Darce Choke

What is the Darce Choke? (Definition & Historical Context)

The Darce choke, also known as the D'Arce choke or no-gi Brabo choke, is an inverted arm-triangle submission commonly utilized in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and submission grappling. It involves encircling the opponent's neck and one arm with a figure-four grip, compressing the carotid arteries by leveraging the opponent's trapped arm on one side and the attacker's arm on the other. Although named after American grappler Joe D'Arce, a Renzo Gracie black belt who popularized it in competition, the technique was refined earlier by Brazilian Top Team's Milton Vieira and possibly first innovated by Luta Livre fighter Björn Dag Lagerström in the late 1990s.

Biomechanics and Principles of the Darce Choke

The Darce choke employs a figure-four grip similar to a rear-naked choke, creating a tight "noose" around the opponent's neck and arm. The attacker threads one arm deeply under the opponent's near-side armpit and across their neck, gripping their own bicep with the opposite hand. This configuration compresses the carotid arteries by pressing the attacker's forearm into one side of the neck and forcing the opponent's trapped shoulder into the other. Proper execution demands deep arm insertion, a tight elbow pinch, and optimal body alignment. Typically, the attacker sprawls or shifts weight toward the opponent's head, collapsing space and maximizing arterial compression.

Common Setups and Entries to the Darce Choke

The Darce choke thrives during transitional moments when opponents expose their necks and isolate an arm. Common setups include:

Front Headlock After a Sprawl

When an opponent shoots for a takedown and is sprawled upon, the attacker can thread the Darce grip directly from the front headlock position.

Countering Underhooks from Top Half Guard

If the bottom player attempts an underhook, the top player can counter by threading their arm under the opponent's armpit and around the neck.

Side Control Transitions

When the opponent turns inward attempting an escape, the attacker capitalizes by threading the Darce grip.

Bottom Escapes and Scrambles

Techniques like the ghost escape from bottom side control can transition directly into a Darce choke.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying the Darce Choke

Several technical errors can compromise the effectiveness of the Darce choke:

• Shallow Arm Insertion: Failing to thread the choking arm deeply enough reduces arterial compression, weakening the choke.
• Allowing Opponent Posture: If the opponent maintains head posture or arches their neck, it creates space and diminishes choke effectiveness.
• Poor Body Alignment and Unstable Base: Misaligned hips or rolling onto the back can loosen the choke and facilitate escapes.
• Lack of Shoulder Pressure: Without driving the opponent's trapped shoulder into their neck using chest pressure, the choke loses tightness.

Effective Defenses and Escapes from the Darce Choke

Defending the Darce choke involves early recognition, prevention, and timely escapes:

Early Prevention

Block or intercept the choking arm immediately upon insertion attempts, using frames or grips to prevent the lock.

Mid-Stage Escapes

Exploit transitional moments by framing against the opponent's hip or knee and rotating toward them to create space.

Late-Stage Defenses

Use the "answering the phone" defense by placing the trapped arm's hand near the neck or thigh, elevating the shoulder slightly to relieve pressure, and turning toward the trapped arm.

Maintaining Posture and Framing

Keep the chin elevated, shoulders squared, and use frames to delay or prevent the choke from fully tightening.

Darce Choke vs. Anaconda Choke: Understanding the Differences

While both the Darce and Anaconda Choke are arm-triangle variants, they differ significantly in arm positioning and lock placement:

• Arm Positioning: In the Darce choke, the choking arm enters under the opponent's near arm and wraps around the neck, locking beside the neck. Conversely, the Anaconda choke involves the choking arm entering under the neck first and locking outside by the opponent's far shoulder.
• Finishing Positions: Darce chokes typically finish with the attacker on top or in side control, whereas Anaconda chokes often involve rolling (gator-roll) to tighten the choke.

Gi Variation: The Brabo Choke

In gi grappling, the Darce choke mechanics are replicated through the Brabo choke, which utilizes the opponent's lapel instead of the attacker's bicep:

Lapel Grip Mechanics

The attacker feeds the opponent's far lapel under their arm and across the neck, creating similar carotid compression.

Common Setups

Frequently executed from top half guard or side control, the gi friction and lapel grip provide additional control and tightness.

Strategic Applications and Timing for the Darce Choke

The Darce choke excels in transitional scenarios where opponents expose their necks and isolate arms:

Exploiting Transitions

Ideal after sprawls, during guard passing sequences, or when opponents attempt underhooks.

Punishing Underhooks

Aggressively counters opponent's underhook attempts from bottom half guard or side control escapes.

Scrambles and Reversals

Effective in turning defensive positions into offensive submissions, such as the ghost escape from bottom side control.

Notable Competitors Known for the Darce Choke

Several competitors have notably utilized and popularized the Darce choke:

• Joe D'Arce: Popularized the technique in competition, notably achieving first-round finishes in MMA.
• Milton Vieira: Refined and promoted the Darce choke extensively through Brazilian Top Team.
• Kade Ruotolo and Tye Ruotolo: Known for their frequent and successful use of the Darce choke in high-level grappling competitions, leveraging their long limbs and dynamic scrambling abilities.