Introduction and Context

Gordon Ryan addresses a viewer's question about properly executing a body triangle during back control, specifically examining how to respond when an opponent bridges from the underhook side to the overhook side to crush the triangle. The video analyzes multiple match scenarios between Ryan and Craig Jones to demonstrate effective body triangle maintenance and control principles.

Early Career Application

Ryan demonstrates an early example of body triangle control where he maintains the lock while using upper body grips to realign with his opponent. This foundational approach evolves throughout his career into more sophisticated techniques, eventually allowing him to transition into mount position while preserving the body triangle.

Defensive Response to Triangle Switches

When an opponent attempts to switch the body triangle to maintain control of the top hip as the top player rotates, the bottom player can exploit this movement by preventing the feet from recrossing. Ryan demonstrates how recognizing and capitalizing on this switching motion creates an escape opportunity.

Maintaining Triangle Position Without Unlocking

An alternative defensive strategy involves leaving the body triangle locked in place while using it as an anchor to sit up and drive the opponent back to the underhook side. From this repositioned control, the defender can either re-establish the triangle or transition to other submissions such as an armbar.

Preliminary Defenses: Posts and Butterfly Hooks

When taking the back with body triangle control, preliminary defensive positions include posting with the hand and using a butterfly hook to prevent the opponent from transitioning to the overhook side. These techniques make the opponent fully commit to crushing the triangle rather than easily transitioning, buying time for the top player.

Claw Grip and Underhook Recovery

When an opponent aggressively drives to crush the body triangle, the top player can transition from wrist control to a claw grip on the trap while simultaneously sliding an underhook underneath. Using these two grips in combination allows the player to pull the opponent back to the preferred side and immediately transition to strangulation attacks.

Grip Fighting When Triangle Crush Succeeds

If the opponent successfully crushes the body triangle and resists being pulled back to the other side, the top player continues grip fighting to establish a dominant cross grip position. Once this superior grip control is achieved, the player can either trap the arm or re-lock the body triangle on the preferred side.

Strategic Timing of Triangle Unlocking

Ryan emphasizes that effective body triangle control requires maintaining the lock as long as possible and only uncrossing the legs when the player has established a dominant position. This disciplined approach ensures the triangle functions as a control mechanism throughout the exchange rather than being surrendered prematurely.

Gordon Ryan - How to properly use a body triangle

Less Impressed More Involved BJJ

Body Triangle Back Control

3 min read·8 key moments·PT4M54S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction and Context
•Early Career Application
•Defensive Response to Triangle Switches
•Maintaining Triangle Position Without Unlocking

**Giveaway** If we reach 1000 subscribers by the end of the year I will be giving away a $50 BJJ fanatics gift card. Excited to share this milestone with you all and look forward to many giveaways is the future. BJJ Fanatics is also having a 50% off sale at the time of this video so if you have something on your bucket list now might be the time. Gordon Ryan has a ton of instructional videos out including a full breakdown of the back system he employs. If you are interested in getting better at this, there is nobody better to learn from! Go check it out! Craig Jones also has a lot of instructional videos out as well! Shoutout to Matthew and thank you for the comment! Hope this helps! If you enjoy the content please like and subscribe. Support Links: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=66975487 Venmo: https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3461406988960997587 Amazon: Amazon Link https://amzn.to/35nO2LV M1 Finance: https://m1.finance/OISHKrL1BN0T BJJ Fanatics: http://i.refs.cc/h90cAIkh?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjoxNjIyODI4OTd9 Purple belt analysis...don't hate

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about body triangle back control?

This video covers introduction and context, early career application, defensive response to triangle switches. It provides detailed instruction from Less Impressed More Involved BJJ.

How long does it take to learn body triangle back 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.