SAFETY: Rear Naked Choke from Rodeo targets the Neck. Risk: Loss of consciousness from sustained compression of carotid arteries cutting blood supply to the brain. Release immediately upon tap.
Executing the Rear Naked Choke from Rodeo Ride requires integrating positional control with finishing mechanics in a dynamic, transitional context. Unlike the standard RNC from established back control where hooks and seat belt provide a stable platform, this variation demands that you maintain the asymmetric Rodeo Ride control while threading the choking arm and completing the strangle. The key challenge is timing your choke entry to coincide with moments when your positional control is strongest—typically after you have compromised the opponent’s base through pressure cycling and secured near-arm control. Success depends on your ability to maintain chest-to-back pressure throughout the entire finishing sequence, using hip weight and leg positioning to prevent escape rather than relying on hooks you do not have. Advanced practitioners treat the choke entry as part of a broader attacking sequence where the threat of back takes, calf slicers, and crucifix entries forces the opponent into defensive dilemmas that expose the neck.
From Position: Rodeo Ride (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Rear Naked Choke from Rodeo?
- Maintain chest-to-back pressure throughout the entire choking sequence to prevent the opponent from creating escape space or changing angle
- Control the near arm before threading the choking arm to eliminate the opponent’s primary defensive and posting tool
- Position the choking forearm across the throat at the chin line, targeting the carotid arteries on both sides rather than the windpipe
- Use the supporting arm to lock the figure-four grip behind the opponent’s head, creating a closed mechanical loop that distributes squeezing force evenly
- Finish through chest expansion and elbow retraction rather than arm squeezing alone to generate sustainable, mechanically efficient pressure
- Time the choke entry during moments when the opponent’s base is compromised through your pressure cycling and grip fighting
- Maintain hip pressure and leg positioning throughout the finish to prevent the opponent from rolling, standing, or creating defensive space
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Rear Naked Choke from Rodeo?
- Established Rodeo Ride position with tight chest-to-back connection and dynamic weight distribution loaded on opponent’s torso
- Near-arm control secured through wrist grip, elbow control, or shoulder pressure to eliminate the opponent’s primary posting tool
- Opponent’s base compromised through pressure cycling so they cannot immediately stand, roll, or create significant defensive space
- Clear pathway to opponent’s neck with the choking arm unobstructed by defensive grips or extreme chin tuck
- Stable posted leg providing base for maintaining positional control during the finishing sequence without losing balance
Execution Steps
How do you execute Rear Naked Choke from Rodeo step by step?
- Consolidate Rodeo Ride Control: Ensure chest-to-back connection is tight with hip pressure loaded on the opponent’s torso. Verify your posted leg is stable and providing sufficient base. Your weight should be distributed to prevent the opponent from standing or rolling while giving you a platform for the arm attack. Adjust your angle relative to the opponent’s spine to maximize control leverage before committing to the choke entry. (Timing: 5-10 seconds to verify all control points are secure)
- Secure Near-Arm Control: Control the opponent’s near-side arm through wrist grip, elbow control, or shoulder pressure to eliminate their primary defensive tool. Pin the arm against their body or trap it between your body and theirs. Without near-arm control, the opponent can post, frame, and create the space needed to defend the incoming choke effectively. This step is non-negotiable before proceeding. (Timing: 3-8 seconds depending on opponent’s grip fighting resistance)
- Thread the Choking Arm: Slide your choking arm from the over-shoulder position under the opponent’s chin, targeting the throat line where your forearm will compress the carotid arteries bilaterally. Enter from above the shoulder, curving the forearm around the neck so your bicep contacts one side and your forearm bone contacts the other side. The crook of your elbow should center on the opponent’s trachea to avoid windpipe compression. (Timing: 2-4 seconds—speed matters here to beat the opponent’s chin defense)
- Establish Figure-Four Lock: Bring your supporting hand behind the opponent’s head and connect it to the choking arm’s bicep, forming the classic rear naked choke figure-four configuration. Your supporting hand grips your own bicep while the choking hand reaches behind the opponent’s head or onto your own shoulder to create a closed mechanical loop that distributes force evenly around the neck circumference. (Timing: 1-3 seconds to complete the grip connection)
- Set Finishing Angle: Adjust your hip position and chest angle to maximize the choking pressure vector. Drive your hips forward into the opponent’s lower back while your chest presses against their upper back. This angle prevents them from tucking forward to relieve pressure and creates the structural alignment needed for the squeeze to compress both carotid arteries simultaneously rather than sliding off to one side. (Timing: 1-2 seconds for final positional adjustment)
- Apply Progressive Squeeze: Finish the choke by expanding your chest against the opponent’s back while simultaneously drawing your elbows together and toward your own centerline. Generate pressure through controlled chest expansion and elbow retraction rather than arm squeezing alone. This produces sustainable mechanical pressure that increases progressively without burning out your arms or creating jerking force. (Timing: 3-8 seconds of progressive pressure until tap or unconsciousness)
- Maintain Control Through Finish: Keep hip pressure and chest connection throughout the entire finishing sequence to prevent the opponent from creating space or initiating escape movements. If the opponent moves or adjusts during the squeeze, follow their movement while maintaining choke pressure. Do not release positional control to chase a tighter grip—the position enables the finish, not the other way around. (Timing: Continuous throughout squeeze until submission is achieved)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 50% |
| Failure | Rodeo Ride | 20% |
| Failure | Back Control | 15% |
| Counter | Turtle | 15% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Rear Naked Choke from Rodeo?
- Opponent tucks chin aggressively and uses both hands to protect neck, preventing arm threading (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Use your choking hand knuckles to work over the chin line, applying pressure to the jaw to create entry. Alternatively, switch to a short choke grip over the chin or transition to attacking the near arm for a crucifix entry that removes their defensive hands. → Leads to Rodeo Ride
- Opponent explosively posts and stands to feet, using the lack of hooks to create separation (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow the stand-up by maintaining chest connection and harness control. Transition to standing back control and either complete the choke standing or execute a mat return to grounded back control where you can establish hooks before reattempting. → Leads to Turtle
- Opponent strips the choking arm with a two-on-one grip, peeling it away from the neck (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Immediately re-establish seat belt control with the freed arm on the over-shoulder side. Use the momentary two-on-one commitment of their hands to attack with the other arm or transition to a calf slicer or back take while their hands are occupied fighting your arm rather than defending position. → Leads to Rodeo Ride
- Opponent rolls laterally to create a scramble and break the chest connection (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow the roll by maintaining your chest glued to their back and adjusting your leg position to stay on top throughout the rotation. If you maintain connection, the roll often improves your position by transitioning toward full back control. If separation occurs, immediately re-engage to prevent guard recovery. → Leads to Turtle