BJJ

10 Tips to Get More Taps in the Execution of Triangle Choke

10 Tips to Get More Taps in the Execution of Triangle Choke

The triangle choke is a submission method in Brazilian jiu-jitsu , it is a figure-four choke hold that targets the opponent’s neck. This choking method is similar to the shape of the triangle, which is why it is known as the triangle choke.


Triangle choke is the lethal weapon with the highest success percentage. This effective submission method can be applied from various positions and provides maximum opportunities for the BJJ grappler.


The joint lock encircles the opponent’s neck and restricts air and blood supply. The triangle choke is regarded as the perfect choke with the highest percentage. In this article, you will explore the mechanism of triangle choke, and we will provide expert tips on executing the submission method of triangle choke.

10 Tips to Get More Taps in the Execution of Triangle Choke

1. Learn about Triangle Choke Mechanism

Learn about Triangle Choke Mechanism

The triangle choke is a submission technique that uses the legs. The fighter targets the opponent’s head, and pressure is applied with the legs. It is not as easy as it seems to be, but this profound method is the most effective tool in the BJJ arsenal.


The triangle choke is a chokehold that can be applied from various positions. The self-defense method of Figure Four involves taking control of an opponent's head. In addition, the fighter isolates one shoulder, which also helps to execute the triangle choke.


The fighter places the calf muscles at the back of the neck and creates the hook with the other leg. Meanwhile, they put their hands at the back of their heads and begin to pull them downward. This creates a stretch in the muscles, and the stress will create intense pressure in the opponent's neck. This execution of the submission method forms a triangle, which is why it is known as a triangle choke.


When the triangle choke submission method is perfectly executed, it compels the fighter to tap out. The legs are wrapped around the neck, stopping the flow of blood towards the brain. Consequently, it creates intense pressure and leaves only one option: tapping out.


Note that if the triangle choke is applied for more than 9 seconds, it can make the person unconscious and can cause a drastic effect on them and may cause death. 

2. 10 Tips for the Execution of Triangle Choke

10 Tips for the Execution of Triangle Choke

Do you want to be the perfect submission grappler? Let's find out the tips for executing the perfect triangle choke method.


This article will help you to get a perfect understanding of the application of the triangle choke. You will find out the variations of positions, and we will guide you to control the opponent from the various sides to get control over the upper and the lower body.

2.1. The Perfect Position

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a versatile sport based on the fundamentals of submission methods, chokes, and joint locks. In the triangle choke submission method, the fighter is required to stay more vigilant in applying the submission method.


The triangle choke is the adaptable submission method that can be applied from multiple positions. The first step is to attain the proper position; it can be executed from the bottom and top positions.

  • Guard position: The triangle choke submission is a method that provides different entries. The popular stranglehold is most commonly used from the front position . The BJJ fighter can enter from the guard position and be used in GI and no-GI tournaments.
  • Top Position: The other presiding position executes the triangle choke from the top. If the fighter does not find it effective during the bout
  • Spider guard position: You can trap the opponent from the spider guard position.
  • Drilling method: With this method, you will learn about the various positions for executing the strangle.
  • Correct finish:  The execution of the choke depends on the proper finish of the submission method; if you have trapped your opponent in the triangle choke or he is not tapping out, it signifies that you have to work on it for the proper execution; otherwise, you will not succeed.
  • Leg X guard position: Explore the different ways to apply the stranglehold; you can also use the leg X guard position for the triangle choke. In this way, the BJJ grappler can go for the submission method of triangle choke.

2.2. Right and Left Execution

The martial art of BJJ is a dynamic sport that provides maximum possibilities. This way, the grapplers can avail many more opportunities to submit the opponent. For the application of the triangle choke, most fighters use the left side to choke the opponent.

  • If you are unable to hold the strangle, then you can execute the triangle choke from the right side. This creates the maximum possibilities for the BJJ grappler. Most of the fighters are unaware of it, and they will quickly get trapped in the  choke.
  • Fighters can follow the tip to leave no space between themselves when they target the opponent's neck. If there is no gap in the joint locks, then the opponent will have no chance of escaping.

2.3. Control Over the Wrist

The submission methods of Brazilian jiu-jitsu depend on controlling the opponent. This requires a few steps. For instance, in order to apply the triangle choke submission method, the BJJ fighter needs to control the wrist.


It will serve various purposes, making the opponent much more concerned about getting out of it. The opponent will not focus on the execution of the submission method. The control of the wrist will allow the fighter to perform the remaining for the execution of the submission method.


The opponent will work to isolate his wrist and give you the path to employ the rest of the steps. In this way, you can attain the specified position of targeting the opponent’s neck. Note that taking the accurate position is essential to the triangle choke. 

2.4. Focus on the Variations of Triangle Choke

A triangle choke is a powerful strangle that can be applied from different sides. As a beginner, it has been recommended to work on the execution from the front position. Once you get proficient in it, you can work on the different variations of the triangle choke.


It is the game changer in Brazilian jiu-jitsu BJJ; the versatile and effective method can make you the perfect jiu-jitsu grappler. You can look up to the multiple variations of the triangle choke that include:

  • Side triangle choke
  • Reverse triangle choke

2.5. Target the Upper Body

The submission method is based on small steps that create a significant difference. The BJJ fighter needs to take control of the upper body; this will be done by taking control of the opponent's head.

  • As it has been discussed, the strangles work well if it is executed after attaining the accurate position and perfect timing .
  • Once you have prevented the movement of the head, the next step is to restrict the movement of the arm. This is done by locking the opponent's shoulder with the leg hook.
  • The fighter must place the leg over the shoulder so there will be less or no space for moving back. This tip will allow you to control the opponent's upper body .

2.6. Work in Different ways

Stay ready for the following action plan, and keep it to your consideration to focus on the next move. If the opponent succeeds in getting out of the submission method, you have various options. This is the best part of Brazilian jiu-jitsu; it offers multiple ways to subdue the opponent.

  • Successful grapplers are not restricted to one submission method; they act on versatility.
  • If your triangle choke method is not working, and your opponent has escaped from the strangle, you need to focus on the other ways to pin your opponent.

2.7. Target the Head

Target the Head
Photo Credit: @gumacliftonnj

The head is the most dominant part of the body. To trap the opponent's head with the submission method, you need to go through various steps. The BJJ fighter is required to target small areas in order to gain control over the opponent’s head.

  • Break the opponent's posture, and do not let them take control over you. This will be achieved by working on the smaller details, starting by trapping the opponent from the upper or lower body. Make the hook with your legs; this will restrict the movement of the lower body.
  • Keep in mind that all of the steps are interrelated, requiring a lot of coordination and coherence. Maintaining posture in the application of the triangle choke is the most significant component of the chokehold.
  • Once you have control over the opponent’s head, create the leg lock without keeping a space in between.
  • Maintain the pressure you exert. Once you have locked the opponent in a triangle choke, use your hands to pull the hand downward. This step will ensure the successful application of the triangle choke, and your opponent will have only one option: tap out.

2.8. Align the Posture

Once you have targeted the opponent's head, you must change position by aligning the posture.

  • You have to hold the shoulder and not let them move it back. You need to thrust the hips upward and align the legs in a way that will lock up a person in that particular place.
  • You might have used the open guard method for the strangle: look their shoulder in place by placing your leg over it and, without delay, place the leg over the other to make a hook.
  • Keep your body aligned to reduce the space; this tip will provide the maximum rate of success.

2.9. Take the Control Over the Legs

Any submission method must be applied after controlling the specified area. The fighter must take control of the lower body by holding his legs. In this way, there will be no chance for them to escape out of the triangle choke.


Locking up the posture: The control is taken over the opponent by locking up the posture. It is achieved by taking control over the lower body; although it is not targeted in the submission method, it will prevent the space.


Pull your knee : You can control the opponent with these two steps: as you have trapped the head in the triangle, you must lock it in place by pulling your knee along with the torso. This step will make them uneasy, and you will break their posture successfully.


 Pull your shin: The next significant move is to pull your shin; this will create immense pressure on the neck of the opponent. They will get choked with the blockage of the blood supply; they will go for a tap.


Pull their head: If you are unable to grab the shin, you can pull their head downward. This tip also works effectively. 

2.10. Finishing of the Submission Method

It required a lot of determination and potential to reach the finishing step of the triangle choke. Making your opponent tap out is manageable, but strenuous effort is needed to finish the submission method.


Consistency and timing: It requires consistency, and the fighter needs to work on the timing. If the correct method is executed at the wrong time, it will produce zero results. Timing and execution work side by side.


Take maximum control : Work on taking control over the opponent; this skill is achieved by having maximum control over the joint locks, positioning, and control over the opponent.


In this way, fighters can increase their capabilities and have a higher success rate. Once you have found the correct way to execute the triangle choke, you can work on it to make it the perfect submission method with the highest percentage. 

3. FAQs

3.1. Why I cannot finish the triangle choke submission?

There are so many reasons behind that. Let us find out the possible reasons:

  • If you have not locked the opponent's shoulder, they will find a way to escape.
  • There might be a space in between that will allow your opponent to get out of the submission method.
  • If you have executed all of the steps and adequately applied the pressure on the targeted head, then it will let them get away from your strangle.

3.2. How to do the perfect triangle choke with short legs?

You might be facing a huge opponent in front of you, but BJJ has provided multiple ways to stand your triangle choke submission method:

  • Align your body while applying the strangle.
  • Isolate the shoulder of the opponent.
  • Get the perfect angle.
  • Create the hook with your legs.
  • Move down the head of the opponent instead of pulling your knee or shin.

4. Final Words

Brazilan jiu-jitsu provides the maximum possible options for grapplers. Each step of the stranglehold is connected to the other. The triangle choke submission method is versatile and dynamic, with the maximum possibilities.


This article has ten dynamic tips that will make you a master of the triangle choke. If one of your methods does not work well, stay ready for a possible solution. Stay optimistic to get the required results. 

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