Rear Naked Choke

submissionbeginnerGi & No-Gi

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A high-percentage choke from back control using arm positioning and chest connection.

The rear naked choke (RNC, mata leao) is applied from back mount by sliding your choking arm under the chin and connecting your hands behind the head. By expanding your chest and squeezing your elbows together, you compress both carotid arteries for a quick blood choke. The RNC is the most sought-after finish in BJJ and MMA because back mount offers maximum control with minimum risk.

Key points

  • Maintain chest-to-back connection before attacking
  • Hide the choking arm deep behind the shoulder line
  • Finish with clean arm structure instead of brute force

Common mistakes

  • Attacking before securing control
  • Crossing the feet too loosely
  • Finishing across the face without adjusting

Common reactions

  • Opponent hand-fights the choking arm
  • Opponent turns toward the choking side

Position Flow

FromBack Mount
TechniqueRear Naked Choke
ToBack Mount

Details

Type

submission

Difficulty

beginner

Ruleset

Gi & No-Gi

Tags

choke, back, fundamental, highest-percentage

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