The rear naked choke (RNC) is one of the most powerful submissions in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). It’s a great move to have in your arsenal if you want to dominate opponents in BJJ.
We’ll go over the basics of performing the RNC, as well as some tips and tricks to help you gain an edge on your opponents.
So if you want to learn how to dominate opponents with the rear naked choke in BJJ, keep reading!
What is the rear naked choke?
The rear naked choke is a grappling technique commonly used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that involves applying pressure to an opponent’s neck with the arms while the attacker’s legs are wrapped around the opponent’s body.

The technique is so effective because it compresses the carotid arteries in the opponent’s neck, restricting blood flow to the brain and ultimately causing the opponent to become unconscious.
The technique is often used when an opponent’s back is exposed, making it difficult for them to defend against the attack. The attacker will typically place one arm around the opponent’s neck, using the other arm to secure their own bicep and create a “figure four” grip.
The attacker will then use their legs to secure a body lock around the opponent, creating pressure on both sides of the neck.
The rear naked choke is considered one of the most effective and high percentage submissions in BJJ. It is often used in competition and in self-defense situations, as it can quickly neutralize an opponent without causing any serious harm.
However, it is important to execute the technique properly to avoid injury and ensure a successful submission.
Why is the rear naked choke so effective?
The rear naked choke is considered one of the most powerful submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. There are several reasons why this chokehold is so effective, and why many grapplers rely on it as a go-to submission.
Firstly, the rear naked choke is applied from a dominant position on your opponent’s back, where you have control over their body and movement. Once you secure this position, your opponent will have very few options to escape or counter the choke.
Another reason for its effectiveness is that the choke targets the carotid arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the brain. When applied correctly, the choke constricts these arteries and restricts the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain.
This causes the opponent to lose consciousness within a matter of seconds.
In addition, the rear naked choke is easy to apply and doesn’t require a lot of strength or energy.
Unlike some other submissions that rely on muscular force or leverage, the rear naked choke primarily relies on proper technique and timing.
This makes it accessible to grapplers of all ages, sizes, and skill levels.
Overall, the rear naked choke is an extremely effective and versatile submission that every BJJ practitioner should have in their arsenal.

By mastering this chokehold, you’ll be able to dominate opponents and control the outcome of matches with ease.
How to properly execute the rear naked choke?
The rear naked choke is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) submission. This article explains the process for successful execution of the technique.1. Get to the opponent’s back: To perform the rear naked choke, you need to be behind your opponent with both hooks (legs) in.
- Secure the position: Once you have the position, make sure to control your opponent’s upper body with your arms. Your dominant hand should be on your opponent’s neck, with the other hand gripping your bicep.
- Squeeze the neck: Once you have secured the position and have a good grip on your opponent’s neck, begin to squeeze by bringing your elbow down and pulling your bicep towards your chest.
- Finish the choke: To complete the choke, bring your other hand up and slide it under your opponent’s chin. Lock your hands together and continue to squeeze until your opponent taps out or goes unconscious.
Remember, it’s important to apply pressure gradually and make sure your opponent can tap out. Also, be careful not to use too much force and cause injury. Practice with a partner and start slow until you feel comfortable and confident executing the rear naked choke.
Defense Against a Rear Naked Choke
Now that we have learned how to properly execute the rear naked choke, it’s important to know how to defend against it as well. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, knowing how to defend yourself from your opponent’s submissions is just as crucial as knowing how to execute them.
Here are a few tips for defending against the rear naked choke:
- Be aware of your opponent’s positioning. If you feel your opponent’s arm coming around your neck, turn your chin towards their forearm, rather than away from it. This will help prevent them from locking in the choke.
- Protect your neck by using your hands. Reach up with both hands to grab your opponent’s hands or wrists, and pull them away from your neck. Alternatively, you can create a barrier by placing your forearm against their bicep to prevent them from securing the choke.
- Get your back to the ground. If your opponent has secured the rear naked choke, immediately fall to the ground on your back. This will make it more difficult for your opponent to apply the necessary pressure to finish the submission.
- Roll to your opponent. Another way to escape from the rear naked choke is to roll towards your opponent. This will cause them to lose their back mount, giving you the opportunity to reverse the situation and gain control.
It’s important to remember that prevention is the best defense. Stay aware of your opponent’s movements and be proactive in protecting your neck to prevent them from locking in the rear naked choke. By mastering both the execution and defense of this submission, you will become a well-rounded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner.