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Best BJJ Fanatics Anaconda Choke Instructionals
The highest-rated BJJ Fanatics instructionals that teach the anaconda choke and front headlock systems, ranked by community reception, teaching clarity, and value.
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- 1. Master The Move: The Anaconda Strangle
- 2. Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock
- 3. The Front Headlock System
- 4. Front Head Lock: Control, Submissions and Transitions
- 5. Michael Pixley’s Complete Front Headlock System
- 6. The Front Headlock System
- 7. High Percentage Chokes: No Gi
- 8. No-Gi Grappler’s Guide To Front Headlock
- Comparison table
- FAQ
The top picks, up front
2026 editionMaster The Move: The Anaconda Strangle
John DanaherThe cleanest anaconda blueprint on Fanatics, with complete mechanics and troubleshooting.
≈3h 54m · intermediate · no-gi · $$Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock
Gordon RyanElite front headlock system with advanced anaconda and d’arce finishes.
8 volumes · advanced · no-gi · $$$The Front Headlock System
John DanaherA proven, complete front headlock framework that includes anaconda and d’arce.
≈7h 52m · all levels · gi & no-gi · $$Master The Move: The Anaconda Strangle
John DanaherYou 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.
What it covers
A system-based, conceptual approach. Techniques span the anaconda choke, front headlock, and d’arce choke, with the biggest takeaway being that finish mechanics matter most.
You learn a full anaconda system from entries to finishes and see how it links to d’arce and guillotine decisions. Priced at $197. Community rating: 9.1/10.
Why it stands out
- 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.
Information dense; not a casual watch. No runtime listed on the product page to plan study blocks, and the new release has limited third-party reviews so far.
Anyone who wants a dedicated anaconda curriculum that still fits inside a bigger front headlock game. Max’s note: I would start here. Recommendation: buy it now.
You want beginner-light content or a casual watch.
The Front Headlock System by John Danaher for a broader system including anaconda, d’arce, and kata gatame, or High Percentage Chokes: No Gi by Lachlan Giles for concise concepts with clear front headlock teaching. Read the full review.
Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock
Gordon RyanYou 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.
What it covers
A system-based set with footage breakdown. Techniques span the anaconda choke, d’arce choke, and front headlock, with the biggest takeaway being the choke or go-behind flow.
You get a complete front headlock curriculum with live examples, finishing sequences, and go-behinds. Priced at $349. Community rating: 8.6/10.
Why it stands out
- 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.
Premium pricing compared to peers. Less beginner-friendly pacing, and no listed runtime to plan study blocks.
Grapplers who already know the basics and want competitive finishing layers and decision-making. Max’s note: I rate this once you have the fundamentals. Recommendation: wait for a daily deal.
You want a beginner-priced product or beginner-friendly pacing.
The Front Headlock System by John Danaher for a deeper conceptual framework with both gi and no-gi applicability, or High Percentage Chokes: No Gi by Lachlan Giles for concise, clear front headlock decision-making. Read the full review.
The Front Headlock System
John DanaherYou 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.
What it covers
A system-based, conceptual approach. Techniques span the front headlock, anaconda choke, and d’arce choke, with the biggest takeaway being that control beats scramble.
You learn control, entries, and submissions from front headlock, plus theory that applies in gi and no-gi. Priced at $197. Community rating: 8.9/10.
Why it stands out
- Balances concepts with executable sequences.
- Applicable to gi and no-gi contexts.
- Pairs naturally with pinning and turtle attacks.
Pacing can feel academic for novices. No runtime data for planning on the product page, and older production compared to newer titles.
Anyone who wants the baseline text for front headlock literacy in BJJ. Max’s note: I still treat this as the reference set. Recommendation: wait for a daily deal.
You want a short, light overview or fast-paced delivery.
Master The Move: The Anaconda Strangle by John Danaher for a deeper anaconda focus if you want one-submission mastery, or Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock by Gordon Ryan for competitive finishing details and rolling sections. Read the full review.
Front Head Lock: Control, Submissions and Transitions
Kaynan DuarteYou 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.
What it covers
A system-based, drill-heavy approach. Techniques span the front headlock, anaconda choke, and d’arce choke, with the biggest takeaway being to drill the reactions.
You learn control, drilling, and finishes the way Kaynan uses them, plus back-exposure links and crucifix options. Priced at $147. Community rating: 7.9/10.
Why it stands out
- Balanced mix of drills, entries, and finishes.
- Great price-to-volume ratio for eight parts.
- Clear modules on anaconda from multiple setups.
Less conceptual depth than Danaher sets. Limited third-party reviews on this title, and no listed runtime.
Anyone who wants fast implementation and drilling before their next comp. Max’s note: I like this for quick results. Recommendation: buy it now.
You want long theory lectures or deep conceptual breakdowns.
Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock by Gordon Ryan for more advanced finishing layers if you compete often, or Darces From Everywhere by Kade & Tye Ruotolo for focused d’arce pathways that pair with anaconda choices. Read the full review.
Michael Pixley’s Complete Front Headlock System
Michael Pixley and Heath PedigoYou 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.
What it covers
A system-based, drill-heavy approach. Techniques span the front headlock, anaconda choke, and cradle, with the biggest takeaway being to drill it live.
You learn snap-down entries and immediate head-and-arm attacks, plus real corrections on newer partners. Priced at $197. Community rating: 7.8/10.
Why it stands out
- Practical entries that work at white through brown.
- Live-style coaching shows common errors and fixes.
- Clear path to anaconda from multiple ties.
Less conceptual depth than Danaher or Giles. Limited public reviews so far, and no runtime listed.
Gyms wanting plug-and-play front headlock classes that produce quick results. Max’s note: I like this for class material. Recommendation: wait for a daily deal.
You want long theoretical lectures or deep conceptual coverage.
The Front Headlock System by Kyle Cerminara for budget wrestling-centric front headlock options, or Front Head Lock by Kaynan Duarte for broader BJJ sequencing and finishes. Read the full review.
The Front Headlock System
Kyle CerminaraYou learn wrestling-centric entries and simple finishes. You also see a straightforward head-pinch to anaconda chain. You will not get advanced conceptual theory.
What it covers
A technique-collection, system-based approach. Techniques span the front headlock, anaconda choke, and gator roll, with the biggest takeaway being tie-ups to anaconda.
You learn wrestling-centric entries and simple finishes, plus a straightforward head-pinch to anaconda chain. Priced at $79. Community rating: 7.3/10.
Why it stands out
- Low price for focused material.
- Shows classic wrestling entries that translate to no-gi.
- Includes gator roll and head-pinch routes to anaconda.
Shorter, less comprehensive system. Few community reviews available, and no runtime information.
Anyone who wants a starter pack before moving to deeper systems. Max’s note: I treat this as a starter. Recommendation: wait for a daily deal.
You want advanced conceptual theory or a comprehensive system.
Michael Pixley’s Complete Front Headlock System for more modern, BJJ-specific drilling and finishes, or Master The Move: The Anaconda Strangle by John Danaher for deeper finishing mechanics if anaconda is your goal. Read the full review.
High Percentage Chokes: No Gi
Lachlan GilesYou 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.
What it covers
A conceptual, system-based approach. Techniques span the front headlock, anaconda choke, and guillotine, with the biggest takeaway being decision clarity first.
You learn clean front headlock control and choke decisions, plus concise entries that work in gi and no-gi. Community rating: 8.2/10.
Why it stands out
- Short, high-signal lessons with clear decision rules.
- Front headlock content maps directly to anaconda and d’arce.
- Usable in gi and no-gi.
Not an anaconda-only title. Lighter on drilling than wrestling-style sets, and pricing and runtime are not obvious on the product page.
Anyone who wants a clean mental model before adding volume. Max’s note: I recommend this for decision clarity. Recommendation: wait for a daily deal.
You want a single-submission deep dive or a heavy drilling set.
The Front Headlock System by John Danaher for a more exhaustive framework with anaconda and kata gatame, or Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock by Gordon Ryan for advanced finishing layers and live rounds. Read the full review.
No-Gi Grappler’s Guide To Front Headlock
Joel BaneYou learn control and options across the front headlock. You also see transitions and basic escapes. You will not get deep anaconda troubleshooting.
What it covers
A system-based technique collection. Techniques span the front headlock, anaconda choke, and escapes, with the biggest takeaway being that control precedes strangles.
You learn control and options across the front headlock, plus transitions and basic escapes. Community rating: 6.9/10.
Why it stands out
- Covers offense and defense in one place.
- Good map for new players before specializing.
- Flexible routes toward anaconda or d’arce.
Shallow depth compared to specialist sets. Little community feedback on specifics, and price and runtime are unclear on the product page.
New players who want a broad offense-and-defense map before specializing. Max’s note: skip this if you already know you want an anaconda deep dive. Recommendation: skip.
You already know you want an anaconda deep dive or deep troubleshooting.
Master The Move: The Anaconda Strangle by John Danaher for a specialist anaconda focus and finishing confidence, or The Front Headlock System by Kyle Cerminara for a cheaper, shorter intro with direct tie-up entries. Read the full review.
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Master The Move: The Anaconda Strangle | John Danaher | 3h 54m across 8 volumes | Intermediate | No-Gi | Overall anaconda system | $$ | Check price → |
| 2 | Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock | Gordon Ryan | 8 volumes | Advanced | No-Gi | Advanced finishing system | $$$ | Check price → |
| 3 | The Front Headlock System | John Danaher | 7h 52m across 8 volumes | All Levels | Gi & No-Gi | Complete front headlock framework | $$ | Check price → |
| 4 | Front Head Lock: Control, Submissions and Transitions | Kaynan Duarte | 4h 50m across 8 volumes | All Levels | No-Gi | Drill-heavy implementation set | $$ | Check price → |
| 5 | Michael Pixley’s Complete Front Headlock System | Michael Pixley and Heath Pedigo | 1h 27m across 3 volumes | All Levels | No-Gi | Plug-and-play class material | $$ | Check price → |
| 6 | The Front Headlock System | Kyle Cerminara | 1h 16m across 2 volumes | Beginner | No-Gi | Budget wrestling-centric starter | $ | Check price → |
| 7 | High Percentage Chokes: No Gi | Lachlan Giles | 5h 6m | All Levels | No-Gi | Concise mental model | Check price → | |
| 8 | No-Gi Grappler’s Guide To Front Headlock | Joel Bane | 8h 21m | Beginner | No-Gi | Broad offense-and-defense map | Check price → |
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.
Still deciding which anaconda or front headlock system to buy?
For most people, John Danaher’s Master The Move: The Anaconda Strangle is the cleanest overall pick. Advanced competitors who want elite finishing layers should look at Gordon Ryan’s Systematically Attacking The Front Headlock, and anyone who wants the complete framework should grab Danaher’s The Front Headlock System.