Rear Naked Choke: The Ultimate BJJ Submission

Why the Back Is the King Position

Back control is the highest-value position in BJJ. The person on the back can see everything; the person on the bottom can see nothing behind them. You can attack freely while they can only defend. And the rear naked choke — the primary attack from back control — is one of the few submissions you can apply with dominant body positioning.

In MMA, the RNC finishes more fights than any other submission. In BJJ competition, back control with hooks is four points — the highest positional score. The back is where the match ends.

Back Control Mechanics

Before the RNC comes back control. Proper back control requires:

Hooks vs. Seatbelt

• Both heels hooked inside the opponent's thighs — this is back control with hooks
• Hooks prevent them from sitting out or rolling away
• Seat belt grip: one arm over the shoulder, one arm under the armpit, hands clasped at the chest
• The seat belt prevents them from pulling the choking arm down

Back Control Principles

• Stay on the top or side of their back — never flat on your own back
• If on your back, stay on the seatbelt-arm side (don't give them the roll)
• Control the upper body first — without seatbelt, they escape
• Don't rush the choke at the cost of losing back control

Rear Naked Choke Mechanics

The RNC is a blood choke — it compresses both carotid arteries simultaneously. Unconsciousness comes in 5-8 seconds when applied correctly.

Step-by-Step Execution

• From seatbelt, sneak the top arm under their chin (not over the chin)
• Bring your choking arm across their neck so the crook of your elbow is at their throat centerline
• Grab your own bicep with the support arm (not their shoulder)
• Place your support-arm hand on the back of their head
• Squeeze your elbows together while pushing the head forward with your hand

The "push the head forward" detail is critical. Simply squeezing is often not enough — the hand on the back of the head pushing creates the final tightening that finishes the choke.

Chin Tuck Defense and Counter

Your opponent will tuck their chin to prevent the arm from getting under. To counter: use your bottom arm to frame, create a gap, or use the seatbelt to tilt their head to the choking side before sliding the arm under. Patience here — don't force it.

Taking the Back: Entries to Back Control

From Turtle Position

The turtle is the most common path to the back. When your opponent turtles (hands and knees), insert your hooks from the side and take the back. Establish seatbelt first, then work your hooks in one at a time.

From Guard (Back Take)

Half guard underhook back takes, DLR back takes, and spider guard back takes all lead to back control. The guard is a back take machine when used offensively.

From Takedown

When you take someone down and they turtle, take the back immediately. Many BJJ practitioners drill guard pulls but neglect this highly common pathway to back control.

From Mount

When opponents try to escape mount by turning to their stomach, follow them and take the back. This requires anticipating the roll and moving with them.

Defending the Rear Naked Choke

Defense begins before the choke is set — it's about preventing back control and protecting the neck when the arm reaches:

• Chin tuck: Tuck your chin to your chest the moment they reach for the neck
• Two-hands on the choking arm: Grab the choking arm with both hands to create space
• Don't cross-grip: Two hands on same arm is better than grabbing both arms
• Create a frame: Use your elbow as a frame against their forearm to prevent them getting under the chin
• Escape the back: Roll toward the hook side while pulling the choking arm down — this is your primary escape route

Back Control When They Defend Well

Against experienced defenders, the chin tuck defense will make the RNC difficult. Alternative attacks from back control:

• Bow and arrow choke (gi): grab the lapel from behind for a devastating gi choke
• Back armbar: when they grab the choking arm with both hands, take the armbar
• Mata leão (no-gi): attack from a slightly different angle when standard RNC is blocked
• Transition to mount: if they escape a hook, transition to mount rather than lose everything

RNC in MMA vs. BJJ

In MMA, the RNC finishes more fights than any other technique. The same mechanics apply, but back control in MMA includes additional considerations: striking defense from the bottom, positional stability, and the fence in cage-based promotions.

In BJJ competition, the RNC is the signature finish from back control. Understanding the relationship between back control, hooks, and the seat belt grip creates a complete system that translates to any ruleset.