Triangle Choke Side

⚠️ SAFETY: Triangle Choke Side targets the Carotid arteries and jugular veins. Risk: Carotid artery compression causing unconsciousness. Release immediately upon tap.

The Triangle Choke Side (also called Side Triangle or Kata Gatame Triangle) is an advanced variation of the traditional triangle choke executed from top positions, most commonly from side control or north-south transitions. Unlike the standard triangle from guard where the defender is between the attacker’s legs, the side triangle traps one of the opponent’s arms across their own neck while the attacker’s legs create the choking mechanism from a perpendicular angle.

This submission represents a sophisticated understanding of triangle mechanics, as it requires precise leg positioning and body angle adjustments that differ significantly from the bottom triangle. The side triangle often emerges opportunistically when opponents defend traditional side control attacks by creating frames or attempting to turn into the attacker. The choke’s effectiveness comes from the ability to isolate one arm while using it as a wedge against the opponent’s own carotid artery.

The side triangle is particularly valuable in no-gi grappling and MMA contexts where traditional collar chokes are unavailable, and it serves as an excellent counter to common defensive reactions from bottom positions. Mastery of this technique demonstrates advanced technical knowledge and the ability to recognize and capitalize on dynamic positional transitions.

Category: Choke Type: Blood Choke Target Area: Carotid arteries and jugular veins Starting Position: Side Control Success Rates: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 68%

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Carotid artery compression causing unconsciousness	CRITICAL	Immediate with proper release; potential for concussion if unconscious
Neck strain from torque and pressure	Medium	3-7 days with rest
Shoulder hyperextension from trapped arm	Medium	1-2 weeks with proper care
Jaw compression and TMJ stress	Low	2-5 days

Application Speed: EXTREMELY SLOW - 5-7 seconds minimum application time in training. Blood chokes can cause unconsciousness in 3-8 seconds under competition pressure.

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (any vocal signal)
• Physical hand tap on partner or mat
• Physical foot tap on mat
• Any distress signal or change in breathing pattern
• Loss of resistance or body tension

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately release leg pressure and open triangle configuration
2. Remove all pressure from neck and trapped arm
3. Allow opponent to turn head to restore blood flow
4. Check partner’s consciousness and breathing immediately
5. If unconscious: elevate legs, monitor airway, ensure medical attention if needed
6. Never apply additional pressure after tap signal
7. Maintain awareness of partner’s neck angle throughout release

Training Restrictions:

• Never spike or jerk the submission - always apply gradual, controlled pressure
• Never use competition-speed application in training scenarios
• Always ensure partner has at least one hand free to tap
• Never practice on partners with pre-existing neck, jaw, or shoulder injuries without explicit clearance
• White belts should only practice with supervision and on willing, experienced partners
• Stop immediately at any sign of partner distress beyond normal defensive reactions

Key Principles

• Angle perpendicular to opponent’s body - side triangle requires 90-degree body positioning relative to opponent’s torso, not the parallel alignment of traditional triangles
• Trap one arm across opponent’s neck - the isolated arm must cross their own centerline to create the choking wedge against their carotid artery
• Figure-four leg configuration - same locking mechanism as traditional triangle with one leg across the back of neck and the other locked behind the knee
• Hip pressure toward opponent’s head - driving hips toward their head tightens the triangle and prevents them from posturing or creating space
• Control the free arm - the opponent’s non-trapped arm must be controlled or pinned to prevent defensive hand-fighting and escape attempts
• Adjust angle dynamically - as opponent defends, continually adjust your body angle to maintain perpendicular pressure and prevent them from turning into or away from the choke
• Squeeze knees together, not just legs - the finishing pressure comes from bringing knees toward each other while maintaining the lock, creating circumferential compression

Prerequisites

• Dominant top position with opponent on their back or side (side control, north-south, or transitional scramble position)
• One of opponent’s arms isolated and positioned across their own neck or centerline (often from defensive framing attempts)
• Sufficient mobility to swing legs into triangle configuration without losing positional control
• Opponent’s head and neck accessible for leg entrapment - not buried or protected by their own shoulder or your body
• Base and balance to transition from static top control to dynamic leg attack without being swept or reversed
• Opponent’s defensive posture creating the opening - commonly when they turn into you or create frames that extend their arm across their body

Execution Steps

1. Isolate and trap opponent’s near arm: From side control or north-south position, use your upper body control to guide opponent’s near-side arm across their own neck and centerline. This is often accomplished by pressuring their far shoulder, causing them to frame with their near arm, or by directly controlling their wrist and threading it across. The arm must cross past their centerline to create the choking angle. (Timing: 1-2 seconds - requires reading opponent’s defensive reactions) [Pressure: Moderate]
2. Secure trapped arm position with chest pressure: Once the arm is isolated across their neck, use your chest or shoulder pressure to pin it in place temporarily while you transition your legs. Your upper body should maintain enough pressure to prevent them from pulling the arm back, but not so much that you cannot move your hips freely. This is a critical transition moment where balance is essential. (Timing: 1 second) [Pressure: Firm]
3. Swing near leg over opponent’s head and neck: From your side control or north-south position, swing your near-side leg (the leg closest to opponent’s head) over their head and across the back of their neck. Your shin should make contact with the back of their neck while your knee is positioned near their far shoulder. This requires lifting your hips and potentially using your hands on the mat for base during the transition. (Timing: 1-2 seconds - dynamic movement requiring coordination) [Pressure: Light]
4. Lock triangle configuration with figure-four: Bring your far leg (the leg farther from opponent’s head) up and position your foot behind the knee of your near leg, creating the figure-four lock. Your ankle should hook securely behind your knee, and your locked legs should form a triangle shape with opponent’s head and trapped arm inside the triangle. Ensure the trapped arm is still positioned across their neck before fully locking. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
5. Adjust body angle perpendicular to opponent: Once locked, adjust your torso position so that you are perpendicular (90 degrees) to your opponent’s body. Your hips should be high and positioned toward their head, not parallel to their torso. This perpendicular angle is critical for proper compression. You may need to post on your hands or use your free arm to adjust your position. Your head should be near their hips or far side. (Timing: 1-2 seconds - positional refinement) [Pressure: Moderate]
6. Control opponent’s free arm: Use your hands to control or pin the opponent’s free arm (the arm not trapped in the triangle). Common controls include grabbing their wrist and pulling it away from their neck, pinning it to the mat, or hugging it to your body. Preventing them from inserting their free hand into the triangle is essential for maintaining the choke’s integrity and preventing escapes. (Timing: Ongoing - concurrent with finishing pressure) [Pressure: Firm]
7. Finish with knee squeeze and hip pressure toward head: Apply finishing pressure by squeezing your knees together (bringing them toward each other) while simultaneously driving your hips toward opponent’s head. This creates circumferential compression on their neck and uses their own trapped arm as a wedge against their carotid artery. Apply pressure SLOWLY over 3-5 seconds in training. Watch for tap signals continuously throughout the finishing sequence. (Timing: 3-7 seconds in training - SLOW progressive pressure) [Pressure: Maximum]

Opponent Defenses

• Pulling trapped arm back across centerline (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Immediately increase chest pressure on their shoulder and use your hand to control their wrist, preventing the arm from escaping. If they succeed in extracting the arm, transition to alternative attacks like kimura or armbar rather than forcing a compromised triangle.
• Inserting free hand into triangle to create space (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Control the free arm before they can insert it - grab their wrist and extend it away from their body, or pin it to the mat. If the hand is already inserted, you may need to break your lock temporarily, reposition, and re-secure the triangle with better arm control.
• Turning into you to relieve neck pressure (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Adjust your angle dynamically - as they turn, you must turn with them to maintain perpendicular positioning. Use your locked legs to follow their movement and maintain back-of-neck pressure. Sometimes their turn actually improves your angle if you move with them correctly.
• Posturing up or bridging to create distance (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Drive your hips aggressively toward their head to prevent posture, and use your free hand to push their far hip down or control their far shoulder. Your perpendicular angle and high hip position should naturally prevent effective bridging, but you must maintain active pressure.
• Rolling through or over to escape the triangle (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Maintain your locked position and follow their roll - often their attempt to roll actually tightens the triangle. Be prepared to adjust your grip and angle mid-roll, and ensure you don’t post on your head or neck during the rolling motion to avoid injury to yourself.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Applying triangle from parallel position instead of perpendicular angle [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Choke fails because pressure is distributed incorrectly, and opponent can easily posture or turn to escape. Parallel positioning mimics bottom triangle mechanics which don’t work from top positions.
  • Correction: Always ensure your body is 90 degrees to opponent’s torso with hips high and positioned toward their head. Think of making a ‘T’ shape with your bodies. Reposition before attempting to finish if angle is wrong.
• Mistake: Locking triangle before properly securing trapped arm position [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent pulls their arm out during the lock transition, eliminating the choking mechanism entirely. Triangle without the trapped arm is ineffective and easily escaped.
  • Correction: Use upper body pressure and grips to fully secure the arm across their neck before committing to the leg swing. Patience in the setup phase is critical - don’t rush to lock the triangle.
• Mistake: Failing to control opponent’s free arm during finish [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent inserts free hand into triangle, creates space, or uses it to frame and escape. Free arm gives them multiple defensive options that compromise the submission.
  • Correction: Dedicate one or both hands to controlling the free arm throughout the finishing sequence - grab wrist, pin to mat, or hug to your body. Never leave their free hand uncontrolled during the finish.
• Mistake: CRITICAL: Cranking or spiking the neck with sudden jerking motions [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Severe risk of neck injury, whiplash, cervical strain, or even vertebral damage. Partner may suffer long-term neck problems or be unable to continue training.
  • Correction: ALWAYS apply progressive, controlled pressure over minimum 3-5 seconds in training. Squeeze gradually and watch for tap continuously. Think ‘squeeze and hold’ not ‘crank and jerk.’ Safety must override finishing urgency.
• Mistake: Squeezing only with calf muscles instead of full knee compression [Low DANGER]
  • Consequence: Choke is weak and ineffective because calf squeeze creates linear pressure rather than circumferential compression. Opponent can withstand the pressure and escape easily.
  • Correction: Focus on bringing your knees toward each other (adduction) while maintaining the locked figure-four. The squeezing motion should come from your thighs and hips, creating circular compression around the neck.
• Mistake: Losing perpendicular angle during opponent’s defensive movements [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Choke weakens or fails as pressure shifts away from optimal angle. Opponent gains opportunity to escape or reverse position.
  • Correction: Maintain active hip movement to track opponent’s defensive adjustments. As they turn or bridge, you must turn with them to preserve 90-degree angle. Think of your hips as being ‘glued’ to their head position.
• Mistake: CRITICAL: Continuing pressure after tap signal or signs of unconsciousness [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Extreme danger of causing unconsciousness, concussion, or permanent neurological damage. This is a serious safety violation that can end training partnerships and result in serious injury.
  • Correction: Develop hyper-awareness of tap signals - verbal, physical, or changes in partner resistance. Release IMMEDIATELY at first sign of tap. If partner goes limp or stops resisting suddenly, assume unconsciousness and release instantly. Safety is absolute priority.

Variations

North-South Triangle: Applied from north-south position when opponent turns their head to one side, creating opportunity to trap their arm and swing legs over from a 180-degree position rather than side control. This variation requires more dynamic movement but catches opponents who defend traditional north-south attacks. (When to use: When you have north-south control and opponent is actively turning their head or framing with their near arm, creating the arm isolation opportunity. Particularly effective against opponents who are comfortable defending standard north-south kimura or choke attacks.)

Scramble Triangle from Failed Guard Pass: Opportunistic application when your guard pass attempt is being defended but opponent’s defensive frames create an arm across their body. As the position becomes dynamic and both players are transitioning, recognize the trapped arm and capitalize with triangle entry even from non-standard angles. (When to use: During dynamic scrambles or transitions when opponent’s defensive reactions (pushing your hips, framing on your shoulder) naturally position their arm across their centerline. Requires excellent situational awareness and ability to capitalize on fleeting opportunities.)

Modified Side Triangle with Arm Triangle Grip: Hybrid variation that combines triangle leg position with arm triangle (kata gatame) upper body mechanics. Use your arm to thread under opponent’s head and grab your own bicep while legs maintain triangle lock, creating dual compression from both arms and legs. (When to use: When traditional triangle pressure is insufficient due to opponent’s neck size, defensive hand position, or body type. The added arm pressure increases finishing rate but requires strong shoulder endurance and grip strength.)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the primary difference between a traditional bottom triangle and a side triangle in terms of body positioning and angle? A: The traditional bottom triangle is applied from a parallel position with the attacker’s body aligned with the opponent’s torso and the attacker between the opponent’s legs. The side triangle is applied from a perpendicular (90-degree) angle with the attacker’s hips positioned toward the opponent’s head and the attacker’s body forming a ‘T’ shape with the opponent. This perpendicular angle is critical for proper compression in the side triangle, as it changes the direction of pressure on the neck and requires different mechanics to finish effectively.

Q2: Why is it essential to trap the opponent’s arm across their own neck before locking the triangle, and what happens if you lock the triangle without securing this arm position? A: The trapped arm serves as a wedge that compresses against the opponent’s own carotid artery when the triangle is tightened. Without the arm properly positioned across the neck, the triangle becomes a loose leg position with no effective choking mechanism - the opponent can simply pull their arm back and escape easily. The arm must cross past their centerline so that when you squeeze your knees together, their own arm creates the necessary pressure against their neck. Locking before securing the arm position allows them to extract it during the transition, eliminating the submission entirely.

Q3: SAFETY CRITICAL: What is the minimum application time for triangle chokes in training, and why is progressive pressure essential rather than sudden cranking motions? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Triangle chokes in training should be applied over a minimum of 5-7 seconds with slow, progressive pressure. This is essential because blood chokes can cause unconsciousness very rapidly (3-8 seconds under competition pressure), and sudden cranking or jerking motions create severe risk of neck injury, whiplash, cervical strain, or even vertebral damage. Progressive application allows the training partner to recognize the choke’s effectiveness and tap safely before reaching the danger threshold, while sudden cranking bypasses this safety window and creates injury risk even if the partner taps. The goal in training is technical development and safety, not finishing speed.

Q4: What are the three primary defensive patterns opponents use to escape side triangles, and what adjustments should you make for each? A: The three primary defenses are: (1) Pulling the trapped arm back across their centerline - counter by increasing chest pressure and controlling their wrist to prevent arm extraction; (2) Inserting their free hand into the triangle to create space - counter by controlling the free arm before they can insert it, grabbing their wrist and extending it away; (3) Turning into you to relieve neck pressure - counter by adjusting your angle dynamically, turning with them to maintain perpendicular positioning. All three defenses require active, continuous adjustments rather than static holding.

Q5: Describe the proper finishing mechanics for the side triangle - what body parts create the pressure and in what direction should that pressure be applied? A: The finishing pressure comes from two simultaneous actions: (1) Squeezing the knees together (adduction of the legs) to create circumferential compression around the opponent’s neck and trapped arm, and (2) Driving the hips toward the opponent’s head to tighten the triangle and prevent them from creating space or posturing. The pressure should NOT come from just calf squeezing, but from the full knee compression while maintaining the locked figure-four configuration. The direction is toward their head while maintaining the 90-degree perpendicular body angle.

Q6: Why is controlling the opponent’s free arm critical during the side triangle finish, and what are three methods to control this arm? A: Controlling the free arm is critical because if left uncontrolled, the opponent can insert it into the triangle to create space, use it to frame against your hips or legs to escape, or post with it to change the angle and relieve pressure. Three effective control methods are: (1) Grabbing their wrist and pulling it away from their neck/body to extend the arm, (2) Pinning the arm to the mat using your hand pressure, or (3) Hugging the arm to your body to immobilize it. Without free arm control, even a perfectly positioned triangle can be escaped.

Q7: SAFETY CRITICAL: What are the immediate actions you must take if your training partner taps to a triangle choke, and what additional steps should you take if they show signs of unconsciousness? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Upon tap signal: (1) Immediately release all leg pressure and open the triangle configuration, (2) Remove all pressure from neck and trapped arm, (3) Allow opponent to turn their head to restore blood flow, (4) Check partner’s consciousness and breathing. If signs of unconsciousness appear (limpness, loss of resistance, no response to tap check): (1) Release immediately as above, (2) Elevate their legs to restore blood flow to brain, (3) Monitor their airway and breathing continuously, (4) Ensure medical attention if they don’t regain consciousness within seconds, (5) Never shake or move them aggressively. Any delay in release after tap or unconsciousness can cause serious neurological damage.

Training Progressions

Phase 1: Technical Understanding and Mechanics (Week 1-2)

• Focus: Learn the conceptual difference between bottom and side triangles, understand perpendicular angle requirements, and practice arm isolation setups from side control and north-south. Focus on recognition of when opponent’s defensive frames create the trapped arm opportunity.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Partner remains completely passive during initial learning. No finishing pressure applied - practice only positioning and locking mechanics. Emphasis on understanding that this is a blood choke requiring extreme caution. Review tap protocols extensively before any practice.

Phase 2: Controlled Position Drills (Week 3-4)

• Focus: Drill the full sequence from side control to locked triangle with cooperative partner. Practice adjusting body angle to achieve perpendicular positioning. Work on controlling free arm while maintaining triangle lock. No finishing pressure yet - focus is on smooth transitions and positional control.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Partner allows you to complete the technique but provides feedback on pressure points and comfort. Still no finishing squeeze - stop at locked position. Practice release protocol repeatedly to build muscle memory for safety.

Phase 3: Progressive Pressure Introduction (Week 5-8)

• Focus: Begin applying light finishing pressure (20-30% of maximum) with 7-10 second application time. Partner taps early to indicate when they feel the choke beginning to take effect. Focus on smoothness of pressure application and immediate recognition of tap signals. Develop awareness of proper vs improper pressure angles.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: CRITICAL phase for safety development. Partner must tap EARLY before any significant discomfort. Practice immediate release upon tap extensively. Begin developing awareness of how quickly blood chokes can take effect. Never exceed 30% pressure during this phase. Verbal communication throughout each attempt.

Phase 4: Defensive Reactions and Adjustments (Week 9-12)

• Focus: Partner begins using realistic defensive patterns (pulling trapped arm, inserting free hand, turning to relieve pressure). Practice maintaining position and making adjustments while keeping safety as priority. Apply moderate finishing pressure (40-60%) with 5-7 second application time. Develop ability to recognize when triangle is properly positioned vs when you need to reset.
• Resistance: Realistic resistance
• Safety: Partner continues tapping early but defends realistically. Both partners responsible for safety. Practice stopping if position becomes scrambled or unsafe. Review injury risks and ensure both partners understand cervical strain risks from improper angles. No jerking or sudden adjustments.

Phase 5: Live Integration and Timing (Week 13-24)

• Focus: Integrate side triangle attempts into live positional sparring from side control and north-south. Work on recognizing fleeting opportunities during transitions. Apply full pressure when properly positioned, but maintain 5 second minimum application time. Develop situational awareness of when to attempt vs when to maintain positional control.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: Both partners must have strong safety culture established. Immediate tap recognition is non-negotiable. Avoid attempting during fully live rolling until technique is reliable in positional sparring. Still prioritize slow application even with full resistance. Partner must be experienced enough to defend and tap appropriately.

Phase 6: Ongoing Refinement and Safety Maintenance (Month 7+)

• Focus: Continuous refinement of setup recognition, angle adjustments, and finishing mechanics. Study variations and integrate into personal game. Teach the technique to others to deepen understanding. Regular review of safety protocols and injury awareness.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: Maintain heightened safety awareness even with experience. Never become complacent with blood chokes. Regular review of release protocols. When teaching others, emphasize safety first mentality. Adapt application speed based on training partner experience level - slower with less experienced partners.

From Which Positions?

• Side Control
• North-South
• Scramble Position
• Side Control Consolidation

Related Submissions

• Triangle Choke
• Triangle Choke Front
• Triangle Choke Back
• Triangle from Closed Guard
• Triangle from Mount
• Arm Triangle
• Kimura from Side Control
• Armbar from Side Control
• North-South Choke
• Darce Choke
• Anaconda Choke

Additional Related Content

• Triangle Choke - Traditional bottom variation - shares finishing mechanics but different angle and entry
• Side Control - Primary starting position for this submission
• North-South - Alternative starting position for north-south triangle variation
• Arm Triangle - Similar blood choke from top position that can be combined with side triangle mechanics
• Kimura from Side Control - Alternative submission when opponent defends by extracting trapped arm
• Triangle Choke Front - Related variation when applied from front facing positions
• Armbar from Side Control - Alternative attack when triangle setup creates arm isolation opportunities

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The side triangle represents one of the most sophisticated applications of triangle choke theory because it requires the practitioner to understand that the choking mechanism is not position-dependent but angle-dependent. Many students mistakenly believe triangles can only be applied from bottom positions, but the fundamental principle is creating a triangle shape with your legs around the opponent’s neck and one arm. From top positions, this requires perpendicular body alignment rather than parallel alignment. The critical technical insight is that the trapped arm must function as a wedge - your job is not to choke them with your legs alone, but to use your legs to drive their own arm into their carotid artery. This is why arm position is non-negotiable before locking. From a safety perspective, I emphasize to all students that blood chokes are extraordinarily effective and dangerous - they can render someone unconscious in seconds, far faster than joint locks allow for tapping. Therefore, in training, we must apply them with extreme deliberation and progressive pressure, always maintaining awareness of our partner’s tap signals and physiological responses.
• Gordon Ryan: Side triangles are a secret weapon in my competition game because most opponents don’t expect triangles from top positions - their defensive patterns are calibrated for traditional pressure passing attacks, arm triangles, or north-south kimuras. When I feel them frame with that near arm during my passing or side control, I immediately recognize it as a side triangle opportunity. The key competitive insight is that you need to be decisive when the opportunity appears - hesitation allows them to retract the arm - but that decisiveness must be in recognition and entry, not in finishing pressure. In competition, I finish as quickly as mechanically effective, but in training, I make a clear distinction: I enter with the same speed and decisiveness I would use in ADCC, but I apply the finishing pressure over 5-7 seconds minimum, watching my training partner continuously for tap signals. This dual-speed approach - fast entry, slow finish - allows me to develop the timing and recognition necessary for competition while maintaining training partner safety. I’ve seen too many training room injuries from guys who think they need to finish their training partners like it’s the finals of Worlds. Save that intensity for competition; in the training room, your partner’s long-term health is more important than your ego.
• Eddie Bravo: The side triangle is one of those techniques that shows how traditional and modern jiu-jitsu can blend beautifully. At 10th Planet, we’re always looking for unconventional attacks, and the side triangle fits that philosophy perfectly - most people don’t see it coming from top positions because they’re worried about getting smashed or choked with traditional side control attacks. I teach my students to recognize the setup when the opponent makes that classic defensive mistake of pushing your shoulder or creating frames that extend their arm across their body. That’s your invitation to the side triangle party. But here’s where I get serious with my students: innovation and creativity in jiu-jitsu must always be balanced with safety culture. Blood chokes are not toys - they are incredibly effective techniques that can put someone to sleep in seconds if you’re not careful. At our gym, we have a zero-tolerance policy for reckless application of chokes. Everyone knows that progressive pressure, early taps, and immediate release are non-negotiable parts of our training culture. You can be creative and aggressive in your technique selection and entries, but the finishing phase must always be controlled and safe. That’s how we’ve built a reputation for dynamic, effective jiu-jitsu while maintaining one of the safest training environments in the sport.