Ep. 309: Submission Series: The Anaconda Choke, feat. Drew Foster
Nov 4, 2024
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Drew Foster, a BJJ black belt and noted instructor at Elevate MMA, shares his expertise on the Anaconda choke. He breaks down its mechanics, comparing it to the Darce choke while sharing humorous anecdotes from his martial arts journey. The discussion highlights the importance of body positioning and timing, as well as common pitfalls to avoid. Drew emphasizes control and leverage, suggesting innovative training techniques for success. His insights cater to practitioners of all sizes, making submissions accessible and effective for everyone.
Drew Foster emphasizes the critical role of understanding body mechanics and learning from peers to master the anaconda choke.
The podcast outlines the distinct mechanics and grip differences between the anaconda and darce chokes to guide technique selection during grappling.
Patience is crucial in executing submissions like the anaconda choke, as maintaining control before finishing can yield better results.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Anaconda Choke Techniques
The discussion highlights the evolution and practical application of the anaconda choke in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Drew Foster shares his journey of mastering the anaconda choke, emphasizing the importance of understanding body mechanics. Initially struggling with the technique, he found inspiration from others, particularly Matt Scaff, which led to a breakthrough in his execution. This evolution reinforces the idea that learning from peers and honing techniques through practice is vital for improvement in grappling.
Differences Between Anaconda and Darce Chokes
The conversation outlines the key distinctions between the anaconda choke and the darce choke, focusing on their mechanics and effectiveness. While both techniques involve head and arm control, the anaconda requires a different grip and body orientation compared to the darce choke. The importance of obtaining maximum armpit exposure is emphasized, as it enables greater control over the opponent and a higher chance of securing the submission. Understanding these differences can help practitioners choose the appropriate technique depending on their positioning and the opponent's defense.
The Role of Patience in Execution
A significant point made during the discussion is the necessity of patience when executing submissions, particularly the anaconda choke. Practitioners often rush to finish a submission as soon as they attain control, which can lead to mistakes and ultimately losing the position. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining control while waiting for the perfect opportunity to execute the choke can lead to a more successful outcome. This mindset shift reinforces the idea that deliberate, controlled movements are more effective than hurried actions in grappling.
The Concept of Two Lever Attacks
A useful framework for analyzing submissions involves categorizing them as single or two lever attacks, which shapes how practitioners approach techniques like the anaconda choke. Single lever submissions tend to provide more immediate finishing power, while two lever submissions, such as the anaconda or triangle choke, offer greater control over the opponent. This understanding can influence a practitioner's strategy during rolling, as they can choose to prioritize control or immediate finishes based on their position. Developing an awareness of this distinction can enhance a grappler's ability to make effective decisions during sparring.
Innovative Training Techniques
To enhance the effectiveness of the anaconda choke, various innovative training techniques are discussed, emphasizing a focus on control over forceful submission attempts. For instance, Drew introduces a cooperative drill that allows practitioners to practice maintaining control while their partner attempts to escape. This method promotes the concept of 'elbow surfing,' where maintaining control of the opponent's elbow is crucial for success in head and arm chokes. Developing such training methodologies helps build a more comprehensive skill set for grapplers, enabling them to utilize techniques like the anaconda choke more effectively.
This week we're joined again by Drew Foster! Best known as u/darce_knight on Reddit and @drewdarce on Instagram, Drew is a black belt instructor at Elevate MMA in North Carolina, the host of The Neon Belly Podcast, and the host of the State of the Meta podcast on BJJ Mental Models Premium. In this episode, Drew breaks down the mechanics behind the anaconda choke.
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