Constrictai grip

“And what is with the Constrictai and their vice-like grip? Let it go already.”

— Pythor to the Serpentine, "Can of Worms"

Constrictai grip
Information
Users	Constrictai generals
Abilities	Constriction
First appearance	Can of Worms
Latest appearance	All of Nothing
Status	Used

The Constrictai grip is the special ability of the Constrictai Serpentine generals use to squeeze and choke their opponents. It gives the Constrictai the ability to strangle opponents with their tails, leaving them breathless. Unlike regular strangulation, the victims of the Constrictai grip are said to never fully recover from the effects of the grip unless given the anti-venom from the Constrictai Staff.

History

Can of Worms

When Cole and Zane headed out to investigate the Constrictai Tomb, they were ambushed by Skalidor, who jumped out of the ground below. Immediately Skalidor wrapped his tail around Zane, Cole managing to force Skalidor to release him as he used his Scythe to attack. As Skalidor burrowed underground, Cole and Zane made a run for the exit, only to be stopped when Skalidor dragged Cole underground with him. Cole was quickly tossed back to the surface, and while Skalidor burrowed his way toward Cole's direction, Zane used the Sacred Flute in hopes of fending him off. As he shielded his ears in pain, Skalidor wrapped his tail around Cole, Zane rushing to his aid and using the Sacred Flute. Skalidor then grabbed Zane by the neck to prevent him from completing the song, however, Zane managed to get out enough breath to force Skalidor to release them; Cole using the opportunity to knock him out with his Scythe.

All of Nothing

The ninja infiltrate the Serpentine's underground fortress, but they are spotted not long after. Each ninja fight the Serpentine separately, leaving Cole to fight Skalidor. As Skalidor attempts to strangle his foe, Cole remains calm and slowly manages to slip out of his grip.

Known users

• Skalidor

Known victims

• Zane
• Cole (twice)

Appearances

Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu

Season 1: Rise of the Snakes

• 5. "Can of Worms"
• 11. "All of Nothing"

Trivia

• The Constrictai grip is based on the ability of pythons to wrap their tail around their prey and suffocate it.
• Unlike the other Serpentine abilities, the Constrictai grip was only seen being used by Skalidor, presumably because he is the only member of his tribe with a tail. However, Pythor referred to "the Constrictai and their vice-like grip" in "Can of Worms," implying this is an ability of multiple Constrictai. It's possible he was referring to it as a trait of Constrictai generals.
• The after-effects of Constrictai grip have not yet been seen. It is possible that the user must exert a certain amount of strength to leave the lasting effect.
• Interestingly, Skalidor did not use the Constrictai grip to hold Kai inside the train in "Darkness Shall Rise," but only held him with his hands.

Gallery

Strangling Zane

Strangling Cole