RNC-Grip Extension

Variety
Translation

Not yet documented

Range & classification

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

Overview

The RNC-Grip Extension is a neck crank finishing variation where the attacker uses a rear-naked-choke-style grip configuration but extends the neck backward (cervical extension) rather than compressing the carotid arteries β€” creating a spinal crank that attacks the cervical vertebrae through hyperextension. [1],[2]

Also known as
RNC Grip Neck CrankRear Extension CrankRNC to Neck Crank

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

No images yet for this technique.

Sign in to suggest an image.

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

16 backmount submissions besides the RNC

0
RNC-Grip ExtensionΒ·Ramsey Dewey

What submissions can you do from back mount besides the rear naked choke? Here are 16 of them, including triangles, arm …

1 video

Learn This Technique

No instructional courses yet for this technique.

Sign in to suggest a course.

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)

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a choke and a neck crank from the back?

A choke compresses the neck, while a neck crank uses spinal torsion to break the opponent's posture by making them look sideways. Ramsey Dewey notes that neck cranks involve a Gable grip framing against the shoulder to create that weak position.

How do I maintain back control when my opponent is bucking?

Once your opponent is flat on their back, bucking becomes ineffective if you keep their hips elevated in the airβ€”this keeps them under control. Ramsey Dewey emphasizes maintaining tight hooks and proper positioning to prevent escape.

How does the RNC-Grip Extension work?

The RNC-Grip Extension is a neck crank finishing variation where the attacker uses a rear-naked-choke-style grip configuration but extends the neck backward (cervical extension) rather than compressing the carotid arteries β€” creating a spinal crank that attacks the cervical vertebrae through hyperextension.

Where does the RNC-Grip Extension come from?

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

Is the RNC-Grip Extension 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 RNC-Grip Extension?

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 RNC-Grip Extension?

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 RNC-Grip Extension?

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 RNC-Grip Extension?

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

How effective is the RNC-Grip Extension in competition?

Used in BJJ, MMA, and submission grappling competition.

What are common mistakes when doing the RNC-Grip Extension?

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 RNC-Grip Extension?

The RNC-Grip Extension is also known as RNC Grip Neck Crank, Rear Extension Crank, RNC to Neck Crank.