Inverted Triangle

Submission

The inverted triangle (reverse triangle) is a choking submission where the legs encircle the opponent's head and one arm from the opposite side compared to a standard triangle, with the lock figure-four configured in a reversed orientation. It commonly presents when the opponent defends an armbar by stacking or turning, from front headlock when transitioning to a choke, or when standard triangle control allows a reconfiguration angle.

Quick Reference

Key principles

· The choking mechanism is identical to a standard triangle—one arm in, one arm out—but the legs lock from the opposite direction, typically with your body facing away from the opponent.
· Cutting the angle by shifting your hips perpendicular to the opponent's centerline is critical to closing the space around the neck.
· Squeezing your knees together while pulling the trapped head down creates the primary arterial compression.
· When the opponent attempts to posture or stack out of the inverted position, use their momentum to tighten the lock rather than fighting the pressure directly.
· Controlling the free arm or underhooking their far leg prevents the most common escape of stepping over and unwinding.

Execution

1 From your entry position (armbar control, front headlock, or triangle control), identify the head and one arm trapped between your legs and swing your hips to the opposite side so your body faces away from the opponent.
2 Lock the triangle figure-four by placing the pit of one knee over the ankle of the other leg, ensuring only one arm and the head are inside the triangle.
3 Cut a sharp angle by walking your shoulders away from the opponent, bringing your hips perpendicular to their spine.
4 Squeeze your knees together, pull down on the trapped head with both hands or control their wrist, and extend your hips slightly to finish the choke.

Common mistakes

× Failing to cut the angle and staying square with the opponent, which leaves too much space around the neck and results in a loose, ineffective choke.
× Locking the figure-four on the wrong leg configuration, causing the triangle to compress the jaw rather than the carotid arteries.
× Neglecting to control the opponent's free arm, allowing them to posture, step over your body, and escape the submission entirely.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Inverted Triangle shows up.

Front Headlock

2 less common

Armbar Control Triangle Control

Common defenses

How opponents shut the Inverted Triangle down.

Show 1

Triangle Escape escape

Chains & Sequences

Commonly taught paths through the graph that feature this technique.

Knee Shield to Choi Bar to Inverted Triangle

Knee Shield Half Guard Choi Bar Inverted Triangle