Anaconda Choke: Rolling Neck Crank

Establishing Front Headlock and Threading

The anaconda most often occurs when the opponent shoots in for a takedown or is in a turtle position, exposing their head and near arm. Secure front headlock control with your arm over their back. Unlike the D'Arce, the anaconda threads from the front — slide your arm under their near arm and bring your hand across their neck, threading your forearm between their neck and shoulder from the far side. The figure-four is then locked as your free hand grabs your own bicep. The key difference from the D'Arce is the direction your elbow points: in the anaconda, your elbow points toward their near hip.

The Rolling Finish

Once locked, the anaconda is typically finished by rolling over the opponent's trapped arm — you barrel roll toward the side of the trapped limb. As you roll, they are forced to follow, and the torque tightens the choke dramatically. Land in a tight ball with your knees tucked to maximize the squeeze. Some practitioners finish without rolling by simply driving forward and compressing, but the roll is the classic and most powerful method.

• Thread from the front — elbow points toward their near hip
• Lock a tight figure-four before initiating the roll
• Roll over their trapped arm toward their near-arm side

When to Use Anaconda vs D'Arce

Choose the anaconda when you are directly in front of the opponent as they shoot in or turtle. The forward-facing position makes threading from the front natural. Use the D'Arce when you are passing guard and they turn to their knees — you are more at their side, making the D'Arce threading motion easier. Both are figure-four arm-in chokes, but the entry angle determines which is available. Training both gives you a complete front headlock submission system that capitalizes on different opponent reactions.