Triangle Choke Submission

The Triangle Choke is one of the most iconic and effective submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This technique, known for its efficiency and versatility, uses the legs to trap an opponent’s neck and one arm, cutting off their blood flow and forcing them to tap. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, mastering this choke is essential for a well-rounded game. In this guide, we’ll explore the fundamentals, advanced details, and practical tips to elevate your understanding and execution of the triangle choke.

What is the Triangle Choke?

The Triangle Choke is a blood choke that compresses the carotid arteries, disrupting blood flow to the brain and leading to a tap or unconsciousness. It’s executed by locking your legs around the opponent’s neck and one arm, forming a triangular shape—hence the name.

This choke’s adaptability ensures its relevance in every practitioner’s toolkit.

Why is the Triangle Choke Important in BJJ?

The Triangle Choke is one of the most reliable submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for several reasons:

• Effectiveness Against Opponents of Any Size: The technique relies on angles, leverage, and control, making it effective regardless of size or strength differences.
• A Foundation for Beginners: It’s straightforward to learn and an essential building block for understanding guard-based submissions.
• A Tool for Advanced Players: High-level practitioners use the triangle choke for advanced setups, transitions, and counter-attacks, increasing its depth and utility.
• Widely Applicable: From closed guard to spider guard and even during scrambles, the triangle choke fits into virtually any game.

Its effectiveness and accessibility make this choke valuable for practitioners at all levels.

Who is the Triangle Choke Submission Recommended For?

The Triangle Choke Submission is one of the most versatile techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, making it suitable for practitioners of all levels. Here’s a breakdown of who benefits the most from using this submission:

• Beginners: The triangle choke is an excellent submission for beginners to learn because it teaches fundamental concepts like posture breaking, body control, and leg positioning. It is relatively simple to set up from the closed guard, a common position for new practitioners.
• Smaller or Lighter Practitioners: This submission is ideal for smaller athletes as it relies on angles, leverage, and flexibility rather than strength. By using their legs to trap an opponent’s arm and neck, lighter practitioners can neutralize larger opponents effectively.
• Gi and No-Gi Practitioners: In gi settings, grips on the lapel or sleeve provide additional control during the setup and execution of the triangle choke. In no-gi, the technique becomes even more dynamic as practitioners rely on quick hip movements and precise leg placement.
• Guard Players: The triangle choke is a staple for practitioners who prefer playing from the guard. It can be set up from closed guard, open guard, spider guard, and more. It transitions seamlessly into other submissions, making it a cornerstone for submission chaining.

The triangle choke’s universality and effectiveness make it a valuable submission for anyone practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, from recreational students to high-level competitors.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Triangle Choke

Common Mistakes in the Triangle Choke

Even though the triangle choke is effective, mistakes can reduce its success. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Loose Leg Positioning:
   • Problem: Ineffective pressure on the opponent’s neck.
   • Solution: Clamp your legs tightly and adjust the angle for maximum control.
2. Incorrect Arm Position:
   • Problem: The opponent’s arm isn’t across your body, reducing the choke’s effectiveness.
   • Solution: Always ensure their arm is isolated and across your torso.
3. Flat Hips:
   • Problem: Staying flat on your back limits leverage.

Solution: Pivot your hips to create a better choking angle.

Drills to Improve Your Triangle Choke

Incorporate these drills into your training routine to develop a strong position:

hjn

Defending Against the Triangle Choke

The Triangle Choke is a powerful submission, but with the right techniques and strategies, you can effectively defend and escape. Defending the triangle choke requires early recognition, precise posture, and proactive responses to prevent the choke from being locked in fully. Below are detailed steps to defend against this choke at various stages of its application.

Early Prevention: Stay Ahead of the Setup

The best defense is prevention. Many triangle chokes begin when your opponent isolates one of your arms while pulling you into their guard.

• Maintain Proper Posture:
  • Keep your back straight and head up when inside your opponent’s guard. Avoid leaning forward or allowing your arms to be extended.
  • Maintain both arms either inside or outside your opponent’s legs to prevent them from isolating one arm.
• Hand Positioning:
  • Place your hands on their hips, not on the mat. Posting on the mat gives them the opportunity to trap your arm and initiate the choke.

Disrupt Their Leg Positioning

If your opponent has started to set up the triangle, preventing them from locking their legs is critical.

• Control the Free Leg:
  • Use your free hand to grip their free leg (the leg they are trying to lock over your other leg). Push it downward or to the side to prevent them from closing the triangle.
• Stack Them:
  • Drive your weight forward, stacking your opponent to compress their body. This limits their ability to angle their hips and lock in the triangle effectively.
  • Keep your trapped arm bent and tight to your body while stacking to minimize leverage.

Posture Up to Break the Triangle

If they have partially locked the triangle but not yet secured full pressure, posturing up can help you escape.

• Lift Your Head and Chest:
  • Push your hips forward and arch your back to create space between their legs and your neck. This reduces choking pressure.
• Use Your Grip to Pry the Leg:
  • Grab their shin (not their foot) and push it downward to open the triangle. This prevents them from tightening the choke.

Create Angles to Escape

If the choke is nearly locked in, you need to act quickly and create angles that relieve pressure.

• Turn Toward the Free Side:
  • Rotate your body toward the side of your free arm. This reduces the pressure on your neck and gives you room to maneuver.
• Use Your Knees to Push:
  • Drive your knee into their hips or under their buttocks to disrupt their control and create space for an escape.

Utilize Escapes After the Triangle is Locked

Even if the triangle is fully locked, it’s not over. Use these last-resort escapes:

• Stack and Pressure:
  • Drive all your weight forward onto your opponent’s chest. This forces them into an uncomfortable position and can loosen their grip.
• Roll to the Side:
  • Roll toward the side of their locked leg to disrupt their angle. This can buy you time to break the grip.
• Grip the Locked Leg:
  • Use both hands to grab their locked leg and pull it downward, attempting to break the grip around your neck.

Turn Defense into Offense

After escaping the triangle, immediately transition into an offensive position.

• Guard Pass:
  • If you break free from the triangle, use the opportunity to pass their guard and secure a dominant position like side control or mount.
• Submission Counter:
  • Transition into a leg lock or other submission if their positioning leaves an opening after the escape.

The Triangle Choke in Competition

The Triangle Choke has defined many iconic moments in BJJ and MMA history:

• Roger Gracie’s Classic Finish: Roger Gracie used a textbook triangle choke to secure victory in multiple high-level matches, showcasing its effectiveness.
• Anderson Silva in MMA: Silva famously executed a triangle choke in the UFC, highlighting its utility in mixed martial arts.

These examples underscore the triangle choke’s relevance at all levels of competition.

Conclusion

The Triangle Choke Submission is a cornerstone technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering versatility, effectiveness, and adaptability. By mastering its setups, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing targeted drills, you can elevate your triangle choke to a high level. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an advanced practitioner refining your game, the triangle choke is an invaluable tool.

Ready to take your game to the next level? Check out our other guides on advanced submission techniques. Happy training!

1. more interesting stats can be found in elitesports ↩︎