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BJJ Beginners

Lesson 17 – Triangle Choke & Defence

Warm Up (10min)

Partner Drill
  • Stage 1.5 Variation
    • Indicator: Opponent is in your guard and you are able to establish Stage 1.5
    • Essential Detail: Full extension of the hips prior to slipping the leg over the shoulder
    • Most Common Mistake: Failure to maintain head control any time the legs are uncrossed
    • Drill Orders: Stage 1 start, 3 rep, reverse roles

Lesson (30-min)

Note: Different to video, don’t pull on head to finish the choke, use more angle and squeeze the legs to finish. If need in competition or street, pull on head, but practicing in the club without head pull ensures better technique.

  • Triangle Finish (Preparation Drill)
    • Essential Detail: Walk shoulders back to facilitate the neck bite and full lockup
    • Most Common Mistake: No thigh squeeze and no patience during final squeeze
    • Bad Guy Reminder: Don’t forget to tap out
    • Drill Orders: Triangle Setup start, 3 rep, reverse roles
  • Giant Killer Variation
    • Indicator: Opponent is too large for the Stage 1.5 Variation
    • Essential Detail: Effective creation of distance with head control and shrimp movement
    • Most Common Mistake: Foot on hip instead of ground during the shrimp-out
    • Bad Guy Reminder: Keep driving forward during the technique
    • Safety Tip: Don’t knee your partner in the chin during leg removal
    • Drill Orders: Stage 1 start, 3 rep, reverse roles
  • Quick Shots
    • Indicator: Opponent is in your guard and you wish to set up the triangle choke.
    • Essential Detail: Quick shot and strong leg pressure during triangle setup position.
    • Most Common Mistake: Weak hip elevation during the shooting process.
    • Drill Orders: Four shots – rattlesnake, inverted wrist, slap shot, choke shot – reverse roles.

Note: Pick two of the following defences

  • Safe HandsIndicator: Opponent successfully establishes Stage 1.5.
    • Essential Detail: Shooting both arms out as soon as the opportunity arises.
    • Most Common Mistake: Shooting the arm out too soon.
    • Bad Guy Reminder: Diversify your timing to test their handwork.
    • Drill Orders: Two reps each, one double underhook, one knee split, reverse roles.
  • Posture Up & SlipIndicator: Opponent successfully establishes the Triangle Setup position.
    • Essential Detail: Immediate posture.
    • Most Common Mistake: Leaning on the opponent’s stomach rather than leaning back.
    • Bad Guy Reminder: Challenge your partner’s posture by controlling the head.
    • Drill Orders: 3-rep, reverse roles.
  • Stack & PassIndicator: Opponent establishes a partial or full Triangle lockup.
    • Essential Detail: Keep their hips trapped and their head close.
    • Most Common Mistake: Weak base from improper hand/foot positioning.
    • Bad Guy Reminder: Use your hands and legs to check their control.
    • Safety Tip: Stack slowly and protect your partner’s neck.
    • Drill Orders: 3-rep, reverse roles.
  • Sit & StretchIndicator: Opponent establishes a full lockup and successfully prevents other escapes.
    • Essential Detail: Effective hand positioning and crossover of the legs.
    • Most Common Mistake: Ineffective sit back, causing improper leg positioning.
    • Bad Guy Reminder: After the crossoverDrill Orders: 3-rep, reverse roles.