Chokes & sweeps with Chris lynd instructor at focus karate & Mma center Minneapolis. Mn start t...
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Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover·Jeff Nelson (Focus Karate)·Added by Admin
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Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover
Genus腕三角裸絞めクロスオーバー(Ude-sankaku Hadaka-jime Kurosōbā)
HybridTranslation: Arm Triangle Naked Strangle Crossover
Overview
The arm triangle rear naked crossover combines elements of the rear naked choke and arm triangle by trapping the opponent's arm alongside their neck while the choking arm threads across the front of the throat from back control, then using the figure-four grip to compress the neck and trapped arm together. [1],[2] Unlike the standard RNC where the arm is excluded, this variation deliberately includes the opponent's arm as a wedge against one carotid artery. [1] The crossover aspect refers to the choking arm threading across to the opposite side of the neck. [1],[3]
History & Origin
The arm triangle rear naked crossover emerged as a hybrid technique combining the positional advantage of back control with the arm-trapping mechanics of the arm triangle. [1],[2] It developed in competitive BJJ and MMA as fighters discovered that when the standard RNC was defended by tucking the chin, including the defensive arm in the choke could still finish the strangle. [1],[3]
Effectiveness
The arm-triangle rear naked crossover is highly effective against opponents who defend the standard RNC by trapping the choking arm — it converts the defence into the submission mechanism. Uses the opponent's own shoulder as a compression surface. [1]
Lineage
Developed within the Danaher Death Squad back-attack system. Builds on traditional RNC mechanics with arm-triangle principles from judo (kata-ha-jime). [1]
Competition Record
Used at high-level no-gi events when standard RNC is defended. Appears in ADCC and professional submission grappling as a back-attack alternative. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Bilateral compression of the carotid arteries — restricts blood flow to the brain, causing unconsciousness within seconds
Joints Involved — Cervical spine (lateral flexion), glenohumeral joint of the trapped arm (if arm-in), nuchal region
Force Vector — Lateral squeeze creates inward pressure on both sides of the neck simultaneously
Choking Mechanism — Vascular strangle — occludes carotid arteries and jugular veins, distinct from airway (tracheal) chokes
Position & Entry
From back control with seatbelt — Establish hooks or body triangle, slide choking arm under the chin, connect hands and squeeze
From turtle top (back take) — Break down the turtle, insert hooks, secure seatbelt grip, slide to back control and apply the choke
From standing back clinch — Secure rear body lock, drag opponent to the mat while inserting hooks, transition to choking position
Videos
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover is an advanced rear-control choke that combines elements of arm triangle and rear naked choke mechanics, taught across multiple instructional lineages with notable emphasis on hip positioning and elbow control. Jeff Nelson (Focus Karate) provides the most direct instruction on this technique, detailing the critical sequence: establishing a chin grip from rear control, placing the hand on the hip to create space, then sliding the choking arm across and trapping the opponent's elbow over the shoulder. Nelson stresses that getting the hip out is essential to create the gap necessary for elbow placement, and emphasizes that once this angle is secured, the choke becomes effective regardless of opponent size. He notes that the traditional defensive escape—rolling away from the head to the side—actually worsens the position, making the crossover variation superior to older-school rear naked choke defenses. Nelson also addresses common defensive scenarios: if the opponent blocks the elbow placement, he can transition to a sweep by basing them out on their hand. The transcript demonstrates this technique's versatility in back-control situations and its mechanical advantage over standard rear chokes when properly executed with correct hip displacement and elbow positioning.
Synthesized from 1 instructor
- Focus Karate — Chokes & sweeps with Chris lynd instructor at focus karate & Mma center Minneapolis. Mn start t...: Detailed mechanics of the Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover, emphasizing chin grip establishment, hip displacement to create space for elbow placement, and the critical detail that elbow-over-shoulder trapping makes the choke effective regardless of size difference. Addressed common defensive counters and sweep transitions when elbow placement is blocked.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
Hybrid technique combining arm triangle and RNC mechanics
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Expert
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— FIAS Sport Sambo — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes a...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal — choke submissions are among the mos...
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The arm-triangle rear naked crossover combines the RNC grip with an arm-triangle configuration — the choking arm crosses over the opponent's trapped arm to compress both carotids from back control (Danaher, Back Attacks: Enter the System, 2018)
✓The crossover detail: the choking forearm crosses over one of the opponent's arms, wedging their shoulder into the near-side carotid while the forearm compresses the far side
✓This hybrid mechanism uses the opponent's own shoulder as a choking surface — the crossover locks the arm in place so the shoulder cannot be withdrawn
✓The crossover RNC is used when the standard RNC is defended by the opponent trapping the choking arm against their own arm — the crossover converts the defence into part of the choke
✓From back control: when the opponent grabs the choking arm with both hands, cross the forearm over their arm and squeeze — their grip now assists the choke rather than defending it
✓The arm-triangle-from-behind principle: any time the opponent's arm is between the choking arm and the neck, the shoulder becomes a compression surface
✓This variation requires less arm strength than the standard RNC because the opponent's own skeletal structure provides one side of the compression
Common Mistakes
!Not crossing over the arm fully — the forearm must pass over the trapped arm to wedge the shoulder into the neck; partial crossover lacks compression
!Attempting without back hooks secured — positional control is essential; the crossover requires stability to maintain the configuration
!Not squeezing the elbows together — bilateral compression requires the elbows driving inward; wide elbows reduce pressure
!Releasing when the opponent adjusts their arm — maintain the crossover and adjust your angle; their movement often improves the choke
!Confusing this with a standard RNC — the mechanics differ; the crossover uses the shoulder as a choking surface, not just the forearm
!Not using chest-to-back pressure — lean into the opponent to prevent them from creating space
!Applying the crossover without first attempting the standard RNC — the crossover works best as a counter to the opponent's RNC defence
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Tuck Chin — protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinkingTwo-on-One Grip Fight — use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locksTurn Into — rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressurePosture Up — straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle
Setup Chain
1Achieve Controlling Position — secure the position from which the choke is applied
2Isolate the Neck — clear defending hands and establish access to the throat
3Set the Grip — lock the choking configuration (arm, lapel, or leg placement)
4Apply Pressure — squeeze to compress the carotid arteries for the finish
Sources & References
Primary Source
Extension of Kodokan Judo terminology; Japanese BJJ community
Official Kodokan ground technique classification system
2OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
3CitationExtension of Kodokan Judo terminology; Japanese BJJ community
Japanese terminology sourced from Extension of Kodokan Judo terminology; Japanese BJJ community
Community
Athletics
Requires
hip flexibility, long legs relative to torso
Favours
longer limbs for easier figure-four lock around head and arm
Key muscles
hip adductors, hamstrings, quadriceps
Sub-techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I finish the arm triangle if my opponent doesn't roll over?
According to Jeff Nelson at Focus Karate, if your opponent doesn't come over completely, you can still finish it the same way. If that doesn't work, you can start sweeping them instead, which may cause them to sweep themselves as they try to escape the choke.
What's the key hip movement for setting up the arm triangle choke?
Jeff Nelson emphasizes getting your hip out as a critical component of the technique. He recommends falling in the proper direction while getting your hip out, which sets up the arm position to go over your opponent's shoulder for maximum choking pressure.
What should I do if my opponent blocks my elbow during the arm triangle?
If your opponent is blocking your elbow, Jeff Nelson explains that you can simply sweep them instead. Once you initiate the sweep, you can force them out of position and then secure the submission.
How does the Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover work?
The arm triangle rear naked crossover combines elements of the rear naked choke and arm triangle by trapping the opponent's arm alongside their neck while the choking arm threads across the front of the throat from back control, then using the figure-four grip to compress the neck and trapped arm together. Unlike the standard RNC where the arm is excluded, this variation deliberately includes the opponent's arm as a wedge against one carotid artery.
Where does the Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover come from?
The arm triangle rear naked crossover emerged as a hybrid technique combining the positional advantage of back control with the arm-trapping mechanics of the arm triangle. It developed in competitive BJJ and MMA as fighters discovered that when the standard RNC was defended by tucking the chin, including the defensive arm in the choke could still finish the strangle.
Is the Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes are the safest submission cat…; IJF: legal — Legal (shime-waza) — strangulation techniques are one of three permitted subm…; ADCC: legal — Legal; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — choke submissions are among the most common finishes in MMA; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover?
Danger rating 8/10. Very High — hybrid technique combining arm triangle and RNC mechanics
How do I set up the Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position → Isolate the Neck → Set the Grip → Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover?
Standard counters include: Tuck Chin — protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinking / Two-on-One Grip Fight — use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locks / Turn Into — rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressure / Posture Up — straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle.
What are the variants of the Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover?
Common variants: Short choke (palm-to-palm grip) (compact grip for tight spaces when the chin is partially …); Gable grip RNC (interlocked fingers behind the head for maximum squeeze p…); Body triangle RNC (adds body triangle control for stronger hip management du…); One-arm RNC (single arm under the chin when the second arm cannot reac…).
How effective is the Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover in competition?
Used at high-level no-gi events when standard RNC is defended. Appears in ADCC and professional submission grappling as a back-attack alternative.
What are common mistakes when doing the Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover?
Top errors to watch for: Not crossing over the arm fully — the forearm must pass over the trapped arm to wedge the shoulder into the neck; par… / Attempting without back hooks secured — positional control is essential; the crossover requires stability to maintain… / Not squeezing the elbows together — bilateral compression requires the elbows driving inward; wide elbows reduce pres… / Releasing when the opponent adjusts their arm — maintain the crossover and adjust your angle; their movement often im….
What are other names for the Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover?
The Arm Triangle Rear Naked Crossover is also known as Ude-sankaku Hadaka-jime Kurosōbā, Hybrid RNC, RNC-Arm Triangle Crossover, Rear Kata Gatame.