Skip to main content

Darce Choke (D'Arce / Brabo)

Quick Introduction​

The darce threads under the neck from the opposite side of the trapped arm — the mirror image of an anaconda. Incredibly versatile: works from half guard top, turtle, side control, and transitions. A fundamental no-gi submission that excels when opponents turn into you or frame defensively.

Position Overview​

From: Half Guard top (primary), turtle, Side Control | Finish: Arm-in compression via figure-4 grip and angle

From Half Guard Top (Most Common)​

  1. You're in top half guard, opponent on their side defending
  2. Their far arm is framing or extended
  3. Thread your near arm under their neck toward their far armpit
  4. Hand emerges on far side — grab your own bicep (figure-4)
  5. Other arm wraps over their back, trapping their far arm inside
  6. Fall to your hip on the threading side
  7. Walk legs toward their head to create angle
  8. Squeeze elbows together, expand chest until tap

Key detail: Fall to the threading side. If you thread with your right arm, fall to your right hip. Walking legs toward their head tightens everything.

From Turtle​

  1. Perpendicular to opponent's side
  2. Thread deep under neck toward far side
  3. Figure-4 grip with far arm trapped
  4. Can finish from top with squeeze, or add a roll for more pressure
  5. Similar mechanics to anaconda but opposite arm trapped

From Side Control (Transition)​

  1. You have side control, opponent turns toward you (common escape)
  2. Their far arm becomes available as they turn
  3. Thread under neck immediately, figure-4 grip
  4. Fall to hip, walk legs, squeeze
  5. Punishes the most common side control escape

Core Principles​

  1. Opposite arm trapped — darce = thread right, trap their left (opposite of anaconda)
  2. Deep threading — shoulder must reach far side of their neck
  3. Fall to hip — flat body position won't finish
  4. Walk legs for angle — stepping toward their head tightens the choke
  5. Lock before committing — secure figure-4 before falling to hip

Common Mistakes​

MistakeFix
Not deep enoughThread until shoulder reaches far armpit
Flat body positionFall to hip on threading side
Static positionWalk legs toward their head for angle
Wrong arm trappedDarce traps opposite arm from threading side

Next Steps​

  1. Anaconda - Same-side version (complete front headlock system)
  2. Guillotine - Flow between front headlock attacks
  3. Half Guard - Master the primary setup position