Darce Choke

The Darce choke is one of the most versatile and powerful submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), prized for its effectiveness in both gi and no-gi grappling. As a blood choke targeting the carotid arteries, the Darce choke can end a match quickly when applied correctly. This submission has become a cornerstone of high-level grappling due to its adaptability and success rate across multiple positions. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Darce choke: its mechanics, importance, common mistakes, defenses, and drills to help you perfect it.

What is the Darce Choke?

The Darce choke (or D’Arce choke) is a submission technique that compresses the opponent’s carotid arteries, cutting off blood flow to the brain and forcing a tap or rendering them unconscious. It is often categorized as a front headlock choke and relies on using your arms to create a tight triangle around your opponent’s neck and shoulder.

• The Darce choke is typically applied from positions like the front headlock, side control, or during transitions when your opponent is turtling.
• It does not rely on the gi, making it equally effective in no-gi grappling and MMA.
• The submission can be set up from multiple angles, making it a highly versatile option when attacking from dominant positions or during scrambles.

Origins of the Darce Choke

The Darce choke has its origins in a family of arm triangle chokes that have been used for decades in grappling arts like Judo, BJJ, and catch wrestling. Joe D’Arce, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Renzo Gracie, encountered the technique while training and modified its application to suit his style. The name “Darce” itself is a tribute to D’Arce’s successful use of the choke, but its formal classification falls under the broader category of arm triangle submissions.

The choke gained significant recognition in the early 2000s, particularly in no-gi grappling and MMA, where it became a go-to submission for controlling opponents without relying on gi grips. It quickly grew in popularity among advanced grapplers and MMA fighters who favored its ability to finish matches swiftly and cleanly. Today, the Darce choke remains one of the most respected and feared techniques, regularly appearing in high-level competitions and instructional content.

Top 3 Stats About the Darce Choke

The Darce choke is one of the most effective and versatile submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. Its ability to finish opponents quickly while maintaining positional control has made it a favorite among top-level competitors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most noteworthy stats about this submission:

1. High Success Rate in MMA: The Darce choke is one of the most effective submissions in professional MMA, with a 12% submission rate in recorded finishes. Fighters like Tony Ferguson and Brian Ortega have used it to secure victories.¹
2. Versatility Across Positions: Studies on grappling data indicate that 60% of successful Darce choke finishes occur from transitions like front headlock or turtle positions, showcasing its adaptability.²
3. Popular Among No-Gi Competitors: In IBJJF competitions, the Darce choke is a preferred submission in the no-gi divisions due to its efficiency without gi grips, making it a staple at advanced belt levels.³

These statistics highlight why the Darce choke remains such an essential technique in grappling. Whether you’re a competitor or a hobbyist, its proven effectiveness in no-gi and MMA ensures it will continue to be a submission of choice for years to come.

Why is the Darce Choke Important in BJJ?

The Darce choke is widely regarded as a crucial weapon in any grappler’s arsenal due to its versatility, efficiency, and adaptability. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Works Against Larger Opponents: Like many BJJ techniques, the Darce choke relies on leverage and positioning rather than strength, making it effective against larger or stronger opponents.
2. Versatility in Positioning: The choke can be set up from multiple positions: side control, half guard, front headlock, and turtle. Its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into any grappler’s game, whether attacking or countering.
3. High Success Rate in No-Gi and MMA: In no-gi competitions and MMA, where grips are limited, the Darce choke is a reliable submission that does not depend on the opponent’s clothing. This makes it a powerful finishing move for no-gi specialists and mixed martial artists.
4. Efficient for Scrambles and Transitions: The Darce choke is an excellent choice during scrambles when opponents leave openings for quick entries. It thrives in dynamic situations where other submissions may fall short.
5. Ideal for Intermediate to Advanced Players: While beginners can learn the Darce choke, mastering its setup, angle adjustments, and finishing details makes it a favored tool for more experienced practitioners looking to add depth to their submission arsenal.
6. Complements Other Arm Triangle Submissions: The Darce choke transitions smoothly into other submissions like the Anaconda choke and Brabo choke, giving grapplers multiple finishing options from similar setups.

Who is This Submission Recommended For?

The Darce choke is a versatile submission that benefits a wide range of grapplers, but it is particularly effective for those with certain attributes, skills, and preferences:

1. No-Gi Grapplers and MMA Fighters: Since the Darce choke does not rely on gi grips, it is a must-have tool for no-gi competitors and MMA fighters who need effective submissions in fast-paced scenarios.
2. Long-Limbed Practitioners: Grapplers with long arms have a natural advantage when applying the Darce choke, as the additional reach allows them to lock in the choke more efficiently and securely.
3. Intermediate and Advanced BJJ Players: While the Darce choke can be taught to beginners, its success requires precise setups and an understanding of angles. Therefore, it is often best utilized by intermediate and advanced grapplers who have developed strong positional awareness.
4. Counter-Attack Specialists: The Darce choke thrives in situations where opponents are turtling or leaving openings during scrambles. It is perfect for grapplers who excel at identifying and capitalizing on their opponent’s mistakes.

By mastering this choke, grapplers of all levels can significantly enhance their submission game, particularly in fast-paced no-gi scenarios.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Darce Choke

Mastering this choke requires understanding its key mechanics and the proper steps to execute it efficiently. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how to perform the Darce choke effectively:

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced grapplers can fall into these common mistakes when attempting the Darce choke. Here’s how to identify and correct them:

1. Not Threading the Arm Deep Enough:
   • Mistake: Failing to slide the arm far enough under the neck, resulting in a weak or loose choke.
   • Solution: Focus on reaching across to the far shoulder and ensuring your arm is as deep as possible before locking the choke.
2. Poor Grip Formation:
   • Mistake: Rushing the grip or misaligning the bicep and forearm, weakening the choke.
   • Solution: Practice the “RNC grip” meticulously. Ensure your locking hand connects to the bicep and the free hand controls the head.
3. Neglecting the Angle Adjustment:
   • Mistake: Staying flat or failing to move your hips out to one side to tighten the choke.
   • Solution: Slide your hips away while applying downward pressure with your chest to close the space and compress the arteries.
4. Over-Relying on Arm Strength:
   • Mistake: Using brute force to finish the choke rather than proper leverage and body weight.
   • Solution: Focus on sinking your weight onto the opponent and adjusting the angles rather than squeezing too hard with your arms.
5. Allowing Opponent’s Escape:
   • Mistake: Leaving too much space for the opponent to posture up or scramble out of the choke.
   • Solution: Stay tight and control their movement by keeping downward pressure with your chest and maintaining strong head control.

Drills to Improve Your Darce Choke

Improvement comes with targeted practice. These three drills will help you refine the mechanics and timing of this choke:

hjn

Defending Against the Darce Choke

This choke is highly effective, but it is not impossible to defend against if you recognize the setup early. Here are key defensive strategies to counter the Darce choke:

1. Recognize the Setup Early:
   • Pay attention to your opponent threading their arm under your neck and through your armpit. As soon as you feel this movement, posture up and create space.
2. Control the Threading Arm:
   • Use your free arm to block or grip the opponent’s threading arm to prevent it from sliding into position.
   • Maintain active hand fighting to break their grip attempts.
3. Flatten and Square Your Hips:
   • If the opponent begins adjusting their angle, flatten your body and square your hips to limit their leverage and pressure.
   • Avoid rolling to the side, as this helps your opponent sink the choke deeper.
4. Posture Up and Walk Away:
   • From the front headlock or turtle position, posture your head up while walking your hips backward to escape the choke.
   • Use your legs to drive backward while pushing against the opponent’s grip.
5. Counter with a Sweep or Escape:
   • If the choke progresses, attempt to roll or bridge to relieve pressure and reverse the position.
   • Look for opportunities to transition into side control or another dominant position.

Drilling these defenses regularly will significantly improve your ability to recognize and escape the Darce choke, particularly in live rolling or competition settings.

The Darce Choke in Competition

The Darce choke has become a staple submission in both BJJ and MMA competitions, with many notable athletes showcasing its effectiveness at the highest levels. Here are a few examples:

1. Tony Ferguson’s MMA Dominance:
   • UFC lightweight contender Tony Ferguson is renowned for his Darce choke finishes in the octagon. He has successfully used the technique multiple times to secure wins, including his submission victory over Lando Vannata at UFC Fight Night 91.
   • Watch here: Tony Ferguson’s Darce Choke Highlights.
2. Keenan Cornelius’ No-Gi Masterclass:
   • BJJ standout Keenan Cornelius has demonstrated the effectiveness of the Darce choke in high-level no-gi competition, where he seamlessly transitions to the choke during scrambles.
   • Watch here: Keenan Cornelius Darce Choke Breakdown.
3. Brian Ortega’s Submission Victory:
   • UFC featherweight Brian Ortega showcased the Darce choke in his fight against Cub Swanson, cementing the choke’s place as a finishing tool in modern MMA.
   • Watch here: Brian Ortega’s Darce Choke Finish.

These examples highlight this choke’s effectiveness across grappling formats and its ability to end matches decisively at the highest levels of competition.

Conclusion

The Darce choke is an indispensable submission for any grappler looking to enhance their BJJ game. Its versatility, effectiveness in no-gi and MMA settings, and ability to work against opponents of all sizes make it a must-learn technique. By mastering its mechanics, understanding common mistakes, and practicing both offensive and defensive strategies, you can confidently incorporate this choke into your submission arsenal.

Whether you’re an experienced grappler or just starting out, the Darce choke offers endless opportunities to grow your game. Start drilling, stay consistent, and share your progress on the mats. For more expert breakdowns, check out related articles and other advanced submission techniques on BJJ Nature and take your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the next level!

1. Source: Bloody Elbow. ↩︎
2. Source: BJJ Fanatics. ↩︎
3. Source: IBJJF ↩︎