STANDING REAR-NAKED CHOKE

The standing rear-naked choke is the variation of the RNC applied while both competitors are standing rather than from a seated back-control position. The technique typically follows from a back-take from a standing engagement — the attacker has captured the opponent's back from a standing scramble or takedown reversal and applies the RNC while both competitors remain on their feet. The technique is one of the highest-percentage standing finishes when the back-take has been successfully completed.

The mechanics begin from a successful standing back-take — the attacker is behind the opponent with hooks (or seatbelt grip) established, both competitors still on their feet. The attacker's choking arm wraps the opponent's neck (under the chin, not over the throat), with the choking hand gripping the attacker's own bicep on the opposite arm. The opposite arm threads behind the opponent's head and grips behind the head or shoulder. The finish comes from squeezing the elbows together while pulling the opponent backward (causing the opponent to fall against the attacker's body), producing fast carotid compression that finishes faster than the opponent can recover standing posture.

The standing RNC has been used extensively in MMA and modern no-gi grappling. Notable practitioners include various MMA fighters and modern no-gi specialists. The technique is particularly common after standing scrambles where the back-take precedes the ground engagement. Defensively the standing RNC is escaped by tucking the chin to deny carotid access, by hand-fighting the choking arm before consolidation, or by walking the body laterally to disrupt the geometry before the choke finishes.