Let "The American Gangster" Chael Sonnen Fix Your Anaconda Choke!

By Fanatics Authors, January 05, 2019

Anaconda Choke Leg Adjustment Thumb To Face by Chael Sonnen

Who is Chael Sonnen? For many Sonnen needs no introduction. Chael hails from West Linn Oregon. He has been a lifelong grappler. At an early age he started wrestling. In high school he received the distinction of being state runner up. Chael’s love of grappling continued in college. He attended the University of Oregon. While earning his Bachelor of Science degree in sociology, Chael had the distinction of being a two-time PAC-10 runner-up, a silver medalist at the 2000 Greco-Roman World University Championships, and a two-time Dave Schultz Memorial International Greco-Roman winner.

Sonnen cemented his grappling credentials in mixed martial arts. He holds wins over some huge MMA super stars: Wanderlei Silva, Quinton Jackson, Maurício Rua, Michael Bisping, Brian Stann, Jason Miller, Renato Sobral, Tim Credeur, Yushin Okami, Dan Miller and Nate Marquardt. Additionally, he has an impressive 48 fights with 31 wins. In his career, he has fought in almost every major promotion including Bellator, Ultimate Fighting Championships and World Extreme Cagefighting. Additionally Chael has competed in Metamoris and ADCC grappling tournaments.

It is also worth noting Chael’s colorful personality. He is arguably among the best trash talkers to every fight. His entertaining banter rivals Conor McGregor and Muhammad Ali. His post-fight speeches are nothing short of spectacular.

Chael's approach to grappling comes from years of competing at the highest levels of wrestling, submission grappling and MMA.

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Chael’s education, personality and grappling accomplishments make him well suited to teach. He is able to present information in a clear manner. He spends a great deal of time articulating the details necessary to make a technique successful. It is these attributes that make him an exceptional instructor.

In this video Chael Sonnen shows some nice details on the anaconda choke. He starts in a front headlock position. He notes that the front head lock is not a hold position. Rather, he states that it is paramount for the grappler to always be advancing. We all know hand fighting can be difficult in the front head lock position. Sonnen has an interesting approach. He advocates to take our thumb and place it on our opponents jaw. It can be down anywhere on the jaw. It is an important detail that this has to be done on the side with the trapped arm. If we see this grip on the other side we risk exposing our elbow. He secures the grip with his fingers extended and grabbing his own pinky. From here Chael states he has an immense amount of control over his opponent. He rolls to his side. Note how he steps up with his leg and traps his opponent’s arm for a quick tap. Chael closes with another important detail. It is crucial that we grab our own bicep. Often times we try to grab just above the crook of our own elbow. However any placement besides our own bicep will diminish the efficacy of the submission.

This video is a wonderful example of Chael’s ability to communicate technique. Like all of Sonnen’s instructional videos, there is a lot of detail. I know that I often gain new insights every time I re-watch one of his videos. His effective techniques are a wonderful addition to anyone who makes a careful study of them. Certainly, the Jiu Jitsu community is lucky to have Chael Sonnen.

Chael Sonnen Shows The All The Takedowns, Passes & Submissions That He's Used To Submit High Level Black Belts In UFC Main Events – And Many More On The Mean Streets Of West Linn Oregon

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