BJJ Triangle Choke: Complete Guide to Setup, Finish, and Variations
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 2 min read·🔄 Mar 31, 2026
☰Contents
Master the BJJ triangle choke: setup from closed guard, arm across, angle adjustment, finish mechanics, and triangle variations.
Contents
Why the Triangle is the Most Versatile Choke in BJJ
The triangle choke works from guard, mount, back, and from top positions. It combines a blood choke (carotid compression) with a neck crank element, making it effective even against large opponents. Once mastered, the triangle opens a universe of combination attacks — armbar, omoplata, and wristlock all flow naturally from triangle attempts.
Triangle Setup from Closed Guard
- Break posture (collar drag or sleeve control)
- Control opposite sleeve (right hand grips left sleeve)
- Shoot left leg over right shoulder — the leg shoots to the same side as the controlled sleeve
- Lock figure-4: left ankle behind right knee
- Cut angle by turning hips 45° away
- Pull head down and extend hips to finish
⚠️ Common mistake: Shooting the leg to the WRONG side. The leg shoots to the SAME side as the arm that is across. If you control the left sleeve, shoot the RIGHT leg over.
Making It Tight: The Three Keys
- Arm across centerline: The trapped arm must be fully across — shoulder at the neck, not the arm at the neck
- Angle: Turn 45° away from the trapped arm; this puts your leg bone directly on the carotid artery
- Head down: Pull opponent's head toward your hip; this closes the gap and completes the squeeze
Triangle Variations
| Variation | Entry | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Guard triangle | Closed/open guard | Most common |
| Inverted triangle | Upside down when opponent stacks | Stack defense |
| Triangle from mount | When opponent defends choke from top | Mount finishing |
| Triangle from back | Body triangle → leg triangle transition | Back control finishing |
| Flying triangle | From standing, jumping | Advanced / No-gi |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my triangle feel loose even when locked?
Usually angle. Most failed triangles are aimed at the neck rather than at the carotid artery. Turn 45° away from the trapped arm and make sure your THIGH (not knee) is pressing into the side of the neck. If your knee is what is pressing, you are not at the right angle.
What do I do when opponent stacks in my triangle?
Hip escape to one side (do not fight the stack directly), or switch to inverted triangle by posting on your shoulder and inverting. The key is to not tighten your triangle while being stacked — this lets them drive further in.
Can the triangle be finished in no-gi?
Yes — the triangle is equally effective gi and no-gi. In no-gi, you lose collar grips for the setup but the same arm-across principle applies. Control the wrist instead of sleeve, use underhooks to set up the angle, and the finish mechanics are identical.