Mastering the Rear Naked Choke: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mastering the Rear Naked Choke: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright folks, gather ’round ol’ Jack Burton’s campfire because today we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of one of the slickest moves in the grappling world: the rear naked choke, or as the cool kids call it, the RNC. Now, when it comes to getting a chokehold on life—or in this case, on that poor soul in front of you—there’s no better friend to have on your side than my buddy Rob Shoecraft. This man knows his chokes better than a boa constrictor knows a warm jungle breeze.

The Dominant Position: Getting to Their Back

Picture this: you’ve managed to maneuver yourself like a master tactician and ended up on someone’s back. Maybe it was through a slick rear place takedown or perhaps you took their back from the guard. Heck, you may have even gotten there by sheer luck or force of will. Whatever the case, you’re now in what’s arguably the most dominant position you can be in. It’s like being at the top of Mount Everest, except instead of surveying the beauty of the earth, you’re preparing to unleash the mighty RNC.

Rob often says, “If you find yourself on someone’s back, you’ve hit the jackpot.” It’s because there’s an arsenal of attacks you can unleash, and the average Joe or Jane just won’t know what hit ’em. Most folks don’t even know what to do when their back is exposed; it’s like taking candy from a baby, except the baby is a grown adult and the candy is more like their oxygen supply.

Setting Up the Rear Naked Choke

Now, let’s talk about the meat and potatoes of this move. The setup is as much about finesse as it is about brute force. You’re gonna want to think of yourself as a sculptor and your arms as the chisel. The idea is to get your hooks in deep, akin to a seasoned fisherman reeling in the big catch. Rob always says, “Don’t cross those legs unless you’re looking to get ankle locked faster than a raccoon in a trash compactor.” Keep those hooks in and your opponent will be as stable as a rocking chair in a hurricane.

Once you’re locked and loaded, it’s time to bring in the artillery. Imagine you’re holding a strap like a seatbelt across their chest. This is your control center. If they start flailing or trying to hit you, you’ve got the upper hand—literally. You’ll want to reach in nice and deep with your arm, going elbow to armpit if you can. It’s kinda like threading a needle, but instead of making a quilt, you’re sending someone off to dreamland.

The Choke: Making It Tight

And here’s where it gets real. You gotta grip like you’re holding onto the last donut at a truck stop—firm and unyielding. You can grab their shoulder, their hoodie, or even your own shoulder if you’re feeling flexible. Rob’s got arms long enough to do some of these fancy grips, but if you’re a bit shorter in the reach department, just do what feels right. What matters is maintaining that pressure.

With one arm snug, it’s time for the other to come into play. Slide it up and over like you’re fixing your hair, getting your hand behind their head. Make a fist to prevent them from prying your fingers off like a greasy monkey wrench. The secret here, folks, is not in the biceps but in the chest expansion. It’s like the world’s slowest bench press—pull those shoulders back and watch the lights go out. But remember, this isn’t a race; slow and steady wins the choke.

Practice Makes Perfect

Now, you didn’t hear this from me, but Rob’s been known to practice these moves on his dog. (Just kidding, folks. No animals were harmed in the learning of this choke.) But seriously, practice with a partner and go slow. A good choke is like a good steak—cooked to perfection, not burnt to a crisp. Start easy, apply steady pressure, and make sure your partner taps when it gets too tight.

Now, if you’re anything like ol’ Jack Burton, you’re probably itching to try this out. But let me give you a word of advice from the annals of Shoecraft wisdom: when you’re working this choke, think of it like a dance. It’s not about brute force; it’s about rhythm and flow. You’re not just squeezing; you’re performing a symphony of muscle and intention.

Dealing with Resistance

What if your opponent starts resisting? Well, that’s where you get to show off your mastery. If they start flailing like a fish on dry land, you’re gonna have to adjust. You can switch sides, modify grips, and even use your hooks to lift them slightly and create the space you need. It’s all about adaptability, folks. Rob always says, “If Plan A fails, there’s always Plan B, C, and D. And if you’re running out of plans, just improvise—it’s what legends are made of.”

Conclusion: The Art of the RNC

There you have it, folks. The rear naked choke isn’t just a move; it’s an art form, a test of your mettle and patience. And if you practice it right, with the patience of a saint and the finesse of a cat burglar, you’ll find yourself with a mighty tool in your arsenal. Remember, always respect your training partners, tap out when needed, and never forget the golden rule of grappling: “It’s not about who’s on top, it’s about who’s got the choke.”

So next time you find yourself in a tight spot, just think of ol’ Jack Burton and my pal Rob Shoecraft and ask yourself, “What would they do?” Then go out and do just that, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll find yourself mastering the rear naked choke like a true legend.