Arm Trap Triangle Set Up from Closed Guard
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Arm Trap Triangle·Eduardo Fraga BJJ
Prof. Eduardo teaches a set up for the triangle choke from the closed guard. Using a 2-on-1 grip to drag your opponent's…
Arm Trap Triangle
SubFamilyArm・Trap・トライアングル(Arm Trap Triangle)
Translation: arm trap triangle
Overview
The Arm Trap Triangle controls the opponent's arm first (trapping it across the body), then uses the trapped arm as leverage to lock in a triangle choke from guard. [1]
Arm Control TriangleTrapped Arm Triangle Choke
History & Origin
MMA-adapted submission. [1]
Effectiveness
Proven at highest levels of MMA competition. [1]
Lineage
MMA submission methodology. [1]
Competition Record
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Submission mechanics for Arm Trap Triangle
Position & Entry
From MMA position — Set up and execute arm trap triangle
Variants
Standard Arm Trap Triangle
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
Submission with fight-ending potential
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
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
✓Practise the striking-to-submission transition (Penn et al., 2007)
Common Mistakes
!Abandoning position for the submission
!Poor grip
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Position → Strikes → Arm Trap Triangle
Sources & References
Primary Source
Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge (Penn, Cordoza & Krauss, 2007)
1Book[1] Penn, B.J., Cordoza, G. and Krauss, E. (2007). Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9777315-6-5.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Penn, B
2Citation[1] Penn, B.J., Cordoza, G. and Krauss, E. (2007). Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9777315-6-5.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Penn, B
Community
Athletics
Good grip strength
Submission finishing ability
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I properly trap the arm before setting up the triangle?
According to Eduardo Fraga, you want to trap the hand first, then hook the arm and push it in to set up the triangle. The key is to really control and lean into trapping that arm before you proceed with the submission.
What's the correct way to lock and finish the arm trap triangle?
Eduardo Fraga emphasizes placing your arm across first, then grabbing the head and shin, stepping and pulling. Make sure your foot is lower than your knee when you lock—if you lock it too high, it will be harder to finish.
What should I avoid when gripping for the arm trap triangle setup?
Eduardo Fraga cautions against certain grip positions, stressing that you need to control and lean in properly to trap the arm. Improper grips won't give you the control needed to secure the setup.
How does the Arm Trap Triangle work?
The Arm Trap Triangle controls the opponent's arm first (trapping it across the body), then uses the trapped arm as leverage to lock in a triangle choke from guard.
Where does the Arm Trap Triangle come from?
MMA-adapted submission.
Is the Arm Trap 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 Arm Trap Triangle?
Danger rating 8/10. Submission with fight-ending potential
How do I set up the Arm Trap Triangle?
The standard setup chain: Position → Strikes → Arm Trap Triangle.
How do I defend against the Arm Trap Triangle?
Standard counters include: Posture / Stack / Guard pass.
What are the variants of the Arm Trap Triangle?
Common variants: Standard Arm Trap Triangle.
How effective is the Arm Trap Triangle in competition?
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Arm Trap Triangle?
Top errors to watch for: Abandoning position for the submission / Poor grip.
What are other names for the Arm Trap Triangle?
The Arm Trap Triangle is also known as Arm Trap Triangle, Arm Control Triangle, Trapped Arm Triangle Choke.