Triangle Choke: Complete BJJ Technique Guide

# Triangle Choke: Complete BJJ Technique Guide

## What is the Triangle Choke?

The Triangle Choke is a fundamental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique that every practitioner should master. Whether you're a white belt just starting out or an experienced grappler refining your game, understanding the mechanics and timing of this technique will elevate your BJJ.

## How to Perform the Triangle Choke

Here's a detailed breakdown based on expert instruction:

# Triangle Choke

Alright guys, let's talk a bit about the triangle choke, okay? What is the triangle choke? So basically, back in the days, everyone used to call the triangle choke Sankaku Hajime. That's the name in Japanese, okay? But of course, with the development of Jiu-Jitsu and the Brazilians actually training Jiu-Jitsu and training on the floor a lot more than the Japanese, the name changed for the triangle, okay?

What is the concept about the triangle? So basically we have to smash the shoulder against the neck, against the artery of the opponent. So basically I smash this shoulder next to the neck. And then my leg will be on the other side. And then once you press these two, you end up...

cutting the blood circulation or disturbing the blood circulation, and then that's how the choke is created, okay? There are many different ways to set up a triangle, and it's pretty easy to set up. And again, why it's so powerful? Because you're using legs against your opponent's neck, okay? Your legs are a lot stronger than your arms. So, an easy way to set up the triangle...

which I pull his arm inside here, and the opposite leg, I just throw my calf behind his neck, okay? And then I lock the figure floor, okay? I have to make sure I lock right behind my knee, all right? Since his arm is already across, I just have to squeeze, okay?

How can I make this even tighter? I squeeze with my legs and I pull his head down. Okay? So this is an easy way to do the triangle. Sometimes I can also be in close guard. I can push his hand outside of my legs and then I throw. Okay? But as you guys can see now, his arm is in the wrong place. His arm is not across.

Easy tip here to cross his arm is by lifting my hip. And now I can very easily cross his arm to the side. Once I cross his arm to the side, I'm going to use my left hand holding my shin and then my leg is free to actually pivot. Pivot. When I pivot, I create the angle.

will be a lot easier to lock the triangle. And then I squeeze, okay? Cool aspect about the triangle, you can do the triangle from many different places, okay? So, lay down, side control. I could be on his side control, and then I can throw my leg over, chopping the leg.

And then I can move and lock the triangle from here. And I can choke him. Right? I could be in the mount. And once I raise one arm, all I need to do is to chop my leg over the other arm. And then I lock the triangle. Okay? So basically...

It's a very versatile movement. You can do from many different places. And also following the idea that I'm using my legs to choke my opponent. Since my legs are a lot stronger than my arms, it's always a great move. Okay? So I hope you guys understood a bit about the triangle. See you next lesson, guys.

## Key Points to Remember

When drilling the Triangle Choke, focus on these essential details:

1. **Positioning** — Your body position determines your success rate

2. **Timing** — Wait for the right moment, don't force it

3. **Grip** — Secure proper grips before committing to the technique

4. **Finish** — Follow through completely once you initiate

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many practitioners struggle with the Triangle Choke because they:

- Rush the technique without proper setup

- Neglect the importance of base and balance

- Forget to control their opponent's reactions

- Don't drill both sides equally

## When to Use the Triangle Choke

The Triangle Choke works best when:

- Your opponent's weight distribution creates an opening

- You've set up the technique with proper grips

- You can commit fully to the movement

- You have a follow-up ready if the initial attempt fails

## Track Your Triangle Choke Progress

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*This technique guide is based on instruction from Professor Henrique, covering the Triangle Choke as part of the JitsAI Fundamentals Course.*