Brabo Variations

⚠️ SAFETY: Brabo Variations targets the Carotid arteries and jugular veins. Risk: Carotid artery compression leading to unconsciousness. Release immediately upon tap.

The Brabo Choke, commonly known as the no-gi darce choke, represents a family of blood chokes that target the carotid arteries through arm-in configurations from front headlock, turtle, and scramble positions. Unlike its gi counterpart, the brabo relies purely on body mechanics and arm positioning without the aid of collar grips, making it a fundamental submission for no-gi grappling and MMA applications. The term ‘brabo’ originated from Brazilian pronunciation of ‘D’Arce’ and has evolved to encompass various no-gi adaptations including rolling entries, shallow finishes, and marce variations. These variations exploit different defensive reactions and positional contexts, creating a comprehensive submission system from front headlock control. The technical foundation centers on threading one arm under the opponent’s near arm while clasping hands on the far side of their neck, creating a figure-four configuration that compresses both carotid arteries when properly applied. Success depends on shoulder pressure, hip positioning, and understanding which variation applies to specific defensive postures. The brabo system connects seamlessly with anaconda chokes, guillotines, and back takes, forming a complete front headlock submission network that punishes common defensive movements.

Category: Choke Type: Blood Choke Target Area: Carotid arteries and jugular veins Starting Position: Front Headlock Success Rates: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Carotid artery compression leading to unconsciousness	High	Immediate recovery if released promptly; potential for stroke if held after unconsciousness
Neck strain or cervical spine stress from improper torque	Medium	3-7 days for minor strain; 2-4 weeks for moderate strain
Shoulder injury to opponent’s trapped arm from excessive pressure	Medium	1-2 weeks for minor strain; 4-8 weeks for rotator cuff injury
Trachea compression if applied incorrectly	High	Immediate discomfort; 1-3 days for bruising; weeks for severe trauma

Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum from initial pressure to maximum constriction

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap or any vocal signal
• Physical hand tap on opponent or mat
• Physical foot tap if hands trapped
• Any distress signal or change in resistance
• Body going limp (immediate release required)

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately unlock hand grip and release figure-four configuration
2. Remove arm from under opponent’s shoulder while supporting their head
3. Allow opponent to move to side or back position safely
4. Remove all body weight and shoulder pressure
5. Check opponent’s consciousness and breathing
6. Give partner time to recover before resuming training

Training Restrictions:

• Never apply sudden or jerking pressure to the neck
• Never continue pressure after tap or loss of consciousness
• Never spike opponent’s head toward mat while finishing
• Never use competition speed during drilling or light rolling
• Always ensure partner can tap with at least one hand
• Never apply choke while opponent’s head position risks neck injury

Key Principles

• Shoulder Pressure: Drive shoulder of choking arm into side of opponent’s neck to create primary compression point
• Figure-Four Tightness: Lock hands with minimal space, bringing choking forearm tight across throat
• Hip Positioning: Keep hips forward and weight distributed to prevent opponent from rolling or escaping underneath
• Head Control: Control opponent’s head position to prevent posturing up or turning into you
• Arm Threading Depth: Thread choking arm deep under opponent’s near shoulder for proper angle and compression
• Bite Down Finish: Pull elbows together while expanding chest to create circumferential pressure around neck
• Variation Recognition: Identify which brabo variation applies based on opponent’s posture, arm position, and defensive reaction

Prerequisites

• Establish front headlock control with opponent’s head secured under your chest or armpit
• Control opponent’s near arm to prevent them from framing or establishing base
• Position your body at angle to opponent’s spine (not directly head-on) for proper threading mechanics
• Break opponent’s posture down to prevent them from sitting back or standing up
• Create forward pressure to keep opponent’s weight loaded on trapped arm and head
• Identify proper spacing to thread choking arm under opponent’s near shoulder without excessive resistance

Execution Steps

1. Secure front headlock position: Establish solid front headlock with your chest heavy on opponent’s upper back, head controlled under your armpit. Use non-choking arm to secure opponent’s near arm (overhook, underhook, or controlling their wrist). Angle your body 45 degrees to their spine to create space for arm threading. (Timing: Initial control - establish before opponent can defend) [Pressure: Moderate]
2. Thread choking arm under near shoulder: Slide your choking-side arm (palm down) under opponent’s near shoulder and deep across their throat. Your bicep should pass under their shoulder while your forearm crosses the front of their neck. Drive your shoulder forward and down to create initial compression. The deeper you thread, the tighter the finish. (Timing: Quick threading before opponent tucks arm) [Pressure: Light]
3. Lock figure-four grip: Bring your non-choking hand to meet your choking hand on the far side of opponent’s neck. Lock hands in figure-four configuration: choking hand grabs your non-choking bicep, non-choking hand grabs behind your choking tricep. Pull grip tight to eliminate slack. Your choking forearm should now be directly across opponent’s throat. (Timing: Immediate - before opponent can defend hands) [Pressure: Moderate]
4. Adjust body position for optimal angle: Step over with your choking-side leg if standing, or sprawl hips back if on ground. Your chest should be heavy on opponent’s upper back/shoulder, creating downward pressure. Ensure your body forms straight line from hips through shoulders to prevent opponent from rolling underneath you. Keep hips forward to maintain weight distribution. (Timing: Simultaneous with grip lock) [Pressure: Firm]
5. Create shoulder pressure and compression: Drive the shoulder of your choking arm into the side of opponent’s neck while pulling your elbows together. Your choking-side shoulder becomes a wedge that compresses one carotid while your forearm compresses the other. Expand your chest while maintaining tight elbows to create circumferential pressure around their neck. This ‘bite down’ motion is the finishing mechanism. (Timing: Progressive pressure over 3-5 seconds) [Pressure: Firm]
6. Secure position and prevent escapes: Keep opponent’s near arm controlled and head down throughout finish. If opponent attempts to roll to choking side, follow the roll while maintaining shoulder pressure. If they attempt to sit back, sprawl harder and drive forward. Monitor for tap constantly. Maintain position without increasing pressure after feeling tap signal. (Timing: Continuous throughout submission) [Pressure: Maximum]
7. Recognize specific variation context: Identify which brabo variation you’re executing: standard brabo (front headlock), rolling brabo (from scramble), shallow brabo (when arm threading is limited), or marce variation (when opponent’s arm is more extended). Each requires slight adjustment in grip, angle, or finishing mechanics while maintaining core principles of shoulder pressure and figure-four compression. (Timing: Throughout setup and execution) [Pressure: Light]

Opponent Defenses

• Opponent tucks near arm tight to body to prevent threading (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Switch to anaconda choke by threading same arm but going under both their arm and head, or transition to guillotine if they raise posture
• Opponent postures up and drives forward into you (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Allow forward movement while pulling them into guillotine variation, or use their momentum to snap them back down and reset threading position
• Opponent rolls to choking side attempting to escape underneath (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Follow the roll while maintaining shoulder pressure and grip, often finishing tighter as roll completes with you on top in side control position
• Opponent grabs your choking wrist to prevent figure-four lock (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Use your free hand to strip their grip while maintaining arm threading, or transition to short choke by clasping hands in different configuration
• Opponent sits back toward their hips to create space (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Sprawl harder and drive forward to prevent backward movement, or if they complete sitting back, transition to front headlock back take or guillotine adjustment
• Opponent turns into you making your body parallel to theirs (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Adjust to shallow brabo finish by emphasizing shoulder pressure over arm threading depth, or transition to kimura trap on near arm

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Threading arm too shallow under opponent’s shoulder [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Insufficient compression on carotid arteries, allowing opponent to defend hand grip and escape
  • Correction: Drive arm deeper under shoulder until your bicep is past their shoulder joint and forearm crosses directly across throat. Use head and shoulder pressure to create space for threading.
• Mistake: Leaving slack in figure-four grip when locking hands [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent can create space to turn head, defend neck, or slip arm out before finish
  • Correction: Pull elbows together immediately when locking grip to remove all slack. Your choking forearm should be in direct contact with their throat before applying pressure.
• Mistake: Positioning body directly behind opponent instead of at angle [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Poor leverage for arm threading and shoulder pressure, easier for opponent to roll or sit back
  • Correction: Maintain 45-degree angle to opponent’s spine on choking side. Your body should form ‘L’ shape with opponent’s body, not straight line behind them.
• Mistake: Applying excessive pressure too quickly without allowing tap opportunity [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Risk of unconsciousness without warning, potential injury to training partner
  • Correction: Apply pressure progressively over 3-5 seconds minimum. Give partner clear opportunity to recognize choke and tap. Stop immediately upon any tap signal.
• Mistake: Pulling opponent’s head sideways or cranking neck instead of using shoulder pressure [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Ineffective choke that becomes painful neck crank, risk of cervical spine injury
  • Correction: Focus compression on throat via shoulder wedge and forearm, not torque on neck. Opponent’s head should stay relatively neutral, not twisted or bent laterally.
• Mistake: Allowing hips to drift backward or weight to shift off opponent [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent easily rolls underneath or sits back to escape, losing control and submission
  • Correction: Keep hips forward and weight heavy on opponent’s upper back throughout finish. Sprawl harder if opponent attempts to create space.
• Mistake: Continuing to apply pressure after feeling tap or seeing distress signals [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Serious injury risk including unconsciousness, stroke, or death if prolonged
  • Correction: Immediately release grip and pressure upon any tap signal or if opponent goes limp. Safety takes absolute priority over finishing submissions in training.
• Mistake: Failing to control opponent’s near arm during setup [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent uses free arm to frame, create space, or defend neck before threading
  • Correction: Secure overhook, underhook, or wrist control on opponent’s near arm before attempting to thread choking arm. Their arm should be trapped or controlled throughout setup.

Variations

Standard Front Headlock Brabo: Classic setup from front headlock position with opponent on hands and knees. Thread arm under near shoulder while maintaining heavy chest pressure. Most common variation in no-gi grappling. (When to use: When opponent is in turtle or defending front headlock with good base but near arm is accessible for threading)

Rolling Brabo Entry: Dynamic entry from scramble positions where you thread arm while rolling or spinning to opponent’s back. Often finished during the roll itself as compression tightens with rotational momentum. (When to use: When opponent is attempting to come up or escape from bottom and you can catch their arm during scramble movement)

Shallow Brabo (Marce Choke): Variation when deep arm threading isn’t available. Emphasize shoulder pressure as primary compression point with less reliance on arm depth. Named variation that focuses on shoulder wedge mechanics. (When to use: When opponent’s near arm is tight to body preventing deep threading, or when transitioning from standing clinch positions)

Brabo from Standing Front Headlock: Initiated from standing wrestling position. Thread arm deep, lock grip, then either finish standing by pulling opponent into you, or follow them to ground while maintaining control. (When to use: When opponent shoots failed takedown or you establish front headlock from standing clinch exchanges)

Brabo to Back Take Sequence: Use brabo threat to force opponent’s defensive roll, then release choke and transition to back control with seat belt grip as they turn into you. (When to use: When opponent is defending choke well but rolling to escape, creating back take opportunity as superior positional advancement)

North-South Brabo Adjustment: Applied from north-south position by threading arm under opponent’s far shoulder while controlling near arm. Requires different angle and body positioning than standard front headlock variation. (When to use: When passing to north-south and opponent’s defensive arm position creates threading opportunity)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What are the two primary structures creating compression in a properly applied brabo choke? A: The two primary compression structures are: (1) the shoulder of your choking arm driving into one side of the opponent’s neck, and (2) your choking forearm crossing the front of their throat to compress the opposite side. Together, these create a wedge and forearm combination that compresses both carotid arteries when you pull your elbows together and expand your chest.

Q2: Why must you immediately release a brabo choke when you feel a tap or notice your opponent going limp? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Blood chokes targeting the carotid arteries can cause unconsciousness within 3-7 seconds if held with full pressure. Continuing pressure after tap or unconsciousness risks stroke, brain damage, or death. Training partners must trust that you will release immediately upon tap signal. Even brief continuation beyond unconsciousness can cause serious medical consequences including permanent neurological damage.

Q3: What is the key body positioning difference between a brabo choke and an anaconda choke from front headlock? A: In a brabo choke, you thread your arm under the opponent’s near shoulder and across their throat, going around their arm. In an anaconda choke, you thread your arm under both their near arm and their head simultaneously, creating compression by pulling their own arm across their throat. The brabo is an arm-in choke where their arm is trapped on one side, while the anaconda uses their arm as the choking mechanism itself.

Q4: What makes the ‘shallow brabo’ or marce variation effective when deep arm threading isn’t possible? A: The shallow brabo emphasizes shoulder pressure as the primary compression mechanism rather than deep arm positioning. By driving your shoulder forcefully into one side of the opponent’s neck while maintaining the figure-four grip, you can still compress the carotid arteries even without deep threading. This variation requires more aggressive shoulder drive and careful angle management to be effective.

Q5: How should you progressively apply pressure when finishing a brabo choke in training, and why is this approach critical? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Pressure should be applied progressively over 3-5 seconds minimum, starting with establishing position and grip, then gradually increasing compression by pulling elbows together and driving shoulder pressure. This progressive application gives your training partner clear time to recognize the danger, assess their defensive options, and tap before losing consciousness. Sudden or explosive pressure denies this assessment period and dramatically increases injury risk.

Q6: What defensive response from your opponent should prompt you to transition to an anaconda choke instead? A: When the opponent tucks their near arm extremely tight to their body, preventing you from threading your arm under their shoulder, this is the primary signal to switch to an anaconda choke. In this case, you adjust by threading your arm under both their tucked arm and their head together, using their defensive arm position against them by pulling it across their own throat.

Q7: Why is controlling the opponent’s near arm crucial during brabo choke setup, and what happens if you fail to do this? A: Controlling the opponent’s near arm (via overhook, underhook, or wrist control) prevents them from creating a defensive frame between your body and their head. Without this control, the opponent can use their free arm to push your head away, create space in your grip, defend their neck, or post and change position. The near arm control is what keeps them stuck in place while you thread your choking arm.

Q8: What is the primary danger of cranking the opponent’s neck sideways instead of using proper compression mechanics? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Cranking the neck laterally creates a painful neck crank that targets the cervical spine rather than the carotid arteries. This can cause serious neck injuries including muscle strains, ligament damage, disc injuries, or vertebrae damage. It’s also an ineffective choke that relies on pain rather than blood restriction. Proper technique uses shoulder and forearm compression on the throat with minimal twisting or lateral pressure on the neck structure itself.

Training Progressions

Technical Understanding and Mechanics (Week 1-2)

• Focus: Learn anatomy of blood chokes, proper arm threading mechanics, figure-four grip structure, and body positioning without any pressure application. Study differences between brabo, anaconda, and guillotine configurations.
• Resistance: None
• Safety: Understand carotid artery location and compression mechanisms. Practice grip and position with zero pressure. Partner remains fully conscious and comfortable throughout all drilling.

Slow Motion Setup Practice (Week 3-4)

• Focus: Practice threading arm, securing grip, and establishing body position from cooperative front headlock. Focus on smooth entry and control maintenance. No finishing pressure applied. Develop muscle memory for proper angles and depth.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Maintain constant communication with partner. Practice tap recognition and immediate release protocol. Never apply finishing pressure—focus solely on achieving proper structure and position.

Light Pressure Familiarization (Week 5-6)

• Focus: Begin applying very light finishing pressure (10-20% maximum) to understand compression feeling. Partner taps immediately when feeling any throat compression. Practice progressive pressure application over 5-7 seconds. Emphasize shoulder pressure over arm squeeze.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: Partner taps early and often. Immediately release all pressure upon tap. Practice release protocol repeatedly. Never exceed light pressure threshold. Develop sensitivity to proper compression vs neck cranking.

Variation Recognition and Setup (Week 7-10)

• Focus: Learn different brabo variations (standard, rolling, shallow, standing) and when each applies. Practice recognizing which variation fits defensive posture. Drill transitions between brabo, anaconda, and guillotine based on opponent reactions.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: Continue light pressure protocols. Focus on position recognition over submission completion. Practice aborting technique when setup isn’t optimal rather than forcing poor positions.

Dynamic Application with Realistic Resistance (Week 11-16)

• Focus: Apply brabo variations during positional sparring from front headlock, turtle, and scramble positions. Partner provides realistic defensive reactions. Increase pressure to moderate levels (40-60%) while maintaining safety protocols. Chain with other submissions.
• Resistance: Realistic resistance
• Safety: Apply pressure progressively over minimum 3-5 seconds. Partner must have clear tap access at all times. Release immediately upon tap. Never use competition speed. Monitor partner throughout finish.

Full Integration and Competition Preparation (Week 17+)

• Focus: Incorporate brabo system into full rolling with all resistance levels. Practice against opponents actively defending and countering. Develop timing for dynamic entries. Understand when to transition to other attacks when brabo isn’t available. Prepare for competition application.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: Maintain progressive pressure application even at full resistance. Distinguish between training and competition application speeds. Train partners should still tap earlier than competition. Never compromise safety for submission completion. Regularly review tap signal protocols.

From Which Positions?

• Front Headlock
• Turtle
• Side Control
• North-South
• Scramble Position
• Standing Position
• Half Guard
• Combat Base

Related Submissions

• Darce Choke
• Anaconda Choke
• Guillotine Choke
• D’arce-Anaconda Connection
• Japanese Necktie
• Arm Triangle
• Darce Variations
• Anaconda Variations
• Peruvian Necktie
• Marce Choke
• North-South Choke
• Arm in Guillotine

Additional Related Content

• Front Headlock Series - Primary position for initiating all brabo variations with chaining to anaconda and guillotine
• Darce Setup - Entry mechanics for standard darce translate directly to no-gi brabo application
• Anaconda from Turtle - Alternative submission when opponent’s defensive posture prevents brabo threading
• Front Headlock to Darce - Fundamental transition showing how to recognize and execute brabo opportunity from control position
• Turtle Transition - Common position where opponent exposes neck for brabo entry while attempting to recover guard
• Snap Down - Standing technique that creates front headlock position for brabo entries
• Danaher Front Headlock System - Comprehensive system integrating brabo variations within complete front headlock attack framework
• Back Control - Superior position to transition to when opponent defends brabo by rolling
• Guillotine Control - Alternative choke option when opponent postures up during brabo attempt
• D’arce Control - Gi-based version sharing fundamental mechanics with no-gi brabo variations

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The brabo choke family represents the no-gi adaptation of collar choke mechanics, substituting anatomical structure for fabric control. The critical understanding is that this is fundamentally a shoulder pressure choke, not an arm squeeze choke. Your shoulder becomes the primary wedge compressing one carotid while your forearm addresses the opposite side—this bilateral compression is what creates the blood choke. The depth of your arm threading determines the efficiency of your finish, but even with shallow threading, correct shoulder pressure can complete the submission. The figure-four grip functions to lock your structure, but the finishing power comes from pulling elbows together while expanding the chest, not from squeezing with arm strength. Students must understand the mechanical distinction between brabo, anaconda, and guillotine configurations—each exploits different defensive postures and arm positions. The brabo specifically punishes opponents who keep their near arm tight to their body while defending front headlock. Safety requires progressive pressure application and immediate release protocols, as blood chokes can cause unconsciousness rapidly. In training, emphasize the positional control and submission threat over completion, developing sensitivity to proper compression mechanics versus dangerous neck cranking. The variations all share core principles of shoulder wedge mechanics, but adapt grip, angle, and finishing details to specific contexts.
• Gordon Ryan: The brabo choke is one of the highest percentage no-gi submissions from front headlock because it works against the exact defensive posture most people use—tucking their near arm tight and keeping their head down. In competition, I hunt for brabo setups constantly because opponents give you the position trying to defend other attacks. The key difference between training and competition application is the urgency of the finish. In matches, once I secure the grip and position, I’m finishing with maximum pressure to get the tap quickly. In training, you absolutely must give partners time to recognize and tap to protect their safety. I’ve finished countless matches with brabos because the setup is available from scrambles, failed takedown attempts, and turtle positions that occur naturally in high-level competition. The rolling brabo entry is especially effective against opponents trying to come up or escape—you catch their arm during the scramble and finish during the rotation. Don’t overthink the variations; focus on recognizing when their near arm is in position for threading, secure your grip tight with no slack, and drive that shoulder pressure into their neck while pulling your elbows together. If they defend the brabo by rolling or tucking harder, you’re already in position to transition to anaconda, guillotine, or take their back. The submission chains from front headlock are what make this position so dominant in modern no-gi grappling.
• Eddie Bravo: The brabo choke is the no-gi warrior’s bread and butter from front headlock positions. We drill this constantly at 10th Planet because it’s available from so many scramble situations and defensive positions that happen in real rolling. The marce variation—that shallow brabo when you can’t get deep threading—is money when you understand the shoulder pressure mechanics. A lot of people sleep on the rolling brabo entry, but that’s one of the sickest ways to catch it when someone’s trying to scramble or come up from bottom. You thread that arm during the motion and finish as you complete the roll—they don’t even realize they’re in danger until it’s locked up. The connection between brabo and anaconda is crucial; when they defend one, you’re already set up for the other. It’s like a binary attack system from front headlock. Safety-wise, this is serious business because you’re messing with blood flow to the brain. In the gym, we have strict protocols about progressive pressure and immediate release on taps. Everyone needs to understand that training chokes slowly builds trust and technical skill, while competition is where you apply full speed. The brabo variations fit perfectly into our system because they work without the gi and they chain with our back attack game, which is the ultimate goal anyway. Use the submission threat to advance position, and if the finish is there clean, take it—but never compromise your training partner’s safety for a tap.