Body Triangle Position
bjjstateback-controldominantsubmission
State Properties
- State ID: S237
- Point Value: 4 (Back control points)
- Position Type: Controlling/Offensive
- Risk Level: Low
- Energy Cost: Low
- Time Sustainability: Long
State Description
Body Triangle Position is a highly dominant variation of back control where instead of using leg hooks, you’ve locked your legs around your opponent’s torso in a triangle configuration. This provides exceptional control with minimal energy expenditure while creating tremendous pressure and submission opportunities.
Visual Description
You are positioned on your opponent’s back with your legs wrapped around their torso in a figure-four triangle lock. One leg crosses over the other and tucks behind your own knee, creating a locked configuration around opponent’s midsection. Your arms control their upper body for submission attacks while your leg lock immobilizes their lower body and restricts breathing.
Key Principles
- Triangle Lock Security: Ensure proper figure-four configuration for maximum control
- Breathing Restriction: Body triangle naturally restricts opponent’s breathing creating urgency
- Upper Body Attacks: Focus on chokes and armlocks while legs maintain control
- Energy Efficiency: Position requires minimal energy to maintain compared to standard hooks
- Squeeze Pressure: Apply gradual squeezing pressure with legs to tire opponent
- Hip Position: Keep hips tight to opponent’s back to prevent escape attempts
Offensive Transitions
- Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission (Beginner 50%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80%)
- Armbar from Back → Armbar Control (Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%)
- Collar Choke from Back → Won by Submission (Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 60%)
- Body Triangle Squeeze → Won by Submission (Beginner 15%, Intermediate 25%, Advanced 40%)
Expert Insights
John Danaher: “The body triangle is one of the most control-oriented positions in grappling. Once properly locked, it’s extremely difficult to escape and allows you to attack at will with submissions while expending minimal energy.”
Gordon Ryan: “I love the body triangle in competition because it’s both a high-control position and creates a ticking clock for the opponent - the breathing restriction makes them desperate and sloppy in their defense.”
Eddie Bravo: “Body triangle is excellent but you have to be careful with flexibility - some opponents can defend it better than others. When it works, it’s lights out for submissions.”
Position Metrics
- Position Retention: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%
- Advancement Probability: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%
- Submission Probability: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80%
- Average Time: 2-4 minutes