Rear Naked Choke Submission

The Rear Naked Choke is one of the most iconic and effective submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Known for its simplicity and power, this choke remains a staple for grapplers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned competitor, learning to master this technique is critical for success in BJJ, MMA, and self-defense scenarios. In this guide, we’ll break down what the Rear Naked Choke is, why it’s so effective, and how you can refine it to perfection.

What is the Rear Naked Choke?

The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) is one of the most iconic and effective submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA). It is classified as a blood choke, meaning it targets the carotid arteries on either side of the neck, cutting off blood flow to the brain. Unlike an air choke, which restricts breathing, the RNC is more efficient, often rendering an opponent unconscious within seconds when applied correctly.

The choke is performed from the back control position, which is widely considered the most dominant position in grappling. Once you secure your opponent’s back, you wrap your arms around their neck, isolate their defenses, and apply controlled pressure to achieve a clean finish. This technique does not require any gi grips or external leverage, making it highly versatile in both gi and no-gi BJJ, as well as MMA.

The Rear Naked Choke in Modern Competition

The RNC’s effectiveness and versatility have made it one of the most utilized and feared submissions in competition. Notable athletes such as Demian Maia, Ronda Rousey, and Khabib Nurmagomedov have frequently used the Rear Naked Choke to secure decisive victories in high-stakes fights. In BJJ tournaments, it remains a fundamental submission taught to white belts but mastered and refined by black belts.

The Rear Naked Choke represents the essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: using technique, leverage, and control to overcome any opponent. From its historical roots in Judo to its dominance in modern grappling and MMA, this submission continues to stand the test of time as one of the most reliable and iconic techniques in combat sports.

Rear Naked Choke Stats Worth Knowing

The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) is one of the most dominant and frequently used submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. Its effectiveness and versatility have made it a favorite for grapplers and fighters alike. Here are three key statistics that highlight its importance in the grappling and MMA world.

The Rear Naked Choke Accounts for Over 30% of All Submissions in MMA

The Rear Naked Choke is the most common submission in MMA history. According to a study published by Fight Matrix, over 30% of all submission victories in mixed martial arts come from the Rear Naked Choke. Its efficiency and accessibility from the back position make it a go-to move for fighters across all weight classes.

_{Source: Fight Matrix – MMA Stats & Analysis}

The RNC is the Most Successful Submission in UFC Title Fights

When looking at the most decisive finishes in UFC title bouts, the Rear Naked Choke consistently tops the list. Data compiled by UFC Stats shows that 20% of submission victories in title fights have been secured via the Rear Naked Choke. Fighters like Demian Maia, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Amanda Nunes have used this technique to dominate their opponents.

_{Source: UFC Stats – Submission Analysis}

High Success Rate in BJJ Competitions at 85% When Back Control is Established

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions, securing the back position and transitioning to the Rear Naked Choke results in victory 85% of the time, according to data from BJJ Heroes. This stat underscores the importance of positional control and how the RNC is one of the most reliable finishes in the sport.

_{Source: BJJ Heroes – Submission Statistics}

Why These Stats Matter

The Rear Naked Choke is not only highly effective but also widely used at all levels of grappling and MMA. Its dominance in professional competitions, combined with its reliability when back control is secured, solidifies it as an essential submission for every practitioner. Whether you are a beginner learning your first choke or a seasoned competitor aiming for gold, the RNC remains an indispensable tool in your arsenal.

Why is the Rear Naked Choke Important in BJJ?

The Rear Naked Choke holds a special place in BJJ for several reasons:

1. High Success Rate: The RNC is one of the most effective submissions because it bypasses strength and size advantages. Once the choke is secured, escape becomes extremely difficult.
2. Fundamental Yet Deadly: It is a technique taught to beginners but also relied upon by black belts and elite MMA fighters. It bridges the gap between basic and advanced skill levels.
3. Versatility Across Formats:
   • In gi: The RNC remains effective because it does not rely on the gi for control or leverage.
   • In no-gi and MMA: The absence of clothing makes the Rear Naked Choke a dominant weapon, as it eliminates dependency on grips.
4. A Submission for Everyone: Beginners benefit from its simplicity, while advanced practitioners can explore creative setups and variations.

The Rear Naked Choke is a must-learn submission for all grapplers. Whether you’re attacking from the back in sport BJJ or securing a finish in MMA, it’s one of the most reliable tools in your arsenal.

Who Is The Rear Naked Choke Submission Recommended For?

The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) is one of the most versatile and accessible submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Its simplicity, effectiveness, and universal applicability make it an essential technique for all practitioners, regardless of experience, size, or style. Here’s a breakdown of who the Rear Naked Choke is particularly recommended for.

Beginners Learning Fundamental Submissions

The Rear Naked Choke is a foundational submission that teaches beginners key grappling principles: positional control, proper grip placement, and choke mechanics. It doesn’t require intricate setups or advanced techniques, making it one of the easiest submissions to learn early on. Focus areas for beginners:

• Understanding back control (hooks, seatbelt grip).
• Practicing clean choke execution without relying on brute strength.
• Learning to combine control with submission timing.

Advanced Practitioners Refining Their Game

For experienced grapplers, the RNC becomes more than just a basic submission. It serves as a high-percentage finishing move that can be adapted into advanced sequences, counters, and transitions. Mastering small details, like hand positioning and pressure application, allows advanced players to refine their RNC into a nearly unstoppable technique. Focus areas for advanced players:

• Developing advanced setups to secure back control.
• Applying the RNC from unexpected angles or transitions.
• Incorporating it into submission chains for a complete attacking system.

Smaller or Lighter Practitioners

The Rear Naked Choke relies on technique, leverage, and positioning rather than strength, making it an excellent submission for smaller grapplers who compete against larger or stronger opponents. By taking the opponent’s back—a position that neutralizes size and power—smaller practitioners can apply the RNC with precision and efficiency. Focus areas for smaller grapplers:

• Improving speed and transitions to back control.
• Using positional awareness to maintain control against stronger opponents.
• Practicing smooth choke application with minimal force.

Grapplers Who Favor Positional Control

For grapplers who prioritize positional dominance over flashy techniques, the Rear Naked Choke is the perfect submission. From back control, you can patiently secure the choke without risking your position, making it an ideal choice for conservative yet effective players. Focus areas for control-based grapplers:

• Mastering hooks and body triangles to maintain back control.
• Transitioning seamlessly to the choke when the opponent exposes their neck.
• Combining control and submission pressure for a high finish rate.

The Rear Naked Choke is recommended for everyone who practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or grappling, regardless of skill level, size, or competitive focus. Its simplicity and high success rate make it a must-know submission for beginners, advanced players, MMA fighters, and self-defense enthusiasts. Whether you’re starting your journey or refining your skills, mastering the RNC will significantly elevate your game.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Rear Naked Choke

Follow these steps to execute this lock effectively:

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

While the Rear Naked Choke (RNC) is one of the most effective and widely-used submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, improper technique can often result in failed attempts or give your opponent an opportunity to escape. By recognizing and addressing these common mistakes, you can improve your success rate and make the Rear Naked Choke a reliable weapon in your submission arsenal.

Rushing the Submission Without Securing Back

Many practitioners, especially beginners, focus too much on finishing the choke quickly and fail to establish proper back control first. This leaves openings for the opponent to escape before the choke is even applied.

Here is how to avoid it:

• Prioritize securing the seatbelt grip and establishing hooks to maintain positional control.
• If your opponent tries to escape, adjust your hooks or switch to a body triangle to reinforce back control.
• Only transition to the choke once you are stable and confident in your position.

Tip: Think of back control as the foundation of the submission—without it, your choke will crumble.

Misalignment of the Choking Arm

Placing the choking arm incorrectly, either too high on the head or too low near the chest, reduces the effectiveness of the choke. Poor alignment may also cause unnecessary strain on your arms without yielding results.

Here is how to avoid it:

• Ensure your choking arm slides under the opponent’s chin and across the neck, with your elbow centered in front of their throat.
• Focus on applying pressure to the carotid arteries on either side of the neck rather than crushing the windpipe.
• Avoid any gaps between your arm and their neck; a tight, snug fit is key.

Tip: Always aim to “hide the choking arm” behind their neck before securing the grip, minimizing their ability to defend.

Poor Hand Placement and Grip Security

Allowing the opponent to peel off your choking hand is one of the most common ways the Rear Naked Choke is defended. If your grip isn’t secure, your opponent will easily break free.

Here is how to avoid it:

• Use the classic figure-four grip: grab your choking arm’s bicep with your free hand and place the free hand behind your opponent’s head.
• Keep the choking hand hidden and tucked away to prevent the opponent from gripping it.
• Maintain a tight squeeze with your elbows close to your body for added control and leverage.

Tip: Avoid leaving your hand exposed or floating. Once your grip is set, immediately reinforce it by tucking your free hand behind their head.

Neglecting to Prevent Hand Fighting

Skilled opponents will immediately start hand fighting to peel away your choking arm or defend the grip. If you don’t anticipate and counter this defense, your choke attempt can fail.

Here is how to avoid it:

• Anticipate hand fighting and hide your choking hand as soon as it slides into position.
• Use your free hand to control their arms initially before transitioning to your figure-four grip.
• If the opponent grabs your hand, clear their grip by peeling their fingers or transitioning into a stronger body control, such as a body triangle.

Tip: Stay patient—don’t rush the choke. Use hand fighting as an opportunity to break their defenses and re-secure your grip.

Failing to Adjust for Escape Attempts

As you apply the Rear Naked Choke, your opponent will often try to escape by turning into you or slipping out of the back control. Failing to anticipate and counter these movements can cause you to lose the dominant position entirely.

Here is how to avoid it:

• Follow your opponent’s movement with your hips to maintain chest-to-back contact.
• If they start to escape, adjust your hooks or switch to a body triangle for added control.
• Stay tight and avoid overextending your body during the choke attempt.

Tip: Keep constant pressure and connection to your opponent—never let them create space to escape.

By addressing these common mistakes, you can significantly improve your success rate with the Rear Naked Choke. Focus on maintaining back control, perfecting your hand placement, and using technique over strength. With consistent practice and attention to detail, your RNC will become a formidable submission tool that opponents will struggle to escape.

Drills to Improve Your Rear Naked Choke

Incorporate these drills into your training routine to develop a strong position:

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Defending Against the Rear Naked Choke

The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) is one of the most dangerous and effective submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Once your opponent secures back control and begins to apply the choke, escape becomes increasingly difficult. However, with the right strategies, awareness, and technique, you can defend against the RNC effectively and even create opportunities to counter. Below is a detailed breakdown of the best defense strategies and critical steps to avoid falling victim to this submission.

Early Defense: Prevent Back Control

The best way to defend against the Rear Naked Choke is to avoid giving up your back in the first place. Once your opponent establishes back control, the submission becomes much harder to escape.

• How to Prevent Back Control:
  • Keep your elbows tight to your body to block your opponent from getting their hooks in.
  • If they’re attempting to take your back, focus on clearing their hooks or controlling their legs to prevent them from securing a dominant position.
  • Stay flat on the mat to minimize openings for them to take your back. If you’re already on your side, turn back toward your opponent to face them and re-establish guard.
• Bonus Tip: When defending a transition to back control, never allow both hooks to be inserted. Clearing even one hook disrupts their control and opens a path for escape.

Hand Fight: Neutralize the Choking Hand

If your opponent has already secured back control and is setting up the choke, the first priority is to defend against their choking hand. The Rear Naked Choke relies on isolating the neck and controlling your upper body, so disrupting the choke early can stop the submission.

• Key Steps for Hand Fighting:
  • Protect Your Neck: Tuck your chin down tightly to shield your neck and prevent the choking arm from sliding under your chin.
  • Control the Choking Hand: Use both of your hands to grip your opponent’s choking arm (the arm over your shoulder) and prevent it from advancing into position.
  • Focus on the Top Hand: If the choke is nearly locked in, prioritize peeling away the top hand (the one attempting to lock behind your head). This is the hand that secures the choke, and removing it buys you time.
  • Clear One Arm at a Time: Use your hands to pull down and break the grip on their choking arm. Once it’s cleared, move quickly to escape.
• Bonus Tip: Keep your hands active and avoid panic. If you stay calm, you can systematically disrupt the choke attempt.

Chin and Shoulder Defense: Create Barriers

Even if the choking arm slips into position, you can still make it difficult for your opponent to secure the submission by creating physical barriers using your chin and shoulders. How to use chin and shoulders:

• Tuck your chin firmly into your chest to create a barrier between the choking arm and your neck. This adds an extra layer of protection against the choke.
• Raise your shoulders up toward your ears to shrink the space around your neck and reduce the effectiveness of the choke.
• Turn your head toward the choking arm side—this minimizes the angle of attack and makes it harder for your opponent to fully secure the choke.

Escape the Back Control

Once you’ve disrupted the choke attempt, focus on escaping the back control entirely. Maintaining composure while executing an escape is crucial. Here are two reliable escapes:

a) The “Scoop and Turn” Escape

Step-by-step process:

1. Tuck your chin and defend the choke using hand fighting.
2. Slide your hips down toward the mat to lower your opponent’s control.
3. Turn toward your opponent’s choking arm side (the arm over your shoulder). This weakens their grip and opens an escape path.
4. Continue turning until you’re facing your opponent, then establish guard or move to a safer position.

Bonus Tip: Keep your movements controlled and stay low to the mat to avoid giving up additional openings.

b) The “Body Triangle Escape”

If your opponent locks a body triangle to reinforce back control, escaping becomes more challenging but not impossible.

Step-by-step process:

1. Shift your body to the side where the triangle’s locked foot is located. This minimizes pressure on your ribs and weakens their control.
2. Use your hands to pull their triangle’s lock toward the mat, creating space to adjust your position.
3. Slide your hips down and turn toward their choking arm side to escape and face them.

Bonus Tip: Avoid trying to explode out of a body triangle; instead, focus on creating incremental space while staying calm.

By combining these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to the Rear Naked Choke. Whether you’re in training or competition, mastering these defensive techniques will enhance your ability to survive, escape, and counterattack when faced with one of the most dangerous submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Stay patient, stay aware, and always focus on early defense for the best results.

The Rear Naked Choke in Competition

The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) has proven to be one of the most dominant and frequently used submissions in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. From BJJ competitions to the UFC, the RNC has secured countless victories, often deciding critical matches. Below are two iconic examples where the Rear Naked Choke played a pivotal role, along with video links for you to watch:

1. Demian Maia’s Masterclass in the UFC

Demian Maia, one of the greatest grapplers in MMA history, has repeatedly demonstrated the power of the Rear Naked Choke. At UFC Fight Night 170, Maia submitted Ben Askren with a textbook RNC, showcasing his mastery of back control and clean execution.

Watch it here: Demian Maia Rear Naked Choke vs. Ben Askren

2. Ronda Rousey’s Dominant Submission Victory

Ronda Rousey, a pioneer in women’s MMA, used the Rear Naked Choke to secure an impressive win against Liz Carmouche at UFC 157. This match highlighted the versatility of the RNC, as Rousey transitioned to the choke under pressure after escaping a dangerous position.

Watch it here: Ronda Rousey Rear Naked Choke Finish

3. Notable Instructional: John Danaher on the Rear Naked Choke

John Danaher, one of the most respected BJJ coaches in the world, provides a detailed breakdown of the mechanics, positioning, and finishing details of the Rear Naked Choke. His methodical teaching emphasizes the importance of back control and proper grip placement.

Watch the instructional here: John Danaher Explains the Rear Naked Choke

These video links provide a comprehensive view of how the Rear Naked Choke is applied successfully in both competitive and instructional contexts. Watching these examples will help you understand the details that make this submission so effective and give you inspiration to improve your own application of the technique.

Conclusion

The Rear Naked Choke is a cornerstone submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, known for its simplicity, effectiveness, and versatility. By mastering the technique, understanding its mechanics, and drilling consistently, you can make it one of the most reliable weapons in your grappling game.

Whether you’re training for competition or self-defense, the Rear Naked Choke is an essential tool for every BJJ practitioner. Now it’s time to hit the mats and start refining your RNC!

Ready to take your game to the next level? Check out our other guides on advanced submission techniques. Happy training!