Issue 094

November 2012

Having trouble snaking on the anaconda choke? Or unable to take the time to tame with the ‘lion killer’? Bust out FO’s never-fail brabo choke

Pete Irving, Professional fighter

Pete Irving is a professional welterweight fighter and Fighters Only’s resident fight expert.

Following on from last month’s edition, the brabo choke is a natural secondary attack after attempts on the anaconda have been foiled. Essentially the brabo is a reverse anaconda, and because the sharp bone of the forearm is applying the pressure to the artery, rather than the soft biceps as with the anaconda, the brabo can be even more powerful.

First, here’s the brabo choke as it shouldn’t be done. The primary mistake with any submission attack is the failure to consolidate positional control before attempting to execute the finish. Here, Pete attempts the brabo without breaking down the turtle position.

THE FLAWED BRABO

1 Ryan is attempting to sit out, countering the anaconda choke. 

2 In response, Pete switches his grip, punching his right hand through.

3 Pete goes directly to the rear naked choke grip.

4 Ryan drives his trapped arm over Pete’s chest, putting his elbow to the mat, breaking Pete’s grip. 

5 Pete is now pinned in the north-south position.

THE INESCAPABLE BRABO

Here’s the near-inescapable method for executing the brabo choke. A much more measured set-up with a more resilient hold will give your opponent little chance of success.

1 Pete is controlling a classic wrestling front headlock. 

2 Pete reverses his arms, pinching his elbows together, hands in a Gable grip.

3 A detailed shot of the Gable grip. 

4 Squeezing his elbows together, Pete stuffs Ryan’s head underneath, as if trying to push Ryan’s head between his own legs.

5 Pete plants his left palm on the mat and makes a figure-four by gripping his own wrist with his right hand. 

6 Pete punches his right hand through until he can see a couple of inches of his forearm. 

7 A detailed shot of the grip.

8 Pete punches his left arm down to make the rear naked choke grip, keeping contact with his hand at all times. 

9 Pete walks the fingers of his left hand up Ryan’s back to lock in the hold. 

10 Pete sprawls and squeezes his elbows together to finish.