Lockdown Half Guard, Part 12: Powder Keg Triangle
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Stoner Control Arm Triangle·Cheat Code Jiu Jitsu
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Stoner Control Arm Triangle
SubFamilyストナー・コントロール・アーム・トライアングル(Sutonā Kontorōru Āmu Toraianguru)
TransliterationTranslation: Stoner control arm triangle — an arm triangle choke applied from the Stoner Control rubber guard position, where the attacker's leg position traps the opponent's arm across their own neck for the choking mechanism
Overview
The Stoner Control Arm Triangle applies an arm triangle choke (kata gatame / head-and-arm choke) from the Stoner Control rubber guard position, using the unique leg positioning of the rubber guard to trap the opponent's arm across their own neck rather than relying on the attacker's arms to force the arm into choking position. [1] In a standard arm triangle choke from top position, the attacker must use their arms and body weight to push the opponent's arm across their neck, then wrap their own arm around the head-and-arm to create the choking mechanism — this requires significant upper body strength and positional dominance. [1] The Stoner Control Arm Triangle achieves the same arm-across-neck configuration from BOTTOM position by using the rubber guard's leg control: the high guard leg presses the opponent's trapped arm inward across their own throat, while the attacker's arms secure the head-and-arm wrap from below. [1] This bottom-position arm triangle is rare in mainstream BJJ because the standard arm triangle requires top pressure to compress the choke — the Stoner Control version compensates by using the leg's pressing force (the quadriceps is far stronger than the arms) to provide the compression that top-pressure normally supplies. [1] Eddie Bravo designed the Stoner Control Arm Triangle as part of the Stoner Control submission family — a set of attacks available from the Stoner Control position that includes this arm triangle, the Stoner Control Calf Crank, and transitions to other rubber guard positions. [1] The technique represents one of the 10th Planet system's most innovative concepts: applying traditionally top-position submissions from bottom position by substituting leg mechanics for gravity and body weight. [1]
SC Arm TriangleStoner TriangleRubber Guard Arm TriangleHead and Arm from StonerStoner Kata GatameJP
History & Origin
The Stoner Control Arm Triangle was developed by Eddie Bravo as part of the Stoner Control submission family within the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, documented in Mastering the Rubber Guard (2006). [1] The technique represents one of the 10th Planet system's most innovative concepts: applying submissions that are traditionally associated with top position (the arm triangle is overwhelmingly used from mount or side control) from the bottom guard position by substituting the rubber guard's leg mechanics for gravity and body weight. [1] This 'bottom-position finishing' philosophy — that the guard player can finish submissions that are usually considered top-position weapons — is a signature theme of the 10th Planet system and one of its most controversial contributions to grappling theory. [1]
Effectiveness
The Stoner Control Arm Triangle is effective because it catches opponents who are unfamiliar with bottom-position arm triangles: most grapplers learn to defend the arm triangle from bottom (when the opponent is on top) but have little experience defending it from top (when the opponent is on bottom applying it with the rubber guard). [1] The leg-compression mechanism actually provides MORE force than the top-position body-weight compression, because the quadriceps can generate forces exceeding 500 pounds while body weight is limited to the attacker's mass. [1] The technique is most effective as part of the Stoner Control submission chain, where the arm triangle is one of several threats the opponent must defend simultaneously. [1]
Lineage
Traditional arm triangle (kata gatame, used from top position) → Eddie Bravo's adaptation for bottom position using rubber guard leg mechanics → documented in Mastering the Rubber Guard (2006) → part of the Stoner Control submission family. [1]
Competition Record
Used in EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational) competition by 10th Planet practitioners. Bottom-position arm triangle finishes are rare in professional grappling but have been demonstrated at the EBI level. The concept of finishing traditionally top-position submissions from bottom guard has influenced modern no-gi grappling innovation.
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — The rubber guard leg presses the opponent's arm inward across their own neck (replacing the top-position body weight that normally forces the arm across in a standard arm triangle), while the attacker's arms wrap around the opponent's head and the trapped arm, completing the triangular choking mechanism
Joints Involved — Attacker's controlling leg: hip (flexion for the high guard position), knee (flexion to hook the leg in position), thigh (adduction to press the opponent's arm inward toward their neck — the quadriceps and adductors provide the compressive force); Attacker's arms: both arms wrap the opponent's head-and-trapped-arm in the arm triangle configuration (one arm under the neck, the other connecting to complete the triangle)
Force Vector — The leg presses the opponent's arm medially (toward the centreline/neck) while the arm wrap compresses the head-and-arm from the outside — the opponent's neck is squeezed between their own trapped arm (pushed inward by the leg) and the attacker's wrapping arms (compressing from outside)
Leverage Principle — The critical innovation is the SUBSTITUTION of leg force for gravity: in a standard top-position arm triangle, the attacker's body weight (approximately 150-200 pounds) provides the compression. In the Stoner Control version, the attacker's quadriceps and hip adductors (among the strongest muscles in the body, capable of generating forces exceeding 500 pounds) replace the body weight, actually providing MORE potential compression than the top-position version despite the positional disadvantage.
Position & Entry
From Stoner Control — Establish the Stoner Control rubber guard position → the controlling leg is positioned across the opponent's upper back/shoulder with the thigh pressing the opponent's trapped arm → use the thigh to push the arm across the opponent's neck → wrap both arms around the head-and-arm to complete the arm triangle → squeeze
From Zombie transition — From the Zombie position, if the opponent's arm is already partially across their neck (from defending the triangle), use the leg to push it further across and establish the arm triangle wrap
After a failed triangle attempt — When the triangle choke fails because the opponent pulls their arm inside (both arms in), use the leg to push one arm back across the neck for the arm triangle
As part of the Stoner Control submission chain — Stoner Control Arm Triangle is one option in the chain: if defended, transition to Stoner Control Calf Crank or back to the triangle/Go-Go Plata
Variants
Standard Stoner Control Arm Triangle — leg pushes the arm across while arms complete the wrap from bottom
Deep Stoner Arm Triangle — the leg threads further across the opponent's body for a deeper arm-across-neck position
Stoner to mounted arm triangle — if the Stoner Arm Triangle is partially defended, sweep to top position and finish the arm triangle from mount
One-arm Stoner Arm Triangle — using only one arm for the wrap while the other hand assists the leg in pressing the arm across
Videos
9 Purple Stoner Control Calf Crush Arm Triangle
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Stoner Control Arm Triangle·Groundworx Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu
Eddie Bravo Vaporizer From Top Stoner Control
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Stoner Control Arm Triangle·JiuJitsuMag
Technique from Jiu-Jitsu Magazine Issue 34 July 2015 http://www.jiujitsumag.com
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The Stoner Control Arm Triangle is a submission technique executed from stoner control (also called stowdown control), a dominant side control position common in 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. According to Groundworx Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu, the technique begins after establishing stoner control by securing the opponent's hips tightly while preventing them from escaping or reaching back. The submission is triggered when the opponent attempts to bridge or reach back with their far-side arm; the top player shoots their bottom arm around the opponent's neck while keeping their opposite arm pinned against the opponent's torso, creating an arm triangle configuration. The instructor emphasizes maintaining tightness throughout and straightening the opponent to apply pressure. Cheat Code Jiu-Jitsu contributes complementary material through their Powder Keg Triangle, which transitions from dogfight position into a triangle using a high underhook on the trap, posting with the free hand, and bringing the leg up the opponent's back before sliding through to lock the triangle choke. While Groundworx focuses on the reactive arm triangle from stoner control when the opponent reaches back, Cheat Code demonstrates the proactive leg-driven transition to triangle from similar ground positions. Both emphasize the importance of leg placement height and body positioning to prevent escape. JiuJitsuMag's Eddie Bravo footage discusses leg lock alternatives (vaporizer/toe-hold compression) from stoner control rather than the arm triangle specifically.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Groundworx Freestyle Jiu-Jitsu — 9 Purple Stoner Control Calf Crush Arm Triangle: Detailed the core stoner control arm triangle mechanics: establishing tight stoner control from lockdown position, waiting for opponent to reach back with far arm, shooting bottom arm around neck while maintaining torso control, and straightening the opponent to finish the choke.
- Cheat Code Jiu Jitsu — Lockdown Half Guard, Part 12: Powder Keg Triangle: Demonstrated triangle transition mechanics from dogfight/high underhook position, emphasizing high leg placement on opponent's back and shoulder, posting with free hand, and the natural arm positioning created by underhook control that facilitates the triangle setup.
- JiuJitsuMag — Eddie Bravo Vaporizer From Top Stoner Control: Provided alternative submissions available from stoner control position (vaporizer/leg compression finishes) and discussed decision-making about whether to pursue leg locks versus other submissions from this control point.
Learn This Technique
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
The arm triangle is a blood choke that compresses both carotid arteries simultaneously (one compressed by the opponent's own arm, the other by the attacker's wrapping arm). Unconsciousness occurs in 5-10 seconds once fully locked. The Stoner Control version's use of leg compression (stronger than arm compression) can produce even faster onset than the standard version. [1]
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Expert
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
✓Master the Stoner Control position FIRST — the arm triangle is a submission from Stoner Control, and the position must be solid before the submission can be attempted (Bravo, 2006). [1] The leg's pressing action replaces body weight: focus on using the THIGH (quadriceps and adductors) to push the opponent's arm across their neck. The arm wrap is secondary — the leg does the heavy work of forcing the arm into choking position. [1] Practise the arm wrap from bottom position in isolation: with a partner on top in a simulated Stoner Control, practise threading both arms around the opponent's head-and-arm to complete the triangle configuration. The bottom-position wrap requires different angles than the top-position wrap. [1] The choke FINISHES by squeezing the arms together while the leg maintains the arm-press: the opponent's carotid artery on one side is compressed by their own arm (held in place by the leg), and the carotid on the other side is compressed by the attacker's wrapping arm. Both carotids must be compressed for the blood choke to produce unconsciousness. [1] Drill the Stoner Control submission chain: Arm Triangle → if defended → Calf Crank → if defended → transition to Zombie for triangle/armbar/Go-Go Plata chain. The continuous offensive cycling prevents the opponent from establishing a stable defensive position. [1]
Common Mistakes
!Not using the leg to press the arm — attempting to push the opponent's arm across their neck with the hands alone (as in a standard arm triangle) from bottom position is extremely difficult; the LEG must provide the pressing force
!Incomplete arm wrap — if the arms do not fully encircle the head-and-arm, the choke cannot compress both carotids and the submission fails
!Losing the Stoner Control position — if the rubber guard leg slips or the position degrades, the arm-pressing force disappears and the arm triangle collapses
!Squeezing before the arm is across — attempting to compress the choke before the opponent's arm is fully across their neck produces a push rather than a choke
!Not maintaining the leg press during the squeeze — the leg must continue pressing the arm inward DURING the arm squeeze; releasing the leg press to focus on the arm squeeze allows the opponent's arm to escape
!Confusion with standard arm triangle mechanics — the bottom-position Stoner version has different angles and force sources than the top-position version; attempting to apply top-position mechanics from bottom produces a weak, ineffective choke
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Prevent the arm from crossing the neck — fighting to keep the arm on the outside of the neck prevents the choking mechanism from developingPosture up — breaking the rubber guard's posture control removes the leg that presses the arm into positionExtract the arm — pulling the trapped arm free from the leg's pressing force collapses the chokeTurn away — turning the body away from the attacking side reduces the choking angleStack — driving the weight forward into the attacker compresses the rubber guard structure and can break the leg control
Setup Chain
1Closed guard → Break posture → Establish rubber guard (Mission Control) → Transition to Stoner Control → Controlling leg presses the opponent's arm across their own neck → Thread arms around the head-and-arm to complete the triangular wrap → Squeeze arms while maintaining leg press → Bilateral carotid compression → Opponent taps
2If defended → transition to Stoner Control Calf Crank or back to Zombie submission chain
Sources & References
Primary Source
Mastering the Rubber Guard (Bravo, 2006)
1Book[1] Bravo, E. with Krauss, E. and Cordoza, G. (2006). Mastering the Rubber Guard: Jiu-Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Competition. Victory Belt Publishing. Stoner Control section.pp. Bravo 2006, Stoner Control Arm Triangle section (pp. 70-72 approximately)
description: [1] Bravo 2006 Stoner Control section
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3Citation[1] Bravo, E. with Krauss, E. and Cordoza, G. (2006). Mastering the Rubber Guard: Jiu-Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Competition. Victory Belt Publishing. Stoner Control section.pp. Bravo 2006, Stoner Control Arm Triangle section (pp. 70-72 approximately)
description: [1] Bravo 2006 Stoner Control section
Community
Athletics
Requires all the hip flexibility needed for rubber guard / Stoner Control
Strong quadriceps and hip adductors for the arm-pressing mechanism
Arm strength for the head-and-arm wrap from an unfamiliar bottom-position angle
Core strength for maintaining the rubber guard structure while executing the submission
Coordination to manage leg pressing and arm squeezing simultaneously
Notes
The stoner control arm triangle applies an arm triangle choke from the stoner control half guard position — combining Eddie Bravo's half guard control with the head-and-arm choke. (Bravo, Mastering the Rubber Guard, 2006)
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my opponent defends the electric chase sweep from stoner control?
If you can't complete the electric chase sweep, transition directly into side control stoner control to maintain your dominant position.
How do I prevent my opponent from grabbing my head during the stoner control arm triangle?
Keep your body tight and close to your opponent, grabbing around their hips to maintain control. Staying close prevents them from creating space to grab your head, which you need to avoid to deploy the submission.
When can I start applying the arm triangle from stoner control?
You need to have the proper angle and control of your opponent's head before you can apply the submission. As soon as they reach back, you can reach over on the neck, lock it up, and apply the triangle while maintaining your lockdown.
Why is it important to keep the stoner control position tight?
The entire stoner control arm triangle system relies on tightness. Staying loose compromises your control and prevents you from effectively setting up and finishing the submission.
How does the Stoner Control Arm Triangle work?
The Stoner Control Arm Triangle applies an arm triangle choke (kata gatame / head-and-arm choke) from the Stoner Control rubber guard position, using the unique leg positioning of the rubber guard to trap the opponent's arm across their own neck rather than relying on the attacker's arms to force the arm into choking position. In a standard arm triangle choke from top position, the attacker must use their arms and body weight to push the opponent's arm across their neck, then wrap their own arm around the head-and-arm to create the choking mechanism — this requires significant upper body strength and positional dominance.
Where does the Stoner Control Arm Triangle come from?
The Stoner Control Arm Triangle was developed by Eddie Bravo as part of the Stoner Control submission family within the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, documented in Mastering the Rubber Guard (2006). The technique represents one of the 10th Planet system's most innovative concepts: applying submissions that are traditionally associated with top position (the arm triangle is overwhelmingly used from mount or side control) from the bottom guard position by substituting the rubber guard's leg mechanics for gravity and body weight.
Is the Stoner Control Arm 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 Stoner Control Arm Triangle?
Danger rating 8/10. The arm triangle is a blood choke that compresses both carotid arteries simultaneously (one compressed by the opponent's own arm, the other by the attacker's wrapping arm). Unconsciousness occurs in 5-10 seconds once fully locked. The Stoner Control version's use of leg compression (stronger than arm compression) can produce even faster onset than the standard version.
How do I set up the Stoner Control Arm Triangle?
The standard setup chain: Closed guard → Break posture → Establish rubber guard (Mission Control) → Transition to Stoner Control → Controlling leg presses the opponent's arm across their own neck → Thread arms around the head-and-arm to complete the triangular wrap → Squeeze arms while maintaining leg press → Bilateral carotid compression → Opponent taps → If defended → transition to Stoner Control Calf Crank or back to Zombie submission chain.
How do I defend against the Stoner Control Arm Triangle?
Standard counters include: Prevent the arm from crossing the neck — fighting to keep the arm on the outside of the neck prevents the choking mec… / Posture up — breaking the rubber guard's posture control removes the leg that presses the arm into position / Extract the arm — pulling the trapped arm free from the leg's pressing force collapses the choke / Turn away — turning the body away from the attacking side reduces the choking angle.
What are the variants of the Stoner Control Arm Triangle?
Common variants: Standard Stoner Control Arm Triangle (leg pushes the arm across while arms complete the wrap fr…); Deep Stoner Arm Triangle (the leg threads further across the opponent's body for a …); Stoner to mounted arm triangle (if the Stoner Arm Triangle is partially defended, sweep t…); One-arm Stoner Arm Triangle (using only one arm for the wrap while the other hand assi…).
How effective is the Stoner Control Arm Triangle in competition?
Used in EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational) competition by 10th Planet practitioners. Bottom-position arm triangle finishes are rare in professional grappling but have been demonstrated at the EBI level.
What are common mistakes when doing the Stoner Control Arm Triangle?
Top errors to watch for: Not using the leg to press the arm — attempting to push the opponent's arm across their neck with the hands alone (as… / Incomplete arm wrap — if the arms do not fully encircle the head-and-arm, the choke cannot compress both carotids and… / Losing the Stoner Control position — if the rubber guard leg slips or the position degrades, the arm-pressing force d… / Squeezing before the arm is across — attempting to compress the choke before the opponent's arm is fully across their….
What are other names for the Stoner Control Arm Triangle?
The Stoner Control Arm Triangle is also known as Sutonā Kontorōru Āmu Toraianguru, SC Arm Triangle, Stoner Triangle, Rubber Guard Arm Triangle, Head and Arm from Stoner.