M.G.C. #415: Anaconda Choke/Darce Choke from Sprawl Control
0
Anaconda Choke From Sprawl·Modesto Judo Club
M.G.C. #415: Anaconda Choke/Darce Choke from Sprawl Control
Anaconda Choke From Sprawl
Speciesアナコンダチョーク(Anakonda Chōku)
TransliterationTranslation: Anaconda Choke (katakana loanword)
Overview
The anaconda choke from sprawl is initiated after the attacker sprawls to defend a takedown, trapping the opponent's head and threading the choking arm under the far-side arm and across the neck. [1],[2] The sprawl creates the downward pressure and head-trapping angle that facilitate the arm thread, and the attacker transitions from the sprawled position into the gator roll to finish the strangle. [1] The sprawl-to-anaconda sequence is a natural counter-wrestling chain that punishes failed takedown attempts. [1],[2]
History & Origin
The sprawl entry for the anaconda choke developed in MMA and no-gi grappling as wrestlers and grapplers sought submission options from the sprawled front headlock position. [1],[2] When traditional go-behind and spin attacks from the sprawl were too slow, the anaconda provided an immediate submission threat. [1] This counter-wrestling application gained popularity in the 2000s alongside the broader development of front headlock attack systems in submission grappling. [1],[2]
Effectiveness
The anaconda from sprawl is a fundamental counter-wrestling submission — it punishes failed takedown attempts with an arm-triangle strangle. The sprawl provides weight advantage for the compression. [1]
Lineage
Evolved from the wrestling sprawl defence combined with BJJ arm-triangle submissions. A standard counter-wrestling technique in modern MMA and submission grappling. [1]
Competition Record
Common in MMA as a takedown counter. Appears regularly when wrestlers over-commit to shots and are caught in the post-sprawl front headlock. [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Bilateral compression of the carotid arteries — restricts blood flow to the brain, causing unconsciousness within seconds
Joints Involved — Cervical spine (lateral flexion), glenohumeral joint of the trapped arm (if arm-in), nuchal region
Force Vector — Lateral squeeze creates inward pressure on both sides of the neck simultaneously
Choking Mechanism — Vascular strangle — occludes carotid arteries and jugular veins, distinct from airway (tracheal) chokes
Position & Entry
From front headlock — Thread arm under opponent's neck and far armpit, clasp hands, gator-roll to the choking side and squeeze
From sprawl after takedown defence — Opponent's head is down, thread the anaconda grip, roll to tighten
From top turtle — Reach under the near arm and around the neck, lock hands and roll opponent onto their back
Videos
1 video
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
Anaconda/gator-roll chokes use a rolling motion to tighten the arm-in head-and-arm strangle
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— FIAS Sport Sambo — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes a...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal — choke submissions are among the mos...
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The anaconda choke from sprawl applies the anaconda arm-triangle after the attacker sprawls on the opponent's takedown attempt — the post-sprawl position provides ideal head-and-arm access (Danaher, Front Headlock System: Go Further Faster, 2019)
✓The sprawl creates the anaconda entry: after sprawling, the opponent's head is trapped below the attacker's chest with their arms extended — the neck-arm gap is wide open for threading
✓From sprawl: drive the arm over the neck and under the far arm, connect hands, then choose a finishing method (gator roll or hip walk)
✓The sprawl-to-anaconda chain is a fundamental counter-wrestling submission: it punishes failed takedown attempts with a strangling submission
✓The sprawl advantage: the attacker's weight is already on the opponent's back, providing gravitational assistance for the compression
✓The anaconda from sprawl is most effective when the opponent shoots with their head to the outside: the outside head position creates the ideal angle for threading over the neck
✓In MMA, the sprawl-to-anaconda is a critical skill: fighters who can convert takedown defence into anaconda attacks create a powerful deterrent against wrestling
Common Mistakes
!Threading before the sprawl is complete — finish the sprawl first (hips down, weight on the opponent) before attempting the threading
!Not controlling the opponent's head during the threading — the head must be trapped; if it slips out during the thread, the position is lost
!Attempting against an opponent who has already retreated — the anaconda from sprawl works on the committed shot; once they pull back, the opportunity passes
!Not choosing between gator roll and hip walk — have a plan for the finish before threading
!Threading the arm under the neck (D'Arce direction) instead of over — the anaconda specifically threads over the neck and under the arm
!Releasing the sprawl weight to focus on hands — maintain heavy hips throughout; the weight is part of the choking mechanism
!Not following up if the anaconda is defended — transition to guillotine, go-behind, or front headlock control
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Tuck Chin — protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinkingTwo-on-One Grip Fight — use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locksTurn Into — rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressurePosture Up — straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle
Setup Chain
1Achieve Controlling Position — secure the position from which the choke is applied
2Isolate the Neck — clear defending hands and establish access to the throat
3Set the Grip — lock the choking configuration (arm, lapel, or leg placement)
4Apply Pressure — squeeze to compress the carotid arteries for the finish
Sources & References
Primary Source
Tri-force BJJ Academy (triforce-bjj.com); Tri-force Shiki BJJ (tfshiki-bjj.com); Aoki Shinya (note.com/a_ok_i)
Japan's largest BJJ academy chain — Japanese technique terminology
Japanese BJJ technique naming conventions article (2019)
Top Japanese MMA fighter — BJJ technique terminology
4OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
5CitationTri-force BJJ Academy (triforce-bjj.com); Tri-force Shiki BJJ (tfshiki-bjj.com); Aoki Shinya (note.com/a_ok_i)
Japanese terminology sourced from Tri-force BJJ Academy (triforce-bjj.com); Tri-force Shiki BJJ (tfshiki-bjj.com); Aoki Shinya (note.com/a_ok_i)
Community
Athletics
Requires
long arms for head-and-arm wrap, core strength for gator roll
Favours
longer limbs, athletic build
Key muscles
biceps, deltoids, core rotators, hip flexors
Sub-techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I secure the anaconda choke once I have sprawl control?
You need to get an arm inside the position first. Once you have sprawl control with an arm threaded in, you can place your other arm in the back of the neck to set up the choke.
What's the best way to finish the anaconda choke from sprawl?
Roll to your opposite side (typically to your left), then use a bicycle motion with your legs to hook and create leverage. Once you have the hook locked in, arch your back to tighten and finish the choke.
Can I finish the anaconda choke from my knees?
Yes, according to Modesto Judo Club instruction, you can finish this choke while down on your knees by using the bicycle hook technique rather than needing to roll through.
How does the Anaconda Choke From Sprawl work?
The anaconda choke from sprawl is initiated after the attacker sprawls to defend a takedown, trapping the opponent's head and threading the choking arm under the far-side arm and across the neck. The sprawl creates the downward pressure and head-trapping angle that facilitate the arm thread, and the attacker transitions from the sprawled position into the gator roll to finish the strangle.
Where does the Anaconda Choke From Sprawl come from?
The sprawl entry for the anaconda choke developed in MMA and no-gi grappling as wrestlers and grapplers sought submission options from the sprawled front headlock position. When traditional go-behind and spin attacks from the sprawl were too slow, the anaconda provided an immediate submission threat.
Is the Anaconda Choke From Sprawl legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes are the safest submission cat…; IJF: legal — Legal (shime-waza) — strangulation techniques are one of three permitted subm…; ADCC: legal — Legal; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — choke submissions are among the most common finishes in MMA; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Anaconda Choke From Sprawl?
Danger rating 9/10. Anaconda/gator-roll chokes use a rolling motion to tighten the arm-in head-and-arm strangle
How do I set up the Anaconda Choke From Sprawl?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position → Isolate the Neck → Set the Grip → Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Anaconda Choke From Sprawl?
Standard counters include: Tuck Chin — protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinking / Two-on-One Grip Fight — use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locks / Turn Into — rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressure / Posture Up — straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle.
What are the variants of the Anaconda Choke From Sprawl?
Common variants: Standard anaconda (arm threaded under the neck and over the far arm, finishe…); No-roll anaconda (finished in place without the gator roll by sprawling and…); Anaconda from guard (applied from bottom position when the opponent's head is low).
How effective is the Anaconda Choke From Sprawl in competition?
Common in MMA as a takedown counter. Appears regularly when wrestlers over-commit to shots and are caught in the post-sprawl front headlock.
What are common mistakes when doing the Anaconda Choke From Sprawl?
Top errors to watch for: Threading before the sprawl is complete — finish the sprawl first (hips down, weight on the opponent) before attempti… / Not controlling the opponent's head during the threading — the head must be trapped; if it slips out during the threa… / Attempting against an opponent who has already retreated — the anaconda from sprawl works on the committed shot; once… / Not choosing between gator roll and hip walk — have a plan for the finish before threading.
What are other names for the Anaconda Choke From Sprawl?
The Anaconda Choke From Sprawl is also known as Anakonda Chōku, Sprawl Anaconda, Standing Anaconda Choke.