Anaconda Choke: The Ultimate BJJ & MMA Guide
By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts | Last Updated: February 2, 2026
The Anaconda Choke is a devastating head-and-arm submission used by elite grapplers like Rafael Mendes and MMA fighters like Charles Oliveira.
It acts as the “inverse” of the D’Arce Choke. While both attack from the front headlock, they enter from opposite sides. This submission is famous for its rolling finish (the Gator Roll), which traps the opponent’s arm and cuts off blood flow to the brain in seconds.
In this guide, we break down the mechanics, the difference between the two chokes, and the step-by-step finish that makes this move inescapable.
Table of Contents
What is this Submission?
The Anaconda Choke is an arm-triangle variation applied from the front headlock position. Unlike the Guillotine which attacks only the neck, this technique includes the opponent’s arm in the strangle. This makes it incredibly tight because the opponent’s own shoulder is forced into their carotid artery.
Anaconda vs. D’Arce: The Difference
This is the most common confusion for beginners. The difference lies in the entry direction:
- Anaconda Choke: Your arm enters under the neck and exits through the armpit.
- D’Arce Choke: Your arm enters under the armpit and exits through the neck.
- Memory Aid: Anaconda starts at the Airway (Neck).
Step-by-Step: Finishing the Move
The best time to set up this attack is when your opponent turtles or shoots for a Single Leg Takedown and you sprawl.
- The Snap Down: Force your opponent’s head down into a front headlock.
- The Entry: Slide your choking arm under their neck. Your hand should come out under their armpit.
- The Lock: Grab your own bicep with your choking hand (Figure-Four grip). This locks the structure in place.
- The Squeeze: Pinch your elbows together. The goal is to trap their shoulder against their own neck.
- The Gator Roll: This is the signature finish of the Anaconda Choke. Roll underneath the opponent toward the choking arm side.
- The Trap: As you roll, use your legs to hook their trapped leg. This prevents them from rolling out.
- The Finish: Walk your hips toward them while squeezing your elbows.
Variation: The Standing Finish
In MMA, you can finish the Anaconda Choke without rolling if you have a size advantage or a deep grip.
- Setup: From a standing front headlock, lock the grip.
- Finish: Instead of rolling, drag them down and trip their leg while squeezing. This is riskier in BJJ but effective against a cage.
Defense: Escaping the Choke
If you feel the arm snaking around your neck, you must act fast.
- The “Sucker Drag”: Before they lock the hands, grab their elbow and drag it across, spinning behind them to take the back (see our Back Escape Guide).
- The Roll Through: If they Gator Roll, you must roll with them. Do not resist the motion.
- Hand Fight: Two hands on one. Pull their choking wrist down to create space.
Conclusion
The Anaconda Choke is a submission that combines wrestling control with Jiu-Jitsu finishing mechanics.
Focus on the “Neck-to-Armpit” entry path, and always hook the leg during the roll. If you master this technique, you will have a lethal punishment for anyone who shoots a bad takedown on you.