Rear Naked Choke from Back Control: How It Works

The rear naked choke is one of the most famous finishes in jiu-jitsu, and it needs no gi at all. Once you have back control, one arm slides under the chin and the other hand helps close the loop around the neck. It is a squeeze with the elbows and chest, not a pull with the fingers.

Setting it up from back control

First secure back control with a seat belt grip, one arm over the shoulder and one under the armpit, and your chest glued to their back. In our classes we often see students chase the neck too early and lose their position. Keep the body tight, then work the choking hand slowly while your partner defends.

Key details

• Slide the choking arm under the chin until the crook of your elbow sits at the center of the throat.
• Grip your other bicep with the choking hand, and keep the thumb relaxed.
• Place the free hand behind your partner's head, not on the face.
• Keep your head tight beside theirs and squeeze by pulling the elbows back and expanding the chest.

How to drill it

Practice the hand fight in slow motion. Your partner defends with one or two hands while you slide the arm under the chin and look for the bicep grip. Repeat until the path of your arm is smooth and quiet. Then add a partner who turns the chin away, and work on staying chest to back. Never rush the finish.

Common mistakes and safety

A frequent mistake is pressing the forearm on the front of the throat instead of the sides of the neck. That is uncomfortable, ineffective, and unsafe. Also, never crank the neck or twist the head. A choke works quickly, so apply it smoothly and let go the second you feel a tap or hear one. Train it under a qualified instructor and agree with your partner on taps before you start.

Want help with the grips? Our coaches teach this position every week. Book a free trial class in Boca Raton and ask about the back escape too, so you know the defense as well as the attack.