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Arm Triangle (Kata Gatame) 🚧

Quick Introduction​

The arm triangle is a versatile blood choke where you trap the opponent's arm against their own neck, using their shoulder to create one side of the choke. It's powerful, works from multiple positions, and requires proper angle rather than pure strength.

Technique Overview​

Type: Blood choke (one arm trapped against neck)

Available from: Side control 🚧, mount, half guard 🚧

Finish: Opponent's shoulder + your arm compresses carotid arteries

Arm Triangle Variations (3 Main Applications)​

🎯 From Side Control (Classic)​

Setup Position

Side control with opponent's far arm trapped across their neck

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Establish side control
  2. Trap their far arm across their own neck
  3. Slide your arm around their exposed neck
  4. Connect your hands (gable grip or RNC grip)
  5. Walk to the squeeze position (perpendicular to their body)
  6. Squeeze shoulder to head while driving forward
  7. Maintain squeeze until tap

Critical Details

  • Their arm must be across their neck (creates one side of choke)
  • Walk your body to the top (north-south direction)
  • Squeeze your shoulder to your ear (closes the gap)
  • Drive your weight forward
  • Maintain pressure until they tap

Tactical Advantage

High-percentage from side control; powerful choke; works gi and no-gi; catches defensive frames

⚔️ From Mount (Mounted Version)​

Setup Position

Mount with opponent defending by framing

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Mount position established
  2. Opponent frames across their own face/neck
  3. Trap their framing arm
  4. Slide arm around neck
  5. Fall to the side where arm is trapped
  6. Connect hands and squeeze
  7. Drive shoulder to head

Critical Details

  • Trap arm before falling to side
  • Fall to side of trapped arm
  • Maintain connection throughout transition
  • Squeeze and drive forward

Tactical Advantage

Catches common mount defense; powerful from top; transitions from dominant position

🔄 From North-South (Alternative)​

Setup Position

North-south position with opponent's arm isolated

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. North-south control
  2. Isolate one arm
  3. Establish arm triangle configuration
  4. Walk to side for finishing position
  5. Connect and squeeze

Critical Details

  • Good when side control arm triangle blocked
  • Natural from north-south transitions
  • Same finishing mechanics
  • Requires good positioning

Tactical Advantage

Alternative entry point; good from north-south transitions; catches different defensive reactions

Important Observations (General Rules)​

Core Principles​

  1. 🎯 Their arm creates one side - Must trap arm across neck
  2. 💪 Walk to the finish - Must get to proper angle/position
  3. ⏱️ Shoulder to head squeeze - Close the gap completely
  4. 🔄 Drive forward - Forward pressure is key
  5. 🎮 Application selection - Choose based on position:
    • Side Control → Most common and highest percentage
    • Mount → Catches defensive frames
    • North-South → Alternative entry angle

Connection to Theories​

Applying core principles:

  • Leverage: Use their shoulder as one side of choke
  • Position: Must walk to correct angle
  • Mechanics: Squeeze shoulder to head, not just arms

Common Mistakes​

⚠️ Arm not across neck - Won't work without proper setup

⚠️ Not walking to position - Wrong angle won't finish

⚠️ Gap between shoulder and head - Must squeeze tight

⚠️ Only squeezing arms - Need shoulder-to-head pressure

⚠️ Losing position during transition - Maintain connection throughout

⚠️ Not driving forward - Forward pressure essential for finish

🎯 Next Steps​

After mastering arm triangle:

  1. Perfect the walk → Drill getting to proper finishing angle
  2. Learn setups → Practice trapping arm from various positions
  3. Study combinations → When they defend, transition to other attacks

🔗 Related Resources​