What is the Body Triangle
The body triangle is executed by wrapping one leg around the opponent's waist while in back control, creating a triangular lock with the legs. This position is superior to traditional hook-based back control for maintaining dominant positional hold.
Why Body Triangle Dominates Back Control
The body triangle provides the most secure form of back control available in grappling. Elite competitors at ADCC and EBI consistently utilize this position when seeking to establish and maintain control, unless physical limitations prevent proper leg positioning.
The Control vs. Maneuverability Trade-off
While the body triangle excels at positional control, it can limit offensive maneuvering capability due to mutual restriction of movement. Practitioners must balance holding the position with transitioning into submissions by alternating between direct hip-to-hip control and lever-based spine control.
Managing Opponent Side Switches
When the opponent attempts to switch sides, the practitioner must mirror the movement by switching the body triangle and lacing the foot behind the opponent's knee. This simultaneous adjustment maintains control and prevents the opponent from exploiting the transition gap.
Preventing Leg Entanglement During Transitions
As the opponent switches sides, the near-side leg can become trapped underneath the opponent's body, compromising control and creating vulnerability to leg lock attempts. The practitioner should place their foot on the opponent's leg during the switch to maintain a control placeholder throughout the transition.
The Step-Step-Switch Technique
For practitioners with limited flexibility, a deliberate 'step-step-switch' footwork pattern provides superior control during body triangle transitions compared to rapid flipping. This measured approach ensures no gaps in control coverage when dealing with active opponents or when flexibility is a limiting factor.
Flexibility and Technical Shortcuts
Highly flexible practitioners can streamline the body triangle switch by rapidly repositioning their legs without relying on control placeholders. However, systematic control methods benefit all practitioners by establishing reliable progressions that prevent positional compromises regardless of individual physical attributes.
Body Triangle Concepts - Code "BLACKFRIDAY" 25% OFF
Key Takeaways
- •What is the Body Triangle
- •Why Body Triangle Dominates Back Control
- •The Control vs. Maneuverability Trade-off
- •Managing Opponent Side Switches
Here Rob and I talk about Body Triangle concepts from Back Control. This is a video from one of our Pedagogy membership subscriber in the QnA section. Each month we take your questions in our Facebook group and answer them! A way we wanted to add extra value to the premium membership, and be able to help you with your questions if we haven't filmed a video yet on a topic you're interested in. Coupon code "BLACKFRIDAY" for 25% off ends on Cyber Monday December 2, 2019. Click here for the details – https://go.bjjconcepts.net/ytlink
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about under body triangle?
This video covers what is the body triangle, why body triangle dominates back control, the control vs. maneuverability trade-off. It provides detailed instruction from RVV BJJ.
How long does it take to learn under body triangle?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing under body triangle?
For practitioners with limited flexibility, a deliberate 'step-step-switch' footwork pattern provides superior control during body triangle transitions compared to rapid flipping. This measured approach ensures no gaps in control coverage when dealing with active opponents or when flexibility is a limiting factor.
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