The RNC is a chokehold used in the grappling arts that is applied from an opponent's back. It is called a "blood choke" because it restricts blood flow to the brain via the carotid arteries. When done correctly, it can cause temporary unconsciousness in a few seconds.
With all things being equal, bigger and stronger persons should always win a physical altercation. They have a greater mass that can be transferred into their actions. However, when it comes to attacking the carotid arteries of a person’s neck, bigger and stronger no longer applies. Moreover, the fact that a RNC is applied from an opponent’s back leaves very few countermeasures for the opponent. Eventually, an opponent succumbs to the RNC like Spock’s Vulcan nerve pinch.
During our ground fighting night this week, I had a lot of fun practicing variations of the Trap and Roll Escape. However, my greatest enjoyment was during our free rolling (wrestling) period. During that period, I witnessed a “David” defeat a “Goliath” with a RNC.
The David is about 5-feet 5-inches tall. He looks to weigh between 130 - 140 pounds. The Goliath is about 6-feet 4-inches tall and weighs 260 pounds. David and Goliath are both beginning grapplers, so they are equal in that respect.
The odds are that when you wrestle with a bigger, stronger opponent, he will overpower you and you will end up on your back. This was the case with David and Goliath. Initially, Goliath had David in a modified scarf hold. Then it turned into a headlock with Goliath sitting on his buttocks and David in a prone position, face down.
Goliath squeezed and squeezed and squeezed the headlock, but David did not succumb. Then I saw something occur that is typical of Goliaths. When Goliaths exert their strength for an extended period, they build up lactic acid in their large oxygen hungry muscles and eventually their hold weakens. It was at this point that David pulled his head out of Goliath’s headlock.
David rear mounted Goliath, put his hooks in and applied the RNC. Goliath made a valiant effort to thwart David’s RNC for a short period... but it was to no avail. Goliath succumbed.
I found no pleasure in Goliath’s defeat because to some, I am considered a Goliath at 6-feet 2-inches tall and 240 pounds. However, you cannot help but root for the underdog in these situations. Moreover, it is amazing to see a technique work so efficiently and effectively, particularly when compared to a striking combative.
But that’s not the end of the story. You see... David defeated another Goliath via a RNC one week ago. That Goliath is about 6-feet 2-inches tall and weighs 275 pounds.
The RNC is indeed the great equalizer.
