Rear Naked Choke

Student Objectives:

  1. The student will apply the Rear Naked Choke against a non resisting partner while a qualified instructor supervises.
  2. The student will learn how to tap and when to tap.

Teaching Cues:

  • Giant Killer
  • Ear to Ear
  • Trace the Neck
  • Squeeze

Lesson: Rear Naked Choke

The assisting student will sit on their bottom with their legs gently extended.  The practicing student will sit directly behind the practicing student with their legs wrapped around the waist of the assisting student (hooks).  Once the hooks have been set, the assisting student will rest their hands on the knees/legs of the practicing student (in a position that is easy to tap).  

There should be space left between the practicing student’s hips and the assisting student’s lower back.  This space is referred to as the “Giant Killer” space.  This allows the practicing student to pull the assisting student backwards and have the shoulders pressed against the pectoral muscle of the practicing student.  See Graphic for reference.  

Once the shoulders are in place the student should trace the jawline with the thumb knuckle - taking care to get a clean pathway around the front of the neck and to the opposing shoulder.  Once the hand is anchored, the practicing student will bring the bicep of the other arm to the hand that is anchored on the shoulder.  Once the hand is on the bicep, the free hand will be placed on the back of the head.    

Once the arms are in place, the practicing student will flex their arms, applying pressure slowly.  The pressure should be from compressing forward with your shoulder in the back of the head and pinching the elbows together.  Encourage the student to avoid stretching back and extending (although that will happen sometimes in the natural course of training).

Possible Extensions:

  • Short Choke
  • Practicing both sides
  • Have the practicing student fall to the side after setting up the choke, but before finishing it.
  • Hook Replacement first and then RNC

Possible Refinements:

  • Make sure the elbows are pinching together like a pair of scissors.
  • Compress and don’t arch.
  • Advanced hand threading to get the hand on the bicep and behind the head.

Reference materials:

Teaching Reflections:

  • How did I do teaching?
  • What could I do better next time?
  • Did the student gain proficiency in lesson material?

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