Triangle Choke

Mounted Arm-Triangle Submission from Full Mount

Key Steps

Step 1: Establish control and posture

From the top position, keep your hips active, base solid, and posture broken to limit escapes. Your weight should center over the opponent with a stable base.

Step 2: Isolate the arm and head

Control the opponent’s near arm across their chest with one hand while stabilizing their head with the other. This minimizes space and prevents immediate re-guard.

Step 3: Build the triangle

Swing your near-side leg across the back of their neck, then bring the other leg over the trapped arm to form a figure around the neck and arm. Lock by crossing your ankles and squeezing your knees together, creating the arm-triangle effect.

Step 4: Finish

Tighten the choke by pulling the head down toward your chest and driving your hips forward. Maintain pressure with the thighs so only the carotids are compressed, not the windpipe.

Application

Gi/No-Gi use

In Gi, you can use the gi collar or sleeve to assist control and angle adjustments; in No-Gi, rely on grip and body positioning to maintain the triangle. This is a foundational bjj techniques move in jiu jitsu moves and can be introduced early with supervision. Step-by-step practice from the mount helps learners understand mechanics.

Mistakes

Common errors

• Failing to control the head and base, allowing escapes.
• Not isolating the arm, leaving space for the opponent to posture up.
• Improper angle or a loose triangle, enabling easy removal of the leg from the neck.
• Neglecting finishing mechanics, leading to a slow or broken grip.

Tips

Practical pointers

• Keep your hips tight and weight centered; small adjustments can seal the choke.
• Align your shin across the neck with the top leg acting as the anchor for the triangle.
• Practice with controlled partners to refine grip, angle, and finish before applying in live sparring.