SAFETY: Rear Naked Choke from Crucifix targets the Carotid arteries and jugular veins. Risk: Loss of consciousness from blood choke. Release immediately upon tap.
Executing the Rear Naked Choke from Crucifix capitalizes on the most advantageous choking position in grappling—both opponent arms trapped with full neck exposure. The critical skill is managing the transition from dual arm control to choking grip while maintaining enough positional integrity to prevent escape. The crucifix eliminates the standard two-on-one hand defense that makes back control RNC so difficult, transforming a typically contested submission into a high-percentage finish when the transition is properly timed and executed.
From Position: Crucifix (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Rear Naked Choke from Crucifix?
- Maintain leg triangle pressure on the trapped arm throughout the entire choke sequence—this is your positional anchor that makes the finish possible
- Minimize the transition window when releasing the far arm to thread the choking arm—pre-position the choking arm close to the neck before releasing
- Thread the choking arm palm-down along the jawline, using the chin as a guide rather than forcing under it
- Secure the figure-four lock behind the head, not behind the neck, and press the head forward to prevent chin tuck defense
- Apply squeeze through shoulder retraction and chest expansion rather than bicep flexion for deeper, more efficient carotid compression
- Keep your head tight against the opponent’s temple to prevent them from turning into the choke and creating defensive space
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Rear Naked Choke from Crucifix?
- Established crucifix control with opponent’s near arm fully trapped in leg triangle configuration with constant inward pressure
- Far arm controlled by wrist grip or overhook preventing immediate neck defense upon release
- Opponent positioned on their side or back with limited hip mobility and compromised base
- Clear path to the neck confirmed—opponent’s chin is accessible or can be pried open through angle adjustment
- Body weight settled through hips onto opponent’s torso preventing explosive escape during transition
Execution Steps
How do you execute Rear Naked Choke from Crucifix step by step?
- Confirm Crucifix Integrity: Verify that the leg triangle is locked tight on the near arm with constant inward pressure. Test by feeling for any slack in the trap—if the opponent can rotate their trapped arm even slightly, tighten the triangle before proceeding. Settle your weight through your hips onto the opponent’s upper back and shoulder to anchor the position. (Timing: 2-3 seconds)
- Secure Far Arm and Assess Neck Access: Control the opponent’s far arm with a strong wrist grip or deep overhook. Use this moment to assess the neck—check chin position, neck angle, and available space to thread your forearm. If the chin is deeply tucked with no entry angle, consider switching to an arm attack first to force the chin up before reattempting. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Release Far Arm and Thread Choking Arm: This is the critical transition moment. Release control of the far arm and immediately drive your choking-side forearm toward the opponent’s neck, threading it palm-down along their jawline. Speed matters here—the defender has a brief 1-2 second window to bring their freed hand to their neck for defense before you can lock the grip. (Timing: 1-2 seconds maximum)
- Slide Forearm Under the Chin: Guide your forearm under the chin by using the blade of your wrist against the jawline as a wedge. Keep your elbow tight against the opponent’s chest to eliminate space. The crook of your elbow should align with the center of the throat so the radius compresses one carotid and the bicep compresses the other. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Lock the Figure-Four Behind the Head: Bring your non-choking hand to grip your own bicep on the choking arm, forming the classic figure-four configuration. Place the non-choking hand behind the opponent’s skull, not behind the neck. Press the head forward with your palm to drive the neck into the choking forearm and eliminate any remaining chin tuck defense. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Apply Controlled Squeeze and Finish: Squeeze by retracting your shoulders and expanding your chest rather than flexing your bicep. Keep your head tight against the opponent’s temple to prevent turning escape. In training, apply pressure progressively over 3-5 seconds. A properly positioned RNC from crucifix produces unconsciousness within 4-6 seconds at full compression, so controlled application is essential. (Timing: 3-5 seconds progressive application in training)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 65% |
| Failure | Crucifix | 23% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 12% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Rear Naked Choke from Crucifix?
- Freed hand immediately goes to neck defense upon far arm release (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Anticipate this by threading the choking arm as rapidly as possible during the transition window. If the hand reaches the neck, use your non-choking hand to strip the grip by peeling fingers from your wrist starting from the pinky side before they establish a two-on-one defense. → Leads to Crucifix
- Explosive bridge and turn toward attacker during transition (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain heavy hip pressure and keep your head against theirs to prevent rotation. If they begin to turn, accelerate the choke entry rather than resettling—the turning motion often further exposes the neck as their chin lifts. → Leads to Crucifix
- Opponent extracts trapped arm from leg triangle during choke transition (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: If the arm is partially out, immediately convert to standard back control hooks and continue the RNC from conventional back position. Do not attempt to re-establish crucifix once the choke sequence has begun—transition is more efficient than recovery. → Leads to Closed Guard
- Aggressive chin tuck and shoulder raise to block forearm entry (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use the non-choking hand to pry the chin up from the opposite side. Alternatively, apply the choke over the chin—with both arms trapped, jaw pressure alone can force a tap or create space under the chin as the opponent lifts to relieve pressure. → Leads to Crucifix