SAFETY: Rear Triangle Choke from Rear Triangle targets the Neck. Risk: Loss of consciousness from bilateral carotid compression. Release immediately upon tap.
Attacking with the rear triangle choke from the rear triangle position centers on converting an already dominant control position into a fight-ending blood choke. The attacker’s legs perform the primary choking work through a figure-four configuration around the opponent’s neck and one trapped arm, while both hands remain free for grip fighting, arm control, and positional adjustments. The finish demands precise biomechanical alignment—specifically, angling the hips toward the trapped arm side, squeezing the knees together to eliminate space, and using controlled hip extension to drive the shin blade into the carotid artery. Patience is the defining attribute of high-level rear triangle finishing: systematic tightening through small adjustments yields far higher completion rates than explosive squeezing.
From Position: Rear Triangle (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Rear Triangle Choke from Rear Triangle?
- Angle hips toward the trapped arm side to create optimal cutting angle across the carotid arteries
- Squeeze knees together before extending hips to eliminate all dead space in the triangle structure
- Use hands to control the free arm and prevent defensive grip establishment throughout the finish
- Apply progressive pressure rather than explosive force to maintain control and monitor opponent response
- Break opponent’s posture forward by pulling their head toward their chest using leg compression
- Maintain chest-to-back connection to prevent opponent rotation during the finishing sequence
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Rear Triangle Choke from Rear Triangle?
- Rear triangle position established with figure-four leg lock secured around opponent’s neck and one trapped arm
- Choking leg threaded deep under the armpit with the shin crossing behind the opponent’s neck, not in front
- Locking leg’s ankle pulled tight into the crook of the choking leg’s knee to complete the figure-four
- Chest-to-back connection maintained with hips oriented toward the trapped arm side
- Opponent’s free arm controlled or monitored to prevent defensive gripping
Execution Steps
How do you execute Rear Triangle Choke from Rear Triangle step by step?
- Verify triangle lock integrity: Confirm the figure-four is properly locked with the ankle seated deep in the knee crook. The choking leg’s shin should cross behind the opponent’s neck, not across the front of the throat. Adjust the locking leg position if necessary before beginning the finishing sequence. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Control the free arm: Use both hands to establish control over the opponent’s free arm by gripping the wrist, establishing an overhook, or pinning it to their body. This prevents them from establishing defensive grips on your legs or creating frames that could relieve choking pressure. (Timing: 2-3 seconds)
- Angle hips toward trapped arm: Rotate your hips and torso so they face the trapped arm side at approximately 45 degrees. This hip angle creates the cutting line that drives your shin blade directly across the carotid artery on one side while the opponent’s own trapped shoulder compresses the artery on the other side. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Squeeze knees together: Before extending your hips, actively squeeze your knees together to eliminate all remaining space within the triangle structure. This compression traps the opponent’s neck and shoulder tightly between your legs, ensuring there is no gap for them to relieve pressure or extract the trapped arm. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Break posture forward: Use your leg pressure to curl the opponent’s head forward toward their own chest. Pull with your hamstrings to drive their chin down, which straightens the neck and exposes the carotid arteries to maximum compression. This posture break also removes their ability to create defensive space by extending. (Timing: 2-3 seconds)
- Extend hips to finish: With knees compressed and posture broken, extend your hips away from the opponent in a controlled, progressive manner. This hip extension drives the shin blade deeper into the neck while the knee compression maintains the seal. Apply pressure gradually and monitor the opponent for tap signals continuously throughout. (Timing: 3-5 seconds)
- Monitor and micro-adjust: If the initial squeeze does not produce a tap, maintain pressure and make micro-adjustments. Walk your hips slightly to optimize the shin angle, re-squeeze knees if space has opened, and ensure the opponent’s posture remains broken. Cycle between tightening adjustments rather than releasing and re-applying. (Timing: Ongoing until tap or transition)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 50% |
| Failure | Rear Triangle | 32% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 18% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Rear Triangle Choke from Rear Triangle?
- Opponent grips the choking leg ankle and attempts to peel it away from the neck to break the figure-four (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Immediately squeeze knees tighter and extend hips to increase pressure before they create separation. Use your free hand to strip their grip from the ankle. If they commit both hands to the leg, transition to armbar on the now-undefended free arm. → Leads to Rear Triangle
- Opponent turns their body toward the choking leg side to relieve carotid pressure and change the angle (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow their rotation with your hips, maintaining the same relative angle. Use chest pressure to resist the turn. If they turn significantly, capitalize by switching to rear naked choke grip or transitioning to crucifix control on the exposed arms. → Leads to Rear Triangle
- Opponent pulls the elbow tight to ribs and attempts to thread the trapped arm out of the triangle structure (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Squeeze knees together immediately to collapse space around the arm. Use your free hand to control their wrist and push the arm back in. Angle hips more aggressively toward the trapped arm to pin it between your thigh and their neck. → Leads to Rear Triangle
- Opponent bridges explosively and rolls toward the non-choking leg side to escape the back position entirely (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Maintain the triangle lock and ride the bridge by keeping hips heavy and following their movement. The figure-four structure survives positional changes. Re-establish chest contact after the movement settles and resume the finishing sequence. → Leads to Closed Guard