No Gi Triangle Choke From Closed Guard
0
Triangle From Closed Guard·Chewjitsu
WWW.CHEWJITSU.NET In this video I show a triangle choke from guard. This is a great setup for either gi or no gi Brazil…
Triangle From Closed Guard
Species三角絞（クローズドガードから）(Sankaku-jime — From Closed Guard)
TraditionalTranslation: Triangle Strangle — From Closed Guard
Overview
The triangle choke from closed guard is the most fundamental application of the technique, where the bottom player traps one of the opponent's arms and their head inside a triangle formed by the legs, then squeezes the thighs together while pulling the head down. [1],[2] The trapped arm acts as a wedge against one carotid artery while the thigh compresses the other side, creating bilateral vascular occlusion. [1] The attacker must cut an angle by pivoting on the shoulder to align the legs perpendicular to the opponent's body for maximum compression effectiveness. [1],[2],[3]
History & Origin
The triangle choke from guard derives from judo's sankaku-jime (三角絞め), codified in the Kodokan shime-waza curriculum. [1],[2] The technique was brought to Brazil through judo and became one of the most iconic submissions in BJJ history. [1],[3] Its effectiveness was demonstrated globally when fighters like Fabricio Werdum and Demian Maia used it in UFC competition, and it remains one of the most commonly taught and attempted submissions in grappling worldwide. [1],[2]
Effectiveness
The closed guard triangle is the most common triangle setup, using hip elevation and angle adjustment to lock the triangle from full guard. [1]
Lineage
The closed guard triangle became a signature BJJ technique after being adopted from judo's sankaku-jime. [1]
Competition Record
The closed guard triangle is one of the most frequently finished submissions at all IBJJF belt levels. [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Bilateral compression of the carotid arteries — restricts blood flow to the brain, causing unconsciousness within seconds
Joints Involved — Cervical spine (lateral flexion), glenohumeral joint of the trapped arm (if arm-in), nuchal region
Force Vector — Lateral squeeze creates inward pressure on both sides of the neck simultaneously
Choking Mechanism — Vascular strangle — occludes carotid arteries and jugular veins, distinct from airway (tracheal) chokes
Position & Entry
From closed guard — Control one arm across the centreline, throw legs up to lock the triangle (one arm in, one arm out), angle hips and squeeze
From mount (mounted triangle) — Isolate one arm, slide the knee up and over the shoulder, lock the triangle from top position
From open guard (arm drag) — Drag one arm across, shoot the legs up to lock the figure-four leg configuration around head and arm
Videos
How to Create Angles in Closed Guard Like Gordon Ryan
0
Triangle From Closed Guard·Gordon Ryan
Hi everyone, my name is Gordon Ryan. This is a look into my life. If you enjoy it, watch it. If you hate it, watch it. I…
BJJ Quick and Easy Triangle from closed Guard Tutorial
0
Triangle From Closed Guard·Stuart Tomlinson
Leo Queiroz, Black Belt, renowned BJJ athlete and head coach of Checkmat Watford is here filmed by the Warrior Collectiv…
Triangle from the Closed Guard?
0
Triangle From Closed Guard·Matt Arroyo Jiu Jitsu
Here's how to set it up. #jiujitsu #jiujitsutips #martialarts #combatsports #tournament
Triangle from Closed Guard w/ Over-hook (Lachlan Giles)
0
Triangle From Closed Guard·Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne
Follow the links below for more detailed instructional series! Check out my half guard DVD "The Half Guard Anthology" h…
Surprising BJJ Triangle Choke From Closed Guard by Giancarlo Bodoni
0
Triangle From Closed Guard·Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics
Surprising BJJ Triangle Choke From Closed Guard - In this BJJ Techniques video, Giancarlo Bodoni demonstrates a Surprisi…
Triangle Choke from Closed Guard by Giancarlo Bodoni
0
Triangle From Closed Guard·Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics
Triangle Choke from Closed Guard by Giancarlo Bodoni - Click Here To Check Out Giancarlo Bodoni's Instructional Videos -…
My Favourite Triangle Set Ups From Closed Guard!
0
Triangle From Closed Guard·The Grappling Academy
SALE SALE SALE OVER 50% OFF – BOX SET – ALL 4 COURSES 50% OFF CLICK HERE – https://bit.ly/2lAOHmp • The Blue Belt Sup…
Basic Triangle Choke Set Up From Closed Guard
0
Triangle From Closed Guard·MMA Leech
Watch our Special FREE Tutorials at http://www.mmaleech.com/free-stuff/ Go to our Facebook page for the latest trends in…
1 / 5
9 videosWhat Instructors Say
The triangle choke from closed guard is a fundamental leg-lock submission that begins with posture breaking and arm control. Stuart Tomlinson emphasizes the importance of breaking the opponent's grip with the knee while establishing collar and sleeve control before transitioning into the triangle. Chewjitsu provides detailed no-gi methodology, prioritizing overhook and underhook grips when collar control is unavailable, and highlights critical finishing mechanics: pushing the knee toward the neck rather than simply squeezing, keeping the foot pointed upward to avoid injury, and engaging the hamstring by turning the leg outward for greater mechanical efficiency. Giancarlo Bodoni (via Bernardo Faria) introduces a sophisticated approach using cross-collar grip setup that baits the opponent into posting their hands via a hip-bump sweep feint, then catching the triangle as they react; he stresses controlled posture-breaking through sequential hand placements (head grip, then shin control) and creating a stiff-arm frame by shuffling shoulders backward to prevent escape. MMA Leech focuses on foundational arm control through elbow positioning near the hip bone, using hip escapes to generate space, and sliding shin control up the tricep before shooting the leg over. All instructors agree on the necessity of breaking posture early and establishing dominant arm control, though they differ in grip emphasis: gi-based instructors favor collar control, while no-gi specialists rely on overhooks and body pressure. The finishing position consensus favors external leg rotation and hamstring engagement over pure squeezing.
Synthesized from 4 instructors
- Stuart Tomlinson — BJJ Quick and Easy Triangle from closed Guard Tutorial: Demonstrates grip sequence starting with collar and opposite-side sleeve control, knee-based grip breaking, and foot-to-hip positioning before triangle entry.
- Chewjitsu — No Gi Triangle Choke From Closed Guard: Details no-gi overhook/underhook mechanics, C-clamp grip for arm control, ratcheting finishing technique, hamstring engagement through external leg rotation, and safe foot positioning to prevent injury.
- Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics — Surprising BJJ Triangle Choke From Closed Guard by Giancarlo Bodoni: Introduces cross-collar grip setup with hip-bump sweep feint as baiting mechanism, sequential hand control transitions (head to shin), posture-breaking via shuffled shoulder positioning, and heel-out rotation for tightening the choke.
- MMA Leech — Basic Triangle Choke Set Up From Closed Guard: Emphasizes elbow positioning near hip bone for arm opening, hip escape mechanics to create space for knee placement, tricep control via shin sliding, and optional arm-crossing versus direct ankle control in the finish.
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
Triangle chokes compress the carotid arteries using the legs; loss of consciousness in 8-12 seconds
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— FIAS Sport Sambo — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes a...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal — choke submissions are among the mos...
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The triangle from closed guard is the most common application: the attacker uses the closed guard's positional control to set up, isolate the arm, and lock the triangle without giving up position (Danaher, Triangles: Enter the System, 2017)
✓From closed guard: the sequence begins with posture control — use the legs and grips to break the opponent's posture and bring them within triangle range
✓Arm isolation: push one arm across the centre line with a cross-grip, or pull it down with an overhook — this creates the one-in, one-out arm configuration
✓Shoot the leg: open the guard and shoot the leg on the free-arm side over the opponent's shoulder and behind the neck — the hip must clear the shoulder for proper placement
✓Lock and angle: hook the ankle behind the opposite knee, then pivot on the back to angle the body — the perpendicular angle drives the shoulder into the carotid
✓The closed guard provides unique advantages for the triangle: constant hip contact controls distance, the legs can break posture, and the opponent must engage to pass
✓The triangle from closed guard is both an offensive weapon and a guard-retention tool: opponents who learn to fear the triangle become passive in the guard, making other attacks easier
Common Mistakes
!Not breaking posture before attempting the triangle — the leg cannot shoot over the shoulder if the opponent is posturing upright; break posture first
!Opening the guard too early — open the guard only when the arm is isolated and the hips are positioned to shoot; premature opening loses control
!Shooting the wrong leg — the leg crosses behind the neck on the side of the freed arm (not the controlled arm)
!Not re-closing the guard after an unsuccessful attempt — if the triangle doesn't lock, re-close the guard immediately rather than remaining in an open position
!Attempting without any grip or arm control — a triangle without arm isolation is easily defended by posturing and pulling both arms out
!Not using the under-hook leg to control the opponent's body — the bottom leg should hook the opponent's back to prevent posturing
!Giving up the triangle attempt too early — many triangles take time to tighten; maintain the position and work the angle rather than releasing
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Tuck Chin — protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinkingTwo-on-One Grip Fight — use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locksTurn Into — rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressurePosture Up — straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle
Setup Chain
1Achieve Controlling Position — secure the position from which the choke is applied
2Isolate the Neck — clear defending hands and establish access to the throat
3Set the Grip — lock the choking configuration (arm, lapel, or leg placement)
4Apply Pressure — squeeze to compress the carotid arteries for the finish
Sources & References
Primary Source
Kodokan Judo — Sankaku-jime
1BookKodokan Judo — Sankaku-jime
Japanese terminology sourced from Kodokan Judo — Sankaku-jime
Official Kodokan ground technique classification system
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
5CitationKodokan Judo — Sankaku-jime
Japanese terminology sourced from Kodokan Judo — Sankaku-jime
Community
Athletics
Requires
hip flexibility, long legs relative to torso
Favours
longer limbs for easier figure-four lock around head and arm
Key muscles
hip adductors, hamstrings, quadriceps
Sub-techniques
Angle-Off Finish
VarietyThe angle-off finish for the triangle choke from closed guard involves the attacker cutting an angle by pivoting the hips perpendicular to the opponent's body after locking the triangle, maximising compression on the carotid arteries. [1] After locking the triangle with the legs, the attacker shifts the hips to one side — typically toward the trapped arm — creating a diagonal pressure angle that tightens the neck compression dramatically. [1,2] The angle-off eliminates space within the triangle loop and aligns the attacker's leg and hip structure for optimal mechanical advantage. [2] This is widely taught as the essential finishing adjustment, as many triangles fail without the angle-off due to insufficient compression from a square-on position. [2,3]
Explore
Standard Triangle
VarietyThe standard triangle choke from closed guard is the foundational variety of the triangle family, where the attacker locks a figure-four leg configuration around the opponent's head and one arm from bottom guard. [1] The attacker isolates one arm inside the triangle while pushing the other arm outside, then locks the triangle by hooking the ankle behind the opposite knee, pulling the head down, and squeezing the thighs together. [1,2] The trapped arm's own shoulder compresses one carotid artery while the attacker's thigh compresses the other, creating bilateral vascular occlusion. [2] The standard triangle from guard is one of the most frequently taught and successfully applied submissions across all levels of BJJ competition. [2,3]
Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I grip the collar when setting up a triangle from closed guard?
According to Bernardo Faria's instruction, grab as little of the gi material as possible and focus on just the lapel. Open the collar first to get your hand deep inside, then make your grip while curling your wrist—this prevents your hand from getting stuck.
What should I do when my opponent posts their hands on my chest?
Keep your heels heavy and your knees to your chest to make it difficult for them to create space. Immediately grab their head with your hand while maintaining the lapel grip, which allows you to control their posture.
How do I get my shin in the right position for the triangle?
Get your shin parallel with your opponent's shoulders, then take your foot to their hip. Control your shin and avoid pushing—instead create a stiff arm frame and shuffle your shoulders back to extend their body and prevent them from curling your knees over your head.
What's the key to finishing the triangle tight?
Turn your heel out and put your heel down to make the triangle tighter, then pull the head and squeeze. Maintain a strong frame throughout by shuffling your shoulders back to prevent your opponent from escaping.
How does the Triangle From Closed Guard work?
The triangle choke from closed guard is the most fundamental application of the technique, where the bottom player traps one of the opponent's arms and their head inside a triangle formed by the legs, then squeezes the thighs together while pulling the head down. The trapped arm acts as a wedge against one carotid artery while the thigh compresses the other side, creating bilateral vascular occlusion.
Where does the Triangle From Closed Guard come from?
The triangle choke from guard derives from judo's sankaku-jime (三角絞め), codified in the Kodokan shime-waza curriculum. The technique was brought to Brazil through judo and became one of the most iconic submissions in BJJ history.
Is the Triangle From Closed Guard 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 Triangle From Closed Guard?
Danger rating 8/10. Triangle chokes compress the carotid arteries using the legs; loss of consciousness in 8-12 seconds
How do I set up the Triangle From Closed Guard?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position → Isolate the Neck → Set the Grip → Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Triangle From Closed Guard?
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 Triangle From Closed Guard?
Common variants: Standard triangle (classic figure-four leg lock around the head and one arm …); Reverse triangle (legs locked from behind or inverted angle for different a…); Mounted triangle (applied from mount position with gravity assisting the sq…); No-arm triangle (both arms excluded, legs-only compression on the neck).
How effective is the Triangle From Closed Guard in competition?
The closed guard triangle is one of the most frequently finished submissions at all IBJJF belt levels.
What are common mistakes when doing the Triangle From Closed Guard?
Top errors to watch for: Not breaking posture before attempting the triangle — the leg cannot shoot over the shoulder if the opponent is postu… / Opening the guard too early — open the guard only when the arm is isolated and the hips are positioned to shoot; prem… / Shooting the wrong leg — the leg crosses behind the neck on the side of the freed arm (not the controlled arm) / Not re-closing the guard after an unsuccessful attempt — if the triangle doesn't lock, re-close the guard immediately….
What are other names for the Triangle From Closed Guard?
The Triangle From Closed Guard is also known as Sankaku-jime — From Closed Guard, Guard Triangle, Sankaku-jime from Guard, Bottom Triangle.