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Rear Naked Choke: Complete BJJ Guide
The rear naked choke ends more fights than any other submission in grappling and MMA. Most people still get the mechanics slightly wrong — here is how to fix that.
The rear naked choke (RNC) is the most reliable finish in grappling. Once your hooks are in and your grip is locked, your opponent has almost no leverage to fight back with — which is exactly why it is the single most common way fights end, in both BJJ and MMA.
Why It Works
The choke does not crush the throat. It compresses the carotid arteries on either side of the neck, cutting blood flow to the brain. Done correctly, an opponent can go unconscious in seconds without any damage to the airway — which is also why it is legal at every belt level and age group in competition.
Step-by-Step Execution
- Establish back control first — both hooks in (or a body triangle), chest connected to your opponent's back, no gaps for them to create space.
- Thread one arm under their chin, forearm bone pressing across the front of the throat, not the fleshy part of the neck.
- Grab your own opposite bicep with that hand, creating a loop around the neck.
- Bring your other hand behind their head, palm flat, fingers pointing up toward the ceiling — never interlock your fingers, which weakens the choke and risks a finger injury.
- Squeeze your elbows together while pulling your first arm back and pushing your head-side hand forward, like closing a book around their neck.
- Arch your back slightly and pull your opponent tight into your chest, removing any space they could use to breathe or posture out.
Rear Naked Choke — John Danaher
Rear naked choke instruction from John Danaher on the BJJ Fanatics channel.
Video by BJJ FanaticsWatch on YouTube
The Most Common Mistake
Most white belts choke the windpipe instead of the sides of the neck. This is less effective, more uncomfortable for both people, and is the single biggest reason RNC attempts fail — the choking arm needs to sit higher, with the bony part of the forearm across the throat, not buried in soft tissue.
Defending the Rear Naked Choke
- The instant a hand threads under your chin, tuck your chin down hard and grab the choking wrist with both hands to control the depth of the arm.
- Turn into your opponent (not away) to reduce the angle they have on your neck and start working to free a hook.
- If the choke is fully locked, tap immediately — there is no shame in tapping to a technically sound RNC, and fighting it out risks unconsciousness for no benefit.
Gi vs No-Gi
The mechanics are identical with or without a gi. In gi competition, this same position often sets up a collar choke instead, since the lapel gives an alternative finishing grip — but the naked (no-clothing-grip) version works in both settings and is usually the higher-percentage finish once the position is secure.
For the position this choke is finished from, see our back control guide, and for the wrestling entries that get you there, our back escape guide covers the other side of the exchange. It remains legal at every belt level under IBJJF rules, unlike several leg attacks. If both hooks never quite land, the Japanese necktie finishes the same way from a shoulder-riding position instead.
Tagged with:#rear naked choke#submissions#no-gi
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the rear naked choke dangerous?
It is one of the safest submissions in grappling when applied correctly, since it targets blood flow rather than the airway. Risk comes almost entirely from refusing to tap, not from the technique itself.
Why does my rear naked choke keep slipping?
Almost always because the choking arm is positioned too low, pressing on the windpipe instead of the sides of the neck. Raise the arm so the forearm bone sits higher across the throat.
Is the rear naked choke legal at white belt?
Yes. It is legal for every belt level and most youth divisions, since it carries very low injury risk compared to joint locks.
Does the rear naked choke work in the gi?
Yes, the mechanics are identical with or without a gi. In gi competition the same back-control position often sets up a collar choke instead, but the naked finish still works whenever the lapel is not available.
How do I stop my hooks from being stripped during a rear naked choke?
Keep your hooks inside your opponent's thighs rather than crossed over their hips, and stay heavy through your seatbelt grip. Most stripped hooks happen because the choking arm gets prioritized before the position is actually secure.
Sources & Further Reading
About the Author
Mohsin AyubBJJ practitioner, 6 years — Gracie Barra
Founder & Editor, BJJ Sportswear
Mohsin has trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for six years at Gracie Barra and has competed at IBJJF-affiliated tournaments. He writes about competition, gear, and athlete careers, and founded BJJ Sportswear to help grapplers find equipment and information they can trust.
- Six years training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra
- Competed at IBJJF-affiliated tournaments
- Writes on BJJ competition, gear testing, and athlete careers
This article was last reviewed and updated on 2026-08-01.