Ryan Hall Triangle System is a advanced difficulty Submission Chain system. Integrates 6 components.
System ID: System Type: Submission Chain Difficulty Level: Advanced
What is Ryan Hall Triangle System?
The Ryan Hall Triangle System represents one of the most comprehensive and technically refined approaches to the triangle choke and its associated submission chains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Hall’s system is built on the fundamental principle that the triangle is not merely a single submission, but rather the centerpiece of an interconnected web of attacks including armbars, omoplatas, and back takes. This system emphasizes positional control, precise angle creation, and the ability to flow seamlessly between submissions based on defensive reactions.
What distinguishes Hall’s approach is the emphasis on creating genuine dilemmas for opponents through systematic pressure and positioning. Rather than forcing single submissions, the system creates scenarios where every defensive option opens a new offensive pathway. The triangle position becomes a control platform from which multiple high-percentage finishes become available. Hall’s methodology breaks down the complex mechanics of triangle attacks into learnable progressions that build upon fundamental principles of leverage, angle manipulation, and timing.
The system integrates seamlessly with modern guard play, particularly from closed guard, but extends to applications from spider guard, De La Riva, and even standing positions. Hall’s technical innovations include specific grip sequences, hip positioning strategies, and transitional mechanics that maximize finishing percentages while minimizing energy expenditure. This system has proven effective at the highest levels of competition and represents a comprehensive blueprint for developing world-class triangle attacks.
Core Principles
- Triangle as control position - treat the triangle as a dominant control platform rather than just a submission attempt
- Submission chain integration - every triangle attempt creates pathways to armbar, omoplata, and back take
- Angle creation through hip movement - precise hip escapes and angle adjustments are fundamental to all finishes
- Grip fighting sequences - systematic grip control establishes the foundation for all triangle entries
- Posture breaking methodology - breaking opponent’s posture is prerequisite to successful triangle application
- Reaction-based progression - opponent’s defensive movements dictate which submission in the chain to pursue
- Progressive tightening mechanics - incremental pressure application rather than explosive forcing
Key Components
Triangle Entry System (Establish reliable pathways to triangle position from common guard scenarios) The entry system encompasses multiple pathways to triangle position from closed guard, open guard, and standing positions. Hall emphasizes controlling the arm across the body while breaking posture, using specific grip sequences that prevent opponent’s escape before the legs are locked. The entry mechanics include hip escape timing, leg positioning sequences, and head control integration that create high-percentage triangle opportunities even against defensive opponents.
Triangle Control Platform (Maintain dominant triangle position while setting up multiple submission pathways) Once the triangle position is established, Hall’s system treats it as a control position requiring specific maintenance mechanics. This includes proper leg positioning to prevent escape, hip angle management to maintain pressure, and grip strategies that limit opponent mobility while setting up submissions. The control platform concept allows practitioners to work systematically toward finishes rather than forcing premature attempts.
Armbar Transition Mechanics (Convert triangle attempts into armbar finishes when opponent defends triangle choke) The triangle-to-armbar transition represents one of the most high-percentage pathways in the system. Hall’s approach emphasizes recognizing when opponent’s posture and arm positioning create armbar opportunities, then executing precise hip movement and leg repositioning to secure the armbar without losing control. The mechanics include specific sequences for transitioning based on which arm is trapped and how opponent defends the triangle.
Omoplata Connection (Create shoulder lock and sweep opportunities from triangle position) The omoplata serves as both an alternative submission and a sweeping mechanism within Hall’s system. When opponents defend the triangle by posturing or attempting specific escapes, the omoplata pathway becomes available through systematic hip movement and shoulder pressure application. Hall’s technical innovations include grip sequences and hip positioning that make the omoplata a genuine threat rather than just a transitional position.
Back Take Pathways (Convert triangle control into back control opportunities) Hall’s system includes specific scenarios where triangle position creates direct pathways to back control. These pathways emerge when opponents attempt certain escape sequences or when the practitioner recognizes positional opportunities to abandon the triangle for back control. The mechanics include grip transitions, leg positioning changes, and timing elements that allow smooth conversion from triangle to back mount.
Finishing Mechanics (Execute high-percentage triangle choke finishes with proper technical precision) The actual triangle choke finish in Hall’s system involves precise technical elements including proper leg placement, hip angle adjustment, and incremental tightening rather than explosive squeezing. Hall emphasizes specific body positioning that maximizes carotid compression while minimizing opponent’s escape options. The finishing mechanics include troubleshooting common defensive reactions and adjusting technique to account for different body types.
Implementation Sequence
- Foundation Development: Master fundamental closed guard control and posture breaking mechanics. Develop the ability to consistently break opponent’s posture while maintaining guard retention. Key points:
- Establish strong closed guard with proper hip positioning
- Practice systematic posture breaking sequences
- Develop grip fighting strategies specific to triangle setups
- Learn basic triangle entry mechanics from standard closed guard positions
- Triangle Position Mastery: Focus exclusively on establishing and maintaining triangle position without concern for finishing. Develop the control platform concept through positional drilling. Key points:
- Practice triangle position maintenance against progressive resistance
- Learn proper leg positioning and hip angle adjustments
- Develop ability to recover triangle position when opponent begins escape
- Master grip sequences that enhance triangle control
- Submission Chain Integration: Begin connecting triangle position to armbar and omoplata pathways. Learn to recognize which submission opportunity presents based on opponent’s defensive reactions. Key points:
- Practice triangle-to-armbar transitions systematically
- Develop omoplata mechanics from triangle position
- Learn decision-making process for selecting appropriate submission
- Drill complete submission chains with cooperative partner
- Finishing Refinement: Develop precise finishing mechanics for triangle choke including proper body positioning, incremental tightening, and troubleshooting common defenses. Key points:
- Master incremental pressure application for triangle finish
- Learn to adjust finish based on opponent’s body type and defensive posture
- Develop ability to maintain triangle position while working toward finish
- Practice finishing sequences against increasing resistance levels
- Entry Variation Development: Expand triangle entry options beyond basic closed guard to include spider guard, De La Riva, and standing positions. Develop adaptability in establishing triangle position. Key points:
- Learn triangle entries from spider guard positions
- Develop standing triangle mechanics and timing
- Practice triangle setups from open guard variations
- Integrate flying triangle techniques for advanced applications
- System Consolidation: Integrate all components into cohesive system that flows naturally between entries, control, transitions, and finishes based on opponent reactions. Key points:
- Practice complete system sequences in positional sparring
- Develop automatic response patterns to common defensive reactions
- Refine timing and decision-making under competitive pressure
- Test system effectiveness in live rolling and competition scenarios
- Advanced Applications: Explore advanced concepts including triangle variations, unconventional entries, and integration with other guard systems. Key points:
- Develop mounted triangle variations and finishes
- Practice reverse triangle mechanics and applications
- Integrate triangle system with rubber guard positions
- Explore competition-specific timing and setup strategies
How to Measure Your Progress
Triangle Entry Success Rate: Measure ability to establish triangle position from various guard scenarios during positional sparring and live training. Proficiency indicators:
- Successfully enter triangle position in 60%+ of closed guard scenarios against comparable opponents
- Demonstrate multiple entry pathways including standard, spider guard, and standing triangle setups
- Maintain triangle position through initial escape attempts in 80%+ of entries
- Show consistent posture breaking success before triangle attempts
Submission Chain Fluidity: Evaluate ability to flow between triangle, armbar, and omoplata based on opponent reactions without losing control. Proficiency indicators:
- Execute smooth transitions between all three primary submissions
- Recognize and respond to defensive reactions within 2-3 seconds
- Maintain dominant position throughout transitional sequences
- Finish submission attempts from chain in 50%+ of opportunities
Triangle Finish Percentage: Track actual triangle choke finishes from established triangle position. Proficiency indicators:
- Finish triangle choke in 40%+ of established triangle positions
- Demonstrate proper finishing mechanics including hip angle and leg positioning
- Show ability to finish against different body types and defensive strategies
- Complete finish within 30-45 seconds of establishing position
Defensive Counter Management: Assess ability to address and overcome common triangle defenses. Proficiency indicators:
- Successfully counter stack defense in 70%+ of attempts
- Maintain triangle position when opponent attempts posture recovery
- Convert defensive reactions into alternative submission opportunities
- Show minimal loss of position control during defensive sequences
System Integration: Measure overall implementation of Ryan Hall Triangle System in competitive rolling scenarios. Proficiency indicators:
- Triangle-based attacks become primary submission threat from guard
- Demonstrate automatic response patterns to common defensive reactions
- Successfully integrate triangle system with overall guard game
- Show consistent threat creation from triangle position in competitive scenarios
Expert Insights
- John Danaher: Ryan Hall’s triangle system exemplifies the systematic approach to submission grappling that I advocate. The triangle is treated not as an isolated technique but as a control position from which multiple submission pathways emerge based on opponent reactions. Hall’s emphasis on precise angle creation through hip movement demonstrates understanding of biomechanical leverage principles. The system’s structure—entry, control, transition, finish—reflects proper systematic development. What makes this approach superior is the recognition that forcing single submissions is less effective than creating genuine dilemmas where every defensive option opens new offensive pathways. The triangle-armbar-omoplata chain represents one of the highest-percentage submission sequences in jiu-jitsu because it exploits fundamental mechanical vulnerabilities in defensive postures. Hall’s technical innovations in grip sequences and transitional mechanics show deep understanding of how to maximize efficiency while minimizing defensive opportunities. This system should be studied as a blueprint for how to develop any submission-based system around principles of positional control, mechanical advantage, and strategic pressure.
- Gordon Ryan: I’ve used elements of Ryan Hall’s triangle system extensively in competition, particularly the triangle-to-armbar transition which has been one of my highest-percentage finishes from guard. What makes Hall’s approach competition-proven is the focus on control before submission—you’re never forcing anything, just responding to what the opponent gives you. The triangle position becomes a dominant control where you can work methodically toward the finish while constantly threatening alternatives. In competition, this psychological pressure is massive because opponent knows every defensive movement potentially opens a different submission. The key to making this system work at the highest level is developing the sensitivity to recognize which submission pathway is available in real-time under pressure. Hall’s drilling methodology builds this recognition through systematic exposure to defensive reactions. The finishing mechanics he teaches for the triangle choke itself are among the most refined I’ve encountered—the emphasis on incremental tightening rather than explosive force results in much higher tap rates. For modern no-gi competition, the triangle system remains highly relevant because it doesn’t rely on gi grips and the mechanical principles transfer completely. I recommend this system particularly for guard players who want to develop a genuine submission threat that forces opponents to respect their guard game.
- Eddie Bravo: Ryan Hall’s triangle system shares some DNA with the 10th Planet approach, particularly the emphasis on chains and creating submission opportunities from control positions. Where Hall’s system really shines is the technical precision in the transitions—he’s broken down the mechanics of moving between triangle, armbar, and omoplata in a way that makes it accessible even to intermediate practitioners. In the 10th Planet system, we approach triangle from rubber guard positions like Mission Control and New York, which creates different angle opportunities but the underlying chain logic is similar. Hall’s innovation with grip sequences and hip positioning has influenced how I teach triangle mechanics. The concept of treating triangle as a control platform rather than just a submission attempt aligns perfectly with our philosophy—you’re looking to dominate position and create dilemmas, not just hunt for the tap. One thing I’d add to Hall’s system from our perspective is more emphasis on the mounted triangle and reverse triangle variations, which open up additional creative pathways. The systematic drilling approach Hall advocates is crucial—you can’t freestyle your way to mastering this system, you need structured practice progressions. For anyone serious about developing a world-class triangle game, Hall’s system provides the technical framework, and then you can add your own creative variations and innovations on top of that foundation.