Darce Choke

The Darce Choke (also spelled D'Arce) is a powerful submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling that targets the opponent's neck, creating a blood choke by compressing the carotid arteries. It is closely related to the Anaconda choke but differs in its setup and grip. The Darce Choke is highly effective against an opponent who is turtling, attempting to recover guard, or has their head and arm exposed during a scramble.

Mechanics of the Darce Choke

Choke Type

  • The Darce Choke is a blood choke that uses your arm and the opponent’s arm to cut off blood flow through the carotid arteries.

Grip

Finishing Motion

  • You apply pressure by sprawling your body backward and squeezing your arms together while pulling their trapped arm across their neck.

Steps to Execute the Darce Choke

Set Up

  • Enter from a position where the opponent's head is low and their arm is extended (e.g., during a guard pass, turtle position, or a failed sweep).
  • Thread your arm deep under their neck and through the space between their far-side arm and neck.

Grip Connection

  • Grab your own bicep with the choking arm and use your free hand to place pressure on their back or head.
  • Alternatively, connect your hands in a Gable Grip or Butterfly Grip.

Adjust Position

  • Drop your weight onto the opponent to pin their arm against their neck.
  • Sprawl your legs back to flatten their body, creating more pressure.

Apply the Choke

  • Tighten the grip by squeezing your arms together.
  • Drive your chest into the opponent while pulling their arm across their neck for maximum compression.

Common Positions for the Darce Choke

From Turtle Control

  • When the opponent is in Turtle Guard, reach under their neck and through the far-side arm to set up the choke.

From Side Control

  • Transition into the Darce Choke when the opponent turns into you or attempts to frame for an escape.

From Half Guard (Top)

  • Set up the choke as the opponent attempts to recover guard or frames against your shoulder pressure.

During a Scramble

  • Capitalize on the opponent exposing their neck and arm during positional transitions or failed sweeps.

Key Concepts for the Darce Choke

Grip Depth

  • The deeper your arm threads through their neck and arm, the tighter the choke will be.

Pressure

  • Use your chest and sprawling motion to create downward pressure, driving their trapped arm into their neck.

Angles

  • Adjust your angle to ensure maximum compression on the opponent’s carotid arteries.

Defending Against the Darce Choke

Posture Up

  • Prevent the setup by keeping your head and neck upright.

Control the Arm

  • Break the grip before the choke is locked in.

Roll or Frame

  • Create space by rolling to your back or framing against the opponent’s choking arm.

The Darce Choke is a highly versatile submission that works across multiple positions, making it a favorite among both gi and no-gi practitioners. It relies on a combination of Grip Fighting, Pressure, and proper body alignment to finish effectively.

Positioning

The Darce Choke thrives in scenarios where the opponent’s head and arm are exposed, making it an excellent submission for countering escapes, passes, and transitions.

Turtle Control

Setup

  • The Darce Choke can be applied when the opponent is in Turtle Guard and their arm is extended or out of position.
  • Thread your arm under their neck and through the space between their far-side arm and neck.

Execution

  • Secure the grip and sprawl your legs to create pressure, rolling to finish if necessary.

Side Control

Setup

  • When the opponent turns into you to escape, exposing their neck and far-side arm, thread your arm under their neck.

Execution

  • Use the grip to trap their arm against their neck, sprawling back to tighten the choke.

Variations

  • Works particularly well during transitions to North South.

Half Guard (Top)

Setup

  • As the opponent frames or attempts to recover guard, their arm and neck are exposed.
  • Thread your arm deep under their neck and through the far-side arm.

Execution

  • Flatten their body by sprawling while maintaining the choke.

During a Guard Pass

Setup

Execution

  • Capitalize on their defensive posture and thread your arm under their neck to secure the choke.

During a Scramble

Setup

  • When the opponent exposes their neck and arm while transitioning between positions.

Execution

  • Quickly secure the grip and sprawl to lock in the choke.

From Mount

Setup

  • Transition into the Darce Choke when the opponent pushes your torso and exposes their arm and neck while trying to escape.

Execution

Back Defense

Setup

  • If the opponent turns into you during back control, exposing their arm and neck.

Execution

  • Transition to the Darce Choke by threading your arm under their neck and trapping their arm.

From North South

Setup

  • When the opponent turns into you or exposes their arm and neck while defending.

Execution

  • Transition to the Darce Choke by securing their head and arm and rolling to finish.

Key Positional Elements

Grip Fighting

  • A deep grip through the opponent's neck and arm is essential for a tight choke.

Pressure

  • Use your chest and sprawling motion to compress their neck and arm effectively.

Angles

  • Adjust your position to maximize leverage and choking pressure.

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