The triangle choke in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is far more than just a technique. First, it is a very very effective move to finish any opponent. It works at all levels, from white to black belt and across all competition formats. Furthermore, the triangle is one of the most recognizable symbols of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Plenty of associations out there have adopted the triangle into their academy logo in one way or another. Gracie Barra is arguably the most famous one that has the triangle as their representative. So, it is no wonder that a variation of the technique is so favored by one of GB’s standouts, Victor Estima. Victor and his brother, Braulio, are known for their prowess with triangle chokes and in particular, the reverse triangle choke.
What the Estima brothers did is take this variation to the highest level imaginable. The reverse triangle choke does not differ greatly to the traditional triangle. It’s only about angles and details, as we’ll see further on. The trick is that while the regular triangle is most often done from full guard, or, in some instances, from the mount, the reverse triangle choke can be set from a multitude of positions. This diversity means that those who master this less known Jiu-Jitsu choke are going to have enormous success with it.
The Reverse Triangle Choke
The original concept behind the triangle choke is that a grappler creates a triangle-shaped structure with their legs in order to strangle an opponent. Since an effective choke cannot be done just with our legs, the opponent’s limbs area big part of the puzzle as well. For a triangle, one arm of the opponent has to be inside the triangle structure created with the legs. The leg that is on our opponent’s neck creates two sides of the triangle. The thigh puts pressure on one of the carotid arteries, while the shin keeps the posture of the opponent under control. The other leg traps the opponent’s arm behind their armpit. It is the third side of the triangle structure. The final choking structure is the shoulder of the opponent’s arm. It is actually the direct source of pressure on the second carotid artery.
WIth the reverse triangle choke, the structure remains pretty much the same. It is only the positioning of the major structures that is a little bit different. For starters, the leg that builds two of the three sides of the triangle is now the opposite leg than that in a traditional triangle. Everything else is pretty much the same, the other leg threads under the arm and completes the triangle structure.
In order to finish the reverse triangle choke, one needs to think about angles before squeezing. In those terms, the best bet is to try and get your opponent’s head as close as possible to the mats. it is a crucial point in the tightness of the reverse triangle choke that you mustn’t overlook!
Sneaky Reverse Triangle Choke Attacks Off Your Back
one of the best characteristics of the reverse triangle choke is that it is very easy to get while in bottom side control. The bottom side is a position that is rarely seen as an attacking one in grappling martial arts. The Reverse triangle choke, however, changes that premise.
While on the bottom, the positioning of your partner’s body opens them up perfectly for the reverse triangle. Their head is already on the side you want it and it is fairly close to your legs. Moreover, you do not need to overexert and move in order to trap the head with your legs. It just takes a little reverse crunch and you’re there. Once you trap your opponent’s head you’re halfway there. The focus is now on trapping that opposite side arm so that you have shoulder pressure to finish the choke.
Getting to the opposite side arm is very easy if you’re proficient with the move. If you’re a bit slow, and your opponent is aware of the danger, though, you might need to work for it. Namely, once you get their head they’ll try like hell to posture up before you trap the arm. Luckily there’s a very easy solution on the subject. here’s the sequence of events you need in order to hit the reverse triangle choke from the bottom. The leg over the head si the first thing you need to look for. Then, look to control the arm that is closest to you with your hands. You might even threaten with a straight armlock to switch their attention. That way you both get better control, other attacking possibilities and the opening you need to close the other leg into the triangle. The tap is imminent.
Hidden Top Game Reverse Triangle Choke options
N terms of getting triangle s from the top, unless you’re into flying submissions, the mount is the only “classical’ attacking position. Even then, you’ll need some elaborate maneuvering against a seasoned opponent.
The reverse triangle choke, much like from the bottom, eliminates these obstacles. Since we already covered bottom side control, let’s see how to set up the reverse triangle from top side control. When on top, you need one of two things in order to get in place for the reverse triangle choke. You either need to have the arm of your opponent that’s closest to you in between your legs or pinned with your inner leg. This is the leg that closer to your opponent’s hips when in side control.
From there you need to get your other leg over their head. the beauty here is that you could do all this while attacking a kimura or armlock on the opposite side arm. If arm lock attacks fail, all you need to do is either lock your legs right there or roll your opponent over on top. Don’t worry about giving up a position as there are no points for side control reversal. Also, you’ll have them in a tight choke that’s extremely difficult to escape. Of course, the arm locks are still viable threats from there. So, however you look at it, you’re going to get the tap.
For more hidden Jiu-Jitsu moves and secrets, including the reverse triangle choke, make sure you look into Luis Panza’s “Hidden BJJ Secrets” DVD set. Check Techniques list and everything that Luiz Panza Offers in his Instructional.
Everything about BJJ Chokes – Systematization, Anatomy, Efficiency
