Drew Foster, known as "Darce_Knight," is a Jiu-Jitsu expert celebrated for his instructional content. In this chat, he delves into the fascinating history and evolution of the anaconda choke, explaining why it deserves more recognition amidst its overshadowing cousin, the D'Arce choke. He shares practical tips for executing this technique effectively, making it accessible for grapplers at all levels. Drew also references notable UFC finishes featuring the anaconda choke, adding context to its significance in modern martial arts.
The resurgence of the Anaconda choke in modern jiu-jitsu is attributed to Rafael Mendez's innovative techniques and shortcut entries.
Integrating the Anaconda choke with other submissions like the guillotine enhances grappling versatility and improves the technique's effectiveness in competitions.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Anaconda Choke
The Anaconda choke has seen a resurgence in jiu-jitsu, particularly over the past few years, after a long period of relative obscurity. Initial popularity can be traced back to notable MMA figures like Minotauro Nogueira, who used the move successfully in the mid-2000s, attributing his knowledge to Milton Vieira. The technique was not widely utilized in jiu-jitsu circles until it was innovated by Rafael Mendez, who showcased a modern approach to the choke, making it more effective and dynamic. His adaptive style allowed the Anaconda choke to be executed directly from different positions, leading to its renewed relevance in both MMA and jiu-jitsu competitions today.
Innovative Techniques and Variations
Rafael Mendez significantly changed the way the Anaconda choke is applied, favoring a shortcut entry that bypasses traditional rolling methods. He developed techniques that leveraged the opponent's positioning, particularly when they attempt to escape, making the choke not only quicker but also more deceptive. Mendez's approach to involving the legs in securing and finishing the choke has added versatility, proving beneficial even for practitioners with shorter limbs. This evolution in technique has resulted in an increased number of successful Anaconda finishes in competitions, demonstrating its effectiveness and adaptability across different grappling contexts.
Combining Techniques for Success
Integrating the Anaconda choke into a broader grappling strategy enhances its effectiveness in various scenarios, especially alongside other submissions like the guillotine and D'Arce choke. Using defensive reactions from guillotine attempts as an opening for the Anaconda has shown promising results, allowing for seamless transitions between techniques. Practitioners are encouraged to focus on maintaining control of the opponent's elbows during execution, which plays a crucial role in the choke's success. The increasing fluidity between Anaconda and guillotine applications illustrates the importance of versatility and adaptability in grappling, contributing to the choke's increasing popularity among elite competitors.
In this episode of State of the Meta, Drew "Darce_Knight" Foster breaks down the anaconda choke, just in time for his new instructional! Drew discusses the history of the anaconda choke, how it got supplanted by the D'Arce choke, why the anaconda choke is underappreciated, and its uses in modern Jiu-Jitsu.