The Rear Naked Choke – The King of Submissions

Let’s be honest: if you’ve trained even one week of Jiu Jitsu, you’ve probably been on the wrong end of a rear naked choke. It’s the classic. The move that gets the tap in MMA, self-defence, and the gym when someone sneaks up on your back. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a white belt who’s still trying to figure out how to tie your belt properly or a black belt who’s been on the mats for decades – this submission works. Every. Single. Time.

What is the Rear Naked Choke?

Despite sounding like something out of a dodgy movie title, the rear naked choke (RNC if you want to sound cool, mata leão if you want to sound even cooler) is a blood choke. That

means you’re not crushing someone’s windpipe; you’re shutting off the blood flow to the brain by clamping down on the carotid arteries. Done right, it’s quick, clean, and safe. Done wrong? Well, you’re either cranking your mate’s jaw or burning your arms out for no reason.

It’s applied from back control – hooks in, chest tight, head close. Control is king here. No control, no choke. This is one of the first moves you learn, but the beautiful thing about Jiu Jitsu is that even at black belt, it’s still the ultimate fight-ending technique.

A Little History Lesson

The move comes from old-school Japanese jujutsu and judo, where it went by the name Hadaka Jime (“naked choke” – no gi grips needed). The Brazilians took it, sharpened it, and gave us the modern version we all use today. They even named it mata leão – the lion killer. Bit dramatic, but it does make you feel like you’re doing something epic every time you slap it on.

And it’s not just BJJ gyms that love it. The UFC? Nearly a third of early submission wins were RNCs. Why? Because it works on anyone, from street fights to world championships.

How to Hit the Perfect RNC

Here’s the simple version (don’t overcomplicate it):

1. Back control. Get your hooks in, stick to them like Velcro, and don’t let go.

2. Arm under the chin. Slide your arm deep – elbow lined up with their chin.

3. Lock it up. Grab your own bicep, hand behind the head. Nice and tight.

4. Squeeze. Bring your elbows together, puff your chest out like you’re showing off at the beach, and watch the magic happen.

   
   

If you’re straining like you’re trying to open a jar of pickles, you’re doing it wrong. Technique, not caveman strength.

Mistakes I See All the Time

• Arm not deep enough – you’re basically giving your mate a neck hug.

• Weak grip – they peel it off and you’re back to square one.

• Losing your hooks – goodbye back control, hello side control (and usually getting smashed).

• Muscling it – you’ll gas out before they do.

Solution? Drill it until your body does it automatically. Hooks tight, chin line locked, squeeze with leverage not brute force.

Training Advice

Want to get good at RNCs? Do positional sparring from the back. Over and over again. Take the back, lose the back, fight for it again. Drill with resistance. Ask your coach to point out the tiny details you’re missing. And for God’s sake, don’t just wait for the choke to fall into your lap – chase it, set traps, make your opponent panic.

Gear helps too. A solid rashguard or gi that doesn’t make you feel like you’re rolling inside a sandpaper bag makes a difference. Comfortable kit means you can focus on your technique, not on how itchy your collar is.

That’s the rear naked choke. It’s simple, brutal, and elegant all at once. Learn it. Drill it. Respect it. Because in Jiu Jitsu, kings don’t wear crowns – they wear a back control and sink in the choke.

See you on the mat,

Adz