D'Arce Choke: The Arm-In Neck Lock from Top Position
What Is the D'Arce Choke?
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.
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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.
Anatomy of the D'Arce
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.
Common Entries
The D'Arce is set up from several common positions:
- Side control to north-south: The most classic setup. From side control, if your opponent tries to create an underhook and bridge, you can shoot the arm in under their armpit and begin the D'Arce entry as you move toward north-south.
- North-south: From north-south, if the opponent attempts to bridge or roll, slip your arm under their near armpit before they complete the escape.
- Sprawl/turtle defense: When your opponent turtles up to defend a takedown, step around to their side, get a whizzer, and thread your arm under the armpit into the D'Arce.
- Scramble recovery: Many D'Arce chokes are caught opportunistically during guard pass scrambles when the opponent exposes their neck while defending.
Finishing the D'Arce
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.
D'Arce vs Anaconda
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.
Defense
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.
β‘ Quick Training Tips
- The arm-in entry is everything β drill getting the arm under the armpit, not just around the shoulder.
- Pair D'Arce with Anaconda practice: they share the same scramble entry and one always opens when the other is defended.
- Keep your hips heavy and low once the choke is locked β this is what prevents the opponent from rolling away.
- Practice entry from turtle/sprawl, not just from side control β many match opportunities come from takedown defense.
FAQ
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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How do I prevent my opponent from defending the D'Arce choke by turning into me?
When they turn in, use your shoulder and bicep to maintain pressure on their neck and shoulder. Simultaneously, drive your hips forward and slightly to the side they are turning, creating a strong base and preventing them from escaping.
What is the difference between an arm-in and arm-out D'Arce choke?
The arm-in D'Arce involves trapping your opponent's arm inside your choking arm, creating a tighter grip and more leverage. The arm-out version leaves their arm outside, which can sometimes be easier to set up but generally offers less control and a weaker choke.
My D'Arce choke feels weak, what am I doing wrong?
Ensure you are driving your shoulder into their carotid artery and that your forearm is deep across their neck. The key is to create a strong squeeze by pulling your elbow back and driving your hips forward, not just by squeezing with your arms.