Video: Craig Jones Shows His Secret Weapon Against Wrestlers

Craig Jones is one of the best no-gi jiu-jitus competitors on the planet, so it’s no surprise that he’s also one of the sport’s most sought-after instructors. In a recent video with Bernardo Faria, Jones demonstrates one of his favorite techniques to use against a strong wrestler — the anaconda choke. The video was released as a part of the roll-out of Jones’ new instructional dealing with attacking the front headlock and the back.

The technique works because it takes advantage of a wrestler’s inclination to shoot and often feel safe in the turtle position. When the wrestler tries to stand up from the turtle position, he exposes his neck which leaves the opening for the anaconda choke Jones demonstrates above. And if the wrestler returns to a tight turtle position, Jones uses that reaction to move to the back.

Craig Jones is a member of the famed Danaher Death Squad alongside top competitors like Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, and Nick Rodriquez. He most recently competed at Who’s Number One, submitting Ronaldo Junior via heel hook. He is scheduled to compete on the next Who’s Number One on April 30 when he will meet teenage jiu-jitsu phenom Tye Ruotolo.

Ben Coate

Ben has been involved with grappling, whether through wrestling or Brazilian jiu-jitsu, essentially his entire life. After wrestling throughout his childhood, Ben found Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a young adult and quickly fell in love. He has been training for over ten years and holds the rank of black belt, and remains involved in both the MMA and BJJ scene. Ben has been writing about combat sports since 2017. He has interviewed and profiled some of MMA's biggest stars, including multiple UFC champions.

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