Standard Brabo Choke
Varietyブラボーチョーク(Burabō Chōku)
TransliterationTranslation: Brabo Choke (katakana loanword)
Overview
The standard brabo choke from closed guard is a gi-based head-and-arm strangle where the attacker uses the opponent's own lapel to thread around the neck and arm from bottom guard. [1] The attacker feeds the opponent's lapel across the neck, threads it under the far armpit, and retrieves it with the other hand, creating a loop of gi fabric around the neck and one arm. [1],[2] Tightening the lapel loop while squeezing the knees and pulling with the legs creates bilateral carotid compression similar to a D'Arce choke but using fabric instead of the bare arm. [2] The brabo choke from guard is a powerful counter-attack against opponents who drive forward aggressively during guard passing. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The brabo choke is attributed to Brazilian BJJ competitor Leonardo 'Leozinho' Vieira, who developed lapel-based head-and-arm strangles in the early 2000s. [1] The guard application became popular among competitors who specialised in lapel guard systems and wanted offensive choking options from bottom position. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Effective variation that uses the opponent's own lapel to create a choking loop from closed guard; highly dependent on gi grips and lapel access [1]
Lineage
Named after Leo Vieira's nickname 'Brabo'; the closed guard version was developed by Brazilian gi competitors exploring lapel-based submissions in the 2000s [1]
Competition Record
Regular finish at IBJJF worlds and Pan championships in gi competition; particularly effective at brown and black belt levels where lapel manipulation is refined [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Position & Entry
Variants
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
Lapel overhook chokes from guard use the gi collar combined with overhook control
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Training Notes
Common Mistakes
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
Sources & References
Shrapnel BJJ Academy (shrapnel-bjj.com); Let'sBJJ (letsbjj.site)
Japanese BJJ academy — technique terminology
Japanese BJJ technique resource
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
Japanese terminology sourced from Shrapnel BJJ Academy (shrapnel-bjj.com); Let'sBJJ (letsbjj.site)
Community
Athletics
long arms for threading under armpit and around neck
longer limbs, lean build
biceps, deltoids, forearm flexors, core (for sprawl pressure)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Standard Brabo Choke work?
The standard brabo choke from closed guard is a gi-based head-and-arm strangle where the attacker uses the opponent's own lapel to thread around the neck and arm from bottom guard. The attacker feeds the opponent's lapel across the neck, threads it under the far armpit, and retrieves it with the other hand, creating a loop of gi fabric around the neck and one arm.
Where does the Standard Brabo Choke come from?
The brabo choke is attributed to Brazilian BJJ competitor Leonardo 'Leozinho' Vieira, who developed lapel-based head-and-arm strangles in the early 2000s. The guard application became popular among competitors who specialised in lapel guard systems and wanted offensive choking options from bottom position.
Is the Standard Brabo Choke legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes are the safest submission cat…; IJF: legal — Legal (shime-waza) — strangulation techniques are one of three permitted subm…; ADCC: legal — Legal; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — choke submissions are among the most common finishes in MMA; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Standard Brabo Choke?
Danger rating 8/10. Lapel overhook chokes from guard use the gi collar combined with overhook control
How do I set up the Standard Brabo Choke?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position → Isolate the Neck → Set the Grip → Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Standard Brabo Choke?
Standard counters include: Tuck Chin — protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinking / Two-on-One Grip Fight — use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locks / Turn Into — rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressure / Posture Up — straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle.
What are the variants of the Standard Brabo Choke?
Common variants: Standard D'Arce (arm threaded under the far armpit and around the neck fro…); Marce (short choke) (tighter, shorter threading for compact body types); Standing D'Arce (applied during a scramble without going to the ground); D'Arce from turtle (threaded as the opponent attempts to re-guard from turtle…).
How effective is the Standard Brabo Choke in competition?
Regular finish at IBJJF worlds and Pan championships in gi competition; particularly effective at brown and black belt levels where lapel manipulation is refined
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Brabo Choke?
Top errors to watch for: Not feeding the lapel deep enough — the lapel must cross the neck past the midline; a shallow feed only creates colla… / Feeding over the arm instead of under — the lapel must pass under the trapped arm to create the arm-triangle geometry… / Not maintaining guard while feeding — the guard must stay closed to prevent the opponent from retreating; opening the… / Pulling the lapel without hip extension — the hips must extend to tighten the choke; lapel-pulling alone is insufficient.
What are other names for the Standard Brabo Choke?
The Standard Brabo Choke is also known as Burabō Chōku, Classic Brabo, Standard Lapel Overhook Choke.