How To Rear Naked Choke: Master The Ultimate Submission Hold
The rear naked choke is a blood choke targeting the carotid arteries to induce rapid, safe unconsciousness through controlled vascular compression without compressing the trachea. Mastering this technique requires precise forearm alignment, strict back-control mechanics, and a deep understanding of leverage to secure a finish against resisting opponents in grappling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and mixed martial arts.
Prerequisites for Back Control and Submission Execution
Before attempting to apply a rear naked choke in sparring or competition, a practitioner must understand the biomechanics of back control, positional hierarchy, and safety protocols. The technique relies entirely on dominating the opponent's posterior chain, maintaining three points of contact, and neutralizing their defensive limbs. This high-percentage submission requires no uniform or gi, making it universally applicable across combat sports.
- Essential Gear & Environment: High-friction grappling mats, rash guard or shirtless training attire, and a controlled training environment with a knowledgeable partner or coach supervising the session.
- Mandatory Prerequisite Knowledge: Competency in establishing back-mount control with hooks (insteps inserted inside the opponent's thighs), mastery of seatbelt grip variations, and strict adherence to immediate tapping protocols upon restriction of blood flow.
- Duration & Execution Benchmarks: Learning the foundational mechanics requires approximately 30 to 45 minutes of isolated drilling, with live application developing over months of progressive positional sparring.
Step-by-Step Execution of the Rear Naked Choke
Step 1: Secure Dominant Back Mount and Seatbelt Control
Establish back control by wrapping your arms around the opponent's torso from behind, ensuring your chest remains glued to their upper back to eliminate space. Insert your hooks by placing your insteps inside their thighs to prevent them from sliding down or shrimping out of the position. Establish a seatbelt grip by placing your underhooking arm (the choking arm side) under their armpit and your supporting arm over their shoulder, locking your hands together palm-to-palm or palm-to-bicep.
Warning: Never cross your ankles behind your opponent's hips. A seasoned grappler will quickly exploit crossed ankles by applying a painful straight ankle lock or toe hold, reversing your dominant position instantly.
Step 2: Clear Defensive Hands and Isolate the Neck
Your opponent will naturally tuck their chin to their chest and use their hands to block your forearm from sliding under their neck. Use your supporting hand to gently distract, pull up on their chin, or trap one of their wrists to break their defensive frame. Slide the blade of your choking forearm directly across the front of their throat, ensuring you bypass their chin rather than pushing directly into the jawbone.
Pro-Tip: If the opponent's chin is tucked aggressively, use the bony part of your forearm (the radius) to slide upward along their chest wall, levering their chin away from their collarbone to open the pathway to the neck.
Step 3: Deep Insertion and Figure-Four Locking Configuration
Drive your choking arm deep under the neck until your elbow pit rests directly beneath the center of their chin. Reach behind your opponent's head with your supporting hand and grab your own biceps (or reach for their opposite shoulder if you have exceptional length) to create a tight framing structure. Slide your choking hand behind the back of the opponent's head, pressing their skull forward while driving your elbow forward to remove any remaining slack.
Step 4: Apply Controlled Vascular Pressure and Body Expansion
To finalize the submission, bring your elbows inward toward your centerline to close the gaps around the neck. Expand your chest, arch your upper back slightly, and pull your choking arm backward while simultaneously driving your head forward into their back. This coordinated tightening creates immense pressure on both carotid arteries, restricting oxygenated blood flow to the brain and forcing a tap within seconds.
Unique Way to Use Rear Naked Chokes and Kimuras for More Finishes ...
Biomechanical Comparison of Choke Variations
| Choke Variation | Primary Target Area | Mechanical Advantage | Common Defensive Escape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Rear Naked Choke | Carotid Arteries (Vascular) | Maximum leverage via figure-four bicep lock | Chin tuck and hand-fighting |
| Short Choke (Forearm-to-Wrist) | Carotid Arteries & Windpipe | Faster entry when space is limited | Shoulder rolling into the mat |
| One-Armed Rear Naked Choke | Single Carotid Artery | Allows free use of off-hand for control | Hand stripping and posture elevation |
Troubleshooting Common Execution Errors
- Root Cause: The opponent successfully tucks their chin, preventing the forearm from sliding under the neck.
- Actionable Fix: Avoid wasting energy squeezing the jaw. Instead, use your supporting hand to wedge under their chin, or switch to a short-choke variation by sliding your forearm across the face to force their head upward before resetting the deep grip.
- Root Cause: The choking arm slips upward, ending across the opponent's face or chin rather than the throat.
- Actionable Fix: Drop your elbow downward toward your own chest before attempting to lock the figure-four grip. Ensure your elbow pit is firmly anchored beneath the chin line to keep the forearm locked against the carotid triangle.
- Root Cause: The opponent bridges backward and rolls you over their shoulder, escaping the back mount entirely.
- Actionable Fix: Keep your weight heavy on their hips by sliding your chest up their back. Do not lean backward prematurely; secure the choking mechanics while maintaining a low center of gravity.
- Root Cause: Your arms fatigue quickly without forcing a tap from the opponent.
- Actionable Fix: Stop squeezing with purely raw arm strength. The finish relies on compressing your elbows together and expanding your chest like a bellows, utilizing your entire upper body frame to apply the pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a rear naked choke cause unconsciousness?
The rear naked choke applies mechanical pressure to the left and right carotid arteries located on the sides of the neck. This restricts oxygenated blood flow from reaching the brain, causing a safe and rapid vascular blackout within seconds if the opponent refuses to tap, while leaving the windpipe completely uncompressed.
Why is it called a "naked" choke?
In traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu and judo nomenclature, chokes executed using the opponent's clothing or lapels were referred to as gi-based strangles. A choke performed without the aid of clothing utilizes only bare limbs, earning the colloquial description of being "naked."
What should I do if my training partner passes out?
If an opponent loses consciousness due to the restriction of blood flow, immediately release the choke completely and lower them safely to the mat. Elevate their legs slightly to encourage blood circulation back to the brain, monitor their breathing, and ensure they are fully responsive before allowing them to stand.
Can the rear naked choke damage the windpipe?
While the primary design of the rear naked choke targets the carotid arteries as a blood choke, improper placement where the forearm pushes directly across the front of the throat can cause tracheal damage. Proper technique always positions the forearm directly over the side arteries rather than crushing the windpipe.
Elevate your ground-fighting pedigree by drilling these technical nuances with a trusted partner under professional supervision. Consistent repetition of proper hand placement and body positioning will transform your rear naked choke into an unstoppable submission weapon.
