# Rear Naked Choke

> A high-percentage rear strangle that uses an arm around the neck while the attacker controls the opponent from behind.

- **Canonical page:** https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/rear-naked-choke
- **Markdown:** https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/rear-naked-choke.md
- **JSON:** https://www.ossmeta.com/api/public/techniques/rear-naked-choke
- **Category:** submission
- **Format:** both
- **Level:** fundamental
- **Aliases:** RNC, mata leão, hadaka jime, rear strangle
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-25

## What it is

The rear naked choke is the signature submission from back control. The attack uses the choking arm and supporting hand as a compact frame around the neck while the rest of the body prevents the defender from turning to face the attacker.

Its reliability comes from position: the attacker can use both arms offensively while the defender must address the neck, hips, and shoulder line. Effective sequences prioritize hand fighting and back retention before tightening the finish.

## Key principles

- Control the shoulders and hips before exposing the neck.
- Win the hand fight one layer at a time.
- Keep the choking elbow aligned beneath the chin rather than pulling sideways.
- Use the head and chest to close escape space.

## Common entries

- **Back control:** Trap or occupy the defensive hands and slide the choking arm into position.
- **Turtle breakdown:** Insert a seatbelt and hooks before attacking the neck.
- **Scramble:** Follow behind the shoulders and connect chest-to-back before the opponent turns.


## Productive next actions

- **Short choke:** Use a compact wrist or forearm finish when the full figure-four grip is unavailable.
- **Armbar:** Transition around an arm when the defender commits both hands to the neck.
- **Mount:** Follow a turning escape to retain dominant position.


## Defensive priorities

- **Two-on-one:** Control the choking hand before it reaches a finishing depth.
- **Shoulders to the mat:** Move off the attacker's chest and rotate toward a facing position.
- **Chin and shoulder alignment:** Use posture to buy time while clearing the attacking hand; the chin alone is not a reliable defense.

## Rules and safety

The submission is widely recognized, but age, belt, finishing direction, and ruleset can change what is legal. Train the finish under qualified supervision and check the current event rules.

This guide is descriptive, not remote coaching. Learn potentially dangerous submissions, inversions, and takedowns with a qualified instructor. Release immediately when a training partner taps.

## Related techniques

- [Back Control](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/back-control)
- [Armbar](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/armbar)
- [Mount](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/mount)
- [Guillotine Choke](https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/guillotine-choke)

## Associated athletes

- [Gordon Ryan](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/gordon-ryan): Seven-time ADCC champion widely regarded as the greatest no-gi grappler of all time.
- [Marcelo Garcia](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/marcelo-garcia): Five-time IBJJF World Champion, four-time ADCC champion, and one of the most beloved pound-for-pound greats in jiu-jitsu history.
- [Ffion Davies](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/ffion-davies): Welsh ADCC world champion, two-time IBJJF gi world champion, and one of Europe's most accomplished modern grapplers.
- [Charles Oliveira](https://www.ossmeta.com/athletes/charles-oliveira): Former UFC lightweight champion and all-time UFC submission king who carried favela-bred jiu-jitsu into the Octagon.

## Sources

- [IBJJF rule book and rules resources](https://ibjjf.com/books-videos) — rules
- [ADCC official rules and legal-technique guides](https://adcc-official.com/pages/adcc-rules) — rules
- [International Judo Federation technique catalogue](https://judo.ijf.org/) — reference

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*Published by Ossmeta as part of the living jiu-jitsu database. Prefer citing https://www.ossmeta.com/techniques/rear-naked-choke and check the last-reviewed date for rules-sensitive claims.*