Rear Triangle
Variety三角絞（後ろから）(Sankaku-jime — From Back)
TraditionalTranslation: Triangle Strangle — From Back
Overview
The rear triangle applies the triangle choke from back control by locking the legs in a figure-four around the opponent's neck and one arm from behind. [1] The attacker, established on the opponent's back, threads one leg over the opponent's shoulder and under the chin, then hooks the foot behind the opposite knee to lock the triangle configuration. [1],[2] The rear triangle combines back control dominance with the powerful leg-based strangulation mechanics of the triangle choke, creating a nearly inescapable position. [2] This variant is particularly effective as an alternative to the rear naked choke when the opponent is defending the arms but leaving the neck exposed to leg attacks. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The rear triangle was popularised in modern competition BJJ during the 2010s, with athletes like Ryan Hall demonstrating its effectiveness as a back attack alternative. [1] The technique represented an evolution in back attack strategy, expanding beyond arm-based chokes to include leg-based strangulation from the back. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
The rear triangle applies the triangle choke from back control, using the legs to strangle the opponent from behind. [1]
Lineage
Rear triangles were developed in modern BJJ as an alternative to the rear naked choke from back control. [1]
Competition Record
Rear triangles are increasingly common in modern BJJ competition, especially in no-gi formats. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Position & Entry
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
Back triangle uses the legs from back control; combines back dominance with leg choke
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Training Notes
Common Mistakes
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
Sources & References
Kodokan Judo — Sankaku-jime
Japanese terminology sourced from Kodokan Judo — Sankaku-jime
Official Kodokan ground technique classification system
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
Japanese terminology sourced from Kodokan Judo — Sankaku-jime
Community
Athletics
hip flexibility, long legs relative to torso
longer limbs for easier figure-four lock around head and arm
hip adductors, hamstrings, quadriceps
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Rear Triangle work?
The rear triangle applies the triangle choke from back control by locking the legs in a figure-four around the opponent's neck and one arm from behind. The attacker, established on the opponent's back, threads one leg over the opponent's shoulder and under the chin, then hooks the foot behind the opposite knee to lock the triangle configuration.
Where does the Rear Triangle come from?
The rear triangle was popularised in modern competition BJJ during the 2010s, with athletes like Ryan Hall demonstrating its effectiveness as a back attack alternative. The technique represented an evolution in back attack strategy, expanding beyond arm-based chokes to include leg-based strangulation from the back.
Is the Rear Triangle legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes are the safest submission cat…; IJF: legal — Legal (shime-waza) — strangulation techniques are one of three permitted subm…; ADCC: legal — Legal; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — choke submissions are among the most common finishes in MMA; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Rear Triangle?
Danger rating 8/10. Back triangle uses the legs from back control; combines back dominance with leg choke
How do I set up the Rear Triangle?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position → Isolate the Neck → Set the Grip → Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Rear Triangle?
Standard counters include: Tuck Chin — protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinking / Two-on-One Grip Fight — use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locks / Turn Into — rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressure / Posture Up — straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle.
What are the variants of the Rear Triangle?
Common variants: Short choke (palm-to-palm grip) (compact grip for tight spaces when the chin is partially …); Gable grip RNC (interlocked fingers behind the head for maximum squeeze p…); Body triangle RNC (adds body triangle control for stronger hip management du…); One-arm RNC (single arm under the chin when the second arm cannot reac…).
How effective is the Rear Triangle in competition?
Rear triangles are increasingly common in modern BJJ competition, especially in no-gi formats.
What are common mistakes when doing the Rear Triangle?
Top errors to watch for: Attempting without first establishing stable back control — the leg-over-shoulder transition requires positional secu… / Not including an arm in the triangle — both arms outside the legs creates a headscissors; one arm must be inside for … / Locking the triangle with the wrong leg on top — the leg crossing the neck should create the long side of the triangl… / Not adjusting if the opponent begins to escape — the rear triangle has multiple finishing angles; if the initial angl….
What are other names for the Rear Triangle?
The Rear Triangle is also known as Sankaku-jime — From Back, Ushiro-sankaku-jime, Back Triangle, Reverse Triangle.