The triangle choke (or triângulo) is one of the most iconic and effective submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Its origins date back to the early days of BJJ, with its roots tracing back to Judo and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. In Judo, this submission is known as sankaku-jime and was adapted by early Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. The Gracie family, particularly Helio Gracie, played a significant role in refining the triangle into what it is today—a fundamental move in BJJ.
The effectiveness of the triangle lies in its simplicity and the fact that it can be applied from a variety of positions, primarily from the guard. Over the decades, it has become a hallmark of BJJ’s guard game, emphasizing technique over brute strength, which aligns with the philosophy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
How to Execute the Triangle
- Set-Up:
The triangle choke is most commonly applied from the closed guard position. Start by controlling one of your opponent’s wrists and breaking their posture by pulling them forward using your legs or grips on their collar or neck. - Arm Isolation:
Push one of your opponent’s arms across their body (often across their chest), while keeping the other arm controlled. You now have their head and one arm inside your guard while the other arm is outside. - Leg Positioning:
Throw the leg on the same side as the isolated arm over their shoulder and place it behind their neck. You should aim to trap their head and arm with this leg. - Locking the Triangle:
Adjust your hips to make a better angle, turning slightly so that you’re perpendicular to your opponent. Bring your other leg over and hook your foot behind the knee of the leg trapping their head. - Final Adjustment and Submission:
To finish the submission, squeeze your legs together while pulling down on their head. This compresses the carotid arteries, cutting off blood flow to the brain, which causes your opponent to tap out or pass out if they don’t submit quickly enough.
Success Rate of the Triangle Choke
The triangle choke is highly effective, especially in the gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu settings. It has also proven to be a go-to move in MMA. In fact, the triangle choke has one of the highest success rates among submissions in BJJ, largely due to its versatility and the difficulty for opponents to escape once it’s locked in.
Many studies and analyses of BJJ tournaments and MMA fights show that the triangle ranks in the top 5 most successful submissions. Its adaptability and the ability to execute it from various positions (guard, mount, side control, etc.) make it a favorite. While it can be escaped with proper defense, a well-timed and well-executed triangle can finish matches quickly.
Conclusion
The triangle choke’s long-standing presence in BJJ is a testament to its effectiveness and the technical beauty it embodies. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, mastering this technique is essential to elevate your guard game and submission repertoire.
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