How To Do A Rear Naked Choke: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Technical Guide
The rear naked choke (RNC) is a blood choke targeting the carotid arteries and jugular veins, forcing rapid cerebral ischemia when applied with correct biomechanical leverage. Mastering this technique requires precise forearm placement, interlocking grip mechanics, and body triangle control to eliminate opponent escape vectors safely and efficiently.
Prerequisites and Combat Context for the Rear Naked Choke
The rear naked choke stands as the most high-percentage submission in grappling, mixed martial arts, and combat sports due to its direct mechanics and minimal reliance on joint flexibility or localized muscle strength. Executing this technique safely in sparring or competition requires strict adherence to safety protocols, an understanding of the physiological response of the human body, and a controlled environment featuring high-density grappling mats. Practitioners must develop a deep baseline comprehension of back-control dynamics, hip-hooking stability, and the physiological difference between a blood choke and an air choke.
- Essential Gear and Environment: High-density interlocking wrestling or jiu-jitsu mats (minimum 1.5-inch thickness), appropriate grappling attire (gi or no-gi rash guard and board shorts), and a qualified training partner or coach present to supervise application and immediate release upon a tap.
- Mandatory Prerequisite Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of back control, hook placement ethics (avoiding fish-hooking or spine-twisting), and immediate submission etiquette (tapping visibly or verbally the exact microsecond the choke locks or discomfort arises).
- Training Benchmarks and Scope: Designed for beginner to advanced grapplers; estimated training duration to achieve mechanical fluency requires 3 to 6 weeks of consistent drilling, with a strict budget of zero monetary cost outside of gym membership fees.
Step-by-Step Execution Protocol for the Rear Naked Choke
Step 1: Secure Dominant Back Control and Body Triangles
Establish a secure back mount by placing your heels inside your opponent's thighs (hooks) or locking a body triangle across their waist. Your torso must remain glued to their back, with your chest pressing directly against their shoulder blades to eliminate any gap that would allow them to slide their hips down or escape to the mat. Maintain a low center of gravity by keeping your hips heavy, ensuring that any movement from your opponent results in them carrying your entire body weight.
Warning: Never cross your ankles over your opponent's hips when they have their back to the mat, as this exposes your feet to an instant straight ankle lock or foot-lock counter by the bottom player.
Step 2: Establish Dominant Upper-Body Posture and Chest-to-Back Connection
Control your opponent's upper body by wrapping your torso around theirs and using your chest to smother their posture. If they attempt to turn to one side to clear your hooks, shift your weight dynamically to the heavy side to block their rotation. Keep your head tightly glued to the side of their head, eliminating the centerline workspace they need to clear your arms or clear their chin from your impending attack path.
Step 3: Insert the Blade of the Choking Arm Under the Chin
Slide your dominant forearm underneath your opponent's chin, aiming to position the blade (ulna bone) directly across their throat. To bypass a defensive chin-tuck, use your secondary hand to trap or lift their chin, or slide your forearm upward from their chest directly along the sternum like a zipper. Ensure your forearm penetrates deep enough so that your elbow pit (antecubital fossa) rests directly under the front of their neck.
Pro-Tip: If your opponent tucks their chin tightly, avoid forcing brute strength against their jaw; instead, use your forearm to wedge upward or distract them with a lapel grip or subtle shoulder pressure to force them to lift their chin naturally.
Step 4: Lock the Figure-Four Grip and Secure the Supporting Hand
Once your choking arm is deeply inserted, reach across and grab your own bicep with your non-choking hand. Simultaneously, place your choking hand behind your opponent's head, pressing your palm firmly against the base of their skull or between their shoulder blades. This figure-four or "figure-four-style" rear naked choke configuration prevents your arms from slipping and concentrates your leverage into a narrow, inescapable loop.
Step 5: Hide the Supporting Elbow and Apply Symmetrical Pressure
Slide your non-choking hand behind your opponent's head and pull your elbow inward to block their ability to slide their head out of the trap. To finish the submission, expand your chest forward, pull your choking forearm backward, and squeeze your elbows together like a pair of closing vise grips. Apply pressure smoothly and steadily while watching your partner's body language for an immediate tap.
| Parameter / Metric | Air Choke (Tracheal Compression) | Blood Choke (Rear Naked Choke Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Anatomy | Trachea and larynx cartilage | Carotid arteries and jugular veins |
| Time to Unconsciousness | 30 to 60+ seconds (slow, painful) | 5 to 10 seconds (rapid, clean) |
| Safety Profile | High risk of cartilage fracture and long-term damage | Low risk when applied correctly and released instantly |
| Required Precision | Low (requires brute force against the windpipe) | High (requires precise blade-to-artery alignment) |
UFC 310: Alexandre Pantoja submits Kai Asakura with rear naked choke ...
Common Execution Failures and Field Fixes for the Rear Naked Choke
- Root Cause: Opponent successfully tucks their chin down onto your forearm, blocking deep penetration.
- Actionable Fix: Do not attempt to muscle through the jawline. Instead, slide your hand over their face to cup their forehead or nose and gently push their head upward to expose the neck, or switch to a short-choke variation by sliding your wrist across their chin.
- Root Cause: Slipping grip or inability to close the figure-four connection due to short arms or heavy opponent upper-body mass.
- Actionable Fix: Press the back of your choking hand against your opponent's spine or shoulder blade rather than hanging it loosely in space, and pull your shoulder blades back to shorten the functional distance between your hands.
- Root Cause: Opponent rolls to the mat on top of your choking arm, relieving the pressure and reversing the positional hierarchy.
- Actionable Fix: Keep your top hook heavy and wrap your secondary arm tightly around their waist or under their armpit the moment they begin to rotate, using your body weight to anchor them to the mat while maintaining your back mount.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a rear naked choke cause unconsciousness?
The rear naked choke applies mechanical pressure to the carotid arteries located on both sides of the neck, restricting oxygenated blood flow from the heart to the brain. This acute cerebral ischemia causes temporary unconsciousness within seconds, distinguishing it from an air choke which compresses the windpipe and causes prolonged distress.
What should I do if my training partner passes out during the choke?
Instantly release the choke, remove your hooks, lay your partner flat on their back, and elevate their legs slightly to encourage blood flow back to the brain. Monitor their breathing and consciousness; they will typically regain full awareness within 10 to 30 seconds.
Why is it called a "naked" choke?
In historical catch-wrestling and traditional martial arts nomenclature, the term "naked" refers to the absence of a jacket, gi top, or clothing grip required to execute the technique. Unlike lapel chokes, the rear naked choke relies entirely on bare arms and body positioning.
Can the rear naked choke be applied without hooks?
While back control with two hooks or a body triangle is the optimal configuration, the choke can be applied from transient scrambles or standing positions if you can secure temporary upper-body control and wrap the neck. However, lacking hooks allows the opponent to drop their weight, roll, or escape the position easily.
How do I prevent my opponent from escaping my back control?
Maintain a heavy, shifting center of gravity by keeping your chest glued to their back and your hips actively tracking theirs as they attempt to move. Never allow space to develop between your torso and theirs, and use your top hook to block their primary rolling direction.
