D’arce Control Top represents one of the highest-percentage submission positions in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, functioning as both a controlling position and a direct pathway to match-ending chokes. The position is characterized by the top practitioner establishing a deep darce grip (also called the brabo choke configuration) around the opponent’s head and trapped arm while maintaining superior position from the top. This configuration creates immediate submission pressure while simultaneously controlling the opponent’s movement and posture.
The D’arce Control Top position emerged from wrestling’s front headlock series and was refined through no-gi grappling competition. It represents the perfect intersection of control and submission threat, where the grip itself creates constant pressure that degrades the opponent’s defensive capabilities over time. The position is particularly effective because it forces opponents into a defensive shell while the top player maintains multiple finishing options and positional advances.
From a strategic perspective, D’arce Control Top exemplifies the modern submission-hunting approach where positions blur the line between control and finish. The grip configuration allows for immediate submission attempts while maintaining the option to transition to mount, back control, or other dominant positions if the choke is defended. This versatility makes it one of the most feared positions in contemporary BJJ competition.
Position Definition
- Top player’s arm threaded under opponent’s near arm and around the back of opponent’s neck with hands locked in a figure-four or gable grip configuration on the far side of opponent’s body establishing the fundamental darce control structure
- Top player’s chest and shoulder pressure driving into the side of opponent’s head and trapped shoulder creating a wedge that prevents escape while simultaneously tightening the choke through compression
- Opponent’s near arm trapped between their own body and the choking arm creating the compression necessary for the darce choke mechanism to function effectively against the carotid arteries
- Top player’s hips positioned to the side of opponent’s body with weight distributed to maintain the optimal choking angle while preventing opponent from turning into the choke or rolling through to escape
- Opponent’s posture broken down with head and shoulders below hips unable to posture up or create defensive frames due to arm entrapment and continuous pressure from top player’s body weight
Prerequisites
- Successful arm trap from front headlock, turtle, or scramble situation
- Deep penetration of choking arm under opponent’s armpit to neck
- Opponent’s defensive posture compromised with head below hips
- Top position established with ability to apply shoulder and chest pressure
- Control of opponent’s trapped arm preventing posting or framing
Key Offensive Principles
- Maintain deep arm penetration with elbow past opponent’s spine and hand reaching toward far hip
- Drive shoulder pressure into the side of opponent’s head to close the choke and prevent escape
- Keep hips mobile and positioned to prevent opponent from rolling through or turning into the position
- Maintain proper angle with chest pressure driving perpendicular to opponent’s spine
- Continuously adjust grip tightness and body position as opponent attempts defensive movements
Available Attacks
Darce Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Transition to Mount → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 50%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
Turtle to Back Take → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Anaconda from Turtle → Anaconda Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Transition to North-South → North-South
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 55%
- Intermediate: 70%
- Advanced: 85%
Arm Triangle from Turtle → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent keeps elbows tight and chin tucked, defending the choke finish:
- Execute Transition to Mount → Mount (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Transition to North-South → North-South (Probability: 65%)
Else if opponent attempts to roll through or turn into the choke:
- Execute Turtle to Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 75%)
- Execute Darce Choke → Won by Submission (Probability: 60%)
Else if opponent’s defensive posture breaks down and arm remains trapped:
- Execute Darce Choke → Won by Submission (Probability: 80%)
- Execute Anaconda from Turtle → Anaconda Control (Probability: 55%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Direct finish from control
D'arce Control Top → Darce Choke → Won by Submission
Mount control to armbar
D'arce Control Top → Transition to Mount → Mount → Armbar from Mount → Won by Submission
Back take to rear naked choke
D'arce Control Top → Turtle to Back Take → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
Anaconda alternative finish
D'arce Control Top → Anaconda from Turtle → Anaconda Control → Anaconda Choke → Won by Submission
North-South control to kimura
D'arce Control Top → Transition to North-South → North-South → North-South to Kimura → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 60% | 55% | 45% |
| Intermediate | 75% | 70% | 60% |
| Advanced | 85% | 80% | 75% |
Average Time in Position: 45-90 seconds