Mastering The Rear Naked Choke: A Technical Guide To Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s Most Efficient Submission
The rear naked choke, or Mata Leão, is a blood-restriction submission that targets the carotid arteries, inducing unconsciousness through the rapid reduction of oxygenated blood flow to the brain. By utilizing a "seatbelt" control position and a figure-four arm lock, a practitioner can apply sufficient pressure to force a tap within seconds, regardless of the opponent's size or strength.
Foundational Requirements and Positional Prerequisites
Before attempting the rear naked choke, you must establish dominant back control. Attempting the choke without securing the lower body often results in the opponent escaping or reversing the position. The success of this technique relies heavily on the mechanical advantage of the "strong side" arm and the connection of the body to the opponent’s back.
- Essential Gear: A clean Gi or No-Gi rash guard, a professional-grade training mat (minimum 1.5-inch thickness for impact absorption), and an experienced training partner.
- Mandatory Prerequisites: Proficiency in securing "back mount," understanding the difference between a blood choke and an air choke, and a clear grasp of the "tapping" protocol for safety.
- Benchmark Standards: Practitioners should aim to maintain "hooks" (legs placed inside the opponent’s thighs) or a "body triangle" to prevent the opponent from flattening out or turning to face the guard.
- Duration Benchmarks: Beginners typically require 10 to 15 hours of drilling to achieve a high-percentage success rate in sparring, while internalizing the mechanics takes approximately 500 repetitions.
Technical Execution of the Rear Naked Choke
Step 1: Establishing the Seatbelt Control
Begin by securing the back position. One arm reaches over the opponent's shoulder (the choking arm), while the other arm reaches under the opposite armpit (the support arm). Join your hands together in a "seatbelt" grip. Keep your chest glued to the opponent’s shoulder blades.
Warning: Never cross your ankles behind the opponent’s back if you are locking your legs, as this exposes your feet to an ankle lock; always keep your feet hooked inside the thighs or utilize a body triangle if you have long legs.
Step 2: The Choking Arm Placement
Release your support hand and slide your choking arm deep across the opponent’s throat. The crook of your elbow should be positioned directly against the opponent’s trachea, while the radial bone of your forearm presses against one side of the carotid artery. Ensure your hand is positioned behind the opponent’s opposite shoulder blade.
Step 3: Closing the Circuit
Place your choking hand on the inside of your own bicep (the support arm’s bicep). Then, reach your support hand behind the opponent’s head. This creates a closed loop, eliminating the space between your chest, the opponent’s back, and your arms.
Step 4: Applying Pressure and Finishing
To complete the submission, do not squeeze with your biceps alone. Instead, retract your elbows toward your own ribcage while pushing your chest forward into the opponent’s back. This creates a vice-like compression. As you apply the pressure, rotate your choking forearm slightly to ensure the bone sinks deeper into the carotid artery.
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Comparative Mechanics of Back-Control Submissions
| Submission Type | Primary Mechanism | Required Leverage | Risk of Escape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Naked Choke | Carotid Artery Compression | High (Closed Loop) | Low |
| Bow and Arrow Choke | Cross-Collar/Lapel Tension | Moderate (Gi-Dependent) | Medium |
| Clock Choke | Forward Pressure/Gravity | High (Angle-Specific) | High |
| Ezekiel Choke | Forearm Compression | Low (Hand Positioning) | Moderate |
Troubleshooting Common Execution Failures
- Failure Scenario: The Opponent Grabs Your Choking Arm.
- Root Cause: The choking arm was not placed deep enough, allowing the opponent to create a barrier.
- Actionable Fix: Use your support arm to clear the opponent’s hands away from your wrist, or transition to an armbar if they commit too heavily to defending the neck.
- Failure Scenario: Losing the Back Position (Rolling Over).
- Root Cause: Weak hip connection and failure to maintain "heavy" hooks behind the opponent's thighs.
- Actionable Fix: Prioritize the seatbelt grip and "anchor" your weight by dropping your chest onto the opponent’s scapula to prevent them from sitting up or spinning.
- Failure Scenario: Unable to Connect the Hands.
- Root Cause: Excessive space between your chest and the opponent’s back or improper angle of the choking arm.
- Actionable Fix: Slide your torso tighter against the opponent’s spine and ensure your choking arm is deep enough that your hand can easily touch your own bicep without the opponent's neck interfering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rear Naked Choke considered an air choke or a blood choke?
The rear naked choke is designed as a blood choke. By applying pressure to the carotid arteries, you restrict blood flow to the brain, which leads to a rapid loss of consciousness. Air chokes target the windpipe, which is painful and slow; blood chokes are significantly more efficient and safer for the opponent.
How do I safely practice the rear naked choke without injuring my partner?
Always use a "slow and controlled" approach when applying pressure in training. If your partner taps, release the pressure immediately. Communication is critical; verify with your partner that they are ready for higher resistance before increasing the intensity of your submission attempts.
What should I do if my opponent hides their chin to defend the neck?
When an opponent tucks their chin, they are effectively blocking your arm from entering deep. You can use your choking-side hand to perform a "face grind" or utilize a small knuckle to nudge the chin upward, creating the necessary space to slide your forearm underneath their jawline.
Can I use the rear naked choke if I don't have back control?
The effectiveness of the rear naked choke is almost entirely dependent on the leverage gained from the back-mount position. Attempting this from the front or side without proper control often leaves you vulnerable to counter-attacks and rarely provides the mechanical leverage required to close the loop effectively.
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