How To Beat RNC Defense: Weak Side Hand Fighting
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Single Hand Collar rear ChokeΒ·RVV BJJ
The Rear Naked Choke is powerful, but it can be difficult to get on skilled opponents. Here is our preferred method of β¦
Translation: single-hand collar rear strangle
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
Single hand collar rear chokes use only one hand gripping the opponent's collar from back control, while the other arm reinforces or controls posture. [1],[2] The one-hand collar choke is the defining technique: the attacker inserts one hand deep into the collar, rotates the wrist to press the knuckles or forearm blade against the carotid artery, and uses body weight or the free arm to prevent escape. [1],[3] This subfamily is mechanically distinct from cross-collar chokes because only a single grip point creates the choking pressure, relying on the collar fabric and wrist rotation rather than scissoring two grips. [2],[3] Single hand collar chokes are often used as surprise attacks or when the opponent successfully defends against the second hand reaching across. [1],[4]
History & Origin
Single hand collar strangles appear in judo's katate-jime (ηζη΅γ, one-hand strangle) tradition, where using minimal grips was valued for its efficiency. [2],[3] In competitive BJJ, single hand collar chokes from the back became more prominent as opponents developed strong two-hand defense strategies, forcing attackers to finish with one deep grip. [1] The technique is particularly associated with old-school Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where Rickson Gracie and other early practitioners emphasized deep single-collar penetration from back mount. [1],[4]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilBJJ, Submission Grappling, MMA
- Japanηζθ₯εΎη΅γ(Katate Eri Ushiro-jime)BJJ, Judo, Submission Grappling
- USASubmission Grappling, MMA
- RussiaSambo
Effectiveness
The single-hand collar rear choke uses one deep collar grip from the back to strangle the opponent. [1]
Lineage
Single-hand rear collar chokes derive from judo shimewaza and were refined in BJJ. [1]
Competition Record
Single-hand collar chokes from the back are used in gi BJJ competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Bilateral compression of the carotid arteries β restricts blood flow to the brain, causing unconsciousness within seconds
Joints Involved β Cervical spine (lateral flexion), glenohumeral joint of the trapped arm (if arm-in), nuchal region
Force Vector β Lateral squeeze creates inward pressure on both sides of the neck simultaneously
Choking Mechanism β Vascular strangle β occludes carotid arteries and jugular veins, distinct from airway (tracheal) chokes
Position & Entry
From back control with seatbelt β Establish hooks or body triangle, slide choking arm under the chin, connect hands and squeeze
From turtle top (back take) β Break down the turtle, insert hooks, secure seatbelt grip, slide to back control and apply the choke
From standing back clinch β Secure rear body lock, drag opponent to the mat while inserting hooks, transition to choking position
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
Single collar grip choke from behind relies on precise depth of collar penetration
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
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 RulesPDFRestricted
β no-gi competition only β technique requires gi
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDFβ technique requires gi β not applicable in MMA
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFLegal
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 FIAS Combat Sambo β Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
βThe single-hand collar rear choke applies a deep collar grip from behind the opponent β driving the knuckles and wrist into the carotid arteries from back control (Gracie & Gracie, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique, 2001)
βFrom back mount: reach over the shoulder and insert four fingers deep into the far-side collar, pulling the fabric tight while the wrist bone presses the near-side artery
βThe rear angle makes this choke particularly effective: the opponent cannot see the grip being established and has limited options to strip it
βThe free hand controls the opponent's head by pushing it toward the choking hand β this compresses the neck against the collar grip
βThis is a precursor to many rear collar chokes: if the opponent defends by tucking the chin, the attacker can transition to a two-hand variation or bow-and-arrow
βThe depth of the initial grip determines success: the hand must cross past the midline of the neck to create bilateral compression
βFinish by pulling the collar grip across while driving the shoulder and head control forward β the opponent's neck is compressed between the collar and the controlling hand
Common Mistakes
!Shallow collar insertion β the fingers must pass the midline; a shallow grip only pushes the head sideways without strangling
!Not controlling the head with the free hand β without head control, the opponent turns to face you and escapes back control
!Attempting without secure back hooks β the choke requires stable back position; without hooks, the opponent slides down and escapes
!Pulling the collar grip outward instead of across β the grip must pull across the neck's centre line, not out to the side
!Applying the choke slowly β the grip insertion should be quick and decisive; slow attempts allow the opponent to defend the collar
!Not using body positioning to reinforce the choke β lean to the choking side and use your chest against their back to prevent escape
!Ignoring the opponent's hand fighting β they will try to strip the collar grip; use your free hand to control their wrists
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Tuck Chin β protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinkingTwo-on-One Grip Fight β use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locksTurn Into β rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressurePosture Up β straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle
Setup Chain
1Achieve Controlling Position β secure the position from which the choke is applied
2Isolate the Neck β clear defending hands and establish access to the throat
3Set the Grip β lock the choking configuration (arm, lapel, or leg placement)
4Apply Pressure β squeeze to compress the carotid arteries for the finish
Sources & References
Primary Source
Kodokan Judo β Official Katame-waza Classification
1BookKodokan Judo β Official Katame-waza Classification
Judo katate (ηζ = one hand) terminology
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (ζ¦ιη¨θͺ)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention β native Japanese term (εθͺ/ζΌ’θͺ)
4CitationKodokan Judo β Official Katame-waza Classification
Judo katate (ηζ = one hand) terminology
Community
Athletics
Requires
grip or squeeze strength, positional control
Favours
strong upper body for sustained compression
Key muscles
forearms, biceps, pectorals, core stabilisers
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 should I position my head and upper body when setting up a single hand collar rear choke?
Bring yourself in close with your jaw and lock your opponent in place so they can't wiggle around, rather than staying out at distance where they can move their head and escape. This close positioning is essential before sliding your hand to the back of the scapula.
Where exactly should my hand grip on the opponent's body?
Your hand should come to the back of the scapula, grabbing at that shoulder area. Once you start pulling your arms, they'll have difficulty moving it.
What are my options for finishing once I have the single hand collar grip in place?
You can finish from the strong side by closing your elbow for a solid one-arm rear naked choke, or use a long hook and circle off to the side for a different finish angle.
How does the Single Hand Collar rear Choke work?
Single hand collar rear chokes use only one hand gripping the opponent's collar from back control, while the other arm reinforces or controls posture. The one-hand collar choke is the defining technique: the attacker inserts one hand deep into the collar, rotates the wrist to press the knuckles or forearm blade against the carotid artery, and uses body weight or the free arm to prevent escape.
Where does the Single Hand Collar rear Choke come from?
Single hand collar strangles appear in judo's katate-jime (ηζη΅γ, one-hand strangle) tradition, where using minimal grips was valued for its efficiency. In competitive BJJ, single hand collar chokes from the back became more prominent as opponents developed strong two-hand defense strategies, forcing attackers to finish with one deep grip.
Is the Single Hand Collar rear Choke 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: restricted β N/A (no-gi competition only β technique requires gi); Unified MMA: restricted β N/A (technique requires gi β not applicable in MMA); FIAS Sport Sambo: banned β All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal β Legal
How dangerous is the Single Hand Collar rear Choke?
Danger rating 8/10. Single collar grip choke from behind relies on precise depth of collar penetration
How do I set up the Single Hand Collar rear Choke?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position β Isolate the Neck β Set the Grip β Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Single Hand Collar rear Choke?
Standard counters include: Tuck Chin β protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinking / Two-on-One Grip Fight β use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locks / Turn Into β rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressure / Posture Up β straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle.
What are the variants of the Single Hand Collar rear Choke?
Common variants: Standard grip variation (primary hand configuration for maximum choking pressure); Gi variation (uses the lapel or collar as an anchor for additional fricβ¦); No-gi variation (adapted grip and positioning for submission grappling witβ¦); Transition finish (applied during a positional change to catch the opponent β¦).
How effective is the Single Hand Collar rear Choke in competition?
Single-hand collar chokes from the back are used in gi BJJ competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Single Hand Collar rear Choke?
Top errors to watch for: Shallow collar insertion β the fingers must pass the midline; a shallow grip only pushes the head sideways without stβ¦ / Not controlling the head with the free hand β without head control, the opponent turns to face you and escapes back cβ¦ / Attempting without secure back hooks β the choke requires stable back position; without hooks, the opponent slides doβ¦ / Pulling the collar grip outward instead of across β the grip must pull across the neck's centre line, not out to the β¦.
What are other names for the Single Hand Collar rear Choke?
The Single Hand Collar rear Choke is also known as Katate Eri Ushiro-jime, Katate-jime, One-Hand Collar Choke.