The D'Arce choke is a blood choke that compresses the carotid arteries by wrapping one arm under the opponent's armpit (the 'arm-in' position), threading it through to the neck, and locking a figure-four or triangle with the other arm. Unlike the guillotine, the D'Arce is typically applied from positions like north-south, side control, or the back β making it a top-position weapon.
It was popularized in competition by Joe D'Arce, a grappler under Renzo Gracie, and quickly became a staple of high-level no-gi and MMA grappling. In the modern game, it is closely related to the Anaconda choke β the two submissions share entries and setups, often in the same scramble.
The choke works by encircling the neck with one arm that threads under the opponent's arm (the arm that is closest to the mat in side control or north-south). Your choking arm goes under their armpit from the front, threads behind their neck, and your hands lock in a figure-four or rear-naked-choke style grip. The pressure of the figure-four closes the blood choke rapidly.
Key detail: the arm must be truly under the armpit (not just around the shoulder) for the choke to reach the neck properly. Hip and shoulder pressure add force to the finish.
The D'Arce is set up from several common positions:
Lock your hands in a figure-four (rear-naked-choke grip). Your choking arm's bicep should press against one side of the opponent's neck while your forearm presses the other side. Drive your chest/shoulder into the back of their head to add pressure. The opponent should be unable to roll or bridge to relieve pressure if your hip position is correct.
A common mistake is pulling the neck without hip pressure β this allows the opponent to roll away. Keep your hips low and heavy, perpendicular to their body, to prevent escape attempts.
The D'Arce and Anaconda choke are closely related. The primary difference is the arm position: in a D'Arce, the choking arm threads under the armpit from the front (near the face). In the Anaconda, the arm threads from behind (away from the face). Both attack the same neck structures. They are often taught as a pair β if the opponent blocks one, the other becomes available.
The main defenses are: tuck your chin to protect the neck (makes threading the arm harder), maintain an underhook with the near arm to prevent the arm-in entry, and avoid dropping your head when bridging from bottom. If the D'Arce is partially locked, try to spin into your opponent (turning toward them rather than away) to relieve neck pressure before it tightens.
What is the difference between a D'Arce and guillotine?
Both are arm-in chokes that compress the neck, but the guillotine is applied from bottom/guard with the arm threading from front-to-back, while the D'Arce is applied from top position with the arm going under the armpit. The D'Arce is a top-position weapon; the guillotine primarily a guard position weapon.
Is the D'Arce choke legal in gi BJJ?
Yes β the D'Arce choke is legal at all belt levels in both gi and no-gi BJJ competition, including IBJJF events. It is not considered a dangerous technique in the way that certain leg locks are restricted.
What is a D'Arce choke called in Portuguese?
In Portuguese and Brazilian BJJ circles, the D'Arce is sometimes called 'chave de ombro' (shoulder lock choke) or simply referenced by its English name. The Anaconda choke, its cousin, is widely used under that same name in Brazil.
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