BJJ Graph

Triangle Control

Jun 15, 20253 min read

Triangle Control

bjjstatesubmissioncontrol

State Properties

  • State ID: S101
  • Point Value: 3 (Strong dominant position)
  • Position Type: Offensive
  • Risk Level: Medium
  • Energy Cost: High
  • Time Sustainability: Short to Medium

State Description

Triangle Control is a dominant submission position where the bottom player traps the opponent’s head and one arm between their legs, forming a triangular configuration with their limbs. This position applies pressure to the carotid arteries when properly executed, creating a blood choke that can lead to a submission victory.

Key Principles

  • Create and maintain a perpendicular angle to opponent
  • Squeeze with legs, not just ankles
  • Pull head down to eliminate space
  • Control opponent’s trapped arm and posture
  • Maintain pressure on opponent’s neck, not face
  • Adjust leg triangle for maximum pressure on arteries

Prerequisites

  • Hip mobility and flexibility
  • Ability to control opponent’s posture
  • Understanding of precise angle alignment

State Invariants

  • One of opponent’s arms is trapped inside the triangle
  • One of opponent’s arms is outside the triangle
  • Your legs form a figure-four around opponent’s neck and trapped arm
  • Your angle is perpendicular to opponent

Defensive Responses (When Opponent Has This State)

Offensive Transitions (Available From This State)

Counter Transitions

Expert Insights

  • Danaher System: Emphasizes exact mechanical alignment to maximize choking pressure. Focuses on controlling defensive structures before applying the choke, ensuring the triangle is a position of control before becoming a submission.
  • Gordon Ryan: Uses triangles in combination with arm attacks, frequently switching between threats based on opponent reactions. Prefers to create overwhelming problems through attacking multiple targets rather than forcing any single submission.
  • Eddie Bravo: Incorporates rubber guard principles into triangle setups, using the “Crackhead Control” and “Zombie” systems to establish dominant angles before applying the triangle. Often uses the triangle as a transitional control position rather than just a submission.

Common Errors

  • Poor angle (staying square to opponent) → Reduced choking pressure
  • Crossing ankles incorrectly → Ineffective lock
  • Focusing solely on leg squeeze → Insufficient pressure on arteries
  • Allowing space above shoulders → Opponent can create defensive frames
  • Pulling on head only → Strain on your own neck/back

Training Drills

  • Angle creation and adjustment drills
  • Triangle entry flow sequences
  • Transition chains between triangle and other submissions
  • Defense recognition and countering drills
  • Hip mobility exercises for triangle optimization

Decision Tree

If opponent postures up strongly:

Else if opponent stacks and pressures forward:

Else if opponent defends with correct hand position:

Else (proper alignment achieved):

Position Metrics

  • Success Rate: 70% (competition data)
  • Average Time to Submission: 45 seconds
  • Submission Probability: 68%
  • Transition to Other Submission: 25%
  • Position Loss Probability: 7%

Optimal Submission Paths

The shortest path to submission from this position: Triangle Control → Triangle Finish → Won by Submission

Alternative high-percentage path: Triangle Control → Arm Manipulation → Triangle Finish → Won by Submission

Graph View

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