Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. One of the most effective moves in BJJ is the D’Arce Choke. Named after Joe D’Arce, this choke is popular in both BJJ and mixed martial arts (MMA). In this guide, we’ll explore the history, how to do it, different versions, and why it’s useful.
The D’Arce Choke: An Overview
The D’Arce Choke, also called the no-gi brabo choke, is a type of arm triangle choke. It uses both arms to wrap around the opponent’s neck, trapping one of their arms inside. The goal is to cut off blood flow to the brain, making the opponent submit. This choke is similar to the anaconda choke but has different arm positions.
History of the D’Arce Choke
The D’Arce Choke is named after Joe D’Arce, an American grappler who made it famous in competitions. Joe learned the choke from John Danaher at the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York. Some say the choke may have started in Germany with a luta livre competitor named Björn Dag Lagerström. Marc Laimon, a well-known grappling coach, named it after Joe D’Arce because of his success with it in tournaments.
Mechanics of the D’Arce Choke
Understanding the Arm Triangle Choke
The D’Arce Choke is a type of arm triangle choke. To understand the D’Arce, you need to know the basics of the arm triangle. This choke uses your arms to form a triangle around the opponent’s neck, trapping one of their arms inside. The goal is to squeeze the carotid arteries, cutting off blood flow to the brain and making the opponent submit.
The D’Arce Choke vs. The Anaconda Choke
The D’Arce Choke and the anaconda choke look similar but have different arm positions. In the D’Arce Choke, your arms are locked beside the opponent’s neck. In the anaconda choke, the arms are locked outside beside the opponent’s shoulder. Knowing this difference is key to doing each choke correctly.
How to Perform the D’Arce Choke
Step-by-Step Guide
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Entry from the Front Headlock Position:
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Start in the front headlock position, with your opponent’s head and one arm trapped.
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Slide your arm under the opponent’s neck, reaching for your own bicep.
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Locking the Choke:
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Use your free hand to grab your bicep, creating a tight lock around the opponent’s neck.
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Squeeze your arms together, applying pressure to the opponent’s neck and trapped arm.
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Finishing the Choke:
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To finish the choke, drive your shoulder into the opponent’s neck while squeezing your arms.
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Apply steady pressure until the opponent taps out or loses consciousness.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Incorrect Arm Positioning: Make sure your arms are in the right place to create the needed pressure.
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Not Enough Pressure: Apply firm and steady pressure to get the submission.
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Bad Body Positioning: Keep your body aligned properly to make the choke work best.
Variations of the D’Arce Choke
Gi vs. No-Gi D’Arce Choke
The D’Arce Choke can be done in both gi and no-gi situations. In gi, it’s often called the brabo choke, which uses the opponent’s lapel to finish the choke. The no-gi version relies only on arm positioning and pressure.
The Brabo Choke
The brabo choke, created by BJJ black belt Milton Vieira, is a gi version of the D’Arce Choke. It uses the opponent’s lapel to add more leverage and pressure, making the choke even stronger.
Applications in BJJ and MMA
BJJ Competitions
The D’Arce Choke is popular in BJJ competitions because it’s versatile and effective. It can be used from many positions, like the front headlock, turtle, and side control. Mastering this choke can give you an edge in both gi and no-gi competitions.
MMA Fights
In MMA, the D’Arce Choke is a great tool for fighters looking to win by submission. It’s effective in no-gi situations, making it a favorite for many MMA fighters. The choke can be applied from the clinch, ground, or even during scrambles, making it a versatile weapon in an MMA fighter’s toolkit.
Training Tips for the D’Arce Choke
Drilling the Technique
Practice the D’Arce Choke regularly to master it. Repeat the entry, lock, and finish to build muscle memory and precision. Focus on keeping your body in the right position and applying steady pressure.
Sparring and Live Rolling
Use the D’Arce Choke in your sparring and live rolling sessions. This helps you learn how to apply the choke in real situations against resisting opponents. Watch how your opponent reacts and adjust your technique as needed.
Strength and Conditioning
Building strength and conditioning can help you apply the D’Arce Choke better. Focus on exercises that target your grip, shoulders, and core. This will improve your ability to maintain pressure and control during the choke.
FAQs
What is the D’Arce Choke?
The D’Arce Choke is a submission move in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that uses both arms to wrap around the opponent’s neck, trapping one of their arms inside. The goal is to cut off blood flow to the brain, making the opponent submit.
How is the D’Arce Choke different from the anaconda choke?
The main difference is in the arm positions. In the D’Arce Choke, your arms are locked beside the opponent’s neck. In the anaconda choke, the arms are locked outside beside the opponent’s shoulder.
Can the D’Arce Choke be done in both gi and no-gi situations?
Yes, the D’Arce Choke can be done in both gi and no-gi situations. In gi, it’s often called the brabo choke, which uses the opponent’s lapel to finish the choke.
What are common mistakes to avoid when doing the D’Arce Choke?
Common mistakes include incorrect arm positioning, not enough pressure, and bad body positioning. Make sure to use proper technique and apply steady pressure to successfully apply the choke.
How can I improve my D’Arce Choke?
Practice regularly, use the choke in sparring and live rolling, and build strength and conditioning to improve your D’Arce Choke.
Is the D’Arce Choke effective in MMA?
Yes, the D’Arce Choke is a valuable tool in MMA because it’s effective in no-gi situations. It can be used from many positions, making it a versatile weapon for MMA fighters.
Conclusion
The D’Arce Choke is a powerful and versatile submission move in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. By learning its history, mechanics, variations, and applications, you can master this choke and add it to your skill set. Regular practice, proper technique, and strength training are key to becoming good at the D’Arce Choke. Whether you’re a BJJ competitor or an MMA fighter, mastering this choke can give you a big advantage on the mat or in the cage.
Sources
- Jiu Jitsu Moves
- Jiu Jitsu Moves