Rear Naked Choke

Today I will be explaining the origins and describing the move that made the two champions from UFC 196 tap out: the rear naked choke. 


The rear naked choke, originating from hadaka jime, which means "naked strangle," is a chokehold applied to the opponent's neck from the back. It's a technique rooting from judo and jiu jitsu. The choke can be applied by using one arm to encircle the opponent's neck and then grabbing the other arm or bicep. Another variation is clasping both hands together instead of grabbing the other arm or bicep. The hold restricts oxygen to the brain by blocking both arteries on the neck. It causes temporary unconsciousness for a few seconds if done correctly. It's very hard to escape this chokehold because the attacker has complete control of the opponent's back and the pressure on the neck just adds difficulty. In jiu jitsu, the attacker usually hooks his legs the opponent's legs to control his victim. This is the most common chokehold used to choke out the opponent. In UFC, the fighter usually clasps his or her hands together instead of grabbing the other arm or bicep.

This move is done frequently in UFC fights. Most submissions occur via rear naked choke. Take the endings of the two main events of UFC 196 for example. Both ended in tap outs from the rear naked choke submission maneuver. It doesn't matter about the size or strength of the attacker, once he or she applies this hold, it's very easy for the opponent to submit or render unconscious.