The D'arce choke is a high-percentage submission that capitalizes on a common defensive reaction from your opponent: the underhook attempt from side control. By understanding the critical details of depth, grip, and finishing mechanics, you can add this powerful strangulation to your submission arsenal.

Who knows, you could just be one step away from your next promotion to your desired belt rank. Here is a concise, step-by-step guide to executing the D'arce choke from side control.

D'arce Choke: Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Capitalize on the Underhook Attempt: From side control, if you allow a small amount of space, your opponent will naturally try to get an underhook with their opposite arm. Use this opportunity to shoot your own arm past their neck and under their far armpit.
2. Establish Proper Depth and Pressure: Do not go too deep, as this will place the pressure on the side of their neck, making the choke less effective. The critical detail is to position the blade of your forearm directly across the opponent's carotid artery for maximum cutting pressure.
3. Secure the Grip and Control: Grab your own opposite bicep with your choking hand. Use your free hand to place pressure high up on the opponent's body to maintain control and tightness. The higher, the better.
4. Prevent the Escape: A common defense is for the opponent to roll flat to their back. To counter this, hold them in tight to maintain a compressed position and prevent them from creating the necessary space to roll out.
5. Execute the Finish: Once the position is secured, you can finish the choke in one of two standard ways:
   • Come up onto your toes and walk your body backward.
   • Sit down to the opposite hip of the arm that is shooting through the choke.
6. Final Compression: To maximize leverage, trap either one of your opponent's legs with your legs or body. Then, squeeze your entire body into them and compress for the submission.

Take these trainings to heart and master the different types of submission. Be one with the continuously growing community of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as you explore various techniques with us!