Introduction to the Rear Naked Choke
The Rear Naked Choke, known as the Mattaleon, is a fundamental submission hold in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that uses controlled strangulation to subdue an opponent. This technique is widely employed in jiu-jitsu competitions, mixed martial arts, and self-defense applications. Unlike an air choke, the Rear Naked Choke is a legitimate strangulation method that targets both carotid arteries simultaneously.
Arm Positioning and Neck Control
The initial setup requires positioning one arm's bicep snugly against one side of the opponent's neck while placing the forearm against the opposite side, creating a V-shaped pressure zone. The opponent's chin should align with the attacker's elbow, ensuring deep penetration with minimal gaps on either side of the neck. This fundamental positioning alone creates sufficient pressure to force submission without additional locking.
The Lock and Grip Mechanism
To secure the choke, the attacking arm grasps the attacker's own bicep while the free hand locks behind the opponent's head. Once positioned, the attacker brings both elbows together and sinks the choke by applying inward pressure. This mechanical lock exponentially increases the strangulation effect and makes escape significantly more difficult.
Fundamental Choking Principle
The core principle of all jiu-jitsu choking techniques is to bring everything inward and tight rather than pulling away from the opponent. The attacker should take a deep breath to maintain composure while sinking the elbows close together. This inward pressure principle applies consistently across all variation of the Rear Naked Choke.
Rear Naked Choke with Double Hooks
When the opponent is standing or kneeling, the attacker establishes the choke position and then brings one leg across the opponent's body while hooking the opposite foot underneath. As the attacker falls forward, both hooks control the opponent's hips and prevent escape or base recovery. The attacker then executes the choke by sinking the elbows as the opponent becomes immobilized.
Single Hook Variation from the Side
An alternative approach involves hooking only one leg inside the opponent's hip from the side position, which controls the hips while maintaining the choke setup. The attacker then removes the opponent's base by pulling the arm across and driving them flat onto the mat. Once the opponent is grounded, the attacker completes the submission by sinking the choke.
Defending Against the Common Defense
When an untrained opponent attempts to escape, they typically grab the attacking arm and pull it away from the neck using their fingers. The experienced practitioner counters this defense by switching hands—as the opponent pulls one arm away, the other arm immediately moves into position to complete the choke. This hand-switching technique is highly effective against panicked resistance.
Conclusion and Practical Significance
The Rear Naked Choke is an essential fundamental submission that every white belt should master and understand thoroughly. Its effectiveness, relative simplicity, and applicability across multiple scenarios make it one of the most reliable finishing techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Proper execution requires attention to positioning, pressure application, and defensive awareness.
Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals | Rear Naked Choke
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to the Rear Naked Choke
- •Arm Positioning and Neck Control
- •The Lock and Grip Mechanism
- •Fundamental Choking Principle
Of all the techniques in Jiu-Jitsu, the Rear Naked Choke has been responsible for more fight victories than any other technique. Based entirely on effective use of leverage, you can use this submission to defeat an opponent of any size. In this lesson, you will first learn the basic application, and then learn a few different scenarios on how to use this technique. D&A. Thanks for watching and if you're new here HIT that SUBSCRIBE button and chime that notification bell to receive notification each time we upload a new video! FOLLOW: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceMMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experiencemma Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alextheprodigy101 Alex The Prodigy's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/alextheprodigy For seminars or private classes anywhere in the world, contact [email protected] EXPERIENCE MMA & FITNESS 388 St-Louis, Gatineau, Qc 819.643.8444 www.experiencemma.com MUAY THAI || JIU-JITSU || NOGI || MMA || BOXING || FITNESS KIDS & ADULTS Fully accredited Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school affiliated with the World Muay Thai Council; The Sports Authority of Thailand; The Naikhanom Tom Muay Thai Association of Thailand; and Alliance BJJ, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about classic rear naked choke?
This video covers introduction to the rear naked choke, arm positioning and neck control, the lock and grip mechanism. It provides detailed instruction from Danny Fung.
How long does it take to learn classic rear naked 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.
What are the key details for finishing classic rear naked choke?
When an untrained opponent attempts to escape, they typically grab the attacking arm and pull it away from the neck using their fingers. The experienced practitioner counters this defense by switching hands—as the opponent pulls one arm away, the other arm immediately moves into position to complete the choke. This hand-switching technique is highly effective against panicked resistance.
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