The Lion Killer Choke (Rear Naked Choke) for Beginners

The rear naked choke is called "mata leão" in Portuguese, which means lion killer. It's the most famous finish from back control in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Here's how we teach it at Mindset Martial Arts & Fitness in Hayward.

Start With Back Control

Get behind your opponent with your chest on their back, hooks in or a body triangle, and a seatbelt grip: one arm over the shoulder and one under the armpit.

Step by Step

1. Slide your top arm around the neck so the crook of your elbow lines up under their chin.
2. Grab your own bicep on the other arm.
3. Put your other hand behind their head.
4. Bring your elbows together and squeeze, keeping your head tight next to theirs.

Common Mistakes

• Choking the jaw instead of getting under the chin
• Letting space open between your chest and their back
• Squeezing with your arms only instead of expanding your chest

Safety First

Chokes work fast. In training, apply the choke slowly and let go the moment your partner taps.

Learn how to get there with our posts on back takes from open guard and task-based games for the back take.

Train BJJ in Hayward

Mindset Martial Arts & Fitness is at 24249 Hesperian Blvd in Hayward, CA, next to Southland Mall, and has been teaching in Hayward for about 16 years. We're a short drive from San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley and Union City. Our adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are beginner-friendly, and we also offer kids BJJ and fitness kickboxing.

Check the class schedule or reserve your first class.