The Anaconda Choke

The Anaconda Choke: A Deep Dive into Jiu Jitsu’s Coiling Submission

Jiu Jitsu, often referred to as "the gentle art", is anything but gentle when you're caught in a tight submission. While the sport emphasizes control, leverage, and technique over brute strength, certain moves illustrate just how powerful and effective BJJ can be. One such technique is the formidable Anaconda Choke. Today, we'll delve deep into the mechanics, setups, and applications of this fascinating submission.

What is the Anaconda Choke?

Originating from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the Anaconda Choke is a submission move that primarily targets an opponent's neck, depriving them of oxygen and blood flow to the brain. It's similar in many ways to the Darce choke and guillotine, but has its unique application and grip sequence. Like the anaconda, a massive snake found in South America that constricts its prey, the choke entails a tightening sequence which, when applied correctly, leaves very little escape room for the victim.

Mechanics of the Choke:

To envision the mechanics, think about threading your arm under the opponent's neck and through the space between their armpit and torso. Your other arm will then grip the choking arm, securing the position. As you roll and adjust, the choke tightens, much like the constriction of the snake it's named after.

Initiate with the arm drag: To start the choke, you can use an arm drag or catch the opponent's arm when they are trying to collar tie or reach for an underhook.
Secure the grip: As soon as their arm is dragged across their body, shoot your arm under their neck and grab your own bicep on the opposite arm.
Roll and tighten: There's a strategic roll to your side and onto your shoulders, which enables you to use your body to tighten the choke, rather than just your arms. This roll isn't always necessary but can make the choke more effective.
Apply pressure: By squeezing your arms and pulling the opponent's head down, you reduce the space, making it tighter and tighter until the tap.

Setups and Applications:

While there are countless setups for the Anaconda Choke, a couple of the most common arise from:

Turtle position: When your opponent is turtled up, it creates a prime opportunity to slide your arm in for the choke.
Scrambles: Amidst a scramble, particularly when an opponent shoots for a takedown and gets sprawled on, their exposed neck and arm position can be an invitation for the Anaconda.

Common Mistakes:

Not securing the grip tightly: A loose grip can allow the opponent to create space and alleviate the pressure.

Using only arm strength The effectiveness of the Anaconda choke comes from utilizing body positioning and movement. Relying solely on arm strength can tire you out quickly.

In Conclusion:

The Anaconda Choke, like many other BJJ techniques, embodies the art’s emphasis on leverage, technique, and control. While it requires a keen understanding and precision to execute effectively, once mastered, it can be a game-changing addition to your grappling arsenal. As with all chokes, safety should be the top priority. Always practice under the guidance of a trained instructor and be attentive to your training partner's taps and comfort.