Rear Naked Choke

Overview

The rear naked choke (RNC) is statistically the most successful submission in MMA and one of the fundamental techniques in BJJ. Applied from back control, this blood choke compresses the carotid arteries without requiring any gi grips, making it essential for no-gi grappling and self-defense.

Key Statistics:

• Most successful UFC submission of all time
• Works in gi, no-gi, and MMA
• Can be applied with or without the body triangle
• Quick finish when properly applied

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Secure Back Control

Establish back control with both hooks in and your chest tight to their back. Your head should be beside theirs (not behind where they can head butt backwards).

Key Points:

• Both hooks secured
• Chest tight to their back
• Weight distributed properly
• Head positioned safely to the side

Step 2: Create the Initial Grip

Snake your choking arm under their chin, aiming to get as deep as possible. Your elbow should end up in front of their throat, not on their jaw. Drive this arm deep by using your opposite hand to grab your own wrist and pull.

Key Points:

• Arm goes under chin, not across jaw
• Drive elbow deep across throat
• Use your free hand to help feed the arm deeper
• Stay tight to prevent them from creating space

Step 3: Lock the Figure-Four

Once your choking arm is deep, bring your opposite hand behind their head. Grab your own bicep with your choking hand. Your free hand goes palm-down behind their head (not on top of their head).

Key Points:

• Create a tight figure-four configuration
• Bicep grip should be high and tight
• Back hand is behind the head, palm down
• Elbows stay close together

Step 4: Expand Your Chest

This is the "choke" part. Expand your chest while pulling your elbows together. Think about "spreading your lats" or making yourself wider. This closes the gap and tightens everything.

Key Points:

• Expand chest outward
• Keep arms tight
• Maintain hooks and body control
• Don't just squeeze with arms - use your back and chest

Step 5: Finish with Control

Maintain all points of control while applying steady pressure. Your hooks stay in, chest stays tight, and the choke stays locked. Release immediately upon the tap.

Key Points:

• Keep all control points active
• Apply steady, controlled pressure
• Watch for the tap (they may not be able to speak)
• Release immediately when they tap

Key Grips

Standard RNC Configuration

1. Choking Arm (Critical): Deep under chin, elbow across throat
2. Bicep Grip (Critical): Choking hand grabs opposite bicep
3. Back Hand (Critical): Behind head, palm down, fingers not locked

Common Variations

• High RNC: Higher on the neck for different anatomy
• Short Choke: If you can't get to the bicep, palm behind head
• Arm-In RNC: If their arm is trapped, adjust to choke with it inside

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Choking the jaw - Painful but won't finish, and illegal in some competitions

• Fix: Elbow must be across the throat

• Mistake: Hand on top of head - Reduces choke effectiveness

• Fix: Hand behind the head, palm down

• Mistake: Squeezing with only arms - Tiring and less effective

• Fix: Expand chest and use back muscles

• Mistake: Loose hooks - Allows opponent to escape

• Fix: Maintain tight hooks throughout

• Mistake: Telegraphing the attack - Gives opponent time to defend

• Fix: Set up with grip fighting and misdirection

Counters & Defenses

Be aware of these common defenses:

• Chin Tuck: Opponent tucks chin to block arm from going under
• Hand Fighting: Opponent fights your hands to prevent lock
• Back Escape: Opponent works to remove hooks and escape position

Follow-Up Techniques

If the RNC is defended, maintain back control and try:

1. Armbar from Back - If they defend the choke high
2. Bow and Arrow Choke (Gi) - Alternative choke from back
3. Rear Triangle - If they defend by bringing hands up
4. Hooks Maintenance - Reset and create another opening

Training Progression

Week 1: Master the basic mechanics and arm positioning Week 2: Practice finishing with proper chest expansion Week 3-4: Work on entries and maintaining back control Week 5-8: Live drilling against progressive resistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if I have the RNC locked correctly? A: Your elbow should be across their throat (not jaw), your figure-four should be tight, and when you expand your chest, you should feel significant pressure.

Q: What if I can't get my arm under their chin? A: Use your free hand to pull your choking arm deeper, or create opportunities through movement and misdirection. Hand fighting is key.

Q: Is there a difference between gi and no-gi RNC? A: The mechanics are identical. The gi version is often easier because your opponent moves slower, but the technique itself doesn't change.

Q: How long does it take for someone to tap from a proper RNC? A: A properly applied blood choke can render someone unconscious in 3-8 seconds, but they should tap well before that point. Never hold it if they go limp.

Q: Can I practice RNC solo? A: You can drill the arm positioning and figure-four lock on a grappling dummy or against air, but you need a partner for proper pressure and feedback.

Advanced Concepts

The Invisible RNC

Set up the choke slowly through grip fighting rather than one explosive movement. Your opponent may not realize the danger until it's too late.

Body Triangle Integration

Combine the RNC with the body triangle for even more control. This is especially effective in MMA and no-gi.

Short Choke Variation

If you can't reach your bicep, place your palm behind their head and squeeze everything together. Less leverage but still effective.

Safety Note: The RNC is a blood choke that can cause unconsciousness very quickly. Always release immediately when your partner taps, and never practice at full power without a qualified instructor present.