Rear Naked Choke: Choking Submission from Behind the Opponent
The rear naked choke is a choking submission applied from behind the opponent, where the attacker wraps one arm around the neck and uses the other arm to lock the choke in place. It compresses both carotid arteries simultaneously, cutting off blood flow to the brain and causing unconsciousness within seconds if not defended. The "naked" in the name refers to the absence of a gi or clothing used to assist the choke.
Origins and Usage
The rear naked choke exists in virtually every grappling martial art under different names. In judo it is known as hadaka-jime, and variations appear in wrestling, sambo, and military combatives. It is considered the highest-percentage submission in all of grappling because the attacker is positioned behind the opponent, who cannot effectively strike or create leverage to escape.
The standard application involves threading one arm under the chin with the bicep on one side of the neck and the forearm on the other, then clasping the choking hand to the opposite bicep and pressing the free hand behind the opponent's head for additional pressure. The choke can render a person unconscious in as little as four to six seconds.
In Underground Fighting
In underground fighting, the rear naked choke is the most feared submission. Once the back is taken and the choke is locked, the fight is effectively over. The speed at which the choke can cause unconsciousness means that without an attentive referee, fighters may be held in the choke longer than necessary.
The rear naked choke requires no strength advantage to apply effectively, making it an equalizer for smaller fighters competing in underground bouts without weight classes. Technical grapplers who can take the back and sink in the rear naked choke are among the most dangerous competitors in any underground circuit.
Related Terms
- Guillotine -- A front-facing choke submission
- Arm Triangle -- A side-position choking submission
- Tap Out -- Submitting to escape before losing consciousness
See Also
- Ground and Pound -- Striking from back control often sets up the rear naked choke
- Scramble -- Chaotic exchanges that can expose the back