1. Objective and Purpose
The Anaconda Choke is a submission move that involves choking your opponent by using their own arm and your body to apply pressure to their neck. It is a blood choke that restricts blood flow to the brain, leading to unconsciousness or forcing a tap-out. The Anaconda choke is similar to the D’Arce choke but is typically applied from a different angle and setup. It is commonly executed from top control, particularly in a scramble or when an opponent is attempting to recover their guard.
2. Steps for Execution of the Anaconda Choke
- Initial Position:
- The Anaconda choke can be initiated when you’re in top control or side control, typically after your opponent has started to turn away or recover guard. The most common entry is from the front headlock position, where your opponent’s head is near your chest, and their arm is positioned across their body.
- Control the Opponent’s Head and Arm:
- Begin by grabbing your opponent’s head with your near-side arm (the arm closest to their head). With this arm, you’ll loop around their neck and bring their arm across their body.
- Grab your own wrist with your far-side hand or establish a gable grip to control their neck.
- Position Your Head:
- Once you’ve established control of the head and arm, position your head under their arm and across the back of their neck. The key here is to create a tight wrap around their neck, trapping it between your arm and your opponent’s own arm.
- Engage the Choke:
- Now, use your near-side arm to pull their head down while simultaneously squeezing your arm and pulling on your grip.
- Your chest should be tight against their neck, and you want to keep your body compact to maintain the pressure. Ideally, your opponent’s head should be close to your chest, preventing any space from being created.
- Finish the Submission:
- To finish the choke, tighten the pressure by pulling your arms and head tighter together. The goal is to compress their neck using the pressure from your arm and their arm, cutting off blood flow to the brain.
- Your body should be positioned in such a way that you’re leveraging the choke. Keep a firm grip on their neck and continue squeezing.
- Tap Out or Unconsciousness:
- If applied correctly, the Anaconda choke will either force your opponent to tap out due to the increasing pressure or cause them to lose consciousness. Make sure to maintain control and pressure until the submission is either completed or the referee steps in.
3. Defensive Techniques Against the Anaconda Choke
- Maintain Good Posture and Control:
- The key to preventing the Anaconda choke from being applied is maintaining proper posture. When you feel the choke coming on, immediately posture up and prevent your opponent from securing the choke. Do not allow them to get their arm under your neck.
- Use Your Hands to Defend:
- If your opponent starts wrapping their arm around your neck for the Anaconda, use your hands to push their arm away or fight their grip. This will create space and prevent them from securing the submission.
- Escape to the Side:
- Once the choke is in progress, if you feel the submission becoming tight, you can attempt to escape by shrimping to the side and getting your body perpendicular to your opponent. This may create the necessary space to free your neck and arm.
- Avoid Flattening Your Back:
- A common mistake is to allow your back to flatten against the mat. This position often gives your opponent the leverage they need to finish the choke. Try to stay on your side and maintain movement to avoid being flattened.
4. Counter-Defense for the Anaconda Choke
- Turn Into the Submission:
- If you’re caught in an Anaconda choke, one of the best ways to counter it is to turn into the submission. By rotating your body toward your opponent’s body, you can relieve pressure on your neck and potentially escape the hold.
- Control the Opponent’s Arms:
- If your opponent is wrapping their arm around your neck, use your free hand to control or pull their arm away from your neck. You can use your hand to pry away their grip, which will disrupt their ability to finish the choke.
- Tuck Your Chin:
- Tucking your chin down towards your chest can protect your neck and reduce the effectiveness of the choke. By tucking your chin, it becomes harder for your opponent to get their arm fully across your throat, which may give you time to escape.
- Posture and Space Creation:
- If you’re caught in a bad position, posture up to create space and relieve pressure on your neck. Use your legs to generate movement and push your opponent off balance to create more distance.
5. Keys to Success
- Proper Head and Arm Control: The key to the Anaconda choke is the proper control of both your opponent’s neck and their arm. By using their arm as a barrier across their neck, you create the necessary leverage to choke them.
- Tight, Controlled Grip: A firm grip on your opponent’s neck and arm is crucial to keeping the choke tight. Any loosening or space will allow your opponent to escape.
- Chest Pressure: You need to keep your chest tight against your opponent’s neck to apply constant pressure and make the submission effective. Don’t allow any gaps that would reduce the effectiveness of the choke.
6. Common Mistakes
- Not Closing the Space: One of the most common mistakes is leaving space between your chest and your opponent’s neck. This reduces the pressure of the choke, making it easier for your opponent to escape.
- Weak Grip: A weak grip or failure to lock your hands properly can result in your opponent escaping the Anaconda choke. Always make sure you have a firm grip and ensure that your arms and body are in the correct position.
- Overcommitting to the Position: Sometimes, an overly aggressive attempt to finish the submission can leave you vulnerable. Always be aware of your positioning and adjust accordingly if things aren’t going as planned.
Conclusion
The Anaconda Choke is a highly effective submission that uses your opponent’s arm and your own body to trap their neck and apply pressure. With proper control, positioning, and pressure, this submission can be a fight-ending move. However, defending against it requires awareness of the setup and quick reactions to avoid getting caught in the submission. Whether as an offensive move or as part of your submission defense, mastering the Anaconda choke will provide a valuable tool in your MMA arsenal.