Triangle Choke Side

Submission
Also known as:
Side Triangle

The side triangle is a submission applied from side control or scramble positions where the attacker locks a triangle choke configuration perpendicular to the opponent's body rather than from guard. It is particularly effective when the opponent exposes an arm during framing or escape attempts from bottom side control, allowing the top player to isolate the head and one arm.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · The choking mechanism is identical to a standard triangle—one arm in, one arm out—with the legs compressing the carotid arteries from a perpendicular angle.
  • · Controlling the trapped arm across the opponent's centerline is critical to closing off the space and ensuring arterial compression.
  • · Hip pressure driving into the opponent prevents them from posturing, rolling, or creating escape angles.
  • · Anticipate the opponent trying to stack or roll toward you by switching your hips and maintaining heavy top pressure throughout the finish.
  • · Locking the figure-four with your legs behind the opponent's shoulder line rather than on top of the head ensures a tight, high-percentage finish.

Execution

  1. 1 From side control top or a scramble, isolate one of the opponent's arms by driving it across their body using an underhook or wrist control while keeping their head trapped.
  2. 2 Swing your near leg over the opponent's head and neck, threading it between their head and the isolated arm so one arm is inside and one is outside your legs.
  3. 3 Lock the triangle by placing the back of your knee over your opposite ankle, forming a figure-four around the head and arm from the side position.
  4. 4 Pull the trapped arm across their throat, squeeze your knees together, and angle your hips toward their head to maximize carotid compression.
  5. 5 If resistance is strong, use your hands to push their trapped wrist to your hip and apply downward hip pressure to tighten the choke.

Common mistakes

  • × Locking the triangle too high on the opponent's head instead of deep across the neck, resulting in a squeeze on the skull with no choke pressure.
  • × Failing to control the trapped arm across the centerline, which allows the opponent to posture, create space, and slip their head free.
  • × Releasing top hip pressure to focus solely on leg squeezing, giving the opponent room to roll out or turn into guard to relieve the choke.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Triangle Choke Side shows up.

Scramble Position Side Control Top