Introduction to No-Gi Neck Chokes

This instructional guide covers two fundamental no-gi choking techniques: the Anaconda choke and the Darce choke. Both techniques are commonly encountered in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and are executed from the turtle position. Understanding the mechanics and distinctions between these two chokes will significantly enhance a practitioner's submission arsenal.

Establishing Position and Control

The Anaconda choke begins from the turtle position, which typically occurs when an opponent defends against guard passes or recovers from sprawls. The instructor should establish firm control over the opponent's head and shoulders, with one arm positioned between the neck and shoulder to initiate the technique.

The Anaconda Choke: Path and Setup

The Anaconda choke enters via the neck and exits by the armpit. To properly set up the position, the instructor should use a gable grip with both hands to compress the opponent's arm against their neck, closing any gap between the shoulder and neck. This compression is a critical detail frequently overlooked by practitioners new to the technique.

Anaconda Choke: Locking the Grip

Once the gable grip creates sufficient compression, the instructor slides their arm deeper and secures the opponent's lat with their bicep grip. The grip should be locked firmly in place before proceeding to the rolling motion, ensuring maximum control and pressure application.

Anaconda Choke: The Roll and Finish

Before initiating the roll, the instructor must position their head underneath the opponent's body, tucking their nose under to maintain control and avoid being pulled face-down. The technique is completed by stepping the right leg back over the left leg and walking the hips toward the opponent while maintaining constant squeeze pressure.

The Darce Choke: Contrasting Entry and Exit

Unlike the Anaconda choke, the Darce choke enters through the armpit and exits at the neck. Although both techniques can be attacked from similar positions, this reversal in path requires distinct hand placement and finishing mechanics that fundamentally change the execution.

Darce Choke: Initial Setup and Flip

The Darce choke begins with a gable grip, then the instructor places their forearm on the back of the opponent's neck while lifting underneath the armpit to flip them onto their back. This flipper action simultaneously brings the opponent's arm and neck closer together, facilitating a smooth transition to the final grip.

Darce Choke: Grip Adjustment and Finishing

After flipping the opponent supine with the gable grip, the instructor slides into a rear naked choke-style grip, positioning the arm to apply pressure from the armpit toward the neck. The finish is achieved by driving the hips forward and squeezing, with the ideal grip depth being bicep-deep against the neck.

Darce Choke: Adaptation for Arm Length

For practitioners with shorter arms or larger opponents, an important modification involves ratcheting the grip by pulling the opponent's body closer before fully inserting the arm. Once the elbow reaches the floor level, the instructor can sprawl and drive into the opponent to complete the choke with proper mechanical advantage.

Practical Application and Distinction Summary

The Anaconda and Darce chokes are essential techniques for controlling opponents in the turtle position. The key distinction lies in their entry and exit paths: the Anaconda enters at the neck and exits at the armpit, while the Darce reverses this path. Mastering both variations provides practitioners with comprehensive finishing options in no-gi grappling.

BJJ Chokes - How To Do The Anaconda Choke & The Darce Choke

Knight Jiu-Jitsu

Anaconda Choke

3 min read·10 key moments·PT5M14S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to No-Gi Neck Chokes
•Establishing Position and Control
•The Anaconda Choke: Path and Setup
•Anaconda Choke: Locking the Grip

This video will show how to apply two of the most valuable and popular chokes from BJJ: The Anaconda Choke and The Darce Choke. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will do my best to address them. Please like and subscribe if you like what you see here. Thanks for watching!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about anaconda choke?

This video covers introduction to no-gi neck chokes, establishing position and control, the anaconda choke: path and setup. It provides detailed instruction from Knight Jiu-Jitsu.

How long does it take to learn anaconda choke?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.

Step-by-Step Breakdown10 steps