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Triangle Choke (Sankaku Jime) 🚧

Quick Introduction​

The triangle choke is BJJ's signature technique, using your legs to create a blood choke by trapping the opponent's head and one arm. It represents the essence of using technique and leverage over strength.

Technique Overview​

Type: Blood choke (strangulation using legs)

Available from: Closed guard 🚧, open guard 🚧, mount, transitions

Finish: Blood choke using your legs + their trapped arm

Triangle Variations (3 Main Applications)​

🎯 From Closed Guard (Classic)​

Setup Position

Closed guard with opponent's posture broken and one arm isolated

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Break opponent's posture down
  2. Control one arm across your body (keep it trapped)
  3. Throw leg over their shoulder (opposite side of trapped arm)
  4. Lock triangle by placing ankle behind knee
  5. Angle your body 45 degrees (perpendicular to them)
  6. Pull their head down with both hands
  7. Squeeze knees together while lifting hips

Critical Details

  • "One arm in, one arm out" configuration essential
  • Angle to the trapped arm side (not straight on)
  • Squeeze knees, not ankles
  • Pull their head down to tighten

Tactical Advantage

Highest percentage application; guard player's primary weapon; works gi and no-gi

⚔️ From Mount (Mounted Triangle)​

Setup Position

High mount with opponent defending by pushing your hips

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. High mount position established
  2. When they push your hips with both arms
  3. Capture one arm by sitting on their wrist
  4. Throw leg over their head (same side as captured arm)
  5. Lock triangle while falling to side
  6. Finish from side position

Critical Details

  • Trap arm before throwing leg
  • Fall to side smoothly (don't stay on top)
  • Lock tight before they escape mount

Tactical Advantage

Catches defensive reactions; powerful from dominant position; transitions to armbar easily

🔄 From Failed Armbar (Combination)​

Setup Position

Armbar attempt where opponent defends by stacking or pulling arm out

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Attempting armbar with leg over head
  2. Opponent pulls their arm free
  3. Maintain leg position over their shoulder
  4. Reconfigure legs into triangle position
  5. Lock and finish triangle

Critical Details

  • Leg already over shoulder (half the work done)
  • Smooth transition maintains control
  • Their arm often already in perfect position

Tactical Advantage

Natural combination attack; opponent focused on armbar defense; seamless transition

Important Observations (General Rules)​

Core Principles​

  1. 🎯 Angle is everything - Must be perpendicular (90 degrees) not straight
  2. 💪 Squeeze knees not ankles - Power comes from knee pressure
  3. ⏱️ Pull their head down - Creates tighter choke faster
  4. 🔄 One arm in, one arm out - Configuration is mandatory
  5. 🎮 Application selection - Choose based on position:
    • Closed Guard → Primary setup and highest percentage
    • Mount → Offensive from top, catches defenses
    • From Armbar → Perfect combination when armbar defended

Connection to Theories​

Applying core principles:

  • Leverage: Your legs vs their neck (strongest vs vulnerable)
  • Anatomy: Their arm creates one side of choke, your leg the other
  • Angle Mechanics: 90-degree angle maximizes pressure

Common Mistakes​

⚠️ Staying straight on - Won't finish; must angle

⚠️ Squeezing ankles - Weak and gives them space

⚠️ Both arms out or both in - Won't work; needs asymmetry

⚠️ Locking too loose - They pull their head out

⚠️ Not pulling head - Delays finish significantly

⚠️ Giving up the angle - Most common reason for failure

🎯 Next Steps​

After mastering triangle:

  1. Perfect the angle → Drill 45-degree positioning repeatedly
  2. Learn combinations → Triangle to armbar 🚧 flow
  3. Study setups → Different entries from various guards

🔗 Related Resources​