Front Headlock
- Wrestling
- Front Headlock
- fundamental
- Front headlock
- 3 steps
Control the head and an arm after a stuffed shot, then spin behind for the go-behind or attack. Also known as the Front head & arm. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 3 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.
When to use it
Take the front headlock after a stuffed shot, a snap down, or any time the opponent’s head drops below yours. Wrap the chin and control the near arm straight away. From there you can go behind or snap them back down, and in MMA you can also attack a choke.
Step by step
- 01
Collar tie
Establish a collar tie and pressure the head down.
- 02
Snap to the front headlock
Snap the head down and wrap one arm under the chin while controlling the near arm.
- 03
Circle to the back
Keep your weight heavy on the head, walk your feet to the side and circle behind to take the back.
Key details
- Keep your weight driving down on the head and shoulders.
- Control the near arm so they cannot stand back up.
- Circle toward the controlled arm to get behind.
Common mistakes
- Letting the head come up and posture rebuild.
- Holding only the head and ignoring the arm.
- Staying square instead of circling to the back.
Common counters
Opponents rebuild posture by driving the head up, or come up on a single leg. Some reach for a leg to scramble out. Keep your weight heavy on the head and keep circling.
How to drill it
Your partner starts on their knees with the head down: lock the front headlock, circle to the back and return. Do three rounds of one minute while your partner tries to come up to their feet.
Related techniques
- Snap DownWrestlingUse a collar tie to snap the opponent face-down, then circle to the front headlock or back.
- Arm DragWrestlingGrip the wrist and triceps and drag the opponent past you to take their back.
- Anaconda ChokeBJJSimilar to the D’Arce but the arm threads under the near arm; roll them through to finish constricting the neck.
Train it with the AI coach