There are countless versions of the D’arce choke which is also called the Katagatame in Japanese because it is a form of arm triangle although the chocking mechanics are slightly different.

The D’Arce choke, or Brabo choke, is similar to the Anaconda choke. The difference is that the choking arm is threaded under the near arm, in front of the opponent’s neck, and on top of the far arm. The choke gets its name from Joe D’Arce, a third-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Renzo Gracie.

Though not the inventor of the choke, D’Arce performed this choke often and with great success in many Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling tournaments. During a sparring session with Jason Miller, the choke surprised Miller, who gave it the name and pronunciation “Darce” rather than the proper “D-Arsee,” when D’Arce did not have a title for the technique.

To able to start catching your opponents in Darce chokes from all positions, you need to work your muscle memory to the point were setting up a Darce becomes automatic.

Did you know that you could do a D’Arce Choke from standing?
Yup, that’s right! Here is how to do it, as explained by Travis Moore:

Learn to Attack The Darce Choke from EVERYWHERE in One Specialized Series From Acclaimed Coach and High Level Competitor Travis Moore!

• Travis Moore is a veteran of EBI, WNO, Fight to Win PRO, and he’s claimed IBJJF No Gi Pans Silver as well as Multiple IBJJF Open Gold Medals during his competitive career.
• Moore has had more success with the Darce than any other submission and he’s developed a beautiful system for finding, securing, and finishing this high percentage technique, complete with alternate attacks and gi variations of the sub.