Understanding the Rear Triangle Advantage

The rear triangle (Ushiro Senkaku) is mechanically superior to other triangle variations, particularly for shorter-legged practitioners attempting to submit larger, broad-shouldered opponents. This instructional segment focuses on practical combat applications of the rear triangle from back control in sparring and competition.

Establishing Turtle Position Control

The instructor begins from turtle position, the optimal starting point for rear triangle entries. A tight waist grip is established with one arm, while the opposite hand bases on the mat and the knee wedges against the opponent's knee to break them down to their hip.

Securing the Arm Lock Setup

With the opponent broken down, both of the opponent's hands are controlled by gripping all four knuckles. The instructor's second hand posts on the opponent's wrist, creating a platform to drive the knee behind the tricep and lock the arm in place.

Executing the Leg Position Transition

The first leg hooks around the opponent's locked arm while the second leg is placed up to initiate the sitting back motion. As the instructor sits back toward the opponent, the hand crosses over the head, the wrist is lifted, and contact is maintained close to the chest.

Establishing the Trap Triangle Base

Both lower legs align and unify, pointing in the same direction to form the trap triangle configuration. From this position, a hand assist is applied to bring the leg triangle upward and transition into the full figure-four lock.

Completing the Submission Setup

The arm is positioned over the wrist as the instructor scrambles to control all angles. This final configuration creates a tight stranglehold ready for the finishing pressure.

Alternative Entry: Directional Breakdown

Starting from turtle position again, the instructor establishes knee control and a tight waist, then moves laterally to pull the opponent toward balance loss. As the opponent falls to their hip, the head crosses over to snatch the hand while maintaining positional dominance.

Wrist Control and Knee Penetration

The second hand pins the wrist from the top, providing a base of support to drive the knee behind the elbow. The foot then kicks around the corner into the proper hooking position.

Wrist-to-Wrist Lock and Leg Unification

The second leg is placed up before sitting down to the floor. From this position, the forearm crosses over the opponent's body, the hand is lifted, and wrist-to-wrist contact is established with veins aligned, while both legs unify for the trap triangle.

Final Positioning and Submission Pressure

Both hands pull the opponent's arm back while the body rotates outward, with both legs maintaining unified lower legs pointing in the same direction. The trap triangle is adjusted into the figure-four configuration, creating a tight stranglehold ready for the finish.

Third Variation: Streamlined Execution

The instructor demonstrates a refined version of the technique, starting from turtle position and establishing tight waist control with knees in close to break the opponent down. After securing both hands and driving the knee behind the triceps, the sequence proceeds directly to sitting back with arm-over-head control.

Practical Application Summary

The rear triangle presents an excellent and highly practical attacking option against turtle position. These variations demonstrate the flexibility and effectiveness of the technique across multiple entry points and positional adjustments.

Entries Into Rear Triangle Back Position by John Danaher

BJJ Fanatics

Triangle From Back

3 min read·12 key moments·PT4M12S video

Key Takeaways

•Understanding the Rear Triangle Advantage
•Establishing Turtle Position Control
•Securing the Arm Lock Setup
•Executing the Leg Position Transition

John Danaher demonstrates one of the best Jiu Jitsu Techniques for Entries Into Rear Triangle Back Position. Here John is showing some of his trademark entries in the rear triangle position. This position is heavily favored by many of his students and members of the Danaher Death Squad. This is a technique off of his instructional series "Triangles: Enter The System." John Danaher is arguably the most infamous Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor on the planet. Some of his students include Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon, Georges St. Pierre, and Nicky Ryan. To learn more from John Danaher visit https"//bjjfanatics.com. BJJ Fanatics was started by a pair of black belts (Bernardo Faria & Michael Zenga) who feel that nothing is more important than improving your BJJ skills as much as possible in the least amount of time. Their aim was to create a shop for BJJ Students who don’t look at BJJ as a sport – but as a lifestyle. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAqme-CE-yLm01BV5nUjPPA Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/733553463659020/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjj.fanatics/?hl=en 15% OFF On All Of Our BJJ Instructional Videos - Use Coupon Code: FANATICSYOUTUBE Website: http://bjjfanatics.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about triangle from back?

This video covers understanding the rear triangle advantage, establishing turtle position control, securing the arm lock setup. It provides detailed instruction from BJJ Fanatics.

How long does it take to learn triangle from back?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 12-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.

Step-by-Step Breakdown12 steps