Triangle Choke: Leg-Based Submission from Guard Position
The triangle choke is a submission technique where a fighter uses their legs to encircle the opponent's head and one arm, forming a triangle shape that compresses the carotid arteries and cuts off blood flow to the brain. It is primarily applied from the guard position, making it one of the most effective weapons available to a fighter on their back. The triangle choke is a signature technique of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has been used to finish fights at every level of competition.
Origins and Usage
The triangle choke, or sankaku-jime, originated in judo but was refined and popularized by Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners who developed it into a primary offensive weapon from the guard. The technique gained global recognition in early MMA events, where BJJ fighters demonstrated that a fighter on their back could be just as dangerous as the one on top.
The mechanics of the triangle involve trapping one of the opponent's arms inside the leg configuration while the other arm is outside. This creates an asymmetric pressure on the neck that compresses the arteries. The choke can be tightened by pulling down on the opponent's head and squeezing the legs together.
In Underground Fighting
In underground fighting, the triangle choke is a fight-ending weapon that often catches aggressive fighters off guard. Brawlers who dive into the guard to throw ground and pound frequently expose themselves to triangle setups by posting their arms carelessly. A skilled guard player can lock in a triangle before the top fighter realizes the danger.
The triangle choke is particularly effective in underground settings because it requires no hand strength or grip to maintain, relying entirely on leg power. Fighters with long legs have a natural advantage in applying the triangle, and those who develop proficiency with it become dangerous from any bottom position.
Related Terms
- Guard -- The primary position from which triangles are attacked
- Armbar -- A submission that chains directly with the triangle choke
- Guillotine -- Another choking submission from a front-facing position
See Also
- Tap Out -- The submission signal required to escape a locked triangle
- Arm Triangle -- A related choke using arms instead of legs