Body Triangle

The body triangle is a powerful control technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, primarily used from the back position. It involves locking your legs around your opponent's torso, providing significant control and limiting their movement and breathing.

Execution

Establish back control:
- Secure a seatbelt grip around your opponent's upper body
- One arm over the shoulder, the other under the armpit, locked at their chest
Transition to the body triangle:
- Fall to the side of your over-the-shoulder arm
- Place your outside foot on your opponent's hip
- Bring your inside leg across their body, clearing their hip
- Lock the triangle by wrapping your outside knee over your ankle
Positioning for maximum control:
- Position the triangle above the diaphragm, just below the lungs
- Avoid crossing your legs over the opponent's hip bones

Key Points

Apply pressure by compressing your opponent's body
Enhance control for setting up rear naked chokes and cross collar chokes
Use to "cook" or tire out your opponent
Maintain your choking hand's protection
Use your weight and gravity when on top

Strategic Considerations

Can limit your own mobility and ability to transition
In most competitions, points are only awarded for traditional leg hooks
Consider securing hooks first for points before transitioning to the body triangle

Related Techniques

Back control
Rear naked choke
Bow and arrow choke
Leg hooks

References

Index Arm Drag