SAFETY: Triangle Choke from De La Riva targets the Carotid arteries and jugular veins. Risk: Neck strain or cervical spine compression. Release immediately upon tap.
The Triangle from De La Riva is a sophisticated blood choke that capitalizes on the unique angular control provided by the De La Riva guard position. This submission represents a fundamental offensive option from one of modern BJJ’s most dynamic open guard systems. The De La Riva hook on the opponent’s leg creates natural off-balancing opportunities while the opposite leg controls posture and distance, establishing perfect conditions for transitioning to the triangle position. The technical challenge lies in transitioning from the linear De La Riva guard structure to the circular enclosure required for an effective triangle choke. Success depends on precise timing, grip manipulation, and understanding how to use the De La Riva hook as a pivot point rather than abandoning it prematurely. When executed correctly, this technique combines the sweeping threat inherent in De La Riva with a finishing submission, creating a true dilemma for the opponent.
From Position: De La Riva Guard (Bottom)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Triangle Choke from De La Riva?
- Use De La Riva hook to off-balance opponent forward while controlling posture with opposite leg
- Break opponent’s defensive grips before attempting triangle transition
- Pivot on the De La Riva hook to create angular entry for triangle lock
- Secure high triangle position with knee behind opponent’s head before tightening
- Control trapped arm across body to prevent opponent’s posture recovery
- Angle body perpendicular to opponent to maximize choking pressure
- Use active pulling with legs rather than passive squeezing to finish
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Triangle Choke from De La Riva?
- Established De La Riva guard with hook secured behind opponent’s knee
- Collar and sleeve grip control or equivalent no-gi grip configuration
- Opponent’s weight shifted forward or posture broken down
- Clear path to bring opposite leg across opponent’s shoulder and neck
- Opponent’s defensive frames broken or at least one arm isolated
- Sufficient hip mobility to create necessary angle for triangle entry
Execution Steps
How do you execute Triangle Choke from De La Riva step by step?
- Establish dominant De La Riva control: Secure classic De La Riva position with hook deep behind opponent’s knee, opposite foot on hip or bicep, and strong collar-sleeve grips. Break opponent’s posture forward using collar grip while preventing them from standing tall. This foundational control is essential before attempting any offensive transition. (Timing: Initial position establishment - hold until opponent commits weight forward)
- Break opponent’s defensive grips and posture: Use collar grip to pull opponent’s head down while simultaneously pushing their far arm across your centerline with your sleeve grip. The De La Riva hook prevents them from stepping back to recover posture. This creates the broken posture necessary for triangle entry and begins isolating one arm. (Timing: 1-2 seconds as opponent attempts to maintain base)
- Pivot on De La Riva hook and swim leg over shoulder: Maintain the De La Riva hook as a pivot point while releasing the hip control with your opposite leg. Swing this free leg high and over the opponent’s shoulder on the side of your collar grip. The De La Riva hook prevents them from backing away during this transition. Aim to place your shin across the back of their neck. (Timing: Quick transition - 0.5-1 second window as opponent is off-balanced)
- Lock triangle configuration: Release De La Riva hook and bring that leg across your opposite ankle to create the triangle lock. Ensure your knee is positioned behind opponent’s head, not on top of their shoulder. The trapped arm should be across their own neck, not outside your legs. Lock your legs in figure-four configuration with flexed feet for maximum security. (Timing: Immediate lock as shin clears shoulder - 1 second)
- Control posture and create finishing angle: Grip behind opponent’s head with both hands and pull them down while simultaneously rotating your hips perpendicular to their body. This angle is critical - your spine should form roughly 90-degree angle with theirs. Pull their trapped arm across their neck to tighten the choke. Your knees should point away from opponent’s body. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to establish optimal angle)
- Finish with leg extension and hip pressure: Extend your locking leg while simultaneously squeezing your knees together and arching your hips upward. The choking pressure comes from the combination of their trapped arm against one carotid and your leg against the other. Maintain head control and optimal angle throughout. Apply pressure progressively, never explosively, monitoring for tap constantly. (Timing: 3-5 seconds progressive tightening)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 60% |
| Failure | De La Riva Guard | 25% |
| Counter | Open Guard | 15% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Triangle Choke from De La Riva?
- Standing up to prevent triangle lock (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Maintain De La Riva hook longer to prevent standing, or transition to omoplata/sweep if they commit fully to standing posture → Leads to De La Riva Guard
- Stacking pressure to compress your guard (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Shrimp hips away from stack direction, maintain angle perpendicular to their body, and use grips behind head to prevent them from driving chest into your knees → Leads to game-over
- Hiding arm inside to prevent triangle lock (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Attack omoplata or triangle variation, or use leg over shoulder position to transition to back take if arm remains defended → Leads to De La Riva Guard
- Posturing up with strong base (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use both hands behind head to break posture, kick De La Riva hook to off-balance them forward, or transition to sweep if they commit too much weight back → Leads to Open Guard