constantly and use progressive resistance rather than explosive movements. Instructors should supervise proper technique especially with newer students who may not recognize the danger of neck cranks versus proper chokes. The front headlock position is relatively safe when maintained with proper pressure distribution, but transitions to submissions require controlled, technical execution rather than forceful or jerky movements.

Position Integration

The Front Headlock Series represents a critical bridge between standing and ground grappling, serving as both a defensive and offensive hub position in the overall BJJ game. This series appears naturally when opponents turtle defensively to avoid guard passes or back takes, after failed takedown attempts, during scrambles when positions are transitional, or when opponents attempt to stand from bottom positions. Mastery of this series transforms these common scenarios from neutral exchanges into dominant attacking opportunities. The front headlock connects seamlessly to the back attack system (if opponent turns), the mount/side control systems (if you advance position), and the submission-focused game (through Anaconda, Darce, and Guillotine). It also serves as a reset point when other attacks fail, allowing you to maintain offensive pressure rather than returning to neutral. In the broader context of positional hierarchy, front headlock occupies a unique space as a control position that offers both immediate submission threats and position advancement options. Understanding when to pursue submissions versus position advancement distinguishes advanced practitioners from intermediates. The series exemplifies systematic BJJ: one strong position with clear decision trees leading to multiple high-percentage outcomes based on opponent reactions.