Spider Guard Triangle

Submission Gi only

The Spider Guard Triangle is a submission executed from spider guard bottom by using sleeve and foot-on-bicep controls to off-balance the opponent and create the angle needed to lock a triangle choke. It capitalizes on the inherent arm isolation that spider guard provides when one grip is cleared or redirected.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · The foot-on-bicep control on one side naturally extends and isolates that arm, creating the gap needed to shoot the hips up for the triangle.
  • · Breaking the opponent's posture by pulling them forward with sleeve grips before shooting the legs makes the triangle entry much tighter.
  • · Angling off to the choking side after locking the triangle eliminates space and increases finishing pressure.
  • · Anticipate the opponent stacking by maintaining strong hip elevation and pulling the head down with both hands once the triangle is locked.
  • · If the opponent tries to posture out, use the remaining sleeve grip to pull them back down before fully closing the triangle.

Execution

  1. 1 From spider guard with both feet on biceps and sleeve grips, release one foot from the bicep and simultaneously pull that same-side sleeve across the opponent's centerline to isolate the arm.
  2. 2 Shoot the free leg over the opponent's shoulder on the cleared side while keeping the opposite foot on the bicep to control their posture and prevent retreat.
  3. 3 Cut the angle by pivoting your hips toward the choking side, then remove the remaining foot from the bicep and lock the triangle by placing the ankle behind your opposite knee.
  4. 4 Secure the head by pulling it down, squeeze your knees together, and elevate your hips while pulling the trapped arm across your body to finish the choke.

Common mistakes

  • × Releasing the second foot from the bicep too early before the triangle is secured, allowing the opponent to posture up and escape.
  • × Failing to angle off to the side after locking the triangle, resulting in a flat and loose choke that the opponent can defend by posturing or stacking.
  • × Not pulling the opponent's sleeve across the centerline before shooting the leg, leaving both arms inside the triangle and making the submission impossible to finish.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Spider Guard Triangle shows up.

Spider Guard Bottom