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Darce Choke (D'Arce / Brabo)

Quick Introduction​

The darce choke (also called D'arce or brabo choke) is an arm-in front headlock submission where you thread your arm under the opponent's neck from the opposite side of their trapped arm. It's incredibly versatile, working from numerous positions including turtle, half guard, and side control. The darce is a fundamental no-gi submission that creates a vice-like compression using the opponent's own shoulder and trapped arm.

Technique Overview​

Type: Blood choke (compression of carotid arteries)

Station: Submissions - Front headlock family

Available from: Half guard (primary), turtle, side control, scrambles, failed takedowns, guillotine transitions, mount escapes

Finish: Arm threaded under neck with opposite arm trapped, finished with squeeze or body positioning

Leads to: Guillotine, anaconda, side control, back takes

Darce Variations (3 Main Applications)​

🎯 Darce from Half Guard (Most Common)​

Setup Position

Top half guard with opponent on bottom defending or attempting to recover guard

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. You're in top half guard position
  2. Opponent is on their side defending or framing
  3. Their far arm (opposite side from trapped leg) is available
  4. Thread your near arm under their neck toward their far armpit
  5. Your hand emerges on far side, grabs your own bicep
  6. Your other arm wraps over their back and locks on threading arm
  7. Complete figure-4 grip (hand to bicep)
  8. Ensure their far arm is trapped between your arms
  9. Fall to your hip on the threading side
  10. Squeeze your elbows together
  11. Walk your legs toward their head (adjust angle)
  12. Expand chest while squeezing until tap

Critical Details

  • Thread deep - your shoulder should reach their far armpit area
  • Their opposite arm must be trapped (arm-in)
  • Fall to threading arm side (if threading with right, fall to right hip)
  • Elbows squeeze together, not just pulling
  • Walk legs to create angle
  • Keep tight throughout, no space
  • Lock grip before committing to finish

Tactical Advantage

Most common darce setup; natural from half guard top; punishes defensive frames; works when they try to escape; high percentage in no-gi; opponent often doesn't see it coming

⚔️ Darce from Turtle (Opposite Side Attack)​

Setup Position

Opponent in turtle with you attacking from their side with far arm available

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Opponent in turtle position
  2. You're on their side (perpendicular angle)
  3. Their far arm is posted or defending
  4. Thread your arm deep under their neck toward far side
  5. Your hand reaches through and grabs your own bicep
  6. Other arm wraps over their back
  7. Complete figure-4 with far arm trapped
  8. Can finish from here with squeeze, or
  9. Roll to threading side
  10. Land on shoulder in tight ball
  11. Squeeze and finish

Critical Details

  • Angle is critical - come from side, not behind
  • Very deep threading penetration required
  • Far arm must be trapped or extended
  • Can finish without roll if very tight
  • Roll optional but adds pressure
  • Stay connected to their body throughout
  • Control their trapped arm with your wrap

Tactical Advantage

Alternative to anaconda from turtle; works when opposite arm is available; can finish with or without roll; versatile application; good for smaller players against larger opponents

🔄 Darce from Side Control (Transition)​

Setup Position

Side control position where opponent turns into you trying to escape

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. You have side control position
  2. Opponent turns toward you (common escape attempt)
  3. This puts them on their side
  4. Their far arm becomes available
  5. Thread your arm under their neck from near side
  6. Hand reaches through to grab your bicep
  7. Other arm wraps and completes figure-4
  8. Their arm is trapped inside
  9. Adjust to hip position
  10. Squeeze and walk legs to create angle
  11. Finish with compression

Critical Details

  • Wait for them to turn into you
  • Sometimes need to bait the turn
  • Quick threading when opportunity appears
  • Maintain weight pressure while threading
  • Don't lose top position if setup fails
  • Can transition back to side control easily
  • High percentage when timed correctly

Tactical Advantage

Punishes common side control escape; opponent walks into submission; maintains top position throughout; difficult to defend once locked; great for controlling matches; technical submission showing skill

Important Observations (General Rules)​

Core Principles​

  1. 🎯 Opposite arm trapped - Threading arm and trapped arm are opposite sides
  2. 💪 Deep threading essential - Shoulder must reach far side of their neck
  3. ⏱️ Lock before finishing - Secure figure-4 grip before applying pressure
  4. 🔄 Angle creates pressure - Walking legs toward head tightens choke
  5. 🎮 Variation selection - Choose based on position:
    • Half Guard → Most common, learn first
    • Turtle → Alternative attack, angle-dependent
    • Side Control → Opportunistic, counter-based

Connection to Theories​

Applying core principles:

  • Isolation: Their own arm and shoulder create the trap
  • Leverage: Body position and angle multiply pressure
  • Timing: Catch during transitions and escape attempts
  • Compression: Multiple angles converge on carotid arteries
  • Opportunistic: Recognize setups during opponent's movements
  • Control: Maintain dominant position throughout

Applying body reading concepts:

  • Structural Control: Use their frame against them
  • Arm Trapping: Isolate their defensive structure
  • Angle Management: Create pressure through positioning
  • Weight Distribution: Use body weight to maintain control

Common Mistakes​

⚠️ Not threading deep enough - Hand/wrist on neck instead of shoulder, no pressure

⚠️ Wrong arm trapped - Must be opposite arm from threading side

⚠️ Loose elbows - Space between elbows lets them escape

⚠️ Flat body position - Must be on hip/side for proper angle

⚠️ Static position - Need to walk legs and adjust angle constantly

⚠️ Grip too high - Hand should grab bicep, not forearm

⚠️ Giving up too early - Sometimes takes time and adjustment to finish

🎓 Training Progressions​

Solo Drills​

  1. Darce Threading Practice (5 minutes)

    • Use dummy or heavy bag
    • Practice threading from different angles
    • Focus on deep shoulder penetration
    • Build figure-4 grip connection
    • Practice from half guard, turtle, side control positions

  2. Hip Position Drill (10 reps each side)

    • From knees, practice falling to hip
    • Maintain tight connection with dummy
    • Walk feet to adjust angle
    • Build awareness of proper body position
    • Focus on staying tight throughout

  3. Grip Speed Drill (5 minutes)

    • Practice fast threading and locking
    • Build muscle memory for hand-to-bicep grip
    • Work on quick figure-4 completion
    • Speed is critical for live application

Partner Drills​

Level 1: Cooperative (No Resistance)

  • Partner in bottom half guard
  • Practice full sequence 10 times each side
  • Focus: Deep threading, proper grip, angle adjustment
  • Stop at light pressure (neck safety)

Level 2: Light Resistance (25%)

  • Partner in various positions, slight movement
  • Practice timing when opportunities appear
  • Focus: Recognition and speed of execution
  • Partner makes basic defensive frames

Level 3: Positional Sparring (50%)

  • Start from half guard, side control, or turtle
  • Partner actively defends but maintains position
  • Hunt for darce opportunities
  • Focus: Timing and angle creation

Level 4: Live Application (100%)

  • Full rolling, hunt for darce setups
  • From any available position
  • Focus: Opportunistic recognition
  • Tap early for safety (blood choke)

Common Setup Drills​

Drill 1: Half Guard Darce Series

  1. Start in top half guard
  2. Opponent frames with far arm
  3. Thread immediately
  4. Lock figure-4 grip
  5. Fall to hip and finish
  6. 10 reps each side
  7. Alternate with partner

See half guard concepts

Drill 2: Side Control Escape to Darce

  1. Start in side control
  2. Partner turns into you
  3. When arm appears, thread immediately
  4. Lock and finish
  5. Flow drill for 3 minutes
  6. Learn to recognize the moment

Drill 3: Turtle Darce Flow

  1. Partner in turtle
  2. Move to side angle
  3. Thread for darce or anaconda (whichever is available)
  4. Lock and finish
  5. Learn to recognize which setup is available
  6. 5 minutes continuous flow

Drill 4: Darce to Anaconda Switch

  1. Setup position for darce
  2. If wrong arm available, switch to anaconda
  3. Flow between both seamlessly
  4. Build recognition of which is appropriate
  5. Complete front headlock system training

Progression Timeline​

Following training methods:

  • Week 1-2: Learn mechanics from static half guard
  • Week 3-4: Add side control and turtle variations
  • Week 5-8: Positional drilling with light resistance
  • Month 3-6: Live application, timing development
  • Month 6+: Advanced setups, combinations, teaching

🔧 Troubleshooting Guide​

Problem: Can't Thread Arm Deep Enough​

Solutions:

  1. Improve your angle of attack (90 degrees to their body)
  2. Use your head to create space under their neck
  3. Thread more explosively and decisively
  4. Ensure shoulder goes through, not just hand
  5. Create space with frames before threading
  6. Practice threading motion repeatedly

Problem: Choke Doesn't Feel Tight​

Solutions:

  1. Check that opposite arm is truly trapped
  2. Squeeze elbows together, not just pulling
  3. Walk legs toward their head to create angle
  4. Fall more to your hip (not flat)
  5. Expand chest while squeezing
  6. Adjust angle by moving legs
  7. Ensure grip is locked on bicep, not forearm

Problem: Opponent Pulls Arm Out​

Solutions:

  1. Lock grip faster when opportunity appears
  2. Control their arm with your wrap arm
  3. Maintain pressure with your weight
  4. Thread deeper initially
  5. Don't give space with your elbows
  6. Trap their arm with your wrap earlier

Problem: Losing Top Position During Setup​

Solutions:

  1. Maintain weight pressure while threading
  2. Don't commit fully until grip is locked
  3. Keep base with your legs
  4. Be ready to abandon and return to position
  5. Practice transitioning without losing control
  6. Use darce as threat, not desperation move

Problem: Can't Finish from Turtle​

Solutions:

  1. Ensure you're at correct angle (perpendicular)
  2. Thread even deeper
  3. Try adding the roll for more pressure
  4. Walk around toward their head
  5. Squeeze elbows, don't just pull with arms
  6. Verify their arm is truly trapped

🔄 Attack Chains & Combinations​

Darce → Anaconda Switch​

When wrong arm is available:

  1. Setup for darce
  2. Realize same-side arm is there instead
  3. Adjust to anaconda threading
  4. Complete anaconda finish
  5. Stay in front headlock family

Learn anaconda technique

Half Guard → Darce → Back Take​

From half guard:

  1. Attempt darce from top half
  2. They defend by rolling away
  3. Maintain arm control
  4. Take back mount
  5. Finish with rear naked choke

Guillotine → Darce Flow​

From guillotine:

  1. Have guillotine attempted or locked
  2. They defend by posturing/pulling out
  3. Their arm becomes available
  4. Switch to darce grip
  5. Finish with darce
  6. Continuous front headlock pressure

Side Control → Darce → Side Control Maintenance​

Control sequence:

  1. Have side control
  2. They turn into you
  3. Attempt darce
  4. If not available, return to side control
  5. Create submission threat while maintaining position
  6. Technical control demonstration

See side control concepts

💡 Advanced Concepts​

Anaconda vs Darce Recognition​

Darce Indicators:

  • Opposite arm is trapped (your right threads, their left arm trapped)
  • Coming from half guard top
  • Side control when they turn in
  • Better angle for opposite side threading
  • Their far arm is extended or framing

Anaconda Indicators:

  • Same-side arm trapped (your right threads, their right arm trapped)
  • Coming from turtle attack
  • Arm is more forward/extended
  • Better angle for same-side threading

Decision Making:

  • Take whatever is available first
  • Don't force wrong setup
  • Practice both equally
  • Learn to flow between them
  • Recognize quickly in live rolling

Grip Variations​

Standard Figure-4 (Most Common)

  • Hand grabs own bicep
  • Other hand locks over
  • Strongest and most secure
  • Primary grip to learn

Gable Grip (Alternative)

  • Palm to palm connection
  • When bicep grip difficult
  • Slightly less pressure
  • Still effective

No-Roll Finish (Control Version)

  • Stay on top throughout
  • Use body weight and angle
  • Walk around their head
  • More control-focused
  • Good for maintaining position

Position-Specific Adjustments​

From Half Guard:

  • Most common entry
  • Weight pressure while threading
  • Fall to threading side
  • Walk legs immediately
  • Highest percentage variation

From Turtle:

  • Need perpendicular angle
  • Very deep threading required
  • Can add roll for more pressure
  • Alternative to anaconda
  • Recognize which arm is available

From Side Control:

  • Wait for turn-in escape
  • Immediate threading when available
  • Can bait the turn
  • Maintain top pressure
  • High percentage when timed right

From Mount Escape Defense:

  • When escaping mount, they may darce you
  • When they escape and turn, you may darce them
  • Dynamic position
  • Requires quick recognition
  • Can happen to both people

No-Gi Optimization​

Why Darce Excels in No-Gi:

  • No gi grips interfere
  • Body-based control
  • Fast application
  • Multiple position entries
  • Popular in MMA

No-Gi Adjustments:

  • Thread very deep (sweat factor)
  • Lock grip quickly
  • More explosive execution
  • Tighter squeeze needed
  • Angle adjustment critical

🎯 Belt-Level Expectations​

White Belt Goals​

Referenced in Beginner's Journey:

  • Understand darce mechanics (Month 6-8)
  • Execute from half guard with cooperative partner
  • Learn proper threading depth
  • Recognize setup opportunities
  • Safe application (tap early to chokes)

Blue Belt Development​

Referenced in Skill Progression:

  • Darce from half guard, turtle, side control
  • Combination with anaconda and guillotine
  • Recognition during live rolling
  • Consistent application in no-gi
  • Understanding of angle adjustments
  • Can teach basic mechanics

Purple Belt Mastery​

  • Darce becomes primary no-gi weapon
  • Setup from any available position
  • Advanced timing in transitions
  • Teaching ability with clear demonstration
  • Complete front headlock system
  • Competition-level application
  • Chain attacks seamlessly

🎯 Next Steps​

After understanding darce fundamentals:

  1. Master half guard darce first → Most common and highest percentage setup
  2. Learn anaconda next → Complete opposite-side system
  3. Practice threading speed → Fast recognition and execution is key
  4. Study angle creation → Walking legs and hip position critical
  5. Flow with guillotine → Build complete front headlock game
  6. Train no-gi extensively → Darce is no-gi specialized technique

🔗 Related Resources​

Position Prerequisites​

Combination Techniques​

Theoretical Foundation​

Progress Tracking​