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Rear Naked Choke

Quick Introduction​

The rear naked choke is the most effective submission in BJJ and MMA. Applied from back control, it compresses both carotid arteries simultaneously, causing unconsciousness in seconds when properly executed. Highest finish rate of any technique.

Position Overview​

From: Back Mount (required) | Finish: Blood choke via forearm + bicep compressing carotid arteries

Standard RNC​

  1. Maintain back control: hooks in, seatbelt grip
  2. Slide choking arm under their chin — blade of forearm across the throat
  3. Choking hand reaches toward their opposite shoulder
  4. Release seatbelt with other hand; grab your own bicep
  5. Place free hand behind their head (completes the lock)
  6. Expand chest outward while squeezing elbows together
  7. Cut angle toward the choking side for maximum compression

Key detail: The choke comes from chest expansion + elbow squeeze, not arm strength. Your forearm and bicep create a vice on both carotid arteries.

Short Choke (Emergency)​

When you can't get full depth under the chin:

  1. Forearm across throat without reaching the shoulder
  2. Other hand grabs your own wrist
  3. Pull and expand chest to finish with available depth

Gable Grip Variation​

When you can't reach your bicep (short arms, large opponent):

  1. Get arm under chin
  2. Lock hands palm-to-palm (gable grip) instead of bicep grab
  3. Pull across throat, expand chest, cut angle

Core Principles​

  1. Position before submission — secure back control first, then attack the neck
  2. Blade of forearm — the flat forearm compresses arteries; the elbow point just hurts
  3. Chest-to-back connection — any space = escape; stay glued throughout
  4. Cut the angle — turning toward the choking side increases pressure dramatically
  5. Patience — maintain back control and wait for openings; rushed RNCs lose the position

Common Mistakes​

MistakeFix
Elbow point on throatRotate arm so the blade (flat) of forearm contacts neck
Chest disconnectedStay chest-to-back throughout; chase them if they shift
Arms-only squeezeExpand chest outward; elbows squeeze together
Rushing before back is secureHooks + seatbelt first; choke second
Not cutting angleTurn your body toward the choking arm side

Next Steps​

  1. Back Mount - Master back control; it's the prerequisite
  2. Armbar - When they defend RNC with both hands, armbar the exposed arm
  3. Bow and Arrow - Gi alternative from the same back control