Anaconda Choke

Also known as: Anaconda · Gator Roll Choke · Arm Triangle from Front Headlock

The D’Arce’s mirror image: the choking arm threads under the NECK first and exits under the far armpit, then you roll them over the trapped shoulder ("gator roll") to finish.

Submission · Strangle (blood choke) · Gi & No-gi · Difficulty 3/5 · Usually learned at Blue belt

Starts from Front Headlock as the attacker (on the head) → ends the match (submission).

The details that make it work

  1. Thread neck-first, lock the figure-four on your bicep, then walk your grip deeper before rolling.
  2. The gator roll goes TOWARD the trapped arm, pulling them over their own dead shoulder.
  3. After the roll, sprawl your legs away and crunch — pressure comes from body position, not arm strength.

Where it goes wrong

How opponents counter it

Is the Anaconda Choke legal in competition?

Legal in all major rulesets at all levels (IBJJF, ADCC, sub-only). Rules change — always confirm against the current official rulebook for your event.

Same family: Strangle (blood choke)s

Related techniques

All moves from Front Headlock · Back to Grapplepedia