Anaconda Choke
- BJJ
- Front Headlock Chokes
- intermediate
- Front headlock
- 3 steps
Similar to the D’Arce but the arm threads under the near arm; roll them through to finish constricting the neck. Also known as the Gator roll choke. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 3 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.
When to use it
Use the anaconda when the opponent turtles or shoots and their near arm is reachable. Thread under the neck and the near arm, then roll them through. It is the natural switch when you cannot reach the far arm for a D’Arce.
Step by step
- 01
Front headlock on the turtle
Sprawl onto a turtled or shooting opponent.
- 02
Thread under the near arm
Drive your choking arm under their neck and through under their near armpit, gripping your other biceps.
- 03
Roll & finish
Roll them over your body (gator roll) so they end on their back in the lock, then squeeze the neck and shoulder together.
Key details
- The arm threads under the NEAR arm (vs the far arm for a D’Arce).
- Use the roll to bring them onto their back into the choke.
- Keep the lock tight through the roll or they slip the head out.
Common mistakes
- Confusing it with the D’Arce arm path.
- Rolling without keeping the choke locked.
- A shallow thread that loses the neck.
Common counters
Opponents keep their head up, pull the near arm out, or step over as you roll to kill the rotation. A loose lock slips through the roll. Keep the lock tight from the thread to the finish.
How to drill it
From front headlock on a turtled partner, thread the anaconda and roll them through, ten reps on each side. Then do three rounds of one minute where your partner defends and you switch between the anaconda and the D’Arce.
Related techniques
- D'Arce ChokeBJJThread an arm under the neck and far armpit and lock onto your own biceps to strangle, the app’s namesake.
- North-South ChokeBJJFrom the north-south position, wrap under the chin and drop your shoulder to compress the neck.
- Front HeadlockWrestlingControl the head and an arm after a stuffed shot, then spin behind for the go-behind or attack.
Train it with the AI coach