Back to Techniques
Side ControlTop
BeginnerBrabo Choke
N/A
Taught by:Nathan Merkle
Share
Share this page
About This Technique
Brabo Choke: Detailed Description
The Brabo Choke, also known as the Darce Choke in some circles, is a powerful submission maneuver in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that leverages your opponent's gi to cut off blood flow to their brain, leading to a choke. This technique is often applied from a Side Control or when transitioning from a Half Guard position. Below, we'll explore the step-by-step process of how to execute this efficient submission.
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Establish Base Position
- Begin in the Half Guard or Side Control position on your opponent.
- Ensure you've secured a stable base by spreading your weight evenly and keeping your hips low.
-
Arm Control
- With your control arm (e.g., your right arm), underhook your opponent’s far arm.
- Use your free hand to control their near-side wrist or tricep, ensuring they can't defend effectively.
-
Locking the Head and Arm
- Weave your underhooking arm around your opponent's head, tucking it underneath their opposite armpit.
- Use your overhook route for the opposite arm through the opening between their arm and neck to grab your opposite bicep, as if setting up a rear naked choke.
-
Position Adjustment
- As you grip your bicep, twist your torsal slightly to compress your opponent’s head against your arm.
- You may need to adjust your position to where you are perpendicular to your opponent to ensure maximum pressure.
-
Finishing the Choke
- Shift slightly backward and squeeze your elbows together.
- Press your chest onto their triceps, using your body weight to increase the choke's effectiveness.
- Maintain pressure until your opponent taps out or loses consciousness.
Key Points:
- Control and Patience: Maintain a dominant position and wait for the right moment to execute the choke.
- Arm Placement: Proper positioning of your arms forms the essential bond around their neck and under their armpit to cut off blood flow effectively.
- Body Weight: Use your body weight as leverage to increase the choke's tightness.
Common Mistakes
- Poor Arm Placement: Incorrect alignment can lead to escape avenues for your opponent or failure to choke effectively.
- Over-Commitment: Ensure that your position is stable and your balance is intact; over-committing can lead to a sweep or reversal.
The Brabo Choke is efficient yet highly versatile across various levels of BJJ practitioners. While it can feel particularly claustrophobic for the opponent, executing it correctly requires precision and control.
How to Execute
# Brabo Choke from Side Control
## Setup
### Initial Position Details
- Begin in side control with your chest on your opponent's chest.
- Your knees should be close to your opponent's body, and your weight distributed evenly.
- Your far-side hand (the one closer to your opponent's legs) should be controlling your opponent’s far shoulder or head to prevent them from turning towards you.
### Grips and Controls Needed
- Your near-side hand (the one closer to your opponent's head) should be under your opponent's head, controlling their far-side arm with a grip on their tricep or shoulder.
- Your far-side hand should be free to work for grips and adjustments.
## Steps
1. **Create Space**
- Use your far-side hand to push against your opponent’s hip, creating space between their body and your torso.
- Maintain control of their far-side arm with your near-side hand.
2. **Thread the Arm**
- Slide your far-side hand under your opponent's far-side armpit.
- Reach through and grab their far-side lapel with your hand, forming a deep grip. Ensure that the lapel is tight and secure in your grip.
3. **Adjust Your Position**
- Transition your body to your knees, staying heavy on your opponent to prevent them from escaping.
- Slide your knee closest to your opponent’s head under their shoulder to lift it slightly, creating an angle for the choke.
4. **Lock the Choke**
- Switch from holding the lapel to sliding your arm deeper around your opponent’s neck.
- Use your free hand to grab your wrist, forming a figure-four grip (similar to an anaconda choke grip).
5. **Finish the Choke**
- Squeeze your elbows together while pulling your opponent’s head into your chest.
- Drop your weight downwards and slightly angle your chest into their neck to apply pressure.
- Hold the grip tightly and maintain pressure until your opponent taps.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**
- Ensure your grip on the lapel is deep and secure to prevent your opponent from breaking free.
- Keep your weight centered and heavy on your opponent to limit their movement.
- Use your knee to create the necessary angle for effective pressure on the neck.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**
- Avoid leaving too much space between you and your opponent, which can allow them to escape or defend.
- Do not rush the choke; ensure your grips and positioning are correct before applying pressure.
- Neglecting to control your opponent’s far-side arm can lead to losing the position or failing to secure the choke.
Rate This Technique
Sign in to rate techniques
Sign In