How to Rear Naked Choke (RNC) for Beginners
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Palm To Palm GripΒ·Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Grappling
Translation: palm to palm grip
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The Palm-to-Palm Grip variation of the forearm compression short choke uses an alternative palm-to-palm clasp (similar to the Gable grip but with slightly different hand positioning) to lock the choking configuration behind the opponent's neck. [1],[2]
Palm to PalmButterfly GripPrayer Grip
History & Origin
Effectiveness
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
Variants
This is a specific variation β see parent genus/species for alternative variations
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
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
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
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 RulesPDFLegal
β IBJJF β Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi β chokes a...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFβ shime-waza
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFβ ADCC β Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDFβ Unified MMA β Legal β choke submissions are among the mos...
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFβ FIAS Combat Sambo β Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
βApply slowly in training β chokes and cranks can cause injury if applied explosively
βTap early when caught β blood chokes cause unconsciousness rapidly; neck cranks can damage the cervical spine
βDrill the specific grip and positioning until automatic
βChain 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₯θͺ) 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)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I hide my elbow under my opponent's armpit when setting up the rear naked choke?
Hiding your back elbow underneath prevents your opponent from detecting and defending against the choke before you can secure it. By keeping the elbow concealed as far underneath as possible, you maintain control and can finish the choke even if your opponent attempts to defend.
What's the difference between placing your palm on the shoulder blade versus reaching over the shoulder in a rear naked choke?
Reaching over the shoulder leaves your hand exposed to arm lock defenses, while placing your palm actively on the shoulder blade keeps your arm position safer and allows you to finish as a one-arm choke if needed. The shoulder blade placement is the more secure finishing position.
How does the Palm To Palm Grip work?
The Palm-to-Palm Grip variation of the forearm compression short choke uses an alternative palm-to-palm clasp (similar to the Gable grip but with slightly different hand positioning) to lock the choking configuration behind the opponent's neck.
Where does the Palm To Palm Grip come from?
This variation developed within the broader choking/cranking system of its parent technique family.
Is the Palm To Palm Grip legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal β Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi β chokes are the safest submission catβ¦; IJF: legal β Legal (shime-waza) β strangulation techniques are one of three permitted submβ¦; 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 Palm To Palm Grip?
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 Palm To Palm Grip?
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 Palm To Palm Grip?
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 Palm To Palm Grip?
Common variants: This is a specific variation (see parent genus/species for alternative variations).
How effective is the Palm To Palm Grip in competition?
Used in BJJ, MMA, and submission grappling competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Palm To Palm Grip?
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 Palm To Palm Grip?
The Palm To Palm Grip is also known as PΔmu tu PΔmu Gurippu, Palm to Palm, Butterfly Grip, Prayer Grip.