BJJ Graph

Rear Naked Choke

Jun 15, 202510 min read

Rear Naked Choke

bjjtransitionsubmissionchokeback_attack

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Submission ID: S201
  • Submission Name: Rear Naked Choke
  • Alternative Names: Mata Leão, Hadaka Jime, Lion Killer

State Machine Properties

Submission Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 60%, Intermediate 80%, Advanced 95% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: Low - technical difficulty assessment
  • Energy Cost: Low to Medium - physical demand of execution
  • Time Required: Short - duration of submission attempt
  • Risk Level: Low - chance of position loss if failed

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for grip and arm control
  • Flexibility Requirements: Low for arm and shoulder positioning
  • Coordination Requirements: Medium for precise arm and grip alignment
  • Endurance Requirements: Low to Medium for sustained pressure during finish

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for clear movement sequence visualization:

From the Back Control position, you begin by establishing seatbelt control with one arm over the opponent’s shoulder and the other under their armpit, securing a strong grip to limit their defensive movements. Insert your choking arm deep around their neck, ensuring your elbow is positioned under their chin to target the carotid arteries effectively with your forearm against one side of the neck and bicep against the other. Grasp the shoulder of your choking arm with your free hand, or position your choking hand behind their head or against the back of their shoulder for additional control. Pull your elbows toward each other to apply pressure on both carotid arteries, maintaining body lock or body triangle with your legs to prevent escapes, and apply controlled pressure until they submit due to the intense blood choke that restricts flow to the brain.

Template: “From Back Control, establish seatbelt grip. Insert choking arm deep around neck, elbow under chin. Grasp shoulder with free hand, pull elbows for pressure. Maintain body lock, apply choke until submission.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish position (Back Control)
  2. Initial Movement: Secure seatbelt control with one arm over shoulder, one under armpit
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent may attempt to hand fight or tuck chin to defend
  4. Adaptation: Insert choking arm deep around neck, elbow under chin for carotid targeting
  5. Positioning: Grasp shoulder of choking arm with free hand, or place behind head
  6. Pressure Application: Pull elbows together, maintain body lock or triangle with legs
  7. Completion: Apply controlled pressure on carotid arteries until submission

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Requirements: Hand-to-bicep or hand-to-shoulder grip for secure control
  • Base/Foundation: Deep choking arm insertion with elbow under chin for leverage
  • Timing Windows: Execute when opponent’s defensive hand fighting is compromised
  • Leverage Points: Elbow pull and body lock for carotid compression
  • Common Adjustments: Adjust grip and head control based on defensive chin tucking

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Setup Quality: Security of seatbelt and choking arm depth (+/-20%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing during opponent’s defensive lapse (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive hand fighting over time (+/-5%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding carotid compression mechanics (+/-10%)
  • Positional Control: Effectiveness of body lock or triangle (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Chin Tucking Defense: Tucking chin to block choke → RNC Survival Position (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: early reaction)
  • Hand Fighting: Fighting arms to prevent grip → Back Control Neutral (Success Rate: 20%, Conditions: strong grip defense)
  • Two-on-One Grip: Isolating choking arm → Back Control Neutral (Success Rate: 15%, Conditions: quick adjustment)
  • Rolling Escape: Rolling to disrupt control → Guard Recovery (Success Rate: 10%, Conditions: strong hip movement)
  • Forward Roll Escape: Rolling forward to escape → Turtle Position (Success Rate: 10%, Conditions: significant leverage)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic for Opponent Behavior

If [rear naked choke setup] is not fully secured:
- Execute [[Chin Tucking Defense]] (Probability: 25%)

Else if [hand fighting] can prevent grip:
- Execute [[Hand Fighting]] (Probability: 20%)

Else if [two-on-one grip] isolates choking arm:
- Execute [[Two-on-One Grip]] (Probability: 15%)

Else if [rolling] disrupts control:
- Execute [[Rolling Escape]] (Probability: 10%)

Else [optimal submission execution]:
- Accept submission (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Defensive Considerations

Common Threats During Attempt

Primary risks while attempting this submission:

  • Chin Tuck Defense: Opponent tucks chin to block choke → RNC Survival Position (Threat Level: Medium)
  • Grip Break: Opponent fights hands to prevent control → Back Control Neutral (Threat Level: Medium)
  • Counter Attack: Opponent isolates choking arm → Back Control Neutral (Threat Level: Low)
  • Position Loss: Opponent rolls to escape control → Guard Recovery (Threat Level: Low)

Format: [[Threat Type]] → [[Resulting Position]] (Threat Level: X)

Defensive Strategies

Methods to mitigate threats:

  • Grip Maintenance: Secure deep choking arm quickly to prevent chin tucking
  • Head Control: Use free hand to lift opponent’s head or expose neck
  • Body Lock: Maintain strong leg control to block rolling or escaping
  • Angle Adjustment: Adjust choking arm angle to counter hand fighting
  • Adaptation Readiness: Be prepared to switch to other back attacks if defended

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “The Rear Naked Choke’s mechanical precision is paramount. Elbow under chin and elbow pull create systematic carotid compression. It’s the ultimate back attack.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “Patience in RNC setup breaks defensive structures. I use modified grips for control before pressure. It’s a high-percentage finish from back control.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “In 10th Planet, RNC variations from Twister or Truck create unique threats. Attack when they defend elsewhere. It opens chained submission options.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Insufficient depth of choking arm insertion

  • Why It Fails: Reduces control and pressure on carotid arteries

  • Correction: Ensure choking arm is deep with elbow under chin

  • Recognition: Choke feels shallow or opponent easily defends

  • Error: Squeezing with arms instead of pulling elbows

  • Why It Fails: Inefficient pressure application, tiring arms quickly

  • Correction: Pull elbows together for compression, not arm squeeze

  • Recognition: Arms fatigue without significant opponent discomfort

  • Error: Poor body lock or leg control during attempt

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent to roll or escape back control

  • Correction: Maintain body lock or triangle to secure position

  • Recognition: Opponent turns or creates space during choke setup

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this submission:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent’s hand fighting is compromised or neck exposed
  • Avoid When: Opponent maintains strong chin tuck or grip defense
  • Setup Sequences: As primary attack from Back Control after seatbelt control
  • Follow-up Windows: Must complete within 3-5 seconds to prevent defense or counter

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Understanding of blood choke mechanics and carotid targeting
  • Physical Preparation: Grip strength for secure arm control
  • Positional Knowledge: Control from Back Control position
  • Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced - fundamental yet high-percentage technique

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the submission pressure in the Rear Naked Choke?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to initiate the Rear Naked Choke?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in choking arm positioning?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which grip is essential for the Rear Naked Choke?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if the opponent tucks their chin to defend?”

Variants and Configurations

Different setups within the submission:

  • Traditional RNC: Classic palm-to-bicep grip from Back Control
  • Short Choke: Palm-to-shoulder grip for tighter control
  • No-Hooks RNC: Applied standing or without leg hooks
  • One-Arm RNC: Rare advanced variation with single arm
  • Neck Crank Variation: Pain-based alternative if choke is blocked

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Grip Familiarization: Practice seatbelt and choking arm grips solo
  • Control Drilling: Work with partner on deep arm insertion and elbow positioning
  • Pressure Integration: Add elbow pull and body lock for compression
  • Positioning Practice: Incorporate head control to counter chin tucking
  • Live Application: Use in sparring with focus on timing and adjustments

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Establish, insert, grasp, pull, maintain, apply, secure
  • Spatial References: Arm around neck, elbow under chin, hand on shoulder, body lock
  • Pressure Dynamics: Carotid compression, blood choke, neck strain
  • Momentum Descriptions: Controlled squeeze, rapid setup, finishing pressure

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Establish seatbelt control, one arm over, one under”
  • Execution Guidance: “Insert choking arm deep, elbow under chin, grasp shoulder”
  • Adjustment Prompts: “Pull elbows together, maintain body lock for control”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Apply pressure until they submit, watch for tap”

Technical Specifications

Control Mechanics

Scientific submission analysis:

  • Force Vectors: Compression force through choking arm on carotid arteries
  • Leverage Points: Elbow pull and body lock as fulcrum for choke
  • Stability Factors: Seatbelt grip and leg control for positional stability
  • Mobility Dynamics: Arm and grip adjustment for dynamic control
  • Energy Efficiency: Low to moderate energy use with high submission return

Success Factors

Elements that strengthen submission:

  • Grip Quality: Depth and security of choking arm control (+/-20%)
  • Arm Precision: Elbow under chin for carotid leverage (+/-15%)
  • Body Control: Effectiveness of leg lock or triangle (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive resistance over time (+/-5%)
  • Experience Level: Familiarity with choke mechanics (+/-10%)

Validation Checklist

Every submission file must include:

  • All required properties with specific values
  • Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete execution steps list (minimum 7 steps)
  • Strategic advantages and common challenges
  • At least 3 high-probability counters with success rates
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Defensive considerations and strategies
  • Training progression pathway

Example Implementation

See Americana for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

  • Consistent submission data for state machine implementation
  • Detailed control mechanics for realistic modeling
  • Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
  • Educational value through expert analysis
  • Technical depth for authentic understanding
  • Structured counter analysis for complete coverage
  • Knowledge assessment integration
  • Training progression guidance

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all submission files to maintain consistency and educational value.

  • Bow and Arrow Choke - Alternative back choke with gi control
  • Face Crank - Follow-up if RNC is defended by chin tuck
  • Armbar from Back - Secondary attack if choke fails
  • Clock Choke - Complementary choke against turtled opponent
  • Collar Choke - Alternative if gi is available for control

Historical Context

The Rear Naked Choke, known as “Mata Leão” in Portuguese and “Hadaka Jime” in Judo, is one of the oldest and most effective submissions in martial arts, with roots in traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. It became a cornerstone of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu due to its high success rate and mechanical simplicity, refined by practitioners like the Gracie family. Its prominence in modern BJJ and MMA showcases its versatility across gi and no-gi formats as a dominant back attack.

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels in gi and no-gi, scores as submission win
  • Strategic Use: High-percentage finish from Back Control in competition
  • Versatility: Effective in both gi and no-gi formats
  • Tournament Impact: Often used to secure wins from the most dominant position

Safety Considerations

  • Pressure Control: Apply compression gradually to avoid sudden carotid damage
  • Partner Awareness: Monitor opponent’s response during application
  • Mat Space: Ensure adequate space for safe positioning
  • Release Timing: Release immediately upon tap to prevent unconsciousness
  • Neck Safety: Avoid excessive force beyond reasonable compression point

Submission Integration

Common Rear Naked Choke combinations:

Training Applications

  • Positional Specialization: Essential for competitors focusing on back attacks
  • Competition Preparation: Fundamental submission for tournaments from Back Control
  • Control Development: Builds understanding of blood choke mechanics
  • Tactical Exploration: Encourages multi-threat setups from back position

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