Triangle Choke From Open Guard In MMA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey guys! Ever wanted to add a super effective submission to your MMA game? The triangle choke from open guard is a classic for a reason. It's versatile, powerful, and can catch your opponent off guard (literally!). This guide will break down the technique step-by-step, making it easy to understand and implement in your training. So, let's dive in and learn how to nail this awesome submission!

Understanding the Triangle Choke

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty details of applying the triangle choke from the open guard in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), it's crucial to understand the fundamental principles that make this submission so effective. The triangle choke, at its core, is a blood choke. This means it restricts blood flow to the brain by applying pressure to the carotid arteries located on the sides of the neck. Unlike an air choke, which targets the trachea, a well-executed triangle choke can lead to a very rapid submission, making it a potent weapon in your arsenal. The beauty of the triangle choke lies in its mechanics. It utilizes the fighter's own legs to create a triangular frame around the opponent's neck and one arm. This precise positioning is what allows for the necessary pressure to be applied. The legs act as a vise, constricting the arteries and forcing the submission. The open guard, where one fighter is on their back controlling the distance and opponent with their legs, provides a dynamic platform to launch this attack. From this position, you have multiple options for attacks and sweeps, making the triangle choke a seamless addition to your game. Understanding these core principles is the first step in mastering the triangle choke. It's not just about the movements; it's about understanding why the movements work. This foundational knowledge will allow you to troubleshoot issues, adapt the technique to different situations, and ultimately, make the triangle choke a natural part of your grappling repertoire. This choke hold, when applied correctly, can be a game-changer in a fight. It's not just about strength; it's about leverage, technique, and understanding the human anatomy. With consistent practice and a solid grasp of the principles, you'll be tapping out opponents left and right. So, let's move on and break down the specific steps to execute this powerful submission from the open guard.

Setting Up the Open Guard

Okay, so before we can even think about sinking in that sweet triangle choke, we gotta establish a solid foundation – the open guard! Setting up the open guard correctly is absolutely crucial because it's from this position that we'll launch our attack. Think of the open guard as your command center on the ground. You're on your back, but you're far from defenseless. In fact, you're in a highly versatile position where you can control distance, disrupt your opponent's posture, and, most importantly, create openings for submissions like the triangle choke. There are several variations of the open guard, but the most common ones involve using your feet and legs to control your opponent's hips and upper body. This control is key. You want to be able to dictate the engagement, preventing your opponent from simply passing your guard and gaining a more dominant position. A common open guard setup involves placing your feet on your opponent's hips, using them as levers to push and pull, creating space and angles. Another variation involves using a combination of foot placements – one foot on the hip and the other on the bicep – to further control their posture and movement. The important thing is to maintain active control. Don't just lie there passively. Use your legs to constantly adjust your position, keeping your opponent off balance and creating opportunities for attacks. You can also incorporate hand grips, such as controlling your opponent's sleeves or wrists, to further enhance your control and disrupt their balance. This will make it even harder for them to advance their position and easier for you to set up your triangle choke. Remember, the open guard isn't just about defense; it's about offense too. It's a dynamic position that allows you to transition seamlessly between sweeps, submissions, and positional control. So, spend time drilling your open guard setup. Get comfortable with the different variations and learn how to use your legs and hands effectively to control your opponent. A strong open guard is the foundation for a strong ground game, and it's the perfect launching pad for your triangle choke attacks. We will cover the next steps of setting up the triangle choke in the next section.

The Key Steps to Applying the Triangle Choke

Alright, we've got our open guard locked down. Now for the exciting part: applying the triangle choke! This is where the magic happens, but it's essential to follow the steps precisely to ensure a tight and inescapable submission. Let's break it down into manageable chunks. The first crucial step is creating the angle. You can't just slap on a triangle choke from a straight-on position. You need to create a 45-degree angle relative to your opponent. This angle is what allows you to properly position your legs and apply the necessary pressure. To create the angle, you'll typically hip escape – a fundamental movement in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. Hip escaping involves shifting your hips away from your opponent, creating space and the desired angle. As you hip escape, you'll simultaneously bring one leg up and over your opponent's shoulder and neck, the leg that goes over is crucial for the choke. This is the beginning of the triangular frame that will constrict their arteries. Pay close attention to which arm you're trapping inside the triangle. You want one of their arms trapped inside the triangle with their head, and the other arm outside. This is vital for the choke to work effectively. Once you have the leg over and the arm trapped, the next step is to lock your legs together, forming the triangle shape. There are a couple of common ways to lock your legs. One is the classic triangle lock, where you bring your shin across the back of your other knee and hook your foot behind your knee. Another variation is the body triangle, where you wrap one leg around your opponent's back and lock your ankles together. Whichever lock you choose, the key is to make it tight and secure. With your legs locked, it's time to make the final adjustments to tighten the choke. This often involves pulling down on your opponent's head and pushing on their trapped arm. These adjustments help to maximize the pressure on their carotid arteries. You might also need to adjust your hip position to fine-tune the angle and pressure. Remember, the triangle choke is a blood choke, so it doesn't require brute strength. It's about precise positioning and pressure. If you feel like you're using a lot of muscle, you're probably not doing it quite right. Focus on making small adjustments and maintaining the correct angle. Be patient and persistent. Sometimes, it takes a few adjustments to get the choke just right. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't work immediately. Keep experimenting and refining your technique. Practice makes perfect, guys!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Okay, so you're drilling the triangle choke, but something's not quite clicking. Don't worry, it happens to everyone! There are a few common mistakes that people make when learning this submission, but the good news is they're easily fixable. Let's break down some of the pitfalls and how to avoid them. One of the biggest mistakes is not creating the proper angle. Remember, that 45-degree angle is crucial for the triangle choke to work effectively. If you're trying to apply the choke from a straight-on position, you're going to have a tough time. Make sure you're hip escaping and getting your body at the right angle before you even think about throwing your leg over. Another common mistake is having the wrong arm trapped inside the triangle. You need to have one arm trapped inside with the head, and the other arm outside. If you trap the wrong arm, the choke simply won't work. Take a moment to double-check your arm positioning before you lock your legs. Not locking your legs tightly enough is another frequent issue. A loose triangle is a weak triangle. You need to create a tight vise around your opponent's neck and arm. Experiment with different leg lock variations, like the classic triangle lock or the body triangle, and find what works best for you. Pulling down on the head and squeezing with your legs is important, but many people rely too much on strength and not enough on technique. The triangle choke is a blood choke, so it's about pressure, not brute force. Focus on making small adjustments to your position and angle to maximize the pressure on the carotid arteries. If you're using a lot of muscle, you're probably not doing it right. Another mistake is telegraphing the attack. If you telegraph your triangle choke attempt, a skilled opponent will see it coming and defend it. Try to set up the triangle choke smoothly and seamlessly, often as a transition from another attack or sweep. Don't give your opponent a heads-up. Finally, don't give up too easily. The triangle choke can be a tricky submission to get right, and it often takes a few adjustments to sink it in. Be patient, persistent, and keep refining your technique. The more you drill, the better you'll become at recognizing the opportunities and making the necessary adjustments. Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly improve your triangle choke game. Remember, it's about technique, precision, and understanding the mechanics of the submission. Keep drilling, keep learning, and you'll be tapping out opponents in no time!.

Drills and Training Tips

Alright, so we've covered the theory and the technique. Now let's talk about how to actually get good at the triangle choke! Drills and training tips are essential for transforming knowledge into skill. You can understand the steps perfectly in your head, but until you've put in the mat time, you won't be able to execute the triangle choke effectively in a live situation. The first crucial thing is to drill the individual movements. Break down the triangle choke into its component parts – the hip escape, the leg over, the leg lock, the adjustments – and drill each of them separately. This helps to build muscle memory and develop a solid foundation. For example, you can drill the hip escape repeatedly, focusing on creating the correct angle and space. You can also drill the leg-over motion, practicing bringing your leg smoothly and quickly over your opponent's shoulder and neck. Once you're comfortable with the individual movements, you can start combining them into sequences. Practice flowing smoothly from the open guard setup to the triangle choke entry. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed and intensity as you become more proficient. Partner drills are invaluable for developing your triangle choke. Working with a partner allows you to practice the technique against resistance and get feedback on your positioning and adjustments. You can start with a cooperative drill, where your partner offers light resistance, and then gradually increase the resistance as you improve. Specific training drills will greatly help you improve. For example, you can drill the triangle choke entry from different open guard variations, such as the butterfly guard or the De La Riva guard. You can also drill the triangle choke as a counter to common guard passes. This will help you develop your timing and recognize opportunities for the submission. Live sparring, or rolling, is the ultimate test of your triangle choke. It's where you get to apply the technique in a dynamic and unpredictable environment. Don't be afraid to try the triangle choke in sparring, even if you fail sometimes. Every attempt is a learning opportunity. Pay attention to what works and what doesn't, and adjust your technique accordingly. Strength and conditioning also play a role in your triangle choke success. While the triangle choke is primarily a technique-based submission, having a strong grip and flexible legs can definitely help. Incorporate exercises that strengthen your grip, legs, and core into your training routine. Watch videos of high-level grapplers and MMA fighters using the triangle choke. Pay attention to their setups, their adjustments, and their overall strategy. You can learn a lot by studying the best in the world. Finally, be patient and persistent. The triangle choke is a complex submission that takes time and effort to master. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep drilling, keep learning, and keep experimenting. With consistent practice, you'll be adding the triangle choke to your arsenal in no time! So, let's get on the mats and put in the work, guys!.

Integrating the Triangle Choke into Your MMA Game

So, you've got the technique down, you're drilling regularly, but how do you actually integrate the triangle choke into your MMA game? It's one thing to be able to do it in isolation, but it's another to pull it off in the chaos of a live fight. Let's talk strategy and tactics. The first thing to consider is setting the stage. You can't just randomly throw up a triangle choke and expect it to work against a skilled opponent. You need to create the right circumstances, and that often starts with your takedown defense. A common entry point for the triangle choke in MMA is when your opponent shoots for a takedown. As they come in, you can sprawl to defend the takedown and then immediately transition into the open guard. From there, you have a prime opportunity to set up the triangle choke. Using strikes to set up the triangle choke is another great strategy. A well-timed strike can create an opening for the submission. For example, you might throw a jab to distract your opponent and then quickly transition into the open guard and set up the triangle choke. The threat of strikes can also make your opponent hesitant to posture up in your guard, which makes it easier to control them and set up submissions. Chain your attacks together seamlessly and smoothly. Don't just think of the triangle choke as a standalone submission. Think of it as part of a larger sequence of attacks. For example, you might attempt a sweep from the open guard, and if your opponent defends, you can immediately transition to the triangle choke. Or, you might attempt an armbar, and if your opponent defends that, you can switch to the triangle choke. The key is to keep your opponent guessing and never let them get comfortable. Being aware of positional control, and don't neglect it. The triangle choke is often easier to apply when you have good positional control. If you can control your opponent's posture and movement, it's much easier to create the angle and lock in the submission. Work on your guard retention and your ability to control your opponent from the bottom. Develop your transitions, making them smooth and efficient. The transitions between different positions and submissions are crucial in MMA. The faster and smoother you can transition, the less time your opponent has to react and defend. Drill your transitions regularly so they become second nature. Be patient and don't force it, guys. Sometimes, the triangle choke just isn't there. If you're forcing it, you're likely to make mistakes and leave yourself vulnerable. Be willing to abandon the attempt and transition to something else. Don't get tunnel vision on the triangle choke. Finally, keep learning and adapting. The MMA game is constantly evolving, and you need to stay ahead of the curve. Watch fights, study different techniques, and experiment with new approaches. The more you learn, the more effective you'll be in the cage. By integrating these strategies and tactics, you can make the triangle choke a valuable weapon in your MMA arsenal. Remember, it's not just about knowing the technique; it's about knowing how to apply it in a real fight. So, get in the gym, put in the work, and start tapping people out!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to applying the triangle choke from open guard in MMA. We've covered the fundamental principles, the step-by-step technique, common mistakes to avoid, essential drills and training tips, and strategies for integrating the triangle choke into your overall MMA game. The triangle choke is a powerful and versatile submission that can be a game-changer in your grappling arsenal. It's not just a cool move to show off; it's a legitimate fight-ender that can catch your opponent by surprise and secure the victory. But mastering the triangle choke takes time, dedication, and consistent effort. It's not something you can learn overnight. You need to put in the mat time, drill the technique repeatedly, and experiment with different variations and setups. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Everyone struggles in the beginning. The key is to be patient, persistent, and willing to learn from your mistakes. Seek out experienced training partners and coaches who can provide feedback and guidance. They can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your technique. Watch videos of high-level grapplers and MMA fighters using the triangle choke. Study their movements, their positioning, and their strategies. You can learn a lot by observing the best in the world. Remember, the triangle choke is just one tool in your MMA toolbox. Don't rely on it exclusively. Develop a well-rounded game that includes takedowns, striking, positional control, and other submissions. The more versatile you are, the more dangerous you'll be in the cage. So, what are you waiting for? Get to the gym, find a partner, and start drilling! The triangle choke is waiting to be added to your arsenal. With hard work and dedication, you'll be tapping out opponents in no time. Thanks for reading, guys! Now go out there and dominate!