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
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The darce control represents the pinnacle of front headlock finishing positions because it combines three critical elements: structural control, submission threat, and transitional versatility. The mechanical advantage comes from the figure-four grip creating a lever system where the opponent’s own trapped arm becomes part of the choking mechanism - their shoulder acts as a fulcrum that increases pressure on the carotid arteries as you drive your shoulder into their head. The key technical detail that separates high-level execution from amateur attempts is the depth of initial arm penetration; your hand must reach past the opponent’s far hip before you lock the grip, otherwise you lack the leverage necessary to overcome their defensive chin tuck. Furthermore, the position demands constant angle adjustment - you must maintain a perpendicular relationship between your chest and their spine, which requires mobile hips and the willingness to circle your body position as they attempt to turn or roll. The darce is not a static submission but rather a dynamic control position where your body movement and weight distribution do more work than your grip strength.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, the darce control is one of my highest-percentage positions because it puts opponents in an immediate dilemma where every defensive option opens up a different attacking opportunity. If they turtle tight and defend the choke, I transition to mount or back control with minimal resistance. If they try to roll through or turn into it, they’re actually helping me tighten the choke and often tap themselves out. The key to making this work at the highest levels is understanding that the initial entry is everything - I’m looking for moments when their arm is vulnerable, typically when they’re posting during a scramble or reaching for an underhook from turtle. Once I get that deep grip locked in, I don’t rush the finish; instead, I use my shoulder pressure to break down their posture while staying patient and waiting for them to make a mistake. The beauty of this position is that it gets tighter over time as they fatigue from carrying my weight on their neck and shoulder. I’ve finished multiple ADCC and EBI matches with the darce because it’s one of those positions where the longer it goes, the more inevitable the finish becomes. The opponent knows they’re in danger but can’t see a clear escape path, which creates mental pressure that compounds the physical pressure.
Eddie Bravo
The darce is the ultimate no-gi weapon because it works from so many different positions and angles - we’ve built entire sequences in the 10th Planet system around darce opportunities from half guard, from turtle, from standing. What makes it so effective is that it’s one of the few submissions where the opponent being defensive actually helps you; when they tuck their chin and pull their elbow tight, they’re creating the compression that makes the choke work. The innovation we’ve added is understanding how to chain the darce with the anaconda and guillotine - if they defend one choke by turning a certain direction, you can flow directly into the next one without releasing control. The key detail nobody talks about is using your head placement as a tool; by driving your head into different positions on their upper back or shoulder, you can steer which way they roll or turn, essentially controlling their defensive reactions. We also drill a lot of darce entries from weird scramble positions because in real matches, you rarely get the picture-perfect setup - being able to recognize and capitalize on that split-second when their arm is vulnerable is what separates the guys who hit darces occasionally from the guys who build their entire game around it. The position embodies the 10th Planet philosophy of creating attacks from positions where traditional jiu-jitsu doesn’t expect them.