Overview
The rear kata gatame — often referred to as the “Ruolotine” in modern no-gi grappling — is a strangle applied from behind the opponent that uses the mechanics of kata gatame (shoulder hold) rather than a traditional rear naked. Instead of attacking the neck with the forearm across the neck, the attacker drives shoulder pressure into the carotid arteries while trapping the opponent’s arm across their body.
Because the attacker’s body position is already behind the opponent’s elbow line, the rear kata gatame functions as both a submission and a control system. Even when the choke is not immediately available, the position can be used to maintain dominant back exposure and prevent the opponent from turning back into the attacker.
The technique gained widespread attention through the Ruotolo brothers, who have successfully used the submission in high-level professional competition. Their application demonstrated how kata gatame mechanics could be adapted to back-control scenarios, creating a submission threat that complements modern back control systems.