Triangle Choke in MMA: Basic Technique, Variations, and Tips

In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), being able to execute a variety of submissions is critical for success. One of the most versatile and effective submissions is the triangle choke. This move is not only powerful, but also has a wide range of set-ups and variations that make it difficult for opponents to defend against.

In this article, we will explore the basic technique of the triangle choke, as well as some of its variations and when to use them in MMA. We will also provide tips and tricks for executing the triangle choke effectively and avoiding common mistakes. Whether you’re an experienced MMA fighter or a beginner looking to add new tools to your arsenal, this article will help you understand the ins and outs of the triangle choke and how to use it to your advantage.

Basic Technique of Triangle Choke

The triangle choke is a submission hold that is applied from the guard position. It involves trapping your opponent’s head and one arm with your legs to create a triangle, and then applying pressure to the neck to cut off their blood supply and make them submit. Here’s a breakdown of the basic steps involved in executing a triangle choke:

A. Set up from the guard position

The first step in applying a triangle choke is to get into the guard position, with your back on the ground and your opponent in between your legs. From here, you want to control your opponent’s posture and prevent them from posturing up by using your legs, arms, and grips.

Once you have established control, you can start to set up the triangle choke by creating an opening for your leg to go over your opponent’s shoulder. One common way to do this is to use a hip bump sweep to create space and force your opponent to react.

B. Creating the triangle with your legs

Once you have an opening, you want to bring one leg over your opponent’s shoulder and under their armpit, while the other leg remains across their back. Your ankle should be tucked behind your knee, forming a tight triangle around your opponent’s neck and one arm.

C. Tightening the choke and finishing the submission

To apply the choke, you want to use your legs to squeeze your opponent’s neck and one arm, while pulling down on their head with your arms. This will cut off the blood supply to their brain and make them feel dizzy and disoriented.

To finish the submission, you can use your free hand to grab your shin and pull it towards your body, creating even more pressure on your opponent’s neck. Alternatively, you can use your legs to pivot your body and adjust the angle of the choke, making it even tighter and more difficult to escape.

When you master the basic triangle choke technique, you will be able to apply it in a variety of MMA situations and positions. In the next section, we will explore some of the variations of the triangle choke and when to use them.

Variations of the Triangle Choke

The triangle choke is a adaptable submission hold that can be applied from a variety of positions and angles. By understanding the different variations of the triangle choke, you can be more effective at using this move in MMA. Here are three common variations of the triangle choke:

Arm-in triangle choke

In the arm-in triangle choke, you trap your opponent’s arm inside the triangle, making it more difficult for them to defend or escape. To set up this variation, you can use a technique like the kimura or the guillotine to force your opponent’s arm across their body, and then lock in the triangle with your legs.

One advantage of the arm-in triangle choke is that it allows you to attack both the neck and the arm simultaneously. If your opponent tries to defend the choke by straightening their arm, you can transition to an armbar or an omoplata submission.

Reverse triangle choke

In the reverse triangle choke, you trap your opponent’s head and arm with your legs in the opposite direction, with their head facing away from you. This can be a more difficult variation to set up, but it can be very effective if your opponent is trying to pass your guard or escape from the traditional triangle choke.

To set up the reverse triangle choke, you can use a technique like the arm drag to get behind your opponent, and then pivot your body to lock in the triangle. The reverse triangle choke puts pressure on the carotid artery and can cause your opponent to lose consciousness quickly, making it a very dangerous submission.

Side triangle choke

In the side triangle choke, you apply the triangle from a different angle, with your opponent on their side rather than on their back. This variation can be effective if your opponent is turtled up or trying to defend from side control.

To set up the side triangle choke, you can use a technique like the armbar to force your opponent to turn onto their side, and then wrap your legs around their neck and arm to create the triangle. The side triangle choke is a tight submission hold that can be difficult to defend against, especially if your opponent is already in a compromised position.

It is possible to be more protean and effective in your submission game in MMA by understanding the different variations of the triangle choke and when to use them.

When and How to Use the Triangle Choke in MMA

The triangle choke is a powerful submission hold that can be used in a variety of situations in MMA. By understanding when and how to use the triangle choke, you can become a more effective fighter and improve your chances of finishing a fight. Here are some tips on when and how to use the triangle choke in MMA:

Using the triangle choke from the guard

The most common position to use the triangle choke from is the guard, where you are on your back and your opponent is in between your legs. One effective way to set up the triangle choke from the guard is to use a technique like the armbar or the kimura to force your opponent to defend, and then transition to the triangle choke when they try to escape.

Another way to set up the triangle choke from the guard is to use a sweep to create space and force your opponent to react. For example, you can use a scissor sweep or a flower sweep to create an opening for your leg to go over your opponent’s shoulder and lock in the triangle.

Using the triangle choke from other positions

The triangle choke can also be applied from other positions in MMA, such as the mount, the side control, or the back. One effective way to set up the triangle choke from the mount is to use a technique like the armbar or the Americana to force your opponent to defend, and then transition to the triangle choke when they try to escape.

From the side control position, you can use a technique like the armbar or the keylock to force your opponent to turn onto their side, and then wrap your legs around their neck and arm to create the triangle. From the back position, you can use a technique like the rear naked choke to force your opponent to defend, and then transition to the triangle choke when they try to escape.

Using the triangle choke as a threat

Even if you don’t finish the triangle choke, using it as a threat can be an effective way to control your opponent and set up other attacks. By threatening the triangle choke, you can force your opponent to defend and open up other opportunities for submission or striking.

To use the triangle choke as a threat, you can lock in the triangle but not apply pressure, or use the threat of the triangle to set up other techniques like the armbar or the omoplata. By keeping your opponent guessing and reacting to your attacks, you can gain a tactical advantage in the fight.

When used correctly, the triangle choke can make you a more dangerous fighter in MMA. It is a valuable tool to have in your submission arsenal, whether you use it to finish a fight or to control your opponent.

Coclusion

The triangle choke is an effective submission hold in the world of mixed martial arts. With its various setups and variations, it can be used in a variety of situations and positions to finish a fight. By mastering the basic technique and understanding the different variations of the triangle choke, fighters can become more versatile in their submission game and improve their chances of success. It is important to remember that the triangle choke requires proper technique and setup, and should be used strategically rather than as a go-to move in every situation.