The Front Headlock Series represents one of the most versatile and high-percentage control positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering multiple pathways to dominant positions and submissions. This series exploits the vulnerable turtle position or failed takedown attempts, where the opponent’s head and arm become available for control. From this position, a skilled practitioner can flow between guillotine chokes, anaconda chokes, darce chokes, and transitions to back control, creating a web of interconnected attacks that force opponents into defensive dilemmas.
The beauty of the front headlock series lies in its systematic nature—each defensive response from the opponent opens a different offensive pathway. When they defend the guillotine, the anaconda becomes available. When they block the anaconda, the darce appears. When they counter choke attempts, the transition to back control presents itself. This branching decision tree makes the front headlock one of the most frustrating positions to defend and one of the most rewarding to master.
Developed and refined by high-level competitors including Marcelo Garcia, John Danaher’s Death Squad, and countless others, the front headlock series has proven itself in the highest levels of competition. Understanding this series requires not just technical proficiency in individual techniques, but also the strategic awareness to recognize which branch to follow based on opponent reactions. Mastery of this series transforms the front headlock from a simple control position into a complete submission system.
Starting Position: Front Headlock Ending Position: Back Control Success Rates: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 75%
Key Principles
- Maintain constant head control with tight connection between forearm and opponent’s neck
- Control the near arm to prevent opponent’s defensive framing and escape attempts
- Keep weight distributed forward to prevent opponent from coming up to knees
- Use opponent’s defensive reactions to determine which submission or transition to pursue
- Maintain proper angle relative to opponent’s body—never directly in front where they can drive forward
- Create downward pressure on the head while controlling posture to break opponent’s structure
- Flow between submission attempts without releasing control—transitions should be seamless
Prerequisites
- Opponent in turtle position or bent forward from failed takedown attempt
- Clear access to opponent’s head and near-side arm
- Proper base established with feet positioned to control opponent’s movement
- Head control secured with forearm across opponent’s neck in choking configuration
- Near arm controlled either over opponent’s back or trapped under your chest
- Hips positioned at appropriate angle—not directly behind opponent
- Weight forward preventing opponent from standing or returning to guard
Execution Steps
- Establish front headlock control: As opponent assumes turtle position or bends forward, immediately secure head control by threading your arm around their neck with your forearm positioned across the front of their throat. Your bicep should be on one side of their neck and your forearm on the other, creating a vice-like grip. Simultaneously control their near arm by either overhooking it or pinning it to their body. (Timing: Immediate as opportunity presents)
- Secure proper angle and base: Position your body at roughly a 45-degree angle to your opponent’s body—never directly behind them where they can back into you. Establish a wide, stable base with your feet, keeping your weight forward over their shoulders. Your chest should be heavy on their upper back, preventing them from elevating their posture. Lock your hands in your preferred grip (gable grip, palm-to-palm, or guillotine grip). (Timing: Within 1-2 seconds of initial control)
- Apply initial control pressure: Drive your weight downward through your chest into their shoulders while maintaining the headlock. Your forearm should create light pressure across their throat (not yet choking), and your near-arm control should prevent them from posting or framing. This pressure keeps them defensive and prevents immediate escape attempts while you assess their reactions. (Timing: Continuous throughout control phase)
- Read opponent’s defensive reaction: Observe how your opponent responds to the control. Are they trying to turn into you (exposing anaconda)? Are they attempting to turn away (opening darce)? Are they staying stationary and defending their neck (allowing back take setup)? Are they trying to stand or roll (guillotine opportunity)? This reading phase determines which branch of the series you’ll pursue. (Timing: 1-3 seconds of active assessment)
- Transition to selected attack: Based on their reaction, seamlessly flow into your chosen technique. For guillotine: adjust your angle and sit back. For anaconda: thread your choking arm deeper and lock around their shoulder. For darce: shift your hips to the opposite side and lock the figure-four. For back take: release the headlock grip, secure seat belt control, and insert your hooks. The transition should maintain constant control without giving opponent any breathing room. (Timing: Immediate upon reading their reaction)
- Finish or continue chain: Complete your selected technique with proper finishing mechanics. If the opponent defends successfully, immediately recognize the new defensive posture and flow to the next appropriate technique in the series. The front headlock series is circular—failed guillotine opens anaconda, defended anaconda reveals darce, blocked darce exposes back take opportunities. Continue flowing until you achieve submission or dominant position. (Timing: Until submission or position secured)
Opponent Counters
- Opponent tucks chin and blocks choking arm (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Transition from choke attempt to position advancement—use their defensive posture to take the back or transition to alternative choke (anaconda to darce, guillotine to anaconda, etc.)
- Opponent rolls forward attempting granby escape (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Maintain headlock grip and follow their roll, landing in mounted guillotine position or using momentum to take the back during the roll
- Opponent posts with far arm and attempts to come up (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Increase downward pressure through chest, circle to cut off the angle of their base, or use their upward movement to sink guillotine deeper and pull guard
- Opponent scoots hips backward away from you (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Follow their movement while maintaining head control, transition your base to stay connected, and use their backward movement to facilitate back take transition
- Opponent turns into you aggressively (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: This is exactly what you want for the anaconda—as they turn, thread your arm deeper across their neck and around their shoulder, then lock your grips for the choke
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the primary purpose of controlling the opponent’s near arm in the front headlock position? A: Controlling the near arm serves multiple critical functions: it prevents the opponent from posting to stand up or create frames for escape, eliminates their ability to defend their neck with that hand, and removes a key structural support that would allow them to improve their position. Without near arm control, the opponent can base out, create space, and potentially escape or counter your attacks. This control is essential for maintaining dominant position throughout the series.
Q2: Why is maintaining a 45-degree angle to the opponent superior to positioning directly behind them in front headlock? A: Positioning at a 45-degree angle rather than directly behind the opponent prevents them from using their hips and legs to drive backward into you, which could allow them to stand or create escape opportunities. The angle also provides better leverage for choking attacks, clearer pathways for transitions to the back, and prevents the opponent from using their strongest structural defense (sitting back into your hips). Direct back positioning allows the opponent to use their posterior chain strength to escape, while the angled position keeps them structurally weak and defensive.
Q3: How does the front headlock series create a submission dilemma for the defending opponent? A: The front headlock series creates a true dilemma by offering multiple interconnected attacks where defending one technique opens another. When the opponent defends the guillotine by tucking their chin and blocking, they often turn into you—exactly what’s needed for the anaconda. Defending the anaconda by turning away opens the darce. Focusing purely on defending chokes by keeping arms tight to the neck allows the back take. Every defensive response opens a different offensive pathway, forcing the opponent into a circular trap where there’s no single correct defense. This strategic depth is what makes the series so effective at high levels.
Q4: What are the key differences in execution between the guillotine, anaconda, and darce options from front headlock? A: The guillotine uses a perpendicular choking arm across the front of the throat with your body positioned to sit back or pull guard. The anaconda involves threading your choking arm across the neck and around the opponent’s shoulder on the same side as the controlled arm, then locking hands for a squeeze that combines neck and shoulder pressure. The darce requires switching to the opposite side, threading your arm under their near arm and across their neck from the far side, then locking a figure-four grip. Each has different grip configurations, body positions, and angle requirements, but all start from the same front headlock control position.
Q5: Describe the proper sequence for transitioning from front headlock to back control when choke attempts are defended? A: When choke attempts are consistently defended, release the head-arm configuration while maintaining contact with the opponent. As they begin to feel the release, immediately establish seat belt grip (one arm over shoulder, one under armpit, hands locked). Use your chest pressure to prevent them from turning into you while you work to insert your first hook on the near side. Once the first hook is in, use it to elevate their hip slightly and insert the far-side hook. Throughout this transition, maintain constant pressure and connection—never give them space to escape. The key is recognizing when to abandon choke attempts in favor of the superior back control position.
Q6: What role does weight distribution play in effective front headlock control? A: Weight distribution is critical for maintaining control and preventing escapes. Your weight should be primarily forward through your chest onto the opponent’s shoulders and upper back, keeping them flattened and unable to elevate their posture. However, you must maintain enough weight on your feet to have mobile base and adjust to their movements. Too much weight back and they can stand; too much weight forward without proper base and you can be rolled or swept. The ideal is roughly 60-70% of pressure forward through the chest while maintaining active, adjustable feet that can reposition as needed. This weight distribution breaks their structure while preserving your mobility.
Safety Considerations
When practicing the front headlock series, controlled application is essential to prevent neck injuries. The neck is extremely vulnerable in this position, and excessive cranking or sudden pressure can cause serious injury. Always apply chokes progressively over 3-5 seconds minimum, never explosively. During drilling, both partners must communicate—the person applying should start with light pressure and gradually increase, while the defensive partner should tap early and clearly. Be especially cautious with the anaconda and darce variations, as they can create significant pressure on the cervical spine. Never practice these techniques without proper instruction and supervision. When partner taps, release immediately—continuing pressure after a tap can cause injury and erodes trust. Practice on appropriate surfaces (mats, never hard floors) and be aware of mat boundaries during dynamic transitions. Beginners should focus on control and position before attempting submissions from this series.
Position Integration
The front headlock series occupies a unique position in the BJJ hierarchy as both a control position and a submission hub. It typically arises from the turtle position (when opponent goes defensive), failed takedown attempts (after successful sprawl), or as a transition during guard passing sequences. The position serves as a bridge between standing/wrestling positions and ground control, making it essential for both takedown defense and ground strategy. Within the positional hierarchy, front headlock sits at a crucial decision point—it can lead to dominant positions (back control, mount, side control) or direct submissions (guillotine, anaconda, darce), making it one of the most versatile control positions in the sport. Mastery of this series significantly impacts your entire game, as it provides high-percentage options from common scenarios that occur in both training and competition. The position integrates seamlessly with wrestling-based BJJ approaches, no-gi systems, and modern submission grappling strategies. Understanding when to pursue submission versus positional advancement from front headlock is a mark of strategic maturity in BJJ.