Front Headlock
The front headlock is the control you get when an opponent's head is below yours, after a sprawl, a snap-down, or a stuffed shot. From it you can attack the guillotine, spin to the back, or score with the takedown, which makes it one of the most valuable positions in the scramble.
Browse Front Headlock flowcharts in ExploreWhere the scramble is won
Every time an opponent shoots and you defend, you land in a front headlock. Controlling the head and an arm with a tight chin strap turns that defensive moment into offense. The player who owns the front headlock usually wins the scramble.
Choke, back, or takedown
From the front headlock the guillotine and the anaconda and darce chokes are right there, the back take is a step away when they turn in, and the go-behind scores the takedown. It is a true fork, which is why it maps so well into a flowchart.
Frequently asked questions
What is a front headlock?
Control of an opponent whose head is below yours, typically after a sprawl or snap-down, gripping the head and often an arm. It leads to chokes, the back, and takedowns.
What submissions come from the front headlock?
The guillotine is the classic, with the anaconda and darce chokes as close relatives when the arm is trapped.
Why is the front headlock important?
Because it is where takedown scrambles are decided. Defending a shot lands you there, and controlling it turns defense into a choke, a back take, or a takedown of your own.
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