Establishing Side Control Dominance

Before transitioning to the triangle, the instructor establishes a dominant side control position with both knees in contact with the opponent's body—one knee at the head, the other near the hips. The practitioner maintains toes on the mat rather than flat feet, keeps hips low, and stays chest-to-chest to prevent escape.

Isolating the Opponent's Arm

With the opponent's arm isolated and held tightly against their body, the instructor begins opening the lapel by peeling it away from the chest. The lapel is then passed over the opponent's elbow—not behind it—to prevent arm defense.

Trapping Both Arms with Lapel Control

The instructor feeds the first lapel underneath the opponent's head to the opposite hand, creating a tight grip that traps the first arm. The second lapel is then opened and passed over, with the wrist brought underneath the neck to lift the head and isolate the second arm.

The Foot Positioning and Step-Over

The instructor posts one hand on the mat while executing a windshield-wiper motion with the foot below the opponent's arm, tucking it underneath the back. From this position, a large step over the head with the opposite leg initiates the triangle transition from side control.

Securing the Triangle Lock

Once the leg is positioned over the head, the instructor releases the lapel grip and immediately locates the shin to lock the triangle. The knee is placed on the floor to tighten the lock and achieve a mounted triangle position for finishing.

Finishing Options: Arm Trap Variation

From the mounted triangle, the instructor can squeeze the knees while pulling the head, or transition to an armlock by turning the opponent's wrist so the pinky points toward the attacker's hip. This arm isolation ensures proper elbow positioning against the hip for maximum leverage.

Adjusting the Triangle During Escape Attempts

If the opponent bumps forward or the attacker loses balance, the response is to immediately place the foot on the opponent's hips, adjust the knee position, and re-lock the triangle. The practitioner can then finish with either a standard head pull or an armlock, depending on positioning.

Mirroring the Technique to the Opposite Side

The instructor demonstrates the complete sequence on the opposite side, following the same progression: arm isolation, lapel opening and feeding, foot positioning with the windshield-wiper motion, and the step-over to the triangle. The finishing mechanics and adjustment principles remain identical regardless of which side is attacked.

Best Way To Set Up The Triangle Choke From Side Control

Giancarlo Bodoni

Triangle From Side Control

2 min read·8 key moments·PT5M37S video

Key Takeaways

•Establishing Side Control Dominance
•Isolating the Opponent's Arm
•Trapping Both Arms with Lapel Control
•The Foot Positioning and Step-Over

Best Way To Set Up The Triangle Choke From Side Control // Side Control is often a position that people who are unfamiliar with it think doesn't provide many submission options which couldn't be further from the truth. Here I show one of my favorite submissions, the triangle choke from side control. Not only will your opponent not see this coming, they wont be able to stop it either because of the way I use the lapel to trap the arm. Both arms completely isolated and an exposed neck is bad news for you opponent and is a great time to attack this triangle choke. // If you guys like this video please LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE with your friends to help me grow my channel. As always I want to be able to share as much of my knowledge and experience as I can with my followers so if you ever have questions on any techniques or anything bjj related, feel free to ask me on here or any of my social media platforms below: https://www.facebook.com/giancarlobodoni/?ref=settings Instagram/Twitter: @giancarlobodoni Also guys if you like my instruction and want some more in-depth techniques please go check out my instructional courses at this link: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/submission-arsenal-closed-guard-by-giancarlo-bodoni https://bjjfanatics.com/products/closed-guard-arsenal-sweeps-back-takes-by-giancarlo-bodoni I will also be instructing at a BJJ camp in the Philippines in September of this year. If you love BJJ and want to train in paradise make sure you sign up for the Balikbayan BJJ Camp at the link below: http://balikbayanbjj.com/ For the best and purest CBD Products out there check out https://kannaway.com/index.html OSSSS!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about triangle from side control?

This video covers establishing side control dominance, isolating the opponent's arm, trapping both arms with lapel control. It provides detailed instruction from Giancarlo Bodoni.

How long does it take to learn triangle from side control?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.