Triangle Choke from the Back: Unlocking the Secrets to this Devastating Submission

The triangle choke is a fundamental submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and it can be applied from a variety of positions. One of the most effective ways to apply the triangle choke is from the back position, which is a dominant position in BJJ. In this article, we will break down the key steps to executing the triangle choke from the back and unlocking the secrets to this devastating submission.

Setting up the position

To execute the triangle choke from the back, you need to first secure the back position. This involves getting behind your opponent and securing both hooks, wrapping your legs around their waist. From here, use your arms to control your opponent’s movements and maintain your position.

Transitioning to the grips

Next, you need to transition to the grips. This involves getting your arms into position around your opponent’s neck and arm to apply the triangle choke. To do this, one arm goes under your opponent’s arm and around their neck, while the other arm goes over their shoulder and under their opposite arm. Your hands should meet at your opponent’s shoulder, creating a triangle shape with your arms and their arm.

Locking up the triangle

With your arms in position, it’s time to lock up the triangle. First, bring your leg over your opponent’s shoulder and place your foot on their hip. This will help to control their posture and prevent them from escaping. Next, bring your other leg over their opposite shoulder and hook your ankle behind your knee. Your shin should be across their neck, and your foot should be on their opposite hip.

Squeezing the choke

With the triangle locked up, it’s time to apply the choke. Squeeze your thighs together, bringing your shin against your opponent’s neck. To maximize the pressure of the choke, focus on contracting your quads and glutes, pulling your opponent’s head down and creating space for your legs to tighten the choke.

Adjusting the position

If your opponent is resisting the choke or defending it, you may need to adjust your position slightly. One common adjustment is to slide your body to the side of your choking leg, making it more difficult for your opponent to escape. You can also adjust the position of your legs, squeezing your opponent’s waist and hips with your thighs to limit their mobility.

Finishing the choke

Once you have the position and the lock, it’s time to finish the choke. Squeeze your thighs together, putting pressure on your opponent’s neck and cutting off their air supply. You may need to adjust your grip or your position slightly to get the best leverage, but with the right technique and timing, you can finish the choke and secure the submission.

Practice and repetition

Like any technique in BJJ, the triangle choke from the back requires practice and repetition to master. Make sure you drill the steps and practice them on both sides, so you can execute the choke from either side of your opponent. And remember, the more you practice, the more confident and comfortable you’ll become with the technique.


The triangle choke from the back is a powerful submission that can be applied in a variety of situations in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. By mastering the position, the grips, and the squeeze, you can become a threat from the back and force your opponent to defend or submit. With practice and persistence, you can become a skilled practitioner of this iconic submission and take your BJJ game to the next level.