How To Rear Naked Choke: The Definitive Guide To BJJ’s Ultimate Submission

The rear naked choke (RNC) is a blood choke targeting the carotid arteries and jugular veins, forcing cerebral ischemia and rapid unconsciousness when executed with proper mechanical leverage. Mastering this technique requires securing back control, establishing a figure-four grip configuration, and applying simultaneous pressure from the arms, core, and back.

Tactical Foundations and Back Control Prerequisites

Before initiating the rear naked choke, a grappler must establish dominant back control, widely considered the most effective position in grappling arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission wrestling. The practitioner must achieve a tight seatbelt grip while having their hooks (feet) inserted inside the opponent's thighs to maintain control and prevent escape vectors.

• Essential Gear and Safety Equipment: A durable Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi or rashguard and grappling shorts, a protective mouthguard, and a controlled training environment with high-density tatami mats.
• Mandatory Prerequisite Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of back control retention, hip-escape counters, safety tapping protocols, and immediate release procedures upon loss of consciousness.
• Estimated Duration and Training Benchmarks: 4 to 6 weeks of dedicated drilling to achieve muscle memory, with live sparring integration occurring only under the supervision of a qualified grappling coach.

Step-by-Step Rear Naked Choke Execution Workflow

Step 1: Securing Dominant Back Control and Seatbelt Control

1. Establish a dominant back mount by placing your torso flush against your opponent's spine, preventing them from bridging or flattening you out.
2. Insert both of your insteps inside the inside of the opponent's thighs to act as hooks, maintaining an active, pinching pressure to control their hips.
3. Thread your primary arm under the opponent's armpit (the underhook side) and your secondary arm over their shoulder (the overhook side), locking your hands together in a strong seatbelt grip near their chest.

Warning: Never cross your ankles over the opponent's abdomen or pelvis from the back mount. An experienced opponent can easily execute a devastating straight foot lock or ankle lock to reverse the position.

Step 2: Breaking the Opponent's Defensive Guard

1. Use your seatbelt grip to manipulate the opponent's posture, pulling them slightly backward into your chest to eliminate any breathing room or structural frames.
2. If the opponent tucks their chin tightly to their chest to defend the neck, use your top hand to peel their chin away, or slide the blade of your forearm across their jawline to elevate their head.
3. Keep your chest compressed firmly against their back to prevent them from sliding downward or clearing your hooks.

Pro-Tip: Avoid forcing your bare arm directly into a closed jaw. Instead, use the thumb-side blade of your forearm to wedge underneath the chin, creating the necessary separation for clean entry.

Step 3: Deep Insertion of the Choking Arm

1. Take your choking arm (the underhook side) and slide the blade of your wrist deep underneath the opponent's chin, ensuring the crook of your elbow aligns precisely with their throat.
2. Drive your elbow past the centerline of the opponent's neck to ensure the carotid artery on the far side is blocked by your forearm.
3. Reach up and place the palm of your choking hand flat against the back of the opponent's head or grab your own bicep to begin framing the finish.

Step 4: Constructing the Figure-Four Supporting Configuration

1. Take your supporting hand (the overhook side) and reach across to grasp the bicep of your choking arm, locking your arm securely in place.
2. Slide your choking hand behind the opponent's head, placing your palm flat against the base of their skull or pressing your hand deep behind their neck.
3. Ensure your shoulder blades are pulled backward and your elbows are drawn tightly together to minimize the opponent's escape pathways.

Warning: Leaving your supporting hand loose or failing to secure your bicep allows the opponent to hand-fight and peel your choking arm away, completely neutralizing the submission attempt.

Step 5: Applying Compressive Finishing Mechanics

1. Expand your chest outward, flare your lats, and pull your elbows down toward your hips to create a tightening vise around the opponent's neck.
2. Apply forward pressure with the back of your head against the opponent's head while simultaneously pulling with your arms to constrict blood flow through the carotid arteries.
3. Maintain this isometric squeeze steadily for 3 to 5 seconds, remaining vigilant for the opponent's tap or referee intervention.

Comparative Breakdown of Rear Naked Choke Variations

Common Execution Failures and Field Fixes

• Root Cause: The opponent successfully tucks their chin down onto your forearm, blocking clean entry to the neck.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: Use the blade of your wrist to apply upward pressure along the line of the jaw, forcing the head back, or transition briefly to a body lock to compromise their posture before re-attacking.
• Root Cause: Your choking arm slips shallow across the chin rather than sinking deep into the throat.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: Drop your weight downward, re-adjust your elbow past the centerline of the throat, and reset your figure-four grip before reapplying the squeeze.
• Root Cause: The opponent rolls toward your weak side, escaping your hooks and reversing the position.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: Maintain heavy hip pressure, flare your knees wide to widen your base, and follow their rolling momentum by hooking their far leg to retain top position.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a rear naked choke to render someone unconscious?

A properly executed rear naked choke cuts off oxygenated blood flow to the brain via the carotid arteries, typically causing loss of consciousness within 4 to 9 seconds. The practitioner must release the submission immediately upon observing a physical tap, verbal submission, or signs of limpness.

Is the rear naked choke a blood choke or an air choke?

The rear naked choke is primarily a blood choke (carotid constraint), meaning it compresses the blood vessels supplying the brain rather than crushing the windpipe. This makes it an efficient and safe submission when applied correctly and released instantly upon compliance.

Why is it called a "naked" choke?

The term "naked" originates from traditional catch wrestling and judo nomenclature, signifying that the technique is executed using only the attacker's bare arms without utilizing the opponent's clothing, gi lapels, or belt for leverage.

Can you escape a rear naked choke once the opponent locks their hands?

Escaping a locked rear naked choke is extremely difficult but possible if addressed early. The defender must immediately tuck their chin, clear the choking arm's wrist away from the neck, grab the opponent's controlling hand, and work to slide their hips down to the floor to begin clearing the hooks.

What causes numbness in the hands during practice?

Numbness or nerve irritation during training typically stems from improper gripping mechanics, excessive muscle tension in the shoulders, or applying pressure directly onto the cervical spine rather than the side arteries. Relax your shoulders and focus on mechanical leverage rather than raw muscular force.

Refine Your Grappling Mechanics Today

Elevate your submission game by drilling these precise mechanics with a trusted training partner under professional coaching supervision. Master the art of back control and continuous pressure to make your rear naked choke unavoidable.