Rear Naked Choke

What is the Rear Naked Choke? (Definition & Historical Context)

The Rear Naked Choke (RNC), known in Portuguese as "mata leão" ("lion killer"), is a fundamental submission technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Classified as a blood choke, it targets the carotid arteries to rapidly induce unconsciousness. Historically, the RNC originated from Judo, where it is known as "hadaka jime," meaning "naked choke" due to its application without relying on clothing grips. The term "mata leão" gained popularity within BJJ circles around the 1960s, often credited to Reylson Gracie. The Gracie family, particularly Rickson Gracie and Royce Gracie, significantly popularized the RNC through dominant performances in early mixed martial arts competitions, including the UFC and Pride FC during the 1990s.

Biomechanics and Principles of the Rear Naked Choke

The Rear Naked Choke functions by compressing the carotid arteries on both sides of the opponent's neck, swiftly restricting blood flow to the brain. Proper execution involves placing the crook of the attacker's elbow directly beneath the opponent's chin, aligning the biceps muscle on one side of the neck and the radius bone (forearm) on the other. Effective biomechanics require maintaining a tight chest-to-back connection, positioning the head ear-to-ear with the opponent, and engaging the hips, back arch, and shoulder retraction to maximize choking pressure. Rather than relying solely on arm strength, practitioners should utilize their entire body, squeezing elbows together and expanding the chest to efficiently finish the choke.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying the Rear Naked Choke from Back Control

1. Secure Back Control: Establish dominant back mount by placing hooks (feet inside opponent's thighs) or securing a body triangle around the opponent's torso.

2. Seatbelt Grip and Hand Positioning: Control the opponent's upper body using a seatbelt grip (one arm over the shoulder, one under the armpit). Keep the choking hand concealed behind the opponent's shoulder to prevent defensive grips.

3. Slide Choking Arm Under Chin: Carefully slide the choking arm beneath the opponent's chin, positioning the crook of your elbow directly under their chin.

4. Grip Your Own Biceps: With the choking arm in place, grip your opposite biceps or shoulder, creating a tight loop around the opponent's neck.

5. Lock the Choke: Place your free hand behind the opponent's head, pressing your palm against your own shoulder or lat muscle to secure the choke.

6. Finish the Choke: Squeeze your elbows together, expand your chest, and slightly arch your hips forward to apply maximum pressure, quickly inducing unconsciousness if the opponent does not tap.

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls in Rear Naked Choke Execution

• Exposing the Choking Hand: Revealing the choking hand prematurely allows opponents to grip and defend effectively.
• Leaving Space: Failing to maintain tight chest-to-back contact or leaving gaps around the neck reduces choking effectiveness and provides escape opportunities.
• Poor Elbow Alignment: Misaligning the elbow can result in a painful jaw crush or windpipe pressure rather than a clean blood choke.
• Releasing Control Too Early: Transitioning too quickly from positional control to choke grip can allow opponents to escape or counter.
• Crossing Feet in Back Mount: Crossing ankles behind the opponent's body exposes the attacker to a potential ankle lock counter.

Defensive Strategies and Escapes from the Rear Naked Choke

Early-Stage Defenses

• Immediate Hand-Fighting: Engage in hand-fighting early to control the attacker's choking arm and prevent choke entry.
• Chin-Tucking: Keep the chin tightly tucked against the chest and shoulders shrugged to protect the neck.

Positional Escapes

• Escape to Underhook Side: Rotate toward the side of the attacker's underhook arm, aiming to place your back flat on the mat and remove back control.
• Removing Hooks and Hip Escape: Clear the attacker's hooks and utilize hip movement to slide out of back control, regaining positional safety.

Last-Resort Defenses

• Peeling the Top Hand: If the choke is nearly locked, peel away the attacker's top hand to alleviate pressure.
• Arm-Trapping and Rolling: Trap the choking arm under your armpit or attempt to roll, creating space to relieve choking pressure.

Rear Naked Choke in Gi vs. No-Gi Grappling

The Rear Naked Choke remains highly effective in both gi and no-gi grappling, though its frequency and ease of application differ. In no-gi competitions, such as ADCC 2022, the RNC is among the most common and successful submissions due to the absence of collar grips and reduced friction, facilitating easier entry under the chin. Conversely, in gi grappling, the presence of collars and sleeves provides alternative choking options (e.g., sliding collar choke, bow-and-arrow choke), and the gi fabric can create friction that complicates RNC setups. Nevertheless, back control submissions, including the RNC, consistently dominate high-level gi competitions like the IBJJF World Championships.

Variations and Advanced Setups of the Rear Naked Choke

Common Variations

• Short Choke (Palm-to-Palm Grip): A quicker variation using a palm-to-palm or gable grip behind the opponent's head, effective when space is limited.
• One-Arm Rear Naked Choke: A high-level variation where the attacker finishes the choke using only the choking arm, typically after trapping one of the opponent's arms.
• Rear Naked Neck Crank (Jaw Crush): Applied when the opponent's chin is tucked, causing significant jaw and neck pressure, often forcing a tap or creating an opening for the full choke.

Advanced Setups

• Arm-Trapping Techniques: Methods such as the "Marcelo Garcia trap," where one of the opponent's arms is immobilized, significantly reducing their defensive capabilities.

Strategic and Tactical Usage of the Rear Naked Choke in Competition

The Rear Naked Choke is strategically linked to the dominant back control position, highly valued in competition due to its scoring potential and submission opportunities. Athletes frequently utilize setups like arm drags, scrambles, and forced reactions to expose the opponent's back. Once back control is established, competitors often employ tactical patience, systematically hand-fighting and using body triangles to maintain control and fatigue opponents. The RNC remains a prevalent submission in elite competitions, notably demonstrated at events like ADCC 2022 and various IBJJF championships, underscoring its effectiveness as a fight-ending technique.