Unlock the Power of the Darce Choke from Knee on Belly
Have you ever found yourself dominating from the knee on belly position, only to watch your opponent escape or counter? What if you could turn that control into a submission goldmine? Enter the Darce choke from knee on belly—a slick, high-percentage move that's a game-changer in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), MMA, and no-gi grappling. Black belt Chris Lyion breaks it down with precision, showing how to trap, slide, and squeeze your way to victory.
This technique shines in scenarios where your opponent is desperate to shrimp away or push you off. It's not just for pure BJJ rolls; fighters in MMA and wrestling can adapt it during transitions on the ground, catching opponents off-guard before they scramble up. Let's dive into the setup, execution, and pro tips to make it yours.
Why Knee on Belly is Your Launchpad for Submissions
Knee on belly (KOB) is one of the most dominant top positions in grappling. Your knee drives into their belly, pinning their hips while freeing your arms for attacks. But smart opponents will react—often by posting a hand or framing against your chest. That's your cue to flow into the Darce.
Pro Tip for MMA Fighters: In a cage fight, KOB wears down strikers who want to stand. Use it to control posture, then hunt submissions like this Darce to force taps or setups for ground-and-pound. Gear up with a quality rash guard and shorts from Apollo MMA to maintain grips without slipping.
Step 1: Establish Dominant Knee on Belly Control
Start strong. Post your knee deep into their solar plexus, keeping your weight centered. Your supporting foot should be flat on the mat near their hip for stability. Hands on their chest or shoulders to squash any upward movement.
When they push with their hands or bridge their hips to escape, that's your opening. Don't fight their resistance—flow with it.
Real-World Application: In BJJ tournaments or sparring, this position scores points and sets up sweeps or subs. Wrestlers love it for ride control before going for the turn.
Step 2: Trap the Far Arm and Threaten the Armbar
As they frame against you (usually with their right arm if you're on their left side), slide your left arm under their tricep, gripping your own biceps for the figure-four grip. Your right hand cups behind their neck or traps their head.
Posture up slightly to off-balance them. Swing your left leg over their head, landing in a technical mount-like position. This creates the armbar threat—elbow up, ready to extend.
Kickboxing/BJJ Crossover: Muay Thai clinch specialists can use similar arm drags. Practice with grappling dummies to perfect the timing.
Step 3: Slide to the Side and Secure the Darce Grip
Don't stay mounted—slide your hips to their right side (their far side). Keep that figure-four tight around their arm. Your right knee now posts on the mat for base.
Feed your right arm through the gap between their neck and trapped arm, then snake it back under your left armpit to lock the Darce grip. Squeeze your elbows together like a vice.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Loose grips lead to escapes. Clamp like you're hugging a tree—full power from the start.
Step 4: Adjust for the Finish—Head and Squeeze
With the grip locked, drop your head to the mat beside theirs. Walk your hips around to north-south position, using your left leg to block their hip escape.
Arch your back, drive your shoulder into their neck, and pull with both arms. The choke tightens as their own shoulder compresses the carotid.
Wrestling Integration: This mirrors guillotine variations from shots taken. In MMA, chain it to an arm triangle if they defend.
Step 5: The Kill Switch—Full Compression
Once hips are around, flatten out. Your chest pressure seals the deal. They'll tap fast if you hit it right.
Training Drill: Partner resistance—have them push hard from KOB. Rep 10x per side. Add no-gi for MMA realism with Apollo MMA's compression shorts for better mobility.
Advanced Variations and Counters
- No-Gi Twist: Use a sleeve grip instead of biceps for slicker entries.
- Against Defenses: If they tuck the chin, pry with your forearm and roll to the belly-down Darce.
- MMA Finish: Posture up post-tap for punches or pass to mount.
Troubleshooting Common Errors
| Issue | Fix |
|-------|-----|
| Opponent spins out | Base your knee deeper, control posture first |
| Grip slips | Dry hands? Use grip-enhancing rash guards |
| No choke pressure | Squeeze elbows, not arms—power from the back |
Make It Competition-Ready
Drill this weekly. Start slow for mechanics, then live roll at 70% speed. Black belts like Chris Lyion emphasize patience—wait for their push, then explode.
In UFC or ONE Championship ground games, we've seen Darces finish rounds. Adapt for wrestling mats or kickboxing sprawls.
Ready to elevate your game? Grab your gear from Apollo MMA and hit the mats. This technique could be your new finisher!
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