BJJ Graph

Triangle Choke Side

Jun 15, 202510 min read

Triangle Choke Side

bjjsubmissionchoketriangleside_position

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Submission ID: SUB021
  • Submission Name: Triangle Choke Side
  • Alternative Names: Side Triangle, Yoko Sankaku Jime

State Machine Properties

  • Submission Type: Choke - blood choke using legs
  • Starting Position: Side Control, Top Position
  • Target Area: Neck - carotid arteries compression
  • End State: Opponent submission or unconsciousness

Submission Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: High - requires precise positioning and control
  • Energy Cost: Medium - demands significant control and adjustment
  • Time to Completion: Moderate - setup and finish can take 5-10 seconds
  • Risk Level: Medium - potential for position loss if not executed properly

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for leg squeeze and control
  • Flexibility Requirements: High for leg positioning around opponent’s neck
  • Coordination Requirements: High for transitioning to triangle configuration
  • Speed Requirements: Medium for quick adjustment to lock the choke

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

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

From a dominant side control position, you control the opponent’s upper body with a strong crossface and underhook, keeping their near arm isolated. As the opponent attempts to turn into you or shrimp to escape, you capitalize on their movement by stepping over their head with your near leg, placing your knee near their ear while maintaining chest pressure to prevent their escape. You then pull their isolated arm across their body to create space and angle, allowing you to swing your far leg over their neck, trapping their head and arm in a triangle configuration. Adjusting your hips, you lock your legs by pulling your ankle behind your knee, forming the triangle shape, and squeeze while pulling their head down to cut off blood flow to the carotid arteries. If necessary, you adjust your angle by shifting your hips or underhooking their far leg to prevent them from posturing up, tightening the choke until they submit.

Template: “From side control, isolate their near arm with a crossface and underhook. Step over their head with your near leg as they turn or shrimp, then swing your far leg over their neck to trap their head and arm in a triangle. Lock your legs by pulling your ankle behind your knee, adjust your hips, and squeeze while pulling their head down to finish the choke.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish strong side control with crossface and underhook
  2. Initial Control: Isolate opponent’s near arm to limit defensive options
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent turns into you or shrimps to escape
  4. Position Transition: Step over their head with near leg, knee near their ear
  5. Triangle Setup: Swing far leg over neck, trapping head and isolated arm
  6. Lock and Finish: Lock legs in triangle, adjust hips, squeeze and pull head down

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Arm Isolation: Controlling opponent’s near arm to prevent defense
  • Leg Positioning: Precise placement of legs to form triangle around neck
  • Hip Adjustment: Shifting hips to optimal angle for maximum pressure
  • Squeeze Mechanics: Leg contraction combined with head pull for choke
  • Control Maintenance: Preventing opponent from posturing or escaping during setup

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Setup Control: Quality of initial side control and arm isolation (+/-15%)
  • Timing Precision: Capitalizing on opponent’s escape attempt (+/-20%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced ability to defend or posture up (+/-10%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding triangle mechanics (+/-10%)
  • Angle Optimization: Proper hip positioning for choke tightness (+/-15%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Posture Defense: Posturing up to prevent leg lock → Side Control (Success Rate: 50%, Conditions: early recognition)
  • Arm Defense: Using isolated arm to block leg swing → Side Control (Success Rate: 45%, Conditions: arm not fully controlled)
  • Hip Escape: Shrimping to create space before triangle locks → Guard Recovery (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: quick reaction)
  • Stack Counter: Stacking to relieve pressure if partially locked → Side Control (Success Rate: 30%, Conditions: strong base)

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

Decision Logic

If [triangle setup] is recognized early:
- Execute [[Posture Defense]] (Probability: 50%)

Else if [arm isolation] is incomplete:
- Execute [[Arm Defense]] (Probability: 45%)

Else if [space creation] is possible:
- Execute [[Hip Escape]] (Probability: 40%)

Else [partial lock] with base:
- Attempt [[Stack Counter]] (Probability: 30%)

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

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “The side triangle choke is a powerful submission that exploits an opponent’s defensive movements from side control. The key lies in understanding the geometry of the triangle - your legs must form a precise shape around their neck and arm to maximize pressure on the carotid arteries. This technique teaches critical principles of control and adaptation that apply to all top game submissions.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “In competition, the side triangle is highly effective because it catches opponents off-guard during their escape attempts. I use it to finish matches quickly when I sense their arm is isolated and their posture is vulnerable. The submission demonstrates how top position control can seamlessly transition into devastating attacks.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “The side triangle integrates well with a dynamic top game and can be adapted from various control positions. It often surprises opponents who are focused on escaping side control, creating opportunities for other attacks if they defend the choke. This technique shows how traditional submissions can be applied from unconventional angles.”

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

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Failing to isolate opponent’s arm properly

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent to defend or block the triangle setup

  • Correction: Ensure strong control of near arm with underhook before stepping over

  • Recognition: Opponent easily blocks leg swing with their arm

  • Error: Incorrect leg positioning or locking

  • Why It Fails: Reduces pressure on neck, making choke ineffective

  • Correction: Lock ankle behind knee and adjust hips for tight triangle shape

  • Recognition: Choke feels loose or opponent breathes normally

  • Error: Poor hip angle or lack of adjustment

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent to posture up or escape pressure

  • Correction: Shift hips to side or underhook far leg to maintain angle

  • Recognition: Opponent starts to posture or create space

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this submission:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent turns into you or attempts escape
  • Avoid When: Opponent maintains strong defensive posture in side control
  • Setup Sequences: After establishing dominant side control with arm control
  • Follow-up Windows: Must lock within 3-5 seconds to prevent counter

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Side control mastery and triangle choke mechanics
  • Physical Preparation: Leg flexibility and coordination for triangle lock
  • Positional Understanding: Control points in side control and transitions
  • Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced - requires precise timing

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the choking pressure in a side triangle?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to step over for the triangle?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in locking the triangle?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which control is essential before attempting the side triangle?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if the opponent starts to posture up during the choke?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

  • Gi Specific: Using gi grips to assist in arm isolation
  • No-Gi Specific: Modified control without gi for arm and head positioning
  • Self-Defense: Quick application for control in real-world scenarios
  • Competition: Combination with other top submissions for points
  • Size Differential: Effective against larger opponents with proper angle

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

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

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Step, swing, lock, squeeze, pull, adjust
  • Spatial References: Over head, around neck, hip angle
  • Pressure Dynamics: Leg contraction, neck compression, posture control
  • Momentum Descriptions: Quick transition, tight lock, finishing squeeze

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Isolate that arm and maintain side control”
  • Execution Guidance: “Step over their head and swing your leg for the triangle”
  • Adaptation Prompts: “Adjust your hips if they start to posture up”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Lock it tight and squeeze for the submission”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

  • Starting Position: Side control with crossface and underhook
  • Transition Points: Step over head, swing leg for triangle, lock legs
  • Finishing Position: Triangle locked with hips adjusted for choke
  • Alternative Outcomes: Failed attempt leading back to side control

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

  • Force Vectors: Leg squeeze compressing carotid arteries
  • Leverage Ratios: Triangle shape multiplies pressure on neck
  • Range of Motion: Hip and leg flexibility for positioning
  • Power Generation: Leg and core strength for finishing squeeze

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
  • Training progression pathway

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
  • Training progression guidance

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

  • Triangle Choke Front - Standard triangle from guard
  • Arm Triangle - Similar choking mechanism from top position
  • Side Control - Starting position for this submission
  • Mount to Triangle - Alternative triangle setup from mount

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, scores as submission
  • No-Gi Competition: Effective with modified control setups
  • Self-Defense: Useful for controlling and finishing in real scenarios
  • MMA Applications: Applicable with adjustments for striking defense

Historical Context

The side triangle choke is a variation of the traditional triangle choke, adapted for top position control in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It showcases the art’s emphasis on versatility, allowing practitioners to attack from multiple angles and positions.

Safety Considerations

  • Controlled Application: Apply pressure gradually to avoid injury
  • Neck Safety: Be aware of opponent’s neck position during squeeze
  • Partner Communication: Ensure tap is respected immediately
  • Training Environment: Use in controlled settings with proper supervision

Position Integration

Common side triangle combinations:

Training Applications

  • Top Game Development: Essential for top position submission arsenal
  • Competition Preparation: High-percentage finish for point scoring
  • Control Training: Builds skills in maintaining dominant position
  • Dynamic Attack: Encourages fluid transitions to submissions

Graph View

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