Arm Triangle

The Arm Triangle is a fundamental blood choke in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that compresses the opponent’s carotid arteries by using their arm and your arm to create a triangle-like structure around their neck. This technique is highly effective and can be applied from several dominant positions.

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Keys to Execute the Arm Triangle

Set Up the Position

  • Typically initiated from Mount, Side Control, or during a transition.
  • Trap one of the opponent’s arms across their neck. This arm acts as one side of the “triangle.”

Establish the Choke

  • Use your arm to frame tightly against the side of their neck. Your bicep and shoulder create the other two sides of the triangle.
  • Keep your head close to their trapped arm to maintain pressure and control.

Adjust Your Position

  • Transition to the side opposite the trapped arm for maximum leverage. For example, if their right arm is trapped, move your body to their left side.
  • Drop your weight to ensure your chest and shoulder drive into the choke.

Tighten the Submission

  • Squeeze your arms together, pressing into their neck and using their own arm to help constrict blood flow.
  • Drive your weight forward or into their neck, depending on the angle.

Finish

  • Use a slow, steady squeeze to increase the pressure. This ensures you don’t burn out your arms while applying the choke effectively.
Tips for Success

• Stay Tight: Eliminate any space between your chest, their arm, and their neck.

  • Use Weight, Not Strength: Drive your body weight into the choke rather than relying on arm strength alone.
  • Angle Is Key: Shifting to the correct side opposite their trapped arm maximizes leverage.
  • Patience: Apply slow, steady pressure—this prevents the opponent from finding an escape.

The Arm Triangle demonstrates the essence of Leverage, Angles, and Pressure, making it a versatile and effective submission when executed with precision.

Positioning

The Arm Triangle is a versatile submission that can be applied from various positions, typically when you have control over an opponent's upper body and can trap one arm against their neck while using your own arm to apply pressure. Here are some common positions where an Arm Triangle can be executed:

Mount

  • From Mount, you can isolate one of your opponent's arms and slide off to the side to secure the Arm Triangle. This is often set up by pressuring the opponent to defend incorrectly.

Side Control

  • This is a classic position for setting up an Arm Triangle. From Side Control, you can drive their arm across their face and drop your weight to transition into the choke.

North South

  • After transitioning from Side Control or Mount, you can apply the Arm Triangle from a North South position by maintaining the angle and squeezing effectively.

Half Guard (Top)

  • From Half Guard, especially when you have a strong cross-face or shoulder pressure, you can set up the Arm Triangle by walking your opponent's arm across their neck and freeing your leg to pass to Side Control or Mount to finish the submission.

Back Defense

  • When you lose Hooks or if your opponent escapes to their back and exposes their arm and neck, the Arm Triangle can be used as a transitional attack from this position.

S-Mount

  • From S-Mount, you can isolate the opponent's arm and transition into the Arm Triangle, often leading to a step-off into Side Control for finishing leverage.

During Takedowns Overview or Scrambles

  • As the opponent defends or transitions during a Double-Leg Takedown, Body Lock Takedown, or other takedowns, the Arm Triangle can emerge opportunistically if they expose their neck and arm alignment.

Key Points

  • The success of the Arm Triangle relies on understanding Pressure, Angles, and Weight Distribution.
  • Ensure their trapped arm cuts off one side of the carotid artery while your shoulder pressure cuts off the other.
  • Transitioning to a more dominant position (e.g., Mount or Side Control) often enhances the choke's efficiency.
Use small positional adjustments to maintain control during the setup and application of the Arm Triangle.

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