Rear Triangle Top is an advanced back control variation where the top practitioner secures the opponent’s back while establishing a triangle configuration with their legs around the opponent’s body and one arm. This position combines the control elements of traditional back control with the limb-trapping mechanics of a triangle, creating a highly effective submission platform. The rear triangle creates a dilemma for the opponent - defending the choke exposes the trapped arm to attacks, while defending the arm allows progression to the rear naked choke or other back attacks. This position is particularly effective in no-gi grappling but can be equally devastating in the gi when properly executed. The rear triangle top position represents a sophisticated evolution of back control, offering superior control compared to standard seat belt positioning. By threading one leg under the opponent’s armpit and locking a triangle around their neck and trapped arm, the top practitioner creates multiple layers of control that significantly reduce the opponent’s defensive options. This position is often entered from standard back control when the opponent attempts to defend the rear naked choke by gripping their own hands together or when transitioning from turtle position. The configuration allows for seamless transitions to various submissions including the rear triangle choke itself, armbar variations, and traditional rear naked choke finishes. From a strategic perspective, the rear triangle top position exemplifies the principle of creating submission dilemmas - forcing the opponent to choose between equally bad defensive options.
Position Definition
- Top practitioner’s legs form a triangle configuration around opponent’s neck and one trapped arm, with one leg threaded under the armpit and across the back of the neck while the other leg locks over the ankle to complete the triangle, creating a secure figure-four lock that controls both head and arm simultaneously
- Top practitioner maintains chest-to-back connection with their torso pressed against opponent’s back, hips oriented toward the trapped arm side to maximize control and create the optimal angle for submissions while preventing opponent rotation away from the triangle
- Opponent is typically seated or on their side with one arm trapped inside the triangle while their body is compressed forward by the leg pressure across their neck and shoulder, limiting their ability to establish defensive frames or recover posture
- Top practitioner’s hands are free to attack the opponent’s free arm, establish grips for chokes, or post for base while the legs maintain primary control of the position, allowing simultaneous control and attack capabilities
- The triangle configuration creates constant pressure on the opponent’s carotid artery on the trapped arm side while controlling their posture and preventing them from turning into the top practitioner or creating escape angles
Prerequisites
- Established back control position with hooks or body triangle
- Opponent’s defensive hand fighting creates opportunity to trap one arm
- Sufficient hip mobility and leg dexterity to thread leg under opponent’s armpit
- Understanding of triangle mechanics and proper leg positioning
- Ability to maintain back control during the transition to triangle configuration
- Opponent positioned in seated or side-lying orientation allowing leg threading
Key Offensive Principles
- Thread the choking leg deep under the opponent’s armpit to create proper angle across the back of their neck rather than the front
- Lock the triangle tight by pulling the locking ankle into the crook of the knee while squeezing knees together to compress the opponent’s neck and trapped arm
- Maintain chest pressure against opponent’s back throughout the position to prevent them from turning into you or creating space
- Control opponent’s free arm with your hands to prevent defensive gripping and create additional submission opportunities
- Angle your hips toward the trapped arm side to increase pressure on the carotid artery and create better finishing mechanics for the choke
- Use your legs to break opponent’s posture forward, bringing their chin to their chest to tighten the choke and reduce defensive options
- Transition fluidly between submission threats - rear triangle choke, armbar on trapped arm, and rear naked choke - to overwhelm opponent’s defenses
Available Attacks
Triangle Choke Back → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 75%
Armbar from Back with Legs → Armbar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 80%
Transition to Crucifix → Crucifix
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 65%
Bow and Arrow Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 60%
Kimura from Back → Kimura Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent tucks chin and defends choke primarily:
- Execute Armbar from Back with Legs → Armbar Control (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Kimura from Back → Kimura Control (Probability: 45%)
Else if opponent attempts to pull trapped arm free:
- Execute Tighten Triangle Lock → Rear Triangle Top (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Triangle Choke Back → Won by Submission (Probability: 60%)
Else if opponent turns into triangle attempting escape:
- Execute Extend Hips and Finish Triangle → Won by Submission (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Transition to Crucifix → Crucifix (Probability: 50%)
Else if opponent creates space by posting free arm:
- Execute Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Attack Free Arm for Control → Gift Wrap (Probability: 50%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Direct Triangle Choke Path
Back Control → Rear Triangle Top → Triangle Choke Back → Won by Submission
Triangle to Armbar Path
Back Control → Rear Triangle Top → Armbar from Back with Legs → Won by Submission
Rear Naked Choke Alternative Path
Rear Triangle Top → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
Crucifix Transition Path
Rear Triangle Top → Transition to Crucifix → Crucifix → Choke from Crucifix → Won by Submission
Bow and Arrow Setup Path
Rear Triangle Top → Bow and Arrow Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 45% | 35% | 40% |
| Intermediate | 65% | 55% | 60% |
| Advanced | 85% | 75% | 80% |
Average Time in Position: 45-90 seconds before submission or escape attempt