Triangle Choke
Also known as triangle, sankaku jime, triângulo
A leg strangle that traps the neck and one arm inside a triangular leg configuration.
At a glance
- Family
- Submission
- Format
- Gi & no-gi
- Level
- Fundamental
- Connections
- 4 techniques
Concept
What it is
The triangle choke uses the attacker's legs to surround the opponent's neck and one arm. By controlling posture and turning the trapped shoulder into one side of the strangle, the attacker can finish without relying on upper-body strength.
Triangle systems include front, reverse, side, rear, and mounted variations. The position also connects to armbars, omoplatas, sweeps, and back takes when the opponent changes posture.
Core mechanics
Key principles
- Create one-arm-in, one-arm-out alignment.
- Control posture before locking the legs.
- Turn the angle so the trapped shoulder crosses the neck.
- Keep the knee line tight while avoiding pressure on your own knee.
System map
How it connects
Jiu-jitsu techniques work in sequences. These are common conceptual routes in, productive next steps, and the defensive priorities that shape the exchange.
Common entries
Closed guard
Move an arm across the centerline as the legs climb over the shoulders.
Spider guard
Extend one arm and pull the opposite arm across while lifting the hips.
Mount
Walk above the elbows and step a leg around the head.
Next actions
Armbar
Control and extend the trapped arm when posture prevents the choke.
Omoplata
Rotate around the arm if the opponent drives into the leg configuration.
Sweep
Use the locked upper body to reverse an opponent who postures or stacks.
Defensive priorities
Posture
Recover head height and align the trapped elbow before the angle closes.
Knee-line opening
Create space at the locking knee without twisting into the strangle.
Early hand position
Keep both elbows from crossing into one-arm-in, one-arm-out alignment.
Competition connections
Athletes associated with Triangle Choke
Mica Galvão
Mika Jiu-Jitsu (MJJ)
Charles Oliveira
Chute Boxe Diego Lima / Macaco Gold Team
Alexandre "Xande" Ribeiro
Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu
Mikey Musumeci
Five-time IBJJF black-belt World Champion, inaugural ONE flyweight submission grappling champion, and technical guard specialist known for the Mikey Lock.
Keep exploring
Related techniques
Guard
Closed Guard
A foundational guard in which the bottom player closes their legs around the opponent to control posture and build sweeps or submissions.
Submission
Armbar
A straight armlock that controls the shoulder and wrist while using the hips as the fulcrum against the elbow.
Submission
Omoplata
A shoulder lock and sweeping position that wraps the legs around an isolated arm while the attacker rotates beside the opponent.
Guard
Spider Guard
A sleeve-control guard that places one or both feet on the opponent's arms to manage distance, break posture, and create sweeping angles.
Rules and reference sources
Rules evolve. The official organizer documents below are the source of truth for competition legality; the guide above explains the technique conceptually.