Rear Naked Choke
Also known as: RNC, Mata Leão, Lion Killer, Sleeper Hold
The rear naked choke is universally considered the highest percentage submission in grappling. Applied from back control, it uses your forearm across their throat with a figure-four lock to compress the carotid arteries. When properly applied, it causes unconsciousness in 8-12 seconds. The RNC works at every level—from white belt to ADCC finals—because it attacks fundamental human anatomy that cannot be trained away.
Called 'Mata Leão' (Lion Killer) in Portuguese, this choke has ancient origins in combat systems worldwide. It became a staple of catch wrestling and judo before Hélio Gracie refined its application for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The RNC has ended more professional MMA fights than any other submission.
🎯Key Details
Choking arm placement
Your forearm crosses their throat at the Adam's apple level. The crook of your elbow should be directly under their chin. Too high chokes the jaw; too low they can tuck and defend.
Figure-four lock
Your choking hand grabs your opposite bicep, and that hand cups the back of their head. This creates a sealed system—when you squeeze, pressure goes into the arteries, not into empty space.
Head position
Your head goes tight to theirs, temple to temple on the choking arm side. This prevents them from turning into you and removes space they could use to defend.
Squeeze mechanics
Don't just squeeze your arms—expand your chest and pull your elbows together while driving your shoulder blades back. The finish comes from your back, not just your biceps.
Chin defense bypass
If they tuck their chin, don't fight under it. Squeeze the choke anyway—your forearm across their jaw still creates tremendous pressure and opens opportunities to slide under.
⚠️Common Mistakes
Cranking the neck instead of choking
If you're rotating their head, your arm is too high. Reset to throat level and focus on artery compression, not neck manipulation.
Reaching for the choke without controlling the body
Secure your hooks and seatbelt first. A tight body connection prevents them from defending or escaping while you work the choke.
Squeezing too early
Get the position perfect before applying pressure. Premature squeezing lets them create defensive frames and burns out your arms.
Letting them turn toward your choking arm
Always force them toward your underhook side. If they turn toward your choking arm, they can slip out the back door.
🚀Setups
- •Seatbelt control to arm drag to choke
- •Short choke (arm already across throat from seatbelt)
- •Trap their defending hand with your leg, then finish
- •Gift wrap to back take to RNC
- •Arm triangle threat that forces them to expose neck
🛡️Counters / Defenses
- •Two-on-one hand fighting to prevent grip
- •Chin tuck and turn toward choking arm
- •Strip the hooks and slide down to escape
- •Frame on the choking arm and duck under
🔄Variations
📍Applicable Positions
🔗Related Techniques
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