Mastering Chokes and Strangles.

Mastering Chokes and Strangles

Back in 2018, I taught a seminar at the BJJ Globetrotters Zen Camp in Poland, breaking down two of my favorite submissions: the D'Arce Choke and the Arm-in Guillotine. Instead of just showing moves, I focused on a clear set of rules I developed that help you understand why these chokes work. This way, you can self-diagnose and perfect your technique.

Here’s a summary of the key details from that instructional.

Part 1: My Core Theory — Choke vs. Strangulation

Before diving into technique, I always explain the fundamental difference between these two submissions.

• The Choke (e.g., Guillotine): This attacks the windpipe. To be successful, it requires three things:

1. A "straight bar" across the windpipe.
2. Control of the chin's directional turn.
3. Bringing the chin toward the sternum.

• The Strangulation (e.g., D'Arce): This attacks the blood flow via the carotid arteries. My three rules for this are:

1. A "V-shape" (the crook of your elbow) that follows the V-shape of your opponent's chin.
2. Creating a "triangle shape" with your arms.
3. Making that triangle smaller to apply pressure.

Part 2: The Setup from Side Control

I teach this entire series starting from side control, focusing on one crucial detail: chin control.

• Grabbing the Chin: The first step is to secure a C-cup grip on your partner's chin. I can't overstate how important this is; it acts as a handle to steer their entire body and is the foundation for all my setups.
• Baiting the Underhook: From side control, I'll relax my pressure slightly. This baits my partner to turn in and get an underhook, which is exactly what I want. As they turn, their head leaves the mat, creating the perfect space for me to thread my arm through.

Part 3: Technique Breakdown — The D'Arce Choke

The D'Arce is a strangulation, so our goal is to create the perfect triangle.

• The Grip: As I thread my arm, my goal is to push the opponent's chin into the "V-shape" of my elbow. Your arm must go deep enough that you can see "four fingers" of your wrist past your own bicep. This is key because it ensures the soft, fleshy part of your arm is applying pressure, not a painful, sharp bone.
• Locking the Triangle: Bring your other hand up toward your opposite armpit to complete the triangle shape.
• The Finish (It's Not a Squeeze!): The finish is about "making your arm longer," not squeezing.

1. To get your arm deeper, drop your armpit down toward the mat.
2. Clear their posting arm by switching your hips and turning your chest away.
3. Once locked, simply "walk" your locking hand higher up your arm to shrink the triangle for a clean, low-energy finish.

Part 4: Technique Breakdown — The Arm-in Guillotine

This is my follow-up if the opponent defends the D'Arce by rolling to their back. Now, we apply the rules of a choke.

• The "Straight Bar": The single most common mistake I see is having the elbow too high. Your elbow must be below your opponent's shoulder line to create the "straight bar" across their windpipe.
• The Finish (My 3 Checkpoints): Once the straight bar is in place, the finish is simple:

1. Hide your elbow (get it below their shoulder).
2. Squeeze your elbow (to control their chin).
3. Roll your shoulder back (to bring their chin to their sternum).

• Positioning: I teach this by using the top of your head as a base, as if doing a handstand. Your spine should be parallel to theirs, and your chest should be off of them to create the right angle. If your mechanics are correct, the tap requires almost no strength.

My Final Takeaway

By remembering these two simple concepts—a V-shape for strangulations and a straight bar for chokes—you can effectively troubleshoot your own front headlock attacks and finish with much higher precision.