Combat Sports
Rear-Naked Choke Position Drill
The rear-naked choke position drill practices back-control alignment and hand placement with a cooperative partner. It builds grappling coordination without applying neck pressure or finishing the choke.
Higher injury risk. Read the safety notes before adding weight.
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Higher injury risk
- Rest 45 sec
How to do it
- Sit directly behind your seated partner on the mat, with your legs outside their hips.
- Bring one arm over their shoulder, keeping your forearm clear of the front of their neck.
- Rest that hand lightly on your opposite upper arm.
- Position your free hand beside their head with your palm open.
- Pause briefly in this loose arm position.
- Withdraw both arms completely.
- Move back from your partner to finish the repetition.
Form cues
- Keep your shoulders relaxed.
- Stay tall through your torso.
- Move your hands slowly.
Common mistakes
- Pulling your partner backwardAdjust your seated distance so you can reach without dragging their torso toward you.
- Forcing access under the chinReset the repetition if their chin blocks the path instead of moving their jaw.
- Adding resistanceKeep your partner cooperative rather than turning the drill into an escape contest.
Safety
Accidental neck compression can restrict blood flow or breathing and cause loss of consciousness or serious injury. Locking the grip or pulling the head increases the danger even during a positioning drill.
- Practice only with a qualified grappling instructor supervising.
- Agree on a tap and a verbal stop signal before starting; release your arms immediately at either signal.
- Apply no squeezing or finishing pressure to the neck, jaw, face, or back of the head.
- End practice if either partner experiences pain, dizziness, headache, or breathing difficulty; seek prompt medical attention for these symptoms.
If either partner has a neck injury or a history of vascular problems or fainting, get medical advice before practicing partner neck-position drills.
Muscles worked
Primary muscles
Secondary muscles
Equipment
- Combat Training Mat
Sets and reps
- Sets
- 2–3
- Target
- 4–6 reps per side
- Rest
- 45 sec
Count each placement and complete release as one repetition; prioritize accurate positioning rather than fatigue.