Triangle choke
A figure-four chokehold that constricts carotid blood flow using the legs.
A triangle choke is a figure-four chokehold that encircles the opponent's neck and one arm with the legs, forming a triangular shape. It is a lateral vascular restraint that constricts blood flow from the carotid arteries to the brain, typically causing unconsciousness in seconds when applied correctly. Recent studies indicate that from the moment it is properly applied, the choke takes an average of 9.5 seconds to render an opponent unconscious.
Quick Facts
- Also known as
- Sankaku-Jime, Triangle Choke
- Classification
- Chokehold
- Parent hold
- Guard
Facts from the source article.
History
The triangle choke first appeared in early kosen judo competition. Its exact origins are unclear, but it is closely linked to Yaichibei Kanemitsu and his student Masaru Hayakawa, who recorded the first known use of the move at a kosen judo tournament in Kobe, Hyogo in November 1921. Earlier names for the technique included matsuba-gatame, sankaku-garami, and sankaku-gyaku, before it became known as sankaku-jime. Kanemitsu noted that a basic version was demonstrated around 1890 by Takenouchi-ryū master Senjuro Kanaya, though this was a simpler neckscissors without the posterior triangle action. The sankaku-jime was later adopted and endorsed by prominent judokas such as Masami Oyama, and it soon saw widespread use in both kosen judo and mainstream judo. Tsunetane Oda, a fellow kosen judoka, demonstrated the technique on video and is credited by some sources with inventing it. The first known variation was the front triangle choke, or mae-sankaku-jime, applied from the guard position, often after a pull down. Another variation, the horizontal triangle or yoko-sankaku-jime, was performed from the side. Martial arts historian Toshiya Masuda attributed this variation to Masahiko Kimura, who supposedly created it during the Takudai kosen judo tournament at Takushoku University, though Masuda also considered it likely that Kimura only popularized it. The inverted variation, ushiro-sankaku-jime, commonly seen in modern judo, came next, followed by many others. The front triangle is especially popular among Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners. According to a belief held by Romero Cavalcanti, Rolls Gracie introduced the technique to Brazilian jiu-jitsu after finding it in a judo book. Márcio "Macarrão" Stambowsky, identified by Rickson Gracie as an early Brazilian competitor who helped popularize the move, also credited Rolls. However, other sources, including Toshiya Masuda and Roberto Pedreira, suggest it may have arrived in Brazil much earlier through Yasuichi and Naoichi Ono, disciples of Yaichibei Kanemitsu, or other judo practitioners like Ryuzo Ogawa. This theory is supported by Rolls trainee Mario Tallarico and a 1935 newspaper clipping showing Yasuichi Ono performing a triangle choke while training for a fight with Helio Gracie.
Technique
The triangle choke is a submission hold typically used from the bottom guard position, though skilled grapplers can also apply it from mount, side mount, or back mount. A flying triangle choke involves the attacker jumping into the air to secure the hold on a standing opponent. To escape, the defender must first lift their head to reduce the choke’s pressure, then move their arm away from their own carotid artery. Once the immediate threat of unconsciousness is gone, the focus shifts to breaking the figure-four leg lock. One escape method involves separating the opponent’s legs. If the choke is applied from the bottom guard, the defender stands up while stacking both hands on the opponent’s chest or gripping the gi collar opposite the trapped arm. As the defender rises and leans forward to apply weight, they step to the side opposite the captured arm. This action drives their back and shoulder into the leg wrapped around them, forcing the opponent’s other leg to extend to keep the lock. This weakens the choke, allowing the defender to muscle out or force a release. In some rule sets, such as mixed martial arts, the defender can lift the attacker and slam them to the ground to break the hold, though many grappling competitions prohibit slams.
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