Introduction and Nomenclature

The rear naked choke, known in Portuguese as 'Mata Leon' (kill the lion), is a submission technique that many practitioners struggle to finish despite achieving the initial position. The instructor emphasizes that proper mechanics, rather than strength, are essential for a reliable finish.

Arm Positioning and Elbow Placement

The choking arm must wrap completely around the opponent's neck with the elbow positioned in front of the chin. A common error is failing to extend the arm fully, which compromises both the choke's effectiveness and safety.

Handling Neck Evasion

If the opponent turns away to escape, the practitioner can use their hand to redirect their head back into position before securing the choke. This adjustment maintains control while re-establishing the proper angle.

Secondary Hand Placement and Bicep Clearance

The second hand must pass completely around and be visible on the opposite side of the opponent's neck. Keeping the bicep of the first arm out of the way is critical; if the bicep obstructs the squeeze, pressure cannot be efficiently applied.

Grip Configuration and Arm Safety

Rather than wrapping the second hand around, the practitioner passes the elbow over the wrist of the first arm with fingers clearly extended. This positioning prevents the opponent from achieving a two-on-one grip that could lead to arm injury.

Alternative Finishing Methods

Multiple approaches exist for completing the choke: simple rotation, pulling the grip close before rotating, or combining both methods. The choice depends on individual preference and circumstances, though all rely on proper prior mechanics.

Triangle Compression Technique

The primary finishing method involves creating a triangle with the arm and wrist, then contracting this space toward the body while rotating the palm inward. The second arm supports this motion with a kneading action, and controlled breathing maintains the squeeze even if the opponent places hands inside the choke.

Head Positioning

The practitioner's head must be positioned on the opposite side of the choking arm to avoid being struck or knocked out if the opponent tilts their head backward. Proper head placement completes the safe and effective execution of the technique.

Rear Naked Choke

Fat Snake Jiu Jitsu

Rear Choke

2 min read·8 key moments·PT9M11S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction and Nomenclature
•Arm Positioning and Elbow Placement
•Handling Neck Evasion
•Secondary Hand Placement and Bicep Clearance

Does your Rear Naked Choke suck? Do you lock your arms, squeeze with everything you’ve got, and still end up exhausted with no tap? If so, your RNC—your mata leão—needs some refinement. It’s not about strength. It’s about the crucial details that make this choke the king of strangles. In this video, we dive into the mechanics of the Rear Naked Choke and walk through the essential details that turn a “squeeze-and-hope” into a clean, technical submission. We’ll break down the arm positioning, upper-body control, and finishing mechanics you need to make your RNC tight, efficient, and effective. Whether you’re an experienced grappler or just starting your self-defense journey, mastering the mata leão is a must-have skill in your BJJ arsenal. If this video helps level up your choke game, make sure to like & subscribe to Fat Snake BJJ!

Related Techniques

Baseball Bat Lapel Rear Choke Cross Lapel Rear Choke FormArm Compression Rear Strangle Lapel Feed Rear Choke Self Lapel Rear Choke

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about rear choke?

This video covers introduction and nomenclature, arm positioning and elbow placement, handling neck evasion. It provides detailed instruction from Fat Snake Jiu Jitsu.

How long does it take to learn rear choke?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.