D’arce Control Bottom represents a critical defensive position where the practitioner is trapped in their opponent’s D’arce choke grip. This is a high-risk defensive situation requiring immediate and precise defensive actions to prevent the submission from being completed. The bottom player faces significant danger as the opponent has established the distinctive arm-in choke configuration, threading their arm under the near arm and over the far shoulder while securing a grip.
From this compromised position, the defender must focus on creating space, defending the neck, and systematically dismantling the opponent’s control points. Success depends on understanding the mechanics of the D’arce choke, maintaining composure under pressure, and executing precise defensive sequences. The position commonly arises from turtle, failed takedown attempts, or front headlock scenarios where the top player has successfully secured the choke grip.
While extremely dangerous, D’arce Control Bottom is not an inescapable position. Skilled practitioners can recognize the setup early, defend critical control points, and create escape opportunities through proper technique and tactical awareness. The key is preventing the opponent from tightening the choke, maintaining neck alignment, and systematically working to recover to safer positions like turtle, half guard, or even reversing to dominant positions.
Position Definition
- Opponent has threaded their arm under defender’s near-side arm and over the far shoulder with hands clasped together in D’arce grip configuration near defender’s neck creating immediate submission threat
- Defender’s near-side arm is trapped against their own body typically pinned across their torso or neck by opponent’s encircling arm creating the arm-in choke structure that enables effective strangulation
- Defender’s head and neck are under significant pressure with opponent’s chest or shoulder driving into the back and side of head restricting movement and creating direct choking pressure on carotid arteries
- Defender is typically on their side or in turtle position with opponent controlling from top position using their body weight to compress the choke mechanism and restrict all escape routes
- Opponent’s grips are locked together in gable grip S-grip or figure-four on the far side of defender’s neck with the locked hands positioned to maximize choking leverage when pressure is applied
Prerequisites
- Opponent has successfully secured D’arce grip configuration with arm threaded under near arm
- Defender’s near-side arm is trapped in the choke structure
- Opponent has established control from turtle, front headlock, or scramble position
- Defender recognizes the danger and initiates defensive protocol immediately
Key Defensive Principles
- Immediate recognition and defensive response - every second counts before choke tightens
- Protect the neck by keeping chin tucked and creating space between opponent’s forearm and carotid arteries
- Address the trapped arm first - free the near-side arm to eliminate the arm-in configuration that makes the choke effective
- Create frames and space using free hand against opponent’s hip, shoulder, or head to prevent them from flattening you and tightening the choke
- Move toward the choke not away - stepping over opponent’s head or turning into them can relieve pressure and create escape opportunities
Available Escapes
Arm Extraction → Turtle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Rolling to Guard → Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Step Over Escape → Open Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 30%
- Advanced: 45%
Back Door Escape → Turtle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Counter Roll → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 10%
- Intermediate: 20%
- Advanced: 35%
Granby Roll → Closed Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 25%
- Advanced: 40%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent has shallow grip and choke is not yet tight:
- Execute Arm Extraction → Turtle (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Step Over Escape → Open Guard (Probability: 45%)
If opponent is driving forward to flatten you and tighten choke:
- Execute Rolling to Guard → Half Guard (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Back Door Escape → Turtle (Probability: 40%)
If choke is locked deep and opponent has strong positional control:
- Execute Granby Roll → Closed Guard (Probability: 40%)
- Execute Counter Roll → Side Control (Probability: 30%)
If opponent switches to anaconda configuration or loosens D’arce grip:
- Execute Arm Extraction → Turtle (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Rolling to Guard → Half Guard (Probability: 40%)
Escape and Survival Paths
Immediate defensive escape
D'arce Control Bottom → Arm Extraction → Turtle → Open Guard
Counter-offensive reversal
D'arce Control Bottom → Counter Roll → Side Control → Mount
Granby escape sequence
D'arce Control Bottom → Granby Roll → Closed Guard → Triangle Setup
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 20% | 25% | 5% |
| Intermediate | 35% | 40% | 10% |
| Advanced | 50% | 55% | 15% |
Average Time in Position: 10-30 seconds before escape or submission