Riz's Martial Arts Training

Also referred to in BJJ as the "Mata Leao"

The RNC is a peculiarly named but highly effective submission. To understand its somewhat dubious-sounding title, we have to go back to its usage in classical ju-jitsu and/or judo where the technique was referred to as hadaka jime, which literally means "naked strangle". In this context, 'naked' is referring to the fact that unlike many other strangles this variant does not require the use of a gi (those white pyjamas we wear!). This leads on to the second peculiarity in its name, the rear naked choke is not a choke at all, it is a strangle. The difference is that a choke cuts of the oxygen supply to the lungs whereas, a strangle cuts off the supply of blood to the brain.

By blocking the carotid arteries, this technique can render a person unconscious in less than eight seconds; prolonging the hold can lead to brain damage and death – in 2005, Rafiel Torre, a former MMA trainer and competitor, was convicted of murder after using the RNC to kill his lover's husband.

The RNC is used in a variety of martial arts classes and resulting injury is a rare occurrence. It should be mentioned however, that if applied improperly (occasionally, the military style 'V-grip'), can lead to a crushing of the trachea as well as causing the submission to act as an airway choke. Here’s Bas Rutten explaining the basics:

Once you've got it tightly locked in, the RNC is a fight finisher. However, taking someone's back can be quite a challenge – especially against grapplers who are well aware of the impending strangulation! Furthermore, once you obtain the Rear Mount, locking in the submission requires a strategy of its own (especially against stronger opponents who firmly grab hold of your arms) – this is where the following video by Stephan Kesting of Grapplearts.com is a godsend:

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