Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame

Species

Translation: hybrid RNC kata gatame

Range & classification

Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body

Overview

The Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame is a crossover submission that combines elements of the rear naked choke (applied from back control) with the arm triangle (kata gatame) β€” threading the choking arm around the neck while trapping the opponent's arm against their own neck to create a hybrid choke that uses both the attacker's arm and the opponent's own arm as compression surfaces. [1] This hybrid attacks from a back control angle but uses arm triangle mechanics. [1],[2]

Also known as
RNC-Arm Triangle HybridKata Gatame from BackJP

History & Origin

This variation developed within the broader choking/cranking system of its parent technique family. [1],[2]

Country of originΒ· shown in random order

  • BrazilBJJ, Submission Grappling, MMA
  • JapanBJJ, Judo, Submission Grappling
  • USASubmission Grappling, MMA
  • RussiaSambo

Effectiveness

Effective when the specific grip and positioning requirements are met β€” each variation addresses a specific defensive scenario. [1],[2]

Lineage

Developed within the BJJ/grappling submission system. [1]

Competition Record

Used in BJJ, MMA, and submission grappling competition. [1]

Images

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Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary Action β€” Applying this specific choking or cranking configuration to the opponent's neck or spine
Joints Involved β€” Neck (cervical spine β€” the target of all chokes/cranks in this family), arms (the choking limb creates the compression surface), shoulders (positioning determines the choking angle)
Force Vector β€” Bilateral compression (chokes compress from two sides) or rotational/extension (cranks apply torsion or hyperextension)
Submission Mechanic β€” The specific grip, arm positioning, and body alignment create the unique compression geometry of this variation

Position & Entry

From back control β€” Establish back control, then transition to this specific choke/crank variation
From front headlock β€” Secure the front headlock, then apply this specific choke configuration
From the parent position β€” Enter through the position described in the parent genus/species

Videos

Head And Arm Rear Naked Choke by Heath Pedigo

0
Hybrid RNC Kata GatameΒ·BJJ Fanatics

HEAD AND ARM REAR NAKED CHOKE https://bjjfanatics.com Click Here To Check Out Heath Pedigo's Instructional Videos - htt…

1 video

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Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

8
Very High8/10

Chokes and neck cranks carry significant risk; blood chokes cause unconsciousness in 6-10 seconds; neck cranks can cause cervical spine damage; always tap early

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Intermediate
Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

Illegal
β€” FIAS Sport Sambo β€” All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF
Legal
β€” IBJJF β€” Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi β€” chokes a...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF
β€” ADCC β€” Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF
β€” Unified MMA β€” Legal β€” choke submissions are among the mos...
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF
β€” FIAS Combat Sambo β€” Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF

Training Notes

βœ“Apply slowly in training β€” chokes and cranks can cause injury if applied explosively
βœ“Tap early when caught β€” blood chokes cause unconsciousness rapidly; neck cranks can damage the cervical spine
βœ“Drill the specific grip and positioning until automatic
βœ“Chain with alternative choke variations when this one is defended

Common Mistakes

!Applying too fast β€” gradual application is safer and often more effective
!Wrong grip positioning β€” the specific grip variation defines this technique; incorrect grip = different technique
!Not controlling posture before applying
!Holding after the tap β€” release immediately

Related Techniques

Counter Techniques

Setup Chain

1Establish Control Position
2Secure the Specific Grip
3Position the Choking Surface
4Apply Compression
5Finish

Sources & References

Primary Source

Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)

1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)

Description sources β€” [1] Choking/cranking technique curriculum [2] Competition analysis

2BookMastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention

Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (ε€–ζ₯θͺž) β€” used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities

4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)

Description sources β€” [1] Choking/cranking technique curriculum [2] Competition analysis

5CitationMastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)

Community

Athletics

Requires

grip strength, arm positioning precision, back control ability

Key muscles

forearms (squeeze), biceps (compression), shoulders (positioning)

Sub-techniques

Find by what a technique does β€” not its name

Every move, in any martial art, shares a few universal traits. Mix and match below to pinpoint the right tool β€” or compare equivalents across styles.

Category
Distance
Body target

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I transition from a seatbelt position into the Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame?

Start by getting wrist control from the seatbelt. Pop off the opponent's arm and shove it through, then grab and transition into the rear naked choke position with the arm trapped inside.

What should I do if I can't get my hand behind the opponent's head?

Take the outside hand and pop off the opponent's arm, then shove it through. From there, grab into a rear naked choke position with the arm already in place, giving you control even when the opponent defends.

How deep should my choking arm be positioned in this technique?

According to Heath Pedigo, you want to get your bicep line as deep as possible and try to line up the opponent's chin with your bicep, ensuring maximum pressure when you apply the choke.

Can you finish the Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame even if the opponent defends?

Yes, Heath Pedigo demonstrates that once you have the wrist control secured and both hooks in with the arm trapped, you can finish the choke even against strong defensive opponents.

How does the Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame work?

The Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame is a crossover submission that combines elements of the rear naked choke (applied from back control) with the arm triangle (kata gatame) β€” threading the choking arm around the neck while trapping the opponent's arm against their own neck to create a hybrid choke that uses both the attacker's arm and the opponent's own arm as compression surfaces. This hybrid attacks from a back control angle but uses arm triangle mechanics.

Where does the Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame come from?

This variation developed within the broader choking/cranking system of its parent technique family.

Is the Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame legal in competition?

IBJJF: legal β€” Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi β€” chokes are the safest submission cat…; IJF: legal β€” Legal (shime-waza) β€” strangulation techniques are one of three permitted subm…; ADCC: legal β€” Legal; Unified MMA: legal β€” Legal β€” choke submissions are among the most common finishes in MMA; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned β€” All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal β€” Legal

How dangerous is the Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame?

Danger rating 8/10. High β€” chokes and neck cranks carry significant risk; blood chokes cause unconsciousness in 6-10 seconds; neck cranks can cause cervical spine damage; always tap early

How do I set up the Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame?

The standard setup chain: Establish Control Position β†’ Secure the Specific Grip β†’ Position the Choking Surface β†’ Apply Compression β†’ Finish.

How do I defend against the Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame?

Standard counters include: Hand fighting β€” stripping the grip before the choke is set / Chin tuck β€” protecting the throat / Posture β€” creating distance to prevent the choke / Turning β€” turning to face the attacker.

What are the variants of the Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame?

Common variants: This is a specific variation (see parent genus/species for alternative variations).

How effective is the Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame in competition?

Used in BJJ, MMA, and submission grappling competition.

What are common mistakes when doing the Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame?

Top errors to watch for: Applying too fast β€” gradual application is safer and often more effective / Wrong grip positioning β€” the specific grip variation defines this technique; incorrect grip = different technique / Not controlling posture before applying / Holding after the tap β€” release immediately.

What are other names for the Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame?

The Hybrid RNC Kata Gatame is also known as Haiburiddo RNC Kata Gatame, RNC-Arm Triangle Hybrid, Kata Gatame from Back.