# D'Arce Choke

> An arm-triangle variation threaded from the front headlock or side that wraps the neck and far arm with a figure-four grip.

- **Canonical page:** https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/darce-choke
- **Markdown:** https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/darce-choke.md
- **JSON:** https://www.ossmeta.com/api/public/techniques/darce-choke
- **Category:** submission
- **Format:** both
- **Level:** intermediate
- **Aliases:** D'Arce, Brabo choke, arm-triangle from front headlock
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-25

## What it is

The D'Arce threads an arm beneath the opponent's near arm and around the neck, then connects the hands near the far shoulder. It frequently appears when an opponent underhooks, turns to a side, or turtles with the elbow separated.

The attack can finish from top, guard, or rolling transitions. More importantly, the grip controls the shoulder line and can force the opponent into a sweep, back exposure, or front-headlock sequence.

## Key principles

- Thread deep enough that the wrist reaches beyond the neck.
- Keep the trapped shoulder compressed toward the neck.
- Control the opponent's ability to turn toward the open space.
- Use body position to close the angle before relying on arm strength.

## Common entries

- **Front headlock:** Thread beneath the near arm as the opponent posts an elbow away from the ribs.
- **Side control:** Attack the far underhook while the defender turns onto a side.
- **Half guard:** Wrap the head and arm when the bottom player reaches for an underhook.


## Productive next actions

- **Guillotine:** Change to a direct neck wrap if the arm slips free.
- **Back control:** Move behind the shoulders when the defender turns away.
- **Top position:** Use the grip to roll or flatten the opponent even without the finish.


## Defensive priorities

- **Elbow connection:** Keep the near elbow tight enough that the threading arm cannot pass deeply.
- **Face the attacker:** Turn the shoulders toward the open side before the grip is locked.
- **Posture the neck:** Create length through the spine while hand fighting the top arm.

## Rules and safety

The submission is widely recognized, but age, belt, finishing direction, and ruleset can change what is legal. Train the finish under qualified supervision and check the current event rules.

This guide is descriptive, not remote coaching. Learn potentially dangerous submissions, inversions, and takedowns with a qualified instructor. Release immediately when a training partner taps.

## Related techniques

- [Guillotine Choke](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/guillotine-choke)
- [Arm-Triangle Choke](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/arm-triangle)
- [Side Control](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/side-control)
- [Back Control](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/back-control)

## Associated athletes

- [Tye Ruotolo](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/tye-ruotolo): Atos twin prodigy, youngest IBJJF black-belt World champion, two-division WNO titleholder, and ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion.
- [Andrew Tackett](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/andrew-tackett): Inaugural and defending UFC BJJ Welterweight Champion, ADCC Trials winner, and Fight Factory no-gi star known as Pirulito.
- [Kade Ruotolo](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/kade-ruotolo): Youngest ADCC world champion, inaugural ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling champion, and half of the Ruotolo twins.
- [Dorian Olivarez](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/dorian-olivares): Houston-bred New Wave black belt, two-time ADCC East Coast Trials champion, and dual-sport wrestling/no-gi phenom known as “The Problem.”

## Sources

- [IBJJF rule book and rules resources](https://ibjjf.com/books-videos) — rules
- [ADCC official rules and legal-technique guides](https://adcc-official.com/pages/adcc-rules) — rules

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*Published by Ossmeta as part of the living jiu-jitsu database. Prefer citing https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/darce-choke and check the last-reviewed date for rules-sensitive claims.*