To apply a standing rear naked choke, you first need to get behind your opponent. That's the hard part. The choke itself is simple once you're there. The entry is everything.
Here's one of the best standing entries. You're in the clinch, maybe you've been firing knees, and you're tight with your opponent. From that close range, you cut their elbow with one hand and push their shoulder with the other -- simultaneously. Elbow pull, shoulder push. That combination spins them around and puts their back right in front of you.
But there's a detail that makes or breaks this move. Your head HAS to stay tight against them. Not back here at arm's length. Tight. If you try this from too far away, you're giving them space to counter. Stay close and the spin happens fast.
Once they turn, you're looking at two options. The elbow from the pull folds right into the neck -- you can go straight for the standing RNC from right there. Or you can slap on a seatbelt grip for control first, then work the choke in.
If you want to take it to the ground, stomp the back of their knee with your foot. That drops them and you follow them down with your hooks already in position. But honestly, you don't have to go to the ground at all. I've finished this standing plenty of times -- just kneeling behind the guy on the sidewalk.
The whole sequence works from both sides. Fire your knees in the clinch, read the opening, then elbow-pull and shoulder-push for the spin. Practice the entry from both stances until it's automatic.
For the complete system including ground control, seatbelt grip details, and finishing mechanics, see our full rear naked choke guide. Get everything in the How To Win A Street Fight bundle.