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The Rear Naked Choke: Step-by-Step BJJ Guide

Master the Rear Naked Choke for your BJJ white belt stripe test. Follow Senior Professor Ed Shobe’s guide on hooks, seatbelt control, and the ‘knife slice’ finish at Legacy BJJ Omaha.

The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) is the most reliable finishing hold in all of martial arts. Because it does not require a Gi, it is a universal skill. For your white belt stripe testing, the focus isn’t just on the squeeze; it’s about the total control of your opponent before the choke even begins.

Following the instructions of Senior Professor Ed Shobe, we show a beginner’s guide to executing the Rear-Naked Choke.

Watch: Senior Professor Ed Shobe Complete Rear-Naked Choke

Technical Breakdown: The Rear Naked Choke Guide

1. The Foundation: Hooks & Backpack

  • The Hooks: First, place your hooks inside the opponent’s thighs. This controls their hips and destroys their base, making it impossible for them to easily turn into you.
  • The Backpack: Keep your chest “glued” to their back. Any space between your chest and their spine is an escape route for the opponent.

2. The Seatbelt & Ear Control

  • The Grip: One arm goes over the shoulder (choking arm), and one goes under the armpit. Connect your hands in a “palm-to-palm” or “Gable” grip.
  • Ear-to-Ear: Keep your head tight against theirs. This prevents them from moving their head to create space or grabbing your choking hand.Note: The “Seatbelt” is your primary tool to prevent them from fighting your hands.

3. Transitioning to the Choke

  • The Shoulder Control: Roll your choking hand up and control their shoulder. Cross your hands to form an “X”—this hides your fingers and prevents the opponent from peeling your grip.
  • The Knife Slice: Turn your head toward the opponent. This allows you to “knife slice” your hand behind their head. Your palm should face your own chest as it slides behind their neck to avoid getting caught on their hair or Gi.

4. The Finish: Joining Elbows

  • Clear the Chin: Ensure your elbow is aligned with their chin. If they tuck their chin, use the “forehead drive” or the blade of your wrist to gently create space—never pull up on the face.
  • The Squeeze: Join your elbows together and expand your chest. Think about “disappearing” your elbows.
  • The “V” Shape: Your choking arm should form a tight “V,” putting pressure on the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck simultaneously.

Testing Tips for White Belts

  • Don’t Rush: Instructors look for the Seatbelt first. If you try to choke before you have control, you will fail the technical requirement.
  • Hide the Fingers: Never leave your fingers dangling in front of the opponent’s face where they can grab them. Always tuck your hand behind their head quickly.
  • No “Air Chokes”: If the opponent can breathe (meaning you are pressing on the windpipe), adjust your elbow deeper so the pressure is on the sides of the neck.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Mastering the Rear Naked Choke is a rite of passage for every white belt at Legacy BJJ. If you are preparing for your next stripe test or want to sharpen your finishing mechanics, follow the steps below:

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

  • Sign the Waiver: New to the mats? Complete our Digital Waiver before your first class.
  • Check the Schedule: View our Official Class Schedule to join our next Fundamentals session.
  • Visit the Gym: Bring your clean white Gi and get ready to train with the best community in Omaha.

📧 Email Us: matt@legacybjjomaha.com

📞 Call/Text: (402) 651-7721

Join the Community Online:

Follow us for daily technique clips, student highlights, and gym updates:

The Rear Naked Choke: Step-by-Step BJJ Guide

Master the Rear Naked Choke for your BJJ white belt stripe test. Follow Senior Professor Ed Shobe’s guide on hooks, seatbelt control, and the ‘knife slice’ finish at Legacy BJJ Omaha.

The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) is the most reliable finishing hold in all of martial arts. Because it does not require a Gi, it is a universal skill. For your white belt stripe testing, the focus isn’t just on the squeeze; it’s about the total control of your opponent before the choke even begins.

Following the instructions of Senior Professor Ed Shobe, we show a beginner’s guide to executing the Rear-Naked Choke.

Watch: Senior Professor Ed Shobe Complete Rear-Naked Choke

Technical Breakdown: The Rear Naked Choke Guide

1. The Foundation: Hooks & Backpack

  • The Hooks: First, place your hooks inside the opponent’s thighs. This controls their hips and destroys their base, making it impossible for them to easily turn into you.
  • The Backpack: Keep your chest “glued” to their back. Any space between your chest and their spine is an escape route for the opponent.

2. The Seatbelt & Ear Control

  • The Grip: One arm goes over the shoulder (choking arm), and one goes under the armpit. Connect your hands in a “palm-to-palm” or “Gable” grip.
  • Ear-to-Ear: Keep your head tight against theirs. This prevents them from moving their head to create space or grabbing your choking hand.Note: The “Seatbelt” is your primary tool to prevent them from fighting your hands.

3. Transitioning to the Choke

  • The Shoulder Control: Roll your choking hand up and control their shoulder. Cross your hands to form an “X”—this hides your fingers and prevents the opponent from peeling your grip.
  • The Knife Slice: Turn your head toward the opponent. This allows you to “knife slice” your hand behind their head. Your palm should face your own chest as it slides behind their neck to avoid getting caught on their hair or Gi.

4. The Finish: Joining Elbows

  • Clear the Chin: Ensure your elbow is aligned with their chin. If they tuck their chin, use the “forehead drive” or the blade of your wrist to gently create space—never pull up on the face.
  • The Squeeze: Join your elbows together and expand your chest. Think about “disappearing” your elbows.
  • The “V” Shape: Your choking arm should form a tight “V,” putting pressure on the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck simultaneously.

Testing Tips for White Belts

  • Don’t Rush: Instructors look for the Seatbelt first. If you try to choke before you have control, you will fail the technical requirement.
  • Hide the Fingers: Never leave your fingers dangling in front of the opponent’s face where they can grab them. Always tuck your hand behind their head quickly.
  • No “Air Chokes”: If the opponent can breathe (meaning you are pressing on the windpipe), adjust your elbow deeper so the pressure is on the sides of the neck.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Mastering the Rear Naked Choke is a rite of passage for every white belt at Legacy BJJ. If you are preparing for your next stripe test or want to sharpen your finishing mechanics, follow the steps below:

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

  • Sign the Waiver: New to the mats? Complete our Digital Waiver before your first class.
  • Check the Schedule: View our Official Class Schedule to join our next Fundamentals session.
  • Visit the Gym: Bring your clean white Gi and get ready to train with the best community in Omaha.

📧 Email Us: matt@legacybjjomaha.com

📞 Call/Text: (402) 651-7721

Join the Community Online:

Follow us for daily technique clips, student highlights, and gym updates: