aliases:
  - Anaconda Choke

Anaconda

The Anaconda is a submission that applies a blood choke by compressing the carotid arteries. It is typically executed from the Turtle Control or after a successful Snap-Down to Front Headlock. The technique involves trapping the opponent’s neck and one arm, creating a tight choking mechanism.

Key Steps to Execute the Anaconda:

Set Up the Head and Arm Control:

From the Front Headlock position, ensure one of your arms is threaded under your opponent’s neck and across their far armpit.
Your other hand can grip your opponent’s shoulder or collar initially to stabilize.

Create the Gable Grip:

Slide your choking arm deeper so you can connect a Gable Grip around your opponent’s trapped neck and arm.

Thread the Arm:

Bring your choking arm through until your hand reaches the biceps of your free arm, creating a strong triangle-like frame with your arms.

Roll to Tighten:

Roll to the side of your choking arm, bringing the opponent with you. This movement often forces your opponent into a compressed position.

Apply the Choke:

Squeeze your arms together while pulling your opponent’s head toward your chest.
Drive your hips into the mat to increase pressure and tighten the choke.

Tips for Success:

Leverage: Keep your chest tight against their trapped shoulder to eliminate space.
Positioning: Avoid being too flat when rolling—maintain a slight angle to keep control.
Pressure: Use your hips to drive into the choke while your arms compress the arteries.

Positioning Anaconda

The Anaconda choke can be executed from several positions that allow you to isolate the opponent’s head and arm effectively. Here are the primary positions and setups:

Turtle Control

Setup: As your opponent turtles up, you can thread your arm underneath their neck and across their far armpit.
Entry: Often initiated after a successful Snap-Down to Front Headlock, or when they attempt to defend against your pressure.
Key Detail: Use your chest pressure to maintain control as you set up the choke.

North South

Setup: Transition to this position after passing their guard, especially if they try to frame or defend by turning onto their side.
Entry: Thread your arm through while maintaining control of their head and arm.
Key Detail: Adjust your angle to ensure a smooth roll into the choke.

Transitioning from Side Control

Setup: When the opponent frames to push you away, you can isolate their arm and head.
Entry: Move into a front headlock position or force them to turn toward Turtle Guard.
Key Detail: Keep your weight distributed to maintain control as you transition to the choke.

Sprawl Position (Front Headlock)

Setup: From a sprawl, when the opponent shoots a takedown and you successfully defend it.
Entry: Control their head and arm after sprawling and sink the Anaconda grip.
Key Detail: Use their forward momentum from the takedown attempt to secure the grip.

Guard to Front Headlock

Setup: If your opponent stands to pass your guard and exposes their head and arm, you can attack the neck.
Entry: Transition to a Front Headlock position by sitting up or off-balancing them into a snap-down scenario.
Key Detail: React quickly to isolate their head and arm before they recover posture.

Scramble Positions
Setup: During a scramble where your opponent momentarily exposes their neck and arm, especially after a failed takedown or guard pass.
Entry: Thread your arm while stabilizing your position in the chaos.
Key Detail: Stay tight and maintain Pressure to capitalize on their vulnerability.

By recognizing these positions and setups, you can incorporate the Anaconda into your game seamlessly, using principles like Connections, Angles, and Leverage to enhance your success.