⚠️ SAFETY: Triangle Choke Back targets the Carotid arteries and trachea. Risk: Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness. Release immediately upon tap.
The Triangle Choke from Back Control represents an advanced finishing option that combines the control dominance of back position with the mechanical efficiency of the triangle. This submission emerges when the opponent begins defending the rear naked choke by protecting their neck, creating an opportunity to transition to a different strangling mechanism. Unlike the traditional front triangle from guard, the rear triangle utilizes the already-established back control framework, making it particularly effective when opponents successfully defend traditional back attacks.
This technique exemplifies the principle of submission chains and dilemma creation - as the opponent defends one attack, they inadvertently expose themselves to another. The rear triangle can be finished from various back control configurations including standard seat belt control, body triangle position, and even during transitions when losing back control. The choke functions through bilateral compression of the carotid arteries while simultaneously controlling the opponent’s posture and preventing escape.
The Triangle Choke from Back Control requires precise leg positioning, hip mobility, and understanding of angle creation. Success depends on maintaining back control throughout the transition, controlling one of the opponent’s arms inside the triangle, and applying proper finishing mechanics. This submission is particularly valuable in competition and no-gi scenarios where rear naked choke defenses are well-developed, providing an alternative finishing path that catches opponents by surprise.
Category: Choke Type: Blood Choke Target Area: Carotid arteries and trachea Starting Position: Back Control Success Rates: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%
Safety Guide
Injury Risks:
| Injury | Severity | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Carotid artery compression leading to loss of consciousness | CRITICAL | Immediate with proper release, potential complications if held too long |
| Trachea damage from improper angle or excessive force | High | 1-2 weeks for minor damage, surgery for severe cases |
| Neck strain or cervical spine stress | Medium | 3-7 days with rest and proper care |
| Shoulder hyperextension of trapped arm | Medium | 5-10 days depending on severity |
Application Speed: EXTREMELY SLOW and progressive - 4-6 seconds minimum in training, allowing partner clear opportunity to tap
Tap Signals:
- Verbal tap or verbal signal of any kind
- Physical hand tap on opponent’s body or mat
- Physical foot tap on mat
- Any distress signal including sounds or movements indicating panic
- Loss of resistance or going limp (immediate release required)
Release Protocol:
- Immediately unlock legs and open triangle configuration
- Release trapped arm completely
- Allow opponent’s head to return to neutral position
- Reduce all pressure and maintain stillness
- Check partner’s condition and ensure they are alert and breathing normally
- Wait for verbal confirmation before resuming training
Training Restrictions:
- Never apply full pressure during initial learning phases (first 3-4 weeks)
- Never spike or jerk the submission - all pressure must be gradual
- Never continue applying pressure after tap signal
- Never practice on partners significantly smaller or less experienced without explicit agreement
- Always ensure training partner has clear access to tap (free hand available)
- Never combine with additional submissions during learning phases
- Strictly avoid competition-speed application in training environment
Key Principles
- Maintain back control dominance throughout the triangle transition - never sacrifice position for submission
- Control one arm inside the triangle while keeping the other arm isolated outside the configuration
- Create proper angle by shifting hips perpendicular to opponent’s spine rather than staying directly behind
- Apply squeeze from the legs while simultaneously pulling opponent’s head down to close the triangle
- Keep constant tension on the trapped arm to prevent escape and enhance the choke
- Use the body triangle leg configuration or standard back control hooks to maintain base during setup
- Finish by cutting the angle with your hips and squeezing knees together rather than relying solely on leg pressure
Prerequisites
- Established back control with at least one hook in or body triangle secured
- Opponent defending neck with both hands or one arm blocking under the chin
- Sufficient hip mobility to throw leg over opponent’s shoulder while maintaining back control
- Control of at least one of opponent’s arms to prevent defensive framing
- Ability to create angle by shifting hips to one side of opponent’s body
- Enough space to maneuver leg between opponent’s arm and head
- Strong core control to maintain position during the transition phase
Execution Steps
- Establish dominant back control position: Begin from standard back control with seat belt grip (one arm over shoulder, one under armpit) or body triangle. Ensure you have at least one hook in if not using body triangle. Your chest should be tight to opponent’s back with your head positioned to one side of their head. Maintain constant forward pressure to keep opponent defensive. (Timing: Hold stable position for 2-3 seconds before initiating) [Pressure: Firm]
- Attack rear naked choke to create defensive reaction: Slide your choking arm (typically the over-the-shoulder arm) toward opponent’s neck as if attempting a standard rear naked choke. This forces opponent to bring their hands up to defend their neck, either by grabbing your choking arm or blocking under their chin. This defensive reaction is essential to create the space needed for the triangle setup. (Timing: Apply for 3-5 seconds until strong defensive reaction) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Trap one arm inside triangle configuration: As opponent defends the choke with both hands near their neck, use your choking arm to control one of their arms (typically the arm on the same side as your choking arm). Pull this arm across their body and keep it tight to their neck. This arm will become trapped inside the triangle. The opposite arm should remain outside and can be controlled with your other hand or simply isolated. (Timing: Execute smoothly over 2-3 seconds) [Pressure: Firm]
- Shift hips to create angle for leg insertion: This is the critical transition moment. Shift your hips away from the side where you’ll throw your leg (if attacking with right leg, shift hips left). Create approximately 45-90 degree angle with your body relative to opponent’s spine. If using body triangle, open it temporarily. If using hooks, remove the hook on the leg side you’ll use for the triangle while keeping the other hook or your other leg for base. (Timing: Controlled shift over 2-3 seconds while maintaining control) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Thread leg over shoulder and lock triangle: Throw your top leg (the one on the side you’ve created space) over opponent’s shoulder on the same side, bringing your knee toward their opposite ear. Your shin should be across the back of their neck. Immediately bring your other leg up and lock your ankle in the knee pit of your top leg (standard triangle lock). Alternatively, lock ankle over ankle in figure-four configuration. Ensure opponent’s trapped arm and head are inside the triangle while other arm stays outside. (Timing: Quick but controlled insertion over 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Light]
- Secure grips and cut angle for finish: With triangle locked, grab your own shin or foot to reinforce the lock. Use your free hand to grab opponent’s trapped arm and pull it across their body, keeping it tight to their neck. Rotate your body further perpendicular to opponent (approaching 90 degrees), cutting the angle to their side. Squeeze your knees together while pulling down on their head/arm. The choke tightens as you cut the angle and compress. (Timing: Apply gradual pressure over 4-6 seconds minimum) [Pressure: Moderate]
Opponent Defenses
- Opponent postures up and extends their neck to prevent triangle lock completion (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Maintain control of the trapped arm and use it to pull opponent’s head down. Hook your free leg under their far hip or around their waist to prevent posture. If they successfully posture, transition to armbar on trapped arm or return to back control.
- Opponent turns toward you to escape the triangle angle (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Follow their turn by rotating with them, maintaining the triangle lock. Use your free hand to control their far hip or shoulder to prevent full rotation. As they turn, the triangle may tighten naturally. Be prepared to transition to front triangle position if they fully turn.
- Opponent pulls their trapped arm free from the triangle (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: If arm escapes, immediately transition to standard rear naked choke or switch to attacking the other arm. Alternatively, maintain triangle on the head only and look for neck crank or transition to taking the back fully again. Never force a lost position - flow to the next attack.
- Opponent grabs their own hands together (prayer defense) to prevent arm isolation (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Attack the rear naked choke more aggressively to force them to release the grip. Alternatively, work to peel one hand away using your choking arm. You can also transition to the triangle on just the head if you can create enough angle, though this is less effective.
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: Why must you create an angle with your hips before attempting to throw your leg over the opponent’s shoulder? A: Creating an angle (45-90 degrees) with your hips is essential because it generates the space necessary for your leg to enter between the opponent’s arm and head. Without this angle, you remain directly behind the opponent where there is no room for your leg to pass over their shoulder. The angle also positions your body perpendicular to theirs, which is the optimal finishing position for the triangle choke. Attempting the technique without creating this angle first results in an awkward, loose triangle that is easily escaped.
Q2: What is the minimum time you should take to apply full pressure when finishing this choke in training, and why? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: You must take a minimum of 4-6 seconds to apply full pressure when finishing the triangle choke from back control in training. This extended time window is critical because blood chokes can cause unconsciousness very quickly once properly applied, and your training partner needs adequate time to recognize the danger, decide to tap, and execute the tap signal. Rapid application of pressure as used in competition does not allow this safety window. The slow, progressive application also allows you to feel the technique’s mechanics properly and gives your partner the opportunity to work defensive techniques safely.
Q3: Which arm should be trapped inside the triangle configuration and how do you ensure it stays trapped throughout the technique? A: The arm on the same side as your choking arm should typically be trapped inside the triangle - this is the arm that the opponent uses to defend the rear naked choke. To ensure it stays trapped, you must maintain constant tension by pulling it across the opponent’s neck using your choking arm or free hand. The trapped arm should be kept tight to their neck throughout the entire sequence from isolation through finish. If you lose control of this arm and it escapes the triangle, the submission becomes much weaker or fails completely. Continuous grip and pulling pressure on the trapped arm is non-negotiable for success.
Q4: What are the immediate steps you must take if your training partner taps or shows any sign of distress during this submission? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Upon any tap signal or sign of distress, you must immediately: (1) unlock your legs and open the triangle configuration, (2) release the trapped arm completely, (3) allow their head to return to neutral position, (4) reduce all pressure and hold still, (5) check that your partner is alert and breathing normally, and (6) wait for verbal confirmation before resuming any training. You must never hesitate or delay the release for any reason. Any sign of distress including unusual sounds, panic movements, or loss of resistance requires immediate complete release of the submission. This protocol prevents serious injury and demonstrates proper training partnership.
Q5: Describe the proper finishing mechanics for this triangle - how do you actually create the choking pressure? A: The choking pressure comes from a combination of actions: (1) squeezing your knees together to compress the triangle around the opponent’s neck and trapped arm, (2) cutting the angle by rotating your hips further perpendicular to their spine (approaching 90 degrees), which tightens the triangle geometry, (3) pulling down on the opponent’s head and/or trapped arm to prevent them from posturing and to bring their neck deeper into the choke, and (4) potentially pushing their head away with your free hand while pulling with your legs. The key is not just leg squeeze but the angle creation - many failed triangles from back come from squeezing without cutting the proper angle. The trapped arm also helps by taking up space in the triangle, making the choke tighter on the neck.
Q6: Why is this submission considered a part of a submission chain rather than a standalone attack from back control? A: The triangle choke from back control is fundamentally a chain submission because it emerges as a response to the opponent’s defense of the rear naked choke. The typical sequence is: attempt rear naked choke → opponent defends by protecting neck with hands → this defense creates the setup for triangle by bringing their arms into position → execute triangle. This exemplifies the dilemma creation principle where defending one attack opens the path to another. Additionally, if the triangle attempt fails, you can flow back to rear naked choke, armbar on the trapped arm, or other back attacks. Viewing it as part of a chain rather than an isolated technique dramatically increases your finishing rate from back control because you’re constantly presenting multiple threats that feed into each other.
From Which Positions?
Expert Insights
- Danaher System: The triangle choke from back control represents one of the most theoretically sound applications of submission chains because it exploits the inherent defensive structure opponents create when protecting against the rear naked choke. When your opponent brings both hands to their neck to defend the choke, they inadvertently create the perfect geometric configuration for the triangle - one arm isolated near the neck, space created by their defensive posture, and their attention focused on the wrong threat. The key technical element most practitioners miss is the necessity of creating a genuine angle before attempting the leg insertion. You cannot simply throw your leg over from directly behind - physics won’t allow it. You must shift your hips to create perpendicularity, which simultaneously creates the space for leg entry and positions you for optimal finishing mechanics. The triangle from back should never be viewed as a desperation technique when the rear naked choke fails, but rather as a deliberate next step in a planned sequence of attacks. From a safety perspective, this is one of the more dangerous chokes because it combines neck cranking potential with bilateral carotid compression, so the application in training must be extraordinarily controlled and progressive.
- Gordon Ryan: In high-level competition, the triangle from back is actually becoming more relevant because everyone at the elite level has phenomenal rear naked choke defense. They know how to hand fight, they understand chin position, they’re comfortable being uncomfortable on the back. But what I’ve found is that most competitors, even really good ones, don’t expect the triangle from back because it’s not a common attack. That element of surprise is huge. When I’m attacking the back in competition, I’m usually looking at a sequence: rear naked choke attempt, they defend, I transition to triangle or armbar depending on how they defend. The triangle works best when they defend the RNC by bringing both arms high to their neck - that’s your signal. One thing that’s different in competition versus training is the speed of the finish. In training, you need to be super slow and give your partner time. In competition, once I have that triangle locked, I’m finishing it immediately because there’s no benefit to giving them time to escape. But you have to earn that right through years of slow, controlled practice. The competition application is the end result of thousands of reps done safely.
- Eddie Bravo: The triangle from back fits perfectly into the 10th Planet philosophy of creating positions where your opponent has to make impossible choices. From the back, if they defend the choke, boom, triangle’s there. If they defend the triangle, you go back to the choke or hit the armbar. It’s beautiful because you’re never stuck - you’re always flowing. One variation we use a lot in the 10th Planet system is hitting the triangle when we’re transitioning from body triangle back control. The body triangle gives you this awesome stable base to work from, and when you open it to throw that leg over for the triangle, you can do it with a lot of control. We also look at the inverted triangle from back, which is kind of unorthodox but it works when they’ve got really good posture and you can’t get over the top. You slide under instead. The mindset with this technique has to be about the flow - you’re not hunting for one submission, you’re creating a system where something’s gonna be there. And the safety culture is super important. In our gym, we’re always emphasizing slow, controlled finishes in training. The creativity comes in the setup and the position, but the finish has to be respectful and safe.