You’ve probably heard of the D’arce choke if you’re an MMA fan. It’s a submission hold that can be executed from a variety of positions, including side control, half guard, and turtle. The choke is named after Joe D’arce, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who invented the move in the early 2000s.
The D’arce choke is a popular submission in MMA because it can be used to finish fights quickly and efficiently. It works by compressing the opponent’s carotid arteries, which reduces blood flow to the brain and causes unconsciousness. The choke can be applied in a number of ways, but the basic mechanics involve wrapping one arm around the opponent’s neck and the other arm around their arm. Once the hold is secured, the attacker can apply pressure to the neck and shoulder to force the tap.
Despite its effectiveness, the D’arce choke is not without its risks. If applied incorrectly, the hold can cause serious injury to the neck and spine. It’s important for fighters to be properly trained in the technique before attempting it in competition. Additionally, opponents who are aware of the choke can take steps to defend against it, such as tucking their chin or keeping their arms close to their body. The D’arce choke is a powerful tool in the MMA fighter’s arsenal, but it must be used with caution and precision.
What is the D’arce Choke?
This submission technique is a type of blood choke that is often used to force an opponent to tap out during a fight. In this section, we’ll explore the mechanics of the D’arce Choke and some variations of the technique.
Mechanics of the D’arce Choke
The D’arce Choke is a type of arm triangle choke that involves using your arms to cut off the blood supply to your opponent’s brain. To execute the D’arce Choke, you’ll need to wrap one arm around your opponent’s neck and the other around their arm. You’ll then use your arms to apply pressure to your opponent’s neck and shoulder, which will cause them to lose consciousness if they don’t tap out.
The D’arce Choke is similar to other chokes, such as the Anaconda Choke and the Brabo Choke. However, the D’arce Choke is typically executed from a different position. While the Anaconda Choke and Brabo Choke are often applied from a top position, the D’arce Choke is usually executed from a bottom position.
Variations of the D’arce Choke
There are several variations of the D’arce Choke, each with its own unique set of mechanics. One common variation is the Brabo D’arce Choke, which involves using your opponent’s lapel to apply pressure to their neck. Another variation is the Marce Choke, a modified version of the D’arce Choke executed from a standing position.
Other chokes that are similar to the D’arce Choke include the Guillotine Choke, the Rear-Naked Choke, and the Triangle Choke. Each of these chokes is designed to cut off your opponent’s blood supply and force them to tap out. However, each of these chokes is executed from a different position and with different mechanics.
How to Perform the D’arce Choke
If you are an MMA fighter, you know that the D’arce Choke is a powerful submission hold that can help you win a fight. In this section, we will guide you through the steps of performing the D’arce Choke.
Setting Up the D’arce Choke
Before you can execute the D’arce Choke, you need to set it up correctly. Here’s how to do it:
- Get into a dominant position: The D’arce Choke is most effective when you are in a dominant position, such as side control, turtle, or back mount. You can also set it up from half-guard or top half-guard.
- Trap your opponent’s arm: To execute the D’arce Choke, you need to trap your opponent’s arm with your choking arm. You can do this by using an underhook or by controlling their wrist.
- Secure your opponent’s neck: Once you have trapped your opponent’s arm, you need to secure their neck with your other arm. You can do this by wrapping your arm around their neck and grabbing your own bicep.
Executing the D’arce Choke
Now that you have set up the D’arce Choke, it’s time to execute it. Here’s how to do it:
- Tighten your grip: Once you have secured your opponent’s neck, you need to tighten your grip by squeezing your arms together. This will cut off the blood flow to your opponent’s brain and cause them to pass out.
- Use your body weight: To increase the pressure on your opponent’s neck, you can use your body weight. This is especially effective if you are in a top position, such as side control or top half guard.
- Finish the choke: Keep squeezing until your opponent taps out or passes out. If they don’t tap out, release the choke as soon as they lose consciousness.
Remember, the D’arce Choke can be a dangerous submission hold, so use it responsibly. Practice the technique with a partner before using it in a real fight. And always be aware of your opponent’s safety when applying the choke.
Defending Against the D’arce Choke
If you’re facing an opponent who loves the D’arce choke, you need to know how to defend against it. The D’arce choke is a submission that involves compressing the carotid arteries of the opponent with your arm. This choke is very effective and can quickly cause an opponent to lose consciousness if applied correctly. Here are some tips to help you defend against the D’arce choke:
Preventing the Set Up of the D’arce Choke
Preventing the setup of the D’arce choke is the best way to avoid getting caught in it. Here are some ways to prevent the setup of the D’arce choke:
- Stay on top: If you’re in a top position, it’s harder for your opponent to apply the D’arce choke. Keep the pressure on your opponent and stay active. Don’t let them get comfortable or set up their choke.
- Control the arms: If your opponent can’t get their arms in the right position, they won’t be able to apply the D’arce choke. Use your frames to control your opponent’s arms and prevent them from getting the choke set up.
Escaping the D’arce Choke
If your opponent has already set up the D’arce choke, you need to know how to escape it. Here are some ways to escape the D’arce choke:
- Create space: You need to create space between your neck and your opponent’s arm. Use your frames to push your opponent away and create space. This will relieve the pressure on your neck and give you room to escape.
- Move your hips: If you can move your hips, you can change the angle of the choke and relieve the pressure on your neck. Use your hips to move your body and create space.
- Defend the arms: If you can defend your opponent’s arms, you can prevent them from tightening the choke. Use your hands to defend against your opponent’s arms and prevent them from applying the choke.
Use your frames, movement, and knowledge of blood flow and the carotid arteries to defend against this submission. Whether you’re a BJJ or wrestling practitioner, these tips can help you avoid getting caught in the D’arce choke.
Famous MMA Fighters Who Use the D’arce Choke
The D’arce choke has been used by some of the greatest fighters in the sport, including Tony Ferguson, Kenny Florian, and Dustin Poirier.
Tony Ferguson
Tony Ferguson is a former UFC interim lightweight champion who is known for his unorthodox fighting style. He has won multiple fights with the D’arce choke, including a submission victory over Kevin Lee at UFC 216. Ferguson is known for his ability to transition seamlessly from one submission hold to another, and the D’arce choke is one of his favorite moves.
Kenny Florian
Kenny Florian is a retired UFC fighter who is now a commentator and analyst for the sport. He is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has used the D’arce choke to great effect in his fights. Florian has won several fights with the D’arce choke, including a submission victory over Clay Guida at UFC 107.
Dustin Poirier
Dustin Poirier is a former interim UFC lightweight champion who has been fighting professionally since 2009. He is known for his striking ability but is also a skilled grappler who has won several fights with the D’arce choke. Poirier used the D’arce choke to submit Max Holloway in the first round of their fight at UFC 236.
Conclusion
The D’arce Choke is a versatile technique that can be used from a variety of dominant positions, making it a valuable addition to any fighter’s arsenal.
Learning the D’arce Choke requires a good understanding of grappling techniques, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Muay Thai. It is important to practice the technique with a partner under the guidance of an experienced instructor to ensure proper technique and avoid injury.
The D’arce Choke is particularly devastating because it can be applied quickly and with great force, leading to unconsciousness if not released in time. It is a favorite among wrestlers and grapplers due to its effectiveness from top positions, but it can also be applied from the bottom position.
Renzo Gracie black belt Joe D’arce is credited with developing the technique, which is why it is named after him. The technique has since become a staple in MMA, with many fighters using it to great effect in the UFC and other mixed martial arts competitions.
In summary, the D’arce Choke is a powerful submission technique that can be used by MMA fighters, grapplers, and wrestlers to great effect. With proper training and practice, it can become a dominant technique in your arsenal, allowing you to secure victories and dominate opponents from a variety of positions.
