Introduction to Davis Asare and D'Arce Choke System

Davis Asare, a rising star training at Kingsway in Austin, Texas under Gordon Ryan and John Danner, demonstrates his highly effective D'Arce choke system. Asare has successfully applied this technique multiple times in both competition and training, and shares key finishing details that significantly improve success rates.

Elbow Positioning and Center Line Control

The fundamental principle of the D'Arce choke involves controlling the opponent's elbow position relative to the center line. When an opponent secures a tight waist grip, the elbow distance from the head increases along the larger circumference, making the choke less effective. The attacker must work to drive the opponent's elbow past their own center line to maximize choking pressure.

Defensive Knee Block Against Tight Waist

To prevent the opponent from establishing a tight waist grip, the attacker should post on their toes and walk backward while driving their knee to block the opponent's grip attempt. This defensive movement simultaneously prevents the tight waist and creates leverage to push the opponent's elbow past the center line using the knee, thigh, or hip.

Finishing Mechanics with Figure Four Lock

Once the figure four lock is secured, the attacker maintains consistent pressure by using the knee, thigh, or hip to keep the opponent's elbow past the center line while rotating and executing the finish. This continuous elbow displacement prevents the opponent from defending and significantly increases finishing percentage.

Dorsal Position as Optimal Finishing Angle

The dorsal position (opponent facing downward) provides the most effective angle for completing the D'Arce choke. The chest-to-chest finishing position offers even greater control, as it prevents the opponent from spreading their elbows and distributing pressure, making escape or grip fighting nearly impossible.

Counter Defenses: Belly Down and Belly Up Positions

Skilled opponents may defend by going belly down with hips forced to the ground and elbows spread, or by rolling belly up with weight distributed and elbows extended. Both defensive positions align the opponent's chest with the attacker's chest, reducing choke effectiveness and allowing grip fighting opportunities for escape.

Mount Transition for Chest-to-Chest Finish

Stepping through to mount position and finishing from a chest-to-chest angle provides superior control and tightness compared to other finishing positions. This transition also eliminates the opponent's defensive options while maintaining maximum pressure during the rotation and final squeeze.

Front Headlock Entry: Half Nelson Setup

From the front headlock position, the attacker can establish a half-nelson or power nelson grip with palm-to-palm contact, crunching the opponent's head into their chest. This grip serves as a control point to force the opponent into a dorsal position before shooting the hand through and locking the D'Arce.

Direct Figure Four Entry with Tricep Grip

For practitioners with longer arms, shooting directly into the figure four from a front headlock provides an efficient entry. The key detail involves exposing the attacker's own tricep, gripping the opponent's tricep palm-up, then walking the hand up to the shoulder to create a deep bicep bite in the figure four lock.

Palm-Up Forearm Lock Entry

An alternative setup from front headlock involves locking both hands palm-up at the forearm to create a tight wedge around the opponent's head. This hand position creates immediate control and makes the transition into the figure four smoother while preventing the opponent from creating escape space.

UFC BJJ Star Davis Asare Teaches World Class Darce

JonThomasBJJ

D’Arce Choke From Top Half-Guard

3 min read·10 key moments·PT12M31S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Davis Asare and D'Arce Choke System
•Elbow Positioning and Center Line Control
•Defensive Knee Block Against Tight Waist
•Finishing Mechanics with Figure Four Lock

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D’Arce Choke From Front Headlock D’Arce Choke From Turtle

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about d’arce choke from top half-guard?

This video covers introduction to davis asare and d'arce choke system, elbow positioning and center line control, defensive knee block against tight waist. It provides detailed instruction from JonThomasBJJ.

How long does it take to learn d’arce choke from top half-guard?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.