
How to Perform the Darce
Darce Choke from Top Half Guard
Probably the most common position you will be able to setup the Darce Choke is from the top half guard position. As you try to flatten your opponent out and pass their guard, their likely reaction is to try to stay on their side to fish for an under hook. This under hook is key for the bottom player as they try to attempt to sweep you over. You can use this to your advantage! As your opponent grabs for the under hook, you can start grabbing for the Darce grip.
To set it up, use the arm on the same side of the opponent’s under hook. Swim your hand through your opponent’s armpit, threading it starting from the back of the shoulder and exiting the front.
Darce Choke from Turtle Guard Position
To set it up, thread your right arm through the opponent’s left armpit and your arm should exit right in front of your opponent’s neck.
Catch your bicep and form a figure four position and place your free hand on the opponent’s lat to lock in the position.
Once you’ve secured the position, break your opponent’s posture down by forcefully rolling them onto their side. You may have to use some momentum by rolling yourself onto your hip as you fish for the Darce grips. After you lock it in, squeeze your arms together to finish the choke.
Darce Choke from Side Mount
Thread your arm underneath the armpit and exit out the front of your opponent’s neck. With your opposite arm, clasp your hands together and grab for a gable grip. Forcefully pull your opponent’s head down towards you. This will lock the choke in deeper.
Next step is to replace the gable grip and grab for your opposite arm’s bicep. This puts you right back into the traditional Darce Choke position. Squeeze for the finish!
Some Key Details to Consider
- 1Use the blade of your wrist when you lock in the choke. When you reach under the arm to thread to the back of the opponent’s neck, make sure you use the blade of your wrist against the side of the neck when you grab for your bicep. Turn your wrists in so that the boney blade part right under your thumb presses against the side of the neck. This minor adjustment will sink the choke much deeper.
- 2Make sure your opponent’s shoulder is pinned against the side of their neck. One common problem when finishing the Darce is the space between the neck and the shoulder. If there is too much space there, the choke won’t sink in deep enough. That may require you to pull their head in closer toward your body or dropping your chest down against their shoulder. Make sure you make the proper adjustments to close in the gap.
- 3When finishing the Darce, you can increase the chances of finishing the choke by switching your body position. One way you can do this is by sitting your hip down and hooking your leg over their body. This method is great because if they manage to get out, you still end up in the mount position! As an alternative, apply heavier pressure from the top. Pop up on your toes and drive down hard by pressing your chest against the opponent’s shoulder.
How To Defend the Darce Choke
FINAL THOUGHTS
That just comes to show just how dangerous this choke can be. It might not be one of the first chokes you learn as a beginner just starting out. You might see it more in the intermediate level. It can be tricky at first, but once you get it down, you’ll have one of the best submissions in your arsenal!