Triangle Choke

The triangle choke (sankaku-jime) is a submission where the attacker encircles the opponent's neck and one arm using their legs, forming a triangle shape. By squeezing the knees together and pulling down on the opponent's head, the attacker compresses the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck, cutting off blood flow to the brain. It is one of the signature techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and can be applied from guard, mount, and even from the back.

The triangle choke is legal at all belt levels and age divisions in every major competition organization including IBJJF, NAGA, AGF, JJWL, and Grappling Industries. It is one of the most commonly drilled and competed techniques in BJJ. In tournament play, the triangle often appears when an opponent leaves one arm inside the guard while the other is outside, creating the necessary asymmetry for the choke. Competitors who develop a strong triangle game can threaten it as part of a system that includes the armbar and omoplata — the classic "triangle-armbar-omoplata" trifecta from guard.

For youth athletes, the triangle is considered safe and is universally legal. The choke provides clear tactile feedback to the defending athlete, and referees are trained to watch for signs of a competitor going unconscious. In youth divisions, the triangle is one of the most effective submissions because younger athletes often have the flexibility and hip mobility to lock up the position quickly. It is a cornerstone of competitive kids' BJJ.