A video spreading across Brazilian jiu-jitsu circles shows a federal police officer using a RNC to remove a suspect clinging to a car during an attempted robbery arrest — and grapplers online have plenty to say about it.
The incident took place on June 23 in Parque das Palmeiras, a wealthy neighborhood in Angra dos Reis. A 45-year-old man named Reinaldo Rodrigues allegedly tried to steal a young woman’s cellphone in broad daylight. Federal Police delegate Clayton, who was off duty at the time, witnessed the attempted theft and stepped in. With help from a passerby, he managed to detain the suspect, but not without a struggle.
Rodrigues resisted fiercely, gripping the rim of a nearby vehicle’s tire so tightly that two officers couldn’t pull him free. One eventually secured back control and used a rear naked choke to force him to release his grip. The maneuver, while not technically clean, was enough to break the hold and bring the man under control.
Witnesses included nearby hotel staff, school children, and pedestrians. The victim was too shaken to give a statement on the scene. At the police station, Rodrigues appeared intoxicated and asked officers to call his lawyer, whose contact information he carried in his documents.
Reactions online from jiu-jitsu practitioners were instant — and divided. While many praised the use of a basic jiu-jitsu technique to control a suspect, others were quick to point out the flaws in execution. “That choke was badly placed… the guy didn’t pass out,” one wrote. Another joked, “At times like these, you need a white belt full of hate.”
Some said the officer should’ve committed to the finish: “Put it to sleep and then straighten it.” Others mocked the struggle: “Just turn it off and put the handcuffs on calmly.” There was a recurring sentiment that while jiu-jitsu helps, only regular training sharpens the instincts. “The importance of security forces having daily training in their routine… buuuut… I’m glad it worked out.”
The incident also sparked humor about belt ranks. “If he was a 1st degree white belt, then things would be complicated. His foot would have landed on his head lol.” Another added, “Summary… if you put him to sleep, it wouldn’t be so difficult to handcuff him…”
Even with the choke being imperfect, the outcome served as a reminder of jiu-jitsu’s utility in high-stress encounters — and how quickly the grappling community will dissect the details once it hits the timeline.
