Mastering The Rear Naked Choke In MMA: Techniques & Tips

The rear naked choke is arguably one of the most effective and frequently used submission holds in mixed martial arts (MMA). Its versatility and high success rate make it a staple in the arsenals of fighters across various weight classes and fighting styles. This technique, when executed correctly, can lead to a swift and decisive victory. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the rear naked choke, covering its mechanics, variations, setups, defenses, and tips to master this powerful submission. Whether you're a seasoned MMA practitioner or just starting your journey, understanding the rear naked choke is crucial for both offense and defense in the cage.

Understanding the Mechanics of the Rear Naked Choke

The rear naked choke (RNC) is a blood choke, meaning it works by constricting the flow of blood to the brain via the carotid arteries in the neck. Unlike an air choke, which restricts breathing, the RNC can cause unconsciousness within seconds due to the interruption of blood supply. This makes it a highly effective submission when applied correctly. The choke involves wrapping one arm around the opponent's neck while using the other arm to secure the grip. There are two primary grips used in the RNC: the blade grip and the gable grip. Each grip has its advantages, and fighters often develop a preference based on their hand size, grip strength, and overall fighting style.

Key Components of a Successful Rear Naked Choke

To successfully apply the rear naked choke, several key components must be executed with precision. First, securing the back control position is paramount. This involves getting behind your opponent and establishing hooks with your legs to prevent them from escaping. Back control provides the necessary leverage and stability to initiate the choke. Next, the placement of the choking arm is critical. The arm should be deeply inserted under the opponent's chin, with the bicep pressing against the carotid artery on one side of the neck. The second arm is then used to secure the grip, forming a tight seal around the neck. Finally, the squeezing action involves both arms pulling in opposite directions while the chest is pressed against the opponent's back. This combination of pressure and constriction effectively cuts off blood flow, leading to the submission. Mastering these components requires diligent practice and an understanding of the subtle adjustments that can make the difference between a successful choke and a failed attempt.

Grip Variations: Gable vs. Blade

As mentioned earlier, there are two main grip variations for the rear naked choke: the gable grip and the blade grip. The gable grip involves interlocking the fingers of both hands, forming a tight, secure hold. This grip is often favored for its overall strength and stability, making it difficult for the opponent to break. The blade grip, on the other hand, involves placing the wrist or forearm of the choking arm against the opponent's neck, with the other hand gripping the choking arm’s bicep. The blade grip is known for its pressure, as the bony part of the forearm can apply significant force to the carotid artery. The choice between these grips often comes down to personal preference and the specific situation within the fight. Some fighters may switch between grips depending on the opponent's defense or their own position. Experimentation and practice with both grips are essential for developing a well-rounded RNC technique.

Setting Up the Rear Naked Choke in MMA

Successfully executing the rear naked choke in MMA requires not only a solid understanding of the technique itself but also the ability to set it up effectively. The setup is crucial because opponents rarely give up their backs willingly. Fighters must create opportunities to transition to back control and initiate the choke. This often involves a combination of striking, grappling, and strategic positioning. Various scenarios can lead to a rear naked choke setup, including scrambles, takedowns, and positional advancements on the ground. Understanding these setups and how to transition smoothly between them is key to adding the RNC to your MMA arsenal.

Transitions from Standing to Back Control

One common setup for the rear naked choke begins in the standing position. After securing a takedown or during a clinch exchange, a fighter can transition to their opponent's back. This often involves techniques such as body locks, trips, or throws that create an opening for back control. Once behind the opponent, securing the position is vital. This typically means establishing hooks with the legs and maintaining a strong body lock to prevent escapes. From this position, the fighter can begin to look for opportunities to slip the choking arm under the chin and initiate the rear naked choke. This transition requires agility, timing, and a keen awareness of the opponent's movements. Drills that focus on transitioning from standing to back control are invaluable for developing this skill.

Ground Game Setups: From Mount or Guard

On the ground, there are several positions from which a rear naked choke can be set up. The mount, where the fighter is on top of the opponent with their hips pinning them down, is a dominant position that offers various submission opportunities, including the RNC. From the mount, a fighter can use strikes to create openings or threaten other submissions to distract the opponent. This can create opportunities to slide to the side and take the back. Similarly, from the guard position, where the fighter is on their back with their legs wrapped around the opponent's waist, the RNC can be set up by creating space and transitioning to a more advantageous position, such as the back. These ground game setups require a deep understanding of grappling techniques and the ability to control and manipulate the opponent's body.

Exploiting Scrambles and Defensive Movements

Scrambles and defensive movements often present ideal opportunities to secure the rear naked choke. In the chaos of a scramble, opponents may turn their backs to escape pressure or improve their position, leaving themselves vulnerable to the choke. Similarly, when an opponent attempts to stand up or escape a dominant position, they may expose their back, creating an opening for the RNC. Recognizing and capitalizing on these moments requires quick reflexes and a strong understanding of positional grappling. Drills that simulate scrambles and defensive situations can help fighters develop the necessary instincts and timing to exploit these opportunities. The ability to seamlessly transition from defense to offense is a hallmark of a skilled MMA practitioner.

Defending Against the Rear Naked Choke

While the rear naked choke is a powerful submission, it is not invincible. Understanding how to defend against it is just as important as knowing how to apply it. A well-executed defense can prevent the submission and potentially turn the tables on your opponent. Defending the RNC involves a combination of techniques aimed at breaking the grip, creating space, and escaping the back control position. The earlier a defense is initiated, the higher the chances of success. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of an impending choke and react quickly.

Early Defense: Preventing the Grip

The first line of defense against the rear naked choke is preventing the opponent from establishing a solid grip in the first place. This means being aware of your body positioning and preventing the opponent from getting their arm under your chin. If you feel an arm slipping around your neck, immediately try to control the wrist or arm and prevent it from going deeper. Creating space between your neck and the opponent's arm is crucial. This can be achieved by tucking your chin, shrugging your shoulders, and using your hands to block or push away the choking arm. Early defense is often the most effective, as it disrupts the opponent’s setup and makes it more difficult for them to complete the choke. Training drills that focus on defending against the initial stages of the RNC can significantly improve your ability to prevent the submission.

Mid-Choke Defense: Breaking the Grip

If the opponent manages to secure a grip around your neck, the next step is to break the grip. This often involves using your hands to pry apart the opponent’s hands or arms. If they have a gable grip, focus on breaking the interlocked fingers. If they have a blade grip, try to peel the bicep off your neck. Creating space is essential during this phase. Shifting your weight, turning into the opponent, and using your legs to create distance can all help in breaking the grip. It’s also important to protect your neck by tucking your chin and preventing the opponent from fully tightening the choke. Breaking the grip requires strength, technique, and a calm mind. Panic can lead to mistakes that make the situation worse. Practice and drilling specific grip-breaking techniques are crucial for developing a successful mid-choke defense.

Escaping Back Control: Creating Space and Turning In

Even if you break the grip, you're not entirely out of danger if your opponent still has back control. Escaping back control is the final stage of defending against the rear naked choke. This involves creating space between you and your opponent and then turning into them to regain a more neutral position. One common technique is to hook one of your opponent's legs with your foot, which makes it more difficult for them to maintain their hooks. Another technique is to post on the ground with your hands and elevate your hips, creating space to slip out. Turning into the opponent while simultaneously trying to stand up can also help break their control. Escaping back control is often the most challenging part of the defense, as it requires both technique and physical exertion. However, with proper training and awareness, it is possible to escape and reset the fight.

Training Drills to Master the Rear Naked Choke

Mastering the rear naked choke requires consistent and focused training. Training drills are essential for developing the necessary technique, timing, and muscle memory. These drills should focus on all aspects of the RNC, including setups, finishes, and defenses. Incorporating both positional sparring and specific RNC drills into your training regimen will help you become proficient with this submission. It’s also important to train with different partners of varying sizes and skill levels to adapt your technique and develop a well-rounded game.

Positional Sparring: Back Control and Submissions

Positional sparring is an excellent way to develop your RNC skills within the context of a live grappling exchange. This type of sparring involves starting in a specific position, such as back control, and then sparring from that position. This allows you to focus on your RNC setups and finishes without having to worry about the initial stages of the fight. It also provides opportunities to practice your defense against the RNC when you are on the bottom. Positional sparring helps bridge the gap between drilling techniques and applying them in a real fight situation. It’s a crucial component of any comprehensive MMA training program.

Specific RNC Drills: Setups, Finishes, and Defenses

In addition to positional sparring, specific RNC drills are essential for honing your technique. These drills can focus on various aspects of the RNC, such as transitioning to back control, securing the grip, finishing the choke, and defending against the choke. For example, you might drill transitioning from the mount to back control and then finishing the RNC. Or you might drill defending against the RNC from various positions, such as when the opponent has secured one arm around your neck. These drills help build muscle memory and improve your overall efficiency with the RNC. They also allow you to identify and address any weaknesses in your technique.

Integrating RNC into Sparring Sessions

The final step in mastering the RNC is integrating it into your regular sparring sessions. This means actively looking for opportunities to set up and finish the RNC during live sparring. It also means being prepared to defend against the RNC if your opponent attempts to use it on you. Integrating the RNC into sparring helps you develop the timing, instincts, and adaptability necessary to use it effectively in a real fight. It also provides valuable feedback on the effectiveness of your technique and helps you identify areas for improvement. Consistent sparring and application of the RNC are key to becoming a true master of this submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying the Rear Naked Choke

Even with proper training, there are several common mistakes that fighters often make when applying the rear naked choke. Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your success rate and prevent unnecessary frustration. These errors typically involve issues with positioning, grip, and the application of pressure. Understanding these pitfalls and how to correct them is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of your RNC.

Positioning Errors: Not Securing Back Control

One of the most common mistakes is failing to fully secure back control before attempting the RNC. If you don't have proper hooks and a strong body lock, your opponent may be able to escape before you can finish the choke. Ensure that you have both hooks in and a tight body lock before focusing on the choke. This provides the stability and leverage necessary to control your opponent and apply the submission effectively. Rushing the choke without securing the position is a recipe for failure.

Grip Issues: Incorrect Hand Placement

Grip issues are another common pitfall. Incorrect hand placement can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the choke. For example, if your choking arm is not deep enough under the chin or if your hands are not properly aligned, you may not be able to generate enough pressure to finish the choke. Make sure your choking arm is deep under the chin and that your grip is tight and secure. Experiment with different grip variations to find what works best for you. Regular drilling and feedback from training partners can help you identify and correct grip issues.

Lack of Pressure: Not Squeezing Effectively

Finally, many fighters struggle with applying the correct amount of pressure. The rear naked choke is a blood choke, so it requires a sustained squeeze to cut off blood flow to the brain. If you're not squeezing effectively, your opponent may be able to resist the choke. Focus on using your entire body to generate pressure, not just your arms. Pull with your arms while simultaneously pressing your chest against your opponent's back. This combination of pressure and constriction is essential for a successful finish. Practicing under pressure in sparring and competition will help you develop the necessary strength and endurance to apply the RNC effectively.

Conclusion

The rear naked choke is a powerful and versatile submission that can be a game-changer in MMA. Mastering this technique requires a deep understanding of its mechanics, setups, defenses, and common pitfalls. By focusing on consistent training, drilling, and attention to detail, you can add the RNC to your arsenal and become a formidable grappler. Remember, the key to success with the RNC lies in precision, patience, and persistence. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fighter, the rear naked choke is a valuable skill that can help you achieve your goals in mixed martial arts.

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