BJJ Graph

Triangle Choke Back

Jun 15, 202510 min read

Triangle Choke Back

bjjsubmissionchokestrangleback_attack

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Submission ID: SUB023
  • Submission Name: Triangle Choke Back
  • Alternative Names: Rear Triangle Choke, Back Triangle Strangle

State Machine Properties

Submission Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 75% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: High - requires precise positioning and control
  • Energy Cost: Medium to High - demands sustained control and adjustment
  • Risk Level: Medium - potential for opponent escape or counter if mistimed
  • Execution Speed: Medium - must be applied with intent but controlled to avoid injury

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for maintaining back control and applying pressure
  • Flexibility Requirements: High for leg positioning and hip mobility
  • Coordination Requirements: High for isolating neck and locking triangle
  • Endurance Requirements: Medium for maintaining control during resistance

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for clear movement sequence visualization:

From a dominant back control position, you secure the opponent’s back with both hooks in and a seatbelt grip, controlling their torso while they defend against chokes by tucking their chin and hand-fighting. As the opponent focuses on defending their neck, you transition by pulling one of your legs out from the hook position, swinging it over their shoulder on the same side as your underhook arm, aiming to trap their head and one arm inside your leg. You then lock your legs into a triangle configuration by bringing your other leg up to hook under your knee, encircling their neck and trapped arm, while maintaining control of their torso to prevent them from turning or escaping. Using your hips and core, you squeeze your legs together to apply pressure on their carotid arteries, cutting off blood flow, while pulling their head down with your hands or adjusting your angle to maximize the choke’s effectiveness. If successful, the submission results in a tap or unconsciousness for the win; if they escape, you may need to return to back control or transition to another attack to maintain dominance.

Template: “From back control with hooks and seatbelt grip, control opponent’s torso while they defend neck. Swing one leg over shoulder to trap head and arm, lock legs in triangle by hooking under knee. Squeeze legs to apply pressure on carotid arteries, adjust angle for maximum effect, force tap or return to control if escaped.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish back control with hooks in and seatbelt grip
  2. Torso Control: Maintain control over opponent’s torso to limit movement
  3. Opponent Defense: Opponent tucks chin and hand-fights to protect neck
  4. Leg Transition: Pull one leg out, swing over shoulder to trap head and arm
  5. Triangle Lock: Bring other leg up, hook under knee to form triangle around neck
  6. Grip Adjustment: Use hands to pull head down or secure position
  7. Pressure Application: Squeeze legs using hips and core to cut blood flow
  8. Submission Finish: Force tap by increasing pressure or adjust if resisted

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Back Control: Secure hooks and seatbelt to dominate opponent’s torso
  • Leg Positioning: Swing leg over shoulder to trap head and arm effectively
  • Triangle Formation: Lock legs by hooking under knee for tight encirclement
  • Pressure Mechanics: Use hip and core strength to squeeze carotid arteries
  • Angle Optimization: Adjust body position to maximize choke effectiveness

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Back Control Quality: Strength and control of hooks and seatbelt (+/-20%)
  • Opponent Defense: Capitalizing on poor neck protection or fatigue (+/-15%)
  • Triangle Precision: Accurate leg positioning for tight lock (+/-15%)
  • Pressure Application: Effective hip and core squeeze for choke (+/-10%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding back attack mechanics (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Head Escape: Pulling head out before triangle locks → Back Control (Success Rate: 45%, Conditions: early recognition)
  • Arm Withdrawal: Freeing trapped arm to break structure → Neutral Position (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: quick reaction)
  • Hip Turn: Turning hips to face attacker and escape → Guard Recovery (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: strong base)
  • Counter Submission: Attacking legs or counter choke → Submission Counter (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: advanced skill)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic

If [triangle setup] is recognized early:
- Execute [[Head Escape]] (Probability: 45%)

Else if [arm] can be freed quickly:
- Execute [[Arm Withdrawal]] (Probability: 40%)

Else if [base] is strong for turning:
- Attempt [[Hip Turn]] (Probability: 35%)

Else [skill level] allows for counterattack:
- Attempt [[Counter Submission]] (Probability: 25%)

Else [optimal execution]:
- Accept submission (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “The triangle choke from the back is a devastating blood strangle that capitalizes on the opponent’s defensive focus on traditional rear naked chokes. The key is in the precise leg transition to trap their head and arm, creating an inescapable structure that cuts off blood flow efficiently. This technique teaches critical principles of adaptability and control from the back position.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “In competition, the back triangle can be a surprise finisher when opponents overcommit to defending their neck from standard chokes. I use it to force submissions quickly from back control, exploiting their trapped arm for added leverage. The move demonstrates how versatile triangle mechanics can dominate even from unconventional angles.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “Triangle choke from the back shows how dynamic choke attacks can diversify your submission game from dominant positions. It integrates well with systems like back control and offers a high-percentage strangle that most opponents aren’t prepared to defend. This technique is perfect for grapplers who like to chain attacks creatively.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Incorrect leg positioning for triangle lock

  • Why It Fails: Reduces pressure on neck, allowing opponent to escape

  • Correction: Ensure leg swings over shoulder and hooks under knee for tight lock

  • Recognition: Opponent easily pulls head out or shows little discomfort

  • Error: Insufficient back control before transition

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent to turn or escape during setup

  • Correction: Maintain strong hooks and seatbelt grip before attempting choke

  • Recognition: Opponent breaks control or initiates escape during transition

  • Error: Over-reliance on arm strength instead of hip pressure

  • Why It Fails: Tires you out and reduces choke effectiveness

  • Correction: Use hip and core strength to squeeze legs for pressure

  • Recognition: Submission attempt feels forced or lacks immediate impact

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this submission:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent focuses on defending traditional chokes
  • Avoid When: Opponent maintains strong posture or back escape readiness
  • Setup Sequences: After establishing secure back control with hooks in
  • Follow-up Windows: Must lock triangle within 5-7 seconds to avoid escape

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Understanding of back control and triangle mechanics
  • Physical Preparation: Hip flexibility and core strength for leg lock
  • Positional Understanding: Control points in back mount position
  • Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced - requires precision and control

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the pressure in a triangle choke from the back?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to apply the back triangle?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in executing triangle choke back?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which position is essential for initiating the back triangle?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if the opponent starts to escape the triangle?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

  • Standard Back Triangle: Applied from full back control with hooks
  • Turtle Top Variant: Applied during transition from turtle position
  • No-Gi Specific: Modified control without gi grips for leverage
  • Self-Defense: Quick application for restraint in real-world scenarios
  • Combination Attack: Chained with rear naked choke attempts

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Solo Practice: Leg positioning and triangle lock without partner
  • Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows setup for technique development
  • Resistant Practice: Partner provides progressive resistance to setup
  • Sparring Integration: Attempt during live rolling from back control
  • Troubleshooting: Identify and correct issues with lock or pressure

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Swing, lock, squeeze, trap, adjust, secure
  • Spatial References: Leg over shoulder, triangle lock, neck encirclement
  • Pressure Dynamics: Blood flow cut, hip squeeze, carotid pressure
  • Reaction Descriptions: Opponent discomfort, forced tap, controlled finish

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Secure back control and prepare to swing your leg over”
  • Execution Guidance: “Lock the triangle and squeeze with your hips”
  • Adaptation Prompts: “Adjust your angle if they resist, pull their head down”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Maintain pressure until they tap or escape”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

  • Starting Position: Back control with hooks and seatbelt grip
  • Transition Points: Leg swing, triangle lock, pressure application
  • Finishing Position: Submission win or escape to neutral
  • Alternative Outcomes: Failed attempt leading to scramble or back control

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

  • Force Vectors: Inward pressure through legs to compress neck
  • Leverage Ratios: Legs as fulcrum around opponent’s neck and arm
  • Range of Motion: Hip flexion, leg extension for lock
  • Power Generation: Hip and core for sustained choke pressure

Validation Checklist

Every submission file must include:

  • All required properties with specific numeric values
  • Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete numbered execution steps (minimum 6 steps)
  • At least 3 common counters with success rates
  • Decision logic for opponent behavior
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Timing considerations and prerequisites
  • Safety considerations emphasized

Example Implementation

See Armbar Finish for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

  • Consistent submission data for state machine implementation
  • Probability calculations with modifier systems
  • Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
  • Educational value through expert analysis
  • Technical depth for authentic understanding
  • Structured decision analysis patterns
  • Knowledge assessment integration
  • Safety emphasis for injury prevention

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all submission files to maintain consistency and educational value.

  • Triangle Choke Front - Similar choke from front position
  • Triangle Choke Side - Alternative triangle application
  • Back Control - Primary starting point for this submission
  • Rear Naked Choke - Common alternative back attack

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, classified as choke
  • No-Gi Competition: Effective with modified control setups
  • Self-Defense: Useful for control or neutralization in real-world scenarios
  • MMA Applications: Applicable with caution due to striking risk

Historical Context

Triangle Choke Back is a modern variation of the triangle choke in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, showcasing the evolution of back attack strategies. It highlights BJJ’s focus on adapting fundamental submissions to different angles for maximum effectiveness in competition.

Safety Considerations

  • Controlled Pressure: Apply choke gradually to avoid sudden injury
  • Neck Awareness: Avoid excessive force on neck to prevent damage
  • Partner Communication: Ensure opponent can tap or signal discomfort
  • Training Environment: Use in controlled settings with proper mats
  • Release Timing: Be prepared to release immediately upon tap or signal

Position Integration

Common triangle choke back combinations:

Training Applications

  • Submission Development: Essential for diversifying back attack arsenal
  • Competition Preparation: Effective for forcing taps from back control
  • Control Training: Builds skills in maintaining dominant positions
  • Pressure Application: Encourages use of hip strength for submissions

Graph View

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