Brabo Choke

The Brabo choke, often considered a gi variation of the D’Arce, is a powerful submission that targets the opponent’s neck and carotid arteries. The attacker threads an arm deep under the opponent’s neck and across one arm, then locks their grip using the opposite arm or gi collar to compress and secure the choke. This technique can be applied from top positions like side control or half guard, making it versatile in both sport and self-defense scenarios.

A key feature of the Brabo is its leverage-oriented mechanics. By using body rotation and shoulder pressure, the choke neutralizes the opponent’s posture, reducing escape options while steadily increasing pressure on the carotids. Gi grips enhance control, but skilled no-gi practitioners can adapt it with forearm and wrist control.

At higher levels, the Brabo choke is often chained with guard passes or sweeps. For instance, if the opponent defends by sprawling, the attacker can shift into a D’Arce setup or transition into a triangle variation, making it a dynamic addition to any top-player arsenal. Its combination of control and submission threat makes it a staple in competitive grappling.