Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Open Guard Triangle Choke Submission
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Open Guard TriangleΒ·PitBlackBelt
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Open Guard Triangle Choke Submission 3rd degree black belt Luigi Mondelli, visits his friends at Tβ¦
Translation: Triangle Strangle β From Open Guard
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The open guard triangle applies the triangle choke from open guard positions such as spider guard, lasso guard, or de la Riva guard, where the attacker's legs are actively engaged with the opponent's arms and posture. [1] The attacker uses open guard grips and leg placement to off-balance the opponent and create the arm isolation necessary for the triangle entry, then quickly closes the triangle around the neck and one arm. [1],[2] Open guard triangles require more dynamic hip movement and timing than closed guard versions because the attacker lacks the closed guard's inherent postural control. [2] These entries are often set up through sweeps, grip breaks, or intentional arm drags that create the momentary arm isolation window. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Open guard triangle entries developed as BJJ's guard game evolved beyond basic closed guard in the late 1990s and 2000s. [1] Innovative guard players like Cobrinha and the Miyao brothers demonstrated triangle entries from various open guard configurations at the highest levels of competition. [2],[3]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilBJJ, Submission Grappling, MMA
- JapanδΈθ§η΅οΌγͺγΌγγ³γ¬γΌγγγοΌ(Sankaku-jime β From Open Guard)BJJ, Judo, Submission Grappling
- USASubmission Grappling, MMA
- RussiaSambo
Effectiveness
The open guard triangle attacks with the triangle choke from various open guard configurations, using leg flexibility and hip movement. [1]
Lineage
Open guard triangles expanded the triangle choke beyond closed guard in modern BJJ competition. [1]
Competition Record
Open guard triangles are common in IBJJF and ADCC competition, where open guard play is prevalent. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Bilateral compression of the carotid arteries β restricts blood flow to the brain, causing unconsciousness within seconds
Joints Involved β Cervical spine (lateral flexion), glenohumeral joint of the trapped arm (if arm-in), nuchal region
Force Vector β Lateral squeeze creates inward pressure on both sides of the neck simultaneously
Choking Mechanism β Vascular strangle β occludes carotid arteries and jugular veins, distinct from airway (tracheal) chokes
Position & Entry
From closed guard β 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) β Isolate one arm, slide the knee up and over the shoulder, lock the triangle from top position
From open guard (arm drag) β Drag one arm across, shoot the legs up to lock the figure-four leg configuration around head and arm
Variants
Standard triangle β classic figure-four leg lock around the head and one arm from guard
Reverse triangle β legs locked from behind or inverted angle for different attack setups
Mounted triangle β applied from mount position with gravity assisting the squeeze
No-arm triangle β both arms excluded, legs-only compression on the neck
Videos
1 video
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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
β FIAS Sport Sambo β All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFLegal
β IBJJF β Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi β chokes a...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFβ shime-waza
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFβ ADCC β Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDFβ Unified MMA β Legal β choke submissions are among the mos...
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFβ FIAS Combat Sambo β Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
βThe open guard triangle attacks from open guard positions β spider guard, lasso guard, De la Riva, and other open guards create distance and angles that allow the legs to shoot into triangle position (Danaher, Triangles: Enter the System, 2017)
βFrom spider guard: use the feet on the biceps to control the opponent's arms β when one arm is pushed away or pulled in, shoot the leg on the controlled side over the shoulder for the triangle
βThe open guard triangle leverages the leg-based control unique to open guards: the feet manage distance and angle, making it possible to shoot into triangle from longer range than closed guard
βFrom De la Riva guard: the hooking leg can transition from the DLR hook to a leg across the neck when the opponent's posture is broken and an arm is isolated
βThe open guard triangle is technically demanding: without the closed guard's constant contact, the attacker must time the leg shot precisely when the opponent steps or reaches forward
βThe advantage of the open guard triangle: it catches opponents who believe they are safe at open guard distance β the long-range triangle entry surprises them
βIntegration: the open guard triangle threat creates a dilemma β pass the guard or get triangled β this defensive pressure makes the open guard more effective overall
Common Mistakes
!Shooting the leg without arm control β open guard triangles require at least one arm to be controlled or isolated; shooting blind puts the leg in a weak position
!Not using the open guard grips to break posture β spider, lasso, and DLR grips must first compromise the opponent's posture before the triangle entry
!Attempting from too far away β while open guard extends range, the opponent must be close enough for the leg to reach the neck; extreme distance misses
!Not transitioning to closed guard or a lock after shooting β once the leg is over the shoulder, immediately lock the figure-four or close the guard; leaving the position open allows the opponent to stack or pass
!Over-relying on flexibility β the open guard triangle does require flexibility, but the primary skill is timing and distance management
!Not having a sweep backup β if the triangle attempt fails, the momentum should transition into a sweep rather than leaving the guard open
!Releasing grips too early during the transition β maintain at least one open guard grip until the triangle is locked; premature grip release gives the opponent time to disengage
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Tuck Chin β protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinkingTwo-on-One Grip Fight β use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locksTurn Into β rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressurePosture Up β straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle
Setup Chain
1Achieve Controlling Position β secure the position from which the choke is applied
2Isolate the Neck β clear defending hands and establish access to the throat
3Set the Grip β lock the choking configuration (arm, lapel, or leg placement)
4Apply Pressure β squeeze to compress the carotid arteries for the finish
Sources & References
Primary Source
Kodokan Judo β Sankaku-jime
1BookKodokan Judo β Sankaku-jime
Japanese terminology sourced from Kodokan Judo β Sankaku-jime
Official Kodokan ground technique classification system
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (ζ¦ιη¨θͺ)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention β native Japanese term (εθͺ/ζΌ’θͺ)
5CitationKodokan Judo β Sankaku-jime
Japanese terminology sourced from Kodokan Judo β 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I position my knee when setting up the open guard triangle?
Keep your knee up at shoulder level, not lower or by the chest where your opponent can easily swatch your legs to escape. PitBlackBelt emphasizes neutral containment with the knee positioned high so it can retract quickly if needed.
What's the most important detail for finishing the triangle choke?
The pressure of your calf behind your opponent's head is criticalβif you're facing someone who knows what they're doing, calf pressure is what will finish the choke rather than relying on arm strength alone.
How should I lock my legs when finishing the triangle?
Hinge your knees together rather than pulling with your foot, and lock your calf over the glute area to maximize pressure. PitBlackBelt notes that locking on the bone alone won't give you enough pressure, but bringing your calf over the glute step creates significantly more finishing power.
How do I prevent my opponent from escaping by stacking me?
Block your opponent's forearm with your own forearm rather than trying to drag their elbow onto your stomach, which gives them an easy angle to stack and escape.
How does the Open Guard Triangle work?
The open guard triangle applies the triangle choke from open guard positions such as spider guard, lasso guard, or de la Riva guard, where the attacker's legs are actively engaged with the opponent's arms and posture. The attacker uses open guard grips and leg placement to off-balance the opponent and create the arm isolation necessary for the triangle entry, then quickly closes the triangle around the neck and one arm.
Where does the Open Guard Triangle come from?
Open guard triangle entries developed as BJJ's guard game evolved beyond basic closed guard in the late 1990s and 2000s. Innovative guard players like Cobrinha and the Miyao brothers demonstrated triangle entries from various open guard configurations at the highest levels of competition.
Is the Open Guard Triangle legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal β Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi β chokes are the safest submission catβ¦; IJF: legal β Legal (shime-waza) β strangulation techniques are one of three permitted submβ¦; ADCC: legal β Legal; Unified MMA: legal β Legal β choke submissions are among the most common finishes in MMA; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned β All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal β Legal
How dangerous is the Open Guard Triangle?
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 Open Guard Triangle?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Controlling Position β Isolate the Neck β Set the Grip β Apply Pressure.
How do I defend against the Open Guard Triangle?
Standard counters include: Tuck Chin β protect the neck by lowering the chin to prevent the choke from sinking / Two-on-One Grip Fight β use both hands to strip the choking grip before it locks / Turn Into β rotate toward the choking arm to relieve carotid pressure / Posture Up β straighten the spine and create distance to break the choking angle.
What are the variants of the Open Guard Triangle?
Common variants: Standard triangle (classic figure-four leg lock around the head and one arm β¦); Reverse triangle (legs locked from behind or inverted angle for different aβ¦); Mounted triangle (applied from mount position with gravity assisting the sqβ¦); No-arm triangle (both arms excluded, legs-only compression on the neck).
How effective is the Open Guard Triangle in competition?
Open guard triangles are common in IBJJF and ADCC competition, where open guard play is prevalent.
What are common mistakes when doing the Open Guard Triangle?
Top errors to watch for: Shooting the leg without arm control β open guard triangles require at least one arm to be controlled or isolated; shβ¦ / Not using the open guard grips to break posture β spider, lasso, and DLR grips must first compromise the opponent's pβ¦ / Attempting from too far away β while open guard extends range, the opponent must be close enough for the leg to reachβ¦ / Not transitioning to closed guard or a lock after shooting β once the leg is over the shoulder, immediately lock the β¦.
What are other names for the Open Guard Triangle?
The Open Guard Triangle is also known as Sankaku-jime β From Open Guard, Open Guard Sankaku, Spider Triangle.