Introduction to the Rear Naked Choke Foundation

The rear naked choke is described as the most classical submission in grappling, effective across multiple rule sets and with a historical lineage spanning approximately 2,000 years. However, when training partners recognize and defend against rear naked choke attempts, alternative finishing techniques become necessary. The gable grip choke serves as a primary counter-option when rear naked choke defenses are successfully implemented.

Nomenclature and Alternative Names

The technique is known by multiple names: the short choke, the fadore choke (referencing practitioners like Fadore and Endo who utilized it prominently in Pride competition), and the gable grip choke, which refers to the specific grip employed during the finish. Understanding these varied names helps practitioners identify the technique across different instructional sources and competition footage.

Blood Choke vs. Air Choke Mechanics

Two distinct categories of choking mechanisms exist: blood chokes that compress the carotid arteries without significant pain, and air chokes that compress the trachea and produce considerable discomfort. Blood chokes result in unconsciousness through reduced cerebral blood flow, while air chokes typically cause submission through pain sensation well before unconsciousness occurs. The gable grip choke functions primarily as an air choke, making it substantially more painful than the rear naked choke.

Rear Naked Choke Execution and Setup

The rear naked choke is executed from back control by bringing both hands palm-to-palm, then ratcheting the elbow in front of the opponent's chin. The bicep on one side and forearm on the other compress the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck in a V-shaped formation. Pinching the elbows together while the head comes down completes the choke with minimal pain and maximal efficiency.

Gable Grip Choke Hand and Arm Positioning

In the gable grip choke, the wrist blade comes in front of the opponent's trachea while the practitioner establishes a palm-to-palm grip with the ear positioned next to the opponent's ear. One elbow frames behind the opponent's shoulder blade while the other elbow rows inward, creating a mechanical advantage through a pulling motion rather than compression. This configuration produces significant tracheal pressure and discomfort.

Defensive Scenario: Arm Hang Defense

When an opponent recognizes the rear naked choke setup and hangs on the practitioner's arms to prevent the elbow ratchet from crossing in front of the chin, the gable grip choke becomes the appropriate alternative. Instead of attempting to force the elbow across the chin against the opponent's grip, the practitioner transitions by bringing the opposite elbow behind the shoulder blade. The transition exploits the opponent's defensive positioning and maintains control while creating a new angle of attack.

Control Priority Over Attack

Proper progression requires establishing comprehensive control before executing submission attempts, as offensive movements inherently compromise positional security. When transitioning from rear naked choke attempts to alternative submissions, practitioners must expect resistance and accept minor control losses. The gable grip choke transition represents a calculated compromise where slight positional risk is accepted to access a viable finishing option.

Mechanical Execution and Finishing Motion

The gable grip choke is finished by pulling the elbow behind the opponent's shoulder blade with a rowing motion, requiring minimal physical strength despite its effectiveness. The technique's mechanical advantage comes from the lever created by the two-handed grip and the directional pull rather than muscular force. Proper execution allows the submission to succeed against stronger opponents through superior positioning and leverage application.

Fundamentals: Gable Grip Choke from the Back

Bellingham BJJ

Gable Grip

3 min read·8 key moments·PT5M42S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to the Rear Naked Choke Foundation
•Nomenclature and Alternative Names
•Blood Choke vs. Air Choke Mechanics
•Rear Naked Choke Execution and Setup

The Gable Grip Choke, also known as the Short Choke or Fedor Choke, is the air choke counterpart to the Rear Naked Choke. It's a powerful (and painful) finishing option. More resources: http://bellinghambjj.com/learning-resources/

Related Techniques

Palm To Palm Grip

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about gable grip?

This video covers introduction to the rear naked choke foundation, nomenclature and alternative names, blood choke vs. air choke mechanics. It provides detailed instruction from Bellingham BJJ.

How long does it take to learn gable grip?

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.