Rear Naked Choke

The Rear Naked Choke (RNC), also known as "mata leão" (lion killer), is one of the most iconic and effective submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. It is a blood choke, meaning it restricts blood flow to the brain by compressing the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck, leading to unconsciousness if not released.

Key Concepts

Blood Choke

  • Targets the carotid arteries for a swift and effective submission.

Back Control

Arm Positioning

  • The arms form a figure-four structure, creating a tight seal around the neck.

Execution Steps

Achieve Back Control

Establish the Choking Arm

  • Slide one arm under the opponent’s chin, ensuring your elbow is aligned with the center of their neck. The palm should face your chest or the opponent’s shoulder.

Lock the Figure-Four Grip

  • Place the hand of the choking arm on your opposite bicep.
  • Use your free hand to secure the back of their head or your choking arm’s triceps for additional control.

Apply Pressure

  • Squeeze your arms together while pulling your elbows back and expanding your chest.
  • This action tightens the choke and compresses the carotid arteries, cutting off blood flow to the brain.

Adjust as Necessary

  • If the opponent tucks their chin, use your free hand to lift it or slide the choking arm deeper.
  • Maintain control by staying tight with your hooks or body triangle.

Common Entries

From Back Control

  • With full back control and hooks or body triangle, transition into the choke.

From Turtle Control

During Scrambles

  • Capitalize on chaotic exchanges to take the back and secure the choke.

From Guard Positions

From Mount

  • If the opponent turns to escape, follow their back and transition into the choke.

Tips for Success

Keep Tight Control

  • Use your hooks or body triangle to stay connected and limit the opponent’s escape options.

Avoid Crossing Feet

  • In back control, do not cross your feet, as the opponent can apply a foot lock.

Hide Your Hands

  • Ensure your choking hand is hidden to prevent the opponent from peeling it away.

Engage Your Whole Body

  • Use your chest expansion and arms in unison for maximum pressure.

Stay Patient

  • Do not rush; secure each step to maintain control.

Positioning

The Rear Naked Choke relies on maintaining tight connections, controlling the opponent’s Fundamentals/Base, and preventing escapes while setting up the choke.

Back Control

  • The ideal position for the Rear Naked Choke, as you have full back control with both hooks or a body triangle. This position allows you to control the opponent’s movement and secure the choke effectively.

Back Defense

  • When the opponent is seated and you are behind them, you can apply the choke by transitioning to a seated back control.

Turtle Control

Scramble Situations

During a Guard Transition

Mount to Back Transition

  • If the opponent turns to escape the mount, you can follow their back and secure the Rear Naked Choke.

Standing Back Control

  • In scenarios where you’ve taken the opponent’s back while standing, you can jump to secure hooks or use a modified Rear Naked Choke without fully bringing them to the ground.

Failed Guillotine Recovery

  • If the opponent defends a Guillotine, you can transition to their back and finish with the RNC.

Side Control to Back Take

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