Immediate Response: Hand Fighting

The critical first step when attacked with a rear naked choke is to immediately engage in hand fighting. Speed of reaction is paramount—the faster the defender secures hand contact on the attacker's arm, the greater the chance of successfully removing it before the choke becomes fully established. Waiting allows the attacker to lock in the choke more securely, making escape exponentially more difficult.

Dismissing Ineffective Techniques

Attempting finger insertion or finger manipulation against a properly secured rear naked choke is ineffective and potentially dangerous. Against an experienced attacker with a firm grip, loss of consciousness occurs too rapidly for finger techniques to be viable. Practitioners should discard this approach entirely and focus on proven methods instead.

Variables Affecting Escape Success

The feasibility of escape techniques depends on two primary factors: the defender's experience level and training background, and the specific manner in which the attacker applies the choke. Understanding these variables allows practitioners to select the most appropriate escape method for their situation. The instructions assume a basic rear naked choke application without additional complications like the rear arm triangle.

Securing Partial Control

When unable to prevent the choke entirely, the defender should grip whatever portion of the attacker's arm is accessible and pull downward with force. Both elbows should be tucked tightly to the sides to maximize pulling leverage. Additionally, the chin should be tucked to help secure the arm position, though this alone does not guarantee complete choke prevention.

Using Clothing to Create Space

In situations where the attacker wears heavy clothing such as jackets or hoodies, the defender can grab the sleeve or jacket material and pull downward. This technique may rotate the attacker's elbow outward, creating small gaps through which the defender can work their hands and increase their grip strength on the arm. Additional space allows for improved hand positioning and greater pulling leverage.

Establishing Base and Weight Control

The defender should establish a heavy, solid base by distributing weight effectively. Increased body weight makes it more difficult for the attacker to move, pull backward, or execute additional techniques. Throughout the escape attempt, the defender must maintain constant hand fighting while deliberately avoiding ineffective counterstrikes.

The Step-Around Transition

When the attacker remains stationary without applying additional techniques, the defender steps their inside leg around the attacker's near-side leg, positioning themselves into a front headlock control. This transition removes the defender from the immediate choking position and creates opportunities for follow-up techniques. However, the attacker may respond by shifting position, grabbing the side, or initiating strikes with their free hand.

Offensive Actions from Front Headlock

Once in the front headlock position, the defender can transition to offensive techniques including groin strikes, elbow strikes, or leg strikes to the outside of the thigh. These strikes create additional pressure and discomfort, potentially forcing the attacker to pivot or adjust position. Simultaneously, the defender continues pulling the choking arm free while working to posture the head upward and separate from the neck.

Back Control Position and Takedowns

If the defender successfully secures grip on the attacker's far-side arm from the front headlock position, additional takedown options become available. Maintaining control of this position while establishing proper hand locks provides the foundation for executing various takedowns. The specific technique employed depends on the attacker's positioning and the defender's training experience.

Escaping The Standing Rear Naked Choke: 3 Proven Techniques

Stay Safe Martial Arts

Defence Against Choke from Behind

3 min read·9 key moments·PT8M11S video

Key Takeaways

•Immediate Response: Hand Fighting
•Dismissing Ineffective Techniques
•Variables Affecting Escape Success
•Securing Partial Control

We discuss 3 ways to escape a standing rear naked choke, all of which are proven to work depending on your experience and skill level. Social Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidheineman90/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidheineman90?lang=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staysafesd/ Tranzfuse code STAYSAFE https://www.tranzfuseusa.com/ Bighorn Athletics code STAYSAFE https://www.bighornathletics.com/ Combat Corner for all of your fighting gear needs! www.combatcorner.com #staysafemartialarts #selfdefense #selfdefensetechnique

Related Techniques

Bus Defence Technique Defence Against Bear Hug from Behind Defence Against Gun Threat Front Defence Against Gun Threat Rear Defence Against Headlock

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about defence against choke from behind?

This video covers immediate response: hand fighting, dismissing ineffective techniques, variables affecting escape success. It provides detailed instruction from Stay Safe Martial Arts.

How long does it take to learn defence against choke from behind?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.