The highest‑rated BJJ Fanatics instructionals that teach the anaconda choke and front headlock systems, ranked by community reception, teaching clarity, and value.
Master The Move: The Anaconda Strangle
The cleanest anaconda blueprint on Fanatics, with complete mechanics and troubleshooting.
Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock
Elite front headlock system with advanced anaconda and d'arce finishes.
The Front Headlock System
A proven, complete front headlock framework that includes anaconda and d'arce.
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🥋 #1 Master The Move: The Anaconda Strangle by John Danaher
Instructor: John Danaher
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 54 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Finish mechanics matter most
Techniques: Anaconda Choke, Front Headlock, D Arce Choke
- The Front Headlock System by John Danaher – Broader system including anaconda, d'arce, and kata gatame.
- Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock by Gordon Ryan – Advanced finishing layers with rolling examples.
- High Percentage Chokes: No Gi by Lachlan Giles – Concise concepts with clear front headlock teaching.
You learn a full anaconda system from entries to finishes. You also see how it links to d'arce and guillotine decisions. You will not get beginner-light content.
✅ Pros
- Covers every phase of the anaconda with precise decision points.
- Integrates counters, reattacks, and transitions to d'arce and guillotine.
- Explains why each grip and angle works in no‑gi.
⚠️ Cons
- Information dense; not a casual watch.
- No runtime listed to plan study blocks.
- New release has limited third‑party reviews so far.
💡 I would start here if you want a dedicated anaconda curriculum that still fits inside a bigger front headlock game. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock by Gordon Ryan
Instructor: Gordon Ryan
Style: System Based, Footage Breakdown
Best for: Advanced
Format: No-Gi
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Choke or go‑behind flow
Techniques: Anaconda Choke, D Arce Choke, Front Headlock
- The Front Headlock System by John Danaher – Deeper conceptual framework with both gi and no‑gi applicability.
- High Percentage Chokes: No Gi by Lachlan Giles – Concise, clear front headlock decision‑making.
You get a complete front headlock curriculum with live examples. You will learn finishing sequences and go‑behinds. You will not get a beginner‑priced product.
✅ Pros
- Strong finishing detail for anaconda, d'arce, and guillotine.
- Includes rolling plus commentary to model timing.
- Pairs well with turtle and pins systems for cohesion.
⚠️ Cons
- Premium pricing compared to peers.
- Less beginner friendly pacing.
- No listed runtime to plan study blocks.
💡 I rate this when you already know the basics and want competitive finishing layers and decision‑making. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 The Front Headlock System by John Danaher
Instructor: John Danaher
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 7 hours and 52 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Control beats scramble
Techniques: Front Headlock, Anaconda Choke, D Arce Choke
- Master The Move: The Anaconda Strangle by John Danaher – Deeper anaconda focus if you want one submission mastery.
- Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock by Gordon Ryan – Competitive finishing details and rolling sections.
You learn control, entries, and submissions from front headlock. You also get theory that applies in gi and no‑gi. You will not get a short, light overview.
✅ Pros
- Balances concepts with executable sequences.
- Applicable to gi and no‑gi contexts.
- Pairs naturally with pinning and turtle attacks.
⚠️ Cons
- Pacing can feel academic for novices.
- No runtime data for planning.
- Older production compared to newer titles.
💡 I still treat this as the baseline text for front headlock literacy in BJJ. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #4 Front Head Lock: Control, Submissions and Transitions by Kaynan Duarte
Instructor: Kaynan Duarte
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 4 hours and 50 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Drill the reactions
Techniques: Front Headlock, Anaconda Choke, D Arce Choke
- Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock by Gordon Ryan – More advanced finishing layers if you compete often.
- Darces From Everywhere by Kade & Tye Ruotolo – Focused d’arce pathways that pair with anaconda choices.
You learn control, drilling, and finishes the way Kaynan uses them. You also get back‑exposure links and crucifix options. You will not get long theory lectures.
✅ Pros
- Balanced mix of drills, entries, and finishes.
- Great price‑to‑volume ratio for eight parts.
- Clear modules on anaconda from multiple setups.
⚠️ Cons
- Less conceptual depth than Danaher sets.
- Limited third‑party reviews on this title.
- No listed runtime.
💡 I like this for fast implementation and drilling if you want results before your next comp. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #5 Michael Pixley’s Complete Front Headlock System by Michael Pixley and Heath Pedigo
Instructor: Michael Pixley and Heath Pedigo
Style: System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 27 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Drill it live
Techniques: Front Headlock, Anaconda Choke, Cradle
- The Front Headlock System by Kyle Cerminara – Budget wrestling‑centric front headlock options.
- Front Head Lock by Kaynan Duarte – Broader BJJ sequencing and finishes.
You learn snap‑down entries and immediate head‑and‑arm attacks. You also see real corrections on newer partners. You will not get long theoretical lectures.
✅ Pros
- Practical entries that work at white through brown.
- Live‑style coaching shows common errors and fixes.
- Clear path to anaconda from multiple ties.
⚠️ Cons
- Less conceptual depth than Danaher or Giles.
- Limited public reviews so far.
- No runtime listed.
💡 I like this for gyms wanting plug‑and‑play front headlock classes that produce quick results. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 The Front Headlock System by Kyle Cerminara
Instructor: Kyle Cerminara
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Beginner
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 1 hour and 16 minutes
Volumes: 2
Biggest takeaway: Tie‑ups to anaconda
Techniques: Front Headlock, Anaconda Choke, Gator Roll
- Michael Pixley’s Complete Front Headlock System – More modern, BJJ‑specific drilling and finishes.
- Master The Move: The Anaconda Strangle by John Danaher – Deeper finishing mechanics if anaconda is your goal.
You learn wrestling‑centric entries and simple finishes. You also see a straightforward head‑pinch to anaconda chain. You will not get advanced conceptual theory.
✅ Pros
- Low price for focused material.
- Shows classic wrestling entries that translate to no‑gi.
- Includes gator roll and head‑pinch routes to anaconda.
⚠️ Cons
- Shorter, less comprehensive system.
- Few community reviews available.
- No runtime information.
💡 I treat this as a starter pack before moving to deeper systems. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 High Percentage Chokes: No Gi by Lachlan Giles
Instructor: Lachlan Giles
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 5 hours and 6 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Decision clarity first
Techniques: Front Headlock, Anaconda Choke, Guillotine
- The Front Headlock System by John Danaher – More exhaustive framework with anaconda and kata gatame.
- Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock by Gordon Ryan – Advanced finishing layers and live rounds.
You learn clean front headlock control and choke decisions. You also get concise entries that work in gi and no‑gi. You will not get a single‑submission deep dive.
✅ Pros
- Short, high‑signal lessons with clear decision rules.
- Front headlock content maps directly to anaconda and d’arce.
- Usable in gi and no‑gi.
⚠️ Cons
- Not an anaconda‑only title.
- Lighter on drilling than wrestling‑style sets.
- Pricing and runtime not obvious on page.
💡 I recommend this if you want a clean mental model before adding volume. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 No‑Gi Grappler’s Guide To Front Headlock by Joel Bane
Instructor: Joel Bane
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Beginner
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 8 hours and 21 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Control precedes strangles
Techniques: Front Headlock, Anaconda Choke, Escapes
- Master The Move: The Anaconda Strangle by John Danaher – Specialist anaconda focus for finishing confidence.
- The Front Headlock System by Kyle Cerminara – Cheaper, shorter intro with direct tie‑up entries.
You learn control and options across the front headlock. You also see transitions and basic escapes. You will not get deep anaconda troubleshooting.
✅ Pros
- Covers offense and defense in one place.
- Good map for new players before specializing.
- Flexible routes toward anaconda or d’arce.
⚠️ Cons
- Shallow depth compared to specialist sets.
- Little community feedback on specifics.
- Price and runtime unclear on page.
💡 I would skip this if you already know you want an anaconda deep dive. Recommendation: Skip.
Anaconda vs D’arce: Which Should You Build First?
Both chokes live in the front headlock and often chain together. Anaconda typically starts over the arm and under the neck, favoring gator‑roll finishes and head‑pinch transitions. D’arce threads under the armpit and across the neck, often finishing belly‑down or from half guard. If you are wrestling‑heavy, anaconda may fit your tie‑ups better; if you play knee‑slide and smash passes, d’arce entries appear constantly. The best approach is to build decision rules for head‑and‑arm grips so you can switch between them based on the opponent’s elbow position and roll reactions.
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