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Triangle choke
Triangle choke
from Wikipedia

A triangle choke (Japanese: 三角絞 sankaku-jime), is a type of figure-four chokehold that encircles the opponent's neck and one of their arms within the legs of the attacker. The configuration of the legs is similar to the shape of a triangle. Applying pressure using both legs and the opponent's own arm/shoulder, the technique is a type of lateral vascular restraint that constricts the blood flow from the carotid arteries to the brain, resulting in loss of consciousness in seconds when applied correctly. Recent studies have shown that the triangle choke takes an average of 9.5 seconds to render an opponent unconscious from the moment it is properly applied.[1]

Key Information

History

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Historical Kosen judo triangle choke

The triangle choke was seen in early kosen judo competition. While details of its origin are unknown, it is strongly associated to Yaichibei Kanemitsu and his apprentice Masaru Hayakawa, who featured the first registered use of the move in a kosen judo tournament in Kobe, Hyogo in November 1921.[2][3] Earlier names for the technique would have been matsuba-gatame (松葉固め), sankaku-garami (三角緘み) or sankaku-gyaku (三角逆) before finally settling down on sankaku-jime (三角絞め).[2][3] According to Kanemitsu himself, a primitive version of the move had been shown by Takenouchi-ryū master Senjuro Kanaya around 1890, though it was apparently a simpler form of neckscissors without the posterior triangle action.[4] The sankaku-jime was officially adopted and endorsed by important judokas like Masami Oyama, and soon met plenty of use both in kosen judo and mainstream judo.[2][5] Tsunetane Oda, a fellow kosen judoka,[6] demonstrated the technique on video[7] and is also credited with the creation of the move in some sources.[8]

Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Megaton Dias demonstrating a triangle choke

The first reported variation was the front triangle choke or mae-sankaku-jime (前三角絞め), applied from the position known in modern times as guard, often after a pull down or hikikomi (引込).[9] Another variation was the horizontal triangle or yoko-sankaku-jime (横三角絞め), performed from the side. Martial arts historian Toshiya Masuda has attributed its innovation to Masahiko Kimura, who would have created it during the Takudai kosen judo tournament at Takushoku University and accomplished prolonged success with it, though he also deems probable that Kimura only popularized the variation instead of creating it.[9] The inverted variation or ushiro-sankaku-jime (後三角絞め), typically seen in modern judo competition, was the next addition, preceding many others.[2][9]

Among those variations, the front triangle is particularly favored by practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. According to a popular belief maintained by Romero Cavalcanti, the technique was introduced in Brazilian jiu-jitsu by Rolls Gracie after finding it in a judo book.[10] Márcio "Macarrão" Stambowsky, who was named by Rickson Gracie as one of the earliest Brazilian competitors to popularize the concept,[11] has also credited Rolls.[12] Other sources, like Toshiya Masuda[9] and Roberto Pedreira,[13] believe it might have been introduced in Brazil much earlier by Yasuichi and Naoichi Ono, disciples of Yaichibei Kanemitsu himself, as well as possibly other judo practitioners like Ryuzo Ogawa.[13] Rolls trainee Mario Tallarico lends credibility to this theory,[8] as does a 1935 newspaper clipping that depicts Yasuichi Ono performing a Triangle Choke in his training for an upcoming fight with Helio Gracie.[14]

The triangle choke was seen in Japanese shoot wrestling in the 1980s. The triangle choke was first shown in mixed martial arts on March 11, 1994, when Jason Delucia used a triangle to defeat Scott Baker at UFC 2. This variation has remained as the most commonly seen in MMA, although the side or inverted triangle has been also used; on September 26, 1995, Shooto fighter Rumina Sato submitted Isamu Osugi with a flying inverted triangle choke. Many years later, Toby Imada won 2009 Submission of the Year with an inverted triangle choke over Jorge Masvidal at Bellator 5.[15] Even more complex holds, like Chris Lytle's inverted mounted triangle/straight armbar combination at UFC 116 in 2010, have also surfaced.[16]

Technique

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Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Marcos Torregrosa landing a flying triangle choke.

Tactically speaking, the triangle choke is a very effective attack employed from the bottom position, generally applied from the guard. The choke can also be applied in the mount, side mount and back mount positions by more advanced grappling practitioners. A flying triangle choke is performed when the attacker leaps into the air to apply the hold on a standing opponent.

Defence

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A demonstration of the triangle choke

To escape a triangle choke, the defending practitioner must first elevate their head so as to preclude the full force of the submission, and subsequently must bring their arm away from opposition with their own carotid artery. Once out of immediate danger of loss of consciousness, the practitioner can concentrate on reversing or escaping the figure-four lock. One method for this is to break the opponent's legs apart. With the opposing practitioner applying the choke in a bottom guard position, the defender should start to stand up, with both hands stacked and bearing weight on or above the breast opposite the arm in the choke (or gripping the collar of the opponent's gi). When the defender is nearly standing and leaning over so as to bring their weight to bear on their opponent, the defender should start to walk to the side opposite the captured arm. This pushes the defender's back and shoulder into the leg wrapped around their back, and forces the opponent's other leg to reach forward to maintain the lock. This weakens the strength of the choke and allows the defender to muscle out or force the attacker to release the choke.[citation needed]

In some rule sets such as mixed martial arts, it is possible for the defender to lift the person applying the choke and to slam them to the ground in an attempt to get them to release the hold. In many grappling rule sets such slams are not allowed.

Further reading

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The triangle choke is a grappling submission technique primarily used in (BJJ), , and (MMA), in which the attacker wraps their legs around the opponent's neck and one arm in a figure-four configuration resembling a , applying to the carotid arteries to flow to the brain and force a tap-out or unconsciousness. This hold is most commonly executed from the closed guard position on the ground, where the attacker lies on their back and uses their hips and legs to control and isolate the opponent's posture before locking the triangle. The origins of the triangle choke trace back to early 20th-century in , where it was developed as a ground-based submission, with attributions to judo masters such as Tsunetane Oda, and first documented in competitions around the to at Kodokan judo schools. It was later adapted and popularized in BJJ through the from its early days, with practitioners like Osvaldo Alves further developing its use from the closed guard in combination with other techniques, emphasizing its effectiveness against larger opponents from inferior positions. In BJJ, the technique became a cornerstone of the closed guard game, symbolizing the leverage-based of the discipline, and has since evolved into numerous variations. In MMA, the triangle choke has proven devastating in high-profile fights, with notable finishes including Royce Gracie's submission of via triangle at in 1994, which highlighted BJJ's dominance in early UFC events, and Anderson Silva's iconic last-second triangle-armbar against at in 2010. Other prominent examples include Nate Diaz's triangle submission of at in 2022 and Demian Maia's multiple UFC victories via the hold, underscoring its versatility in both gi and no-gi environments against striking-based opponents. Today, the triangle remains a fundamental skill for grapplers, taught worldwide in BJJ academies for its biomechanical efficiency and defensive counters, such as stacking or posture breaks to escape.

Fundamentals

Description

The triangle choke is a blood choke submission hold utilized in various arts, wherein the attacker employs their legs to encircle the opponent's and one arm, isolating the carotid arteries to restrict blood flow to the . In its basic configuration, the attacker's legs form a triangular around the opponent's head and trapping arm, with one draped over the and the other positioned beneath the to create a secure figure-four lock. This positioning leverages the opponent's own posture against them, using the as a fulcrum to apply pressure. As a staple ground-based technique, the triangle choke emphasizes mechanical leverage and body positioning over raw strength, rendering it accessible and effective for practitioners of differing sizes in disciplines like Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Physiological Effects

The triangle choke functions as a vascular restraint, primarily compressing the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck to restrict blood flow to the brain, resulting in cerebral hypoxia and rapid onset of unconsciousness. This compression is achieved through the configuration of the attacker's legs, where one shin applies direct pressure to one carotid artery while the opponent's own arm and shoulder are leveraged against the opposite carotid, with the encircling leg pulling the head forward to enhance the bilateral squeeze; the jugular veins may also be partially occluded, further impeding venous return but with arterial restriction being the dominant factor. Studies using transcranial Doppler ultrasound on human subjects during simulated vascular neck restraints have demonstrated an 80-83% reduction in middle cerebral artery velocity, confirming decreased cerebral perfusion as the key mechanism leading to ischemia. The physiological timeline begins with initial symptoms such as , visual narrowing, and auditory buzzing within 5-7 seconds due to partial hypoxia, progressing to full in approximately 7-10 seconds when the hold is fully applied and maintained. This rapid effect stems from the brain's high oxygen demand—consuming about 20% of the body's supply despite comprising only 2% of body weight—and its inability to sustain anaerobic for more than a few seconds, causing synaptic failure and loss of without significant changes in or from vagal reflexes. If released promptly upon , recovery typically occurs within 10-20 seconds with no lasting damage, as restores flow; however, prolonged application beyond 20-30 seconds risks neuronal injury from sustained ischemia. Unlike air chokes, which compress the trachea to block inhalation and induce asphyxiation through buildup and oxygen deprivation in the lungs, the choke targets vascular structures without obstructing the airway, allowing normal and thereby eliciting less and resistance. This distinction makes vascular restraints like the more effective for submission, as air chokes require 20-30 seconds or longer to cause incapacitation and carry higher risks of tracheal damage or reflexive , whereas blood flow interruption in the minimizes such injuries when properly executed and released. The emphasis on vascular compression also exploits the neck's anatomical , where the carotids superficially along the sternocleidomastoid muscles, easily accessible to leveraged leg pressure without requiring excessive force.

Historical Development

Origins in Traditional Grappling

The triangle choke, known as sankaku-jime in Japanese, traces its roots to traditional grappling arts where leg-based compression techniques were employed to control or submit opponents, though the modern configuration emerged later. In ancient Indian , a form of wrestling dating back over 2,000 years, practitioners utilized a range of holds including chokes and joint manipulations, with leg entanglements often featured in to restrict breathing or blood flow, serving as conceptual precursors to later leg chokes despite lacking the specific triangular form. In the late 19th century, in the and further developed leg scissors techniques, where wrestlers applied figure-four leg configurations around the opponent's neck and torso for chokes or cranks, particularly in and professional bouts. These "body scissors" or "head scissors" were popularized by figures like in the U.S., who integrated them into catch-as-catch-can styles to immobilize larger adversaries, laying groundwork for the triangle's mechanics through compressive leg pressure. The explicit codification of the triangle choke occurred in early 20th-century Japanese as part of ne-waza (ground techniques), influenced by Jigoro Kano's founding of the Kodokan in 1882, which emphasized safe, sporting applications of . Prior to Kano's reforms, feudal systems like Fusen-ryu rarely used leg strangles due to battlefield vulnerabilities, but interstyle challenges around 1900 prompted integration of ground fighting, leading to the development of sankaku-jime in the by innovators such as Tsunetane Oda and Yaichibei Kanemitsu during tournaments. , a prominent early Judoka trained at the Kodokan from 1895, mastered these ne-waza techniques and exported them globally through challenge matches, including to in the , where they influenced subsequent evolutions.

Evolution in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The triangle choke entered through , a Kodokan master who began instructing in , , around 1917, as part of a broader curriculum of grappling techniques that included various chokes and submissions derived from . Maeda's teachings emphasized , and the triangle choke—known in as sankaku-jime and already present in Kodokan methods by the early —integrated into the Gracie family's developing system, forming a foundational element of their self-defense-oriented Jiu-Jitsu. This early incorporation laid the groundwork for the technique's adaptation within the closed-guard framework that characterized Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. During the mid-20th century, further refined guard-based attacks to suit smaller practitioners, promoting submissions like the triangle choke as efficient tools for leveraging technique over strength in prolonged fights. The technique gained significant traction in the 1970s under , who popularized it after studying a manual and incorporating it into training at the Gracie Academy, shifting emphasis toward dynamic guard retention and leg-based controls that revolutionized bottom-position offense. This period marked the triangle's transition from a peripheral move to a core staple in BJJ, aligning with the Gracie emphasis on positional dominance from the guard. The triangle choke's prominence surged in the 1990s through its application in Vale Tudo matches and early Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events, where Royce Gracie demonstrated its effectiveness against larger opponents. Notably, at UFC 4 in 1994, Royce submitted Dan Severn via triangle choke after 15:49 of grueling ground exchanges, showcasing the submission's utility in no-rules environments and accelerating BJJ's global adoption. This exposure highlighted the choke's role in neutralizing wrestling-based attacks, influencing the evolution of mixed martial arts. By the 2000s, the triangle choke was firmly enshrined in (IBJJF) rulesets as a legal and points-neutral submission when applied from positions like mount or guard, with no penalties for its execution provided it avoided illegal . It also became a standard component of black belt curricula in academies worldwide, taught as an essential guard submission in programs like Gracie University, reflecting its refined status as a high-percentage technique in sport BJJ.

Execution

Setup Positions

The primary setup for the triangle choke begins from the closed guard position, where the attacker lies on their back with their legs locked around the opponent's torso. To execute the setup effectively, the attacker first breaks the opponent's posture by pulling down on the collar and sleeve with one hand each (or using wrist and tricep grips in no-gi) to force the head down and prevent recovery of upright posture. The attacker then isolates one arm inside the legs by pulling it across the opponent's torso while keeping the other arm outside, creating the essential "one arm in, one arm out" configuration. Next, the attacker creates an angle by performing a hip escape or pivot, often placing one foot on the opponent's hip for leverage and off-balancing them. The attacker then throws the leg on the side of the isolated arm over the opponent's shoulder, positioning the shin behind the neck, while the other leg remains tight against the back or under the armpit. The triangle is locked by bringing the free leg over the ankle of the first leg (or hooking the ankle behind the knee), forming a secure figure-four-like structure. For added control, the attacker grabs their own shin (not the foot) and angles the body to compress the opponent's neck against the thigh. Key close-up details include keeping the triangle tight with no gaps by ratcheting incrementally through sliding and squeezing adjustments, pointing the locking foot upward to help avoid counters, pushing the knee toward the neck rather than merely pulling, and turning the leg outward to engage the hamstrings for a stronger squeeze. Alternative setups include transitions from open guard, where the attacker uses a collar-sleeve grip (or wrist control and shin on bicep in no-gi) to control one and places a foot on the opponent's bicep to off-balance them toward the gripped side, creating space to shoot the over the shoulder. From , the attacker can initiate a pressing armbar or overhook armbar attempt; when the opponent postures up to defend, the bottom threads under the while the top swings over to secure the configuration. In the turtle position, the attacker traps the opponent's hands to prevent grips, then rolls through or waits for the opponent to slide downward, allowing a to encircle the and during the escape attempt. Key grips and posture during setup involve securing the opponent's isolated with a cross-collar or sleeve control (or wrist-overhook in no-gi) to prevent posture recovery, while positioning the shin of the bottom leg across the opponent's back for leverage and the knee of the top leg pressing into the shoulder to restrict head movement. The free leg threads under the opponent's neck from the opposite side, with the attacker's hips elevated and angled to maintain control without exposing the back. Common errors in setup include failing to off-balance the opponent by not breaking their posture sufficiently, which allows them to stack or escape the leg entry, and exposing the attacker's own back by lifting hips too high without arm control. Additionally, inadequate arm isolation or leaving space between the knee and permits the opponent to posture out or defend effectively.

Finishing Mechanics

Once the triangle position is established from various setups, the finishing mechanics involve securing the leg configuration and applying targeted pressure to induce submission. To lock the triangle, the practitioner crosses their ankles behind the opponent's back, forming a figure-four wrap with one over the and the other under the armpit, then pulls the opponent forward by gripping their head or shoulders to break their posture and align their neck within the leg vice. Simultaneously, arching the hips upward tightens the constriction, elevating the legs to compress the opponent's and carotid arteries while preventing posture recovery. This adjustment, often at a 45-degree , maximizes leverage without relying on raw leg strength. Arm isolation is critical to neutralize defenses, achieved by trapping the opponent's posting —the one attempting to frame against the choke—inside the triangle by pulling it across their own or using the practitioner's hands on the or . This prevents the from creating , forcing the to fold inward and amplifying the choke's effectiveness by isolating blood flow restriction to both sides of the . With the secured, is applied through the and calves: the controlling presses against one carotid while the calf or shin of the opposite compresses the other, squeezing the knees together to cinch the hold. To enhance the squeeze, the practitioner can ratchet the legs incrementally to eliminate any gaps, point the locking foot upward to prevent slippage, push the knee toward the neck, and turn the leg outward to engage the hamstrings for greater force. Optional hand assists, such as pulling the opponent's head downward or gripping one's own shin for leverage, enhance this compression without altering the lock. In training, safe execution relies on recognizing tap-out cues to prevent , including verbal signals like "tap" or physical indicators such as repeated slaps on the , frantic resistance, or loss of responsiveness, as the choke can induce within seconds by occluding blood flow to the . Practitioners must release immediately upon any cue, emphasizing controlled application to build technique proficiency.

Defenses and Counters

Prevention Methods

Preventing the triangle choke requires proactive strategies that disrupt the opponent's setup before the legs can encircle the neck and arm. Key to this is maintaining strong posture while working within the guard, ensuring the head remains elevated and the spine straight to avoid being pulled into a vulnerable position where the can be swung over the . This posture adjustment, often achieved by pushing off the with the legs and keeping elbows tight to the body, limits the attacker's ability to break the defender's base and initiate the choke. Distance control plays a critical role in avoidance, as allowing the opponent to close the gap or extend the arms excessively creates openings for . Defenders should use their hands to manage the hips and thighs, pressing downward on the attacking or inserting a between the and the incoming shin to create space and prevent the angle from forming. By keeping the body elevated and avoiding deep posture breaks, such as leaning forward with extended arms, practitioners can maintain a safe distance that hinders the swing essential for the triangle. Effective grip fighting further thwarts setups by targeting the opponent's or controls early, breaking their ability to manipulate the defender's posture or placement. For instance, prying the gripping hand away while simultaneously posting the trapped arm's forward disrupts the leverage needed to feed the leg through. This proactive grip management, combined with keeping both arms either inside or outside the guard rather than split, reduces the halfway points that facilitate the choke's development. Positional awareness enables preemptive passing to neutralize guard threats, such as recognizing when the opponent controls one arm and begins opening their legs to position a shin across the back. In such moments, shifting weight toward the trapped arm side while driving forward to pass to side control can preemptively dismantle the setup, transitioning to a dominant position before the choke materializes. If the triangle partially develops despite these efforts, active escapes can then be employed to fully disengage.

Escape Techniques

One of the primary escape techniques from an established triangle choke involves recovering posture to immediately reduce vascular pressure on the . The defender begins by looking upward and straightening the back to break the alignment that enables the choke, while driving the knees deeply under the attacker's hips to establish and prevent further head control. This posture adjustment, often performed in a squatted stance, disrupts the attacker's leverage and buys time for subsequent steps. Following posture recovery, stacking the attacker serves to loosen the interlocking legs and trapped arm. The defender swings the leg on the side of the free over the opponent's , sits back heavily, and crosses ankles to lock the stacking position, compressing the attacker's body and forcing the hips to elevate. This action relieves tension on the and , creating an opening for clearance without exposing the defender to sweeps. Head and arm extraction then capitalizes on the loosened grip. With hands framing the crossing the —gripping the opponent's pants or for leverage if available—the defender pries it open while pushing backward with the upper body to dismantle the figure-four leg lock. Rotating the toward the trapped arm's side facilitates pulling the head free, using the attacker's own bodyweight or material as a fulcrum to relieve pressure and fully extract both the head and arm. Advanced counters build on these foundations for position reversal. These techniques demand high mobility and timing to avoid re-entanglement. Safety considerations are paramount, particularly for beginners, as the triangle choke can induce rapid unconsciousness through compression. Practitioners should tap early upon feeling significant pressure, , or restricted to prevent or long-term vascular damage; resisting a fully locked submission heightens risks unnecessarily.

Variations and Applications

Common Variations

The inverted triangle, also known as the reverse triangle, is an adaptation of the standard triangle choke executed from the position, typically against an opponent attempting to pass the guard or in . In this variation, the legs are configured in reverse orientation, with the attacker's head positioned on the opposite side of the opponent's trapped and head, allowing for a secure lock despite being in a defensive posture. This setup exploits the opponent's forward pressure, enabling the attacker to isolate the and for the choke while maintaining control from below. High and low triangles refer to positional adjustments in the standard choke to accommodate differences in between the attacker and opponent. The high triangle is employed against taller opponents, where the choking leg is positioned higher on the , often with the near the line and the placed outside the opponent's to maximize leverage and depth despite greater distance. Conversely, the low triangle suits shorter attackers or stockier opponents, involving a lower placement of the choking closer to the , with the inside the for tighter compression and easier ankle crossover, ensuring the choke remains effective regardless of limb length disparities. The standing triangle is a dynamic variation initiated from upright positions such as the clinch or during a sprawl defense, where the attacker jumps or pulls the opponent into the leg configuration before dropping to the ground to complete the finish. This approach leverages from the standing posture to encircle the and quickly, transitioning seamlessly to the mat for added pressure via body weight. It is particularly useful in scenarios involving attempts or upright exchanges. Belt or gi-assisted variations enhance control in gi-based grappling by incorporating the opponent's belt or fabric for additional grips during the triangle setup and finish. For instance, pulling the belt downward from closed guard isolates the posture, facilitating leg placement around the neck and arm, while or collar grips can prevent escapes by restricting head movement. These modifications provide superior leverage in gi contexts compared to no-gi applications, where direct limb control is emphasized instead.

Use in Combat Sports

In (BJJ) competitions, the triangle choke is a highly prevalent submission, particularly when executed from the guard position in both and no-gi formats, due to its reliance on leverage and guard retention. In no-gi tournaments like the ADCC World Championships, it accounts for a notable portion of finishes; for instance, triangle chokes represented 8% of all submissions at ADCC 2024. In events such as IBJJF Worlds, it remains among the top chokes for its adaptability with grips, contributing to high success rates from bottom positions where practitioners can control posture and isolate limbs. In (MMA), the triangle choke proves effective against strikers by integrating seamlessly with entries, enabling grapplers to transition to the ground and immediately threaten from guard without expending excessive energy on prolonged wrestling exchanges. Prominent examples include Demian Maia's submission of via triangle choke in the second round at , showcasing its use in neutralizing a striker's base after a . Similarly, Maia finished with a triangle choke at following a , highlighting its versatility in dynamic scrambles. , another BJJ specialist, secured a third-round triangle choke victory over at UFC Fight Night 36, demonstrating its potency in bouts against opponents favoring stand-up. Overall, triangle chokes comprise approximately 9% of all submission finishes in UFC history (as of 2025), underscoring their reliability in professional MMA. Strategically, the triangle choke allows practitioners to proactively pull guard for offensive setups, bypassing risky battles and maintaining control from inferior positions to force reactions and create openings. This approach is especially advantageous in BJJ and MMA, where chaining the triangle to secondary attacks like armbars exploits defensive postures—if the opponent postures up to escape the choke, the isolated arm becomes vulnerable for an armbar transition, keeping pressure constant. Despite these strengths, the triangle choke faces limitations against wrestlers with advanced guard passing, as they can often drive through the legs to achieve dominant positions like before the choke fully locks, reducing its setup opportunities. In MMA specifically, a key counter is slamming the entangled opponent to disrupt the hold and potentially cause damage, a tactic legal under unified rules but prohibited in pure competitions.

References

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