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(MMA) Arm Triangle Choke Submission🤼

1. Objective and Purpose

The Arm Triangle Choke is a blood choke submission that involves using one of your opponent’s arms and their neck to apply pressure to the carotid arteries. The submission restricts blood flow to the brain, causing the opponent to either tap out or lose consciousness. This submission is commonly executed from a top position, particularly in side control, but it can also be performed from other dominant positions like mount or half-guard.

2. Steps for Execution of the Arm Triangle Choke

  1. Initial Position:
    • To set up the arm triangle choke, you typically start in side control. From this position, your goal is to isolate one of your opponent’s arms and trap it across their neck.
  2. Control the Arm:
    • Begin by trapping one of your opponent’s arms, typically the arm closest to your chest, using your hand to secure their wrist or elbow.
    • Your opponent’s arm should be pressed against their neck or throat. The pressure from your opponent’s arm against their neck helps to initiate the choke.
  3. Position Your Head:
    • Slide your head to the side of your opponent’s trapped arm. You want to position your head on the side of their neck, close to their ear. This makes it easier to apply pressure and lock in the choke.
    • Your opponent’s arm is now across their own neck, and your head should be positioned to complete the choke.
  4. Adjust the Body and Tighten the Lock:
    • Bring your body close to your opponent’s neck to tighten the pressure. With your head against their neck and their trapped arm pressed to the same area, you should now squeeze and push to compress their carotid arteries.
    • Secure the Position: Use your arm to secure their arm in place, ensuring that they cannot escape or move their arm out. The top arm (the one not controlling the opponent’s arm) should be around the opponent’s neck as well, further applying pressure.
  5. Finish the Submission:
    • To finish the submission, squeeze with your arms and tighten your body’s position against their neck. Apply consistent pressure, using your chest and body weight to increase the intensity of the choke.
    • Hold the Position: The key to a successful arm triangle choke is maintaining control of the opponent’s arm and neck, applying the necessary pressure to cut off blood flow. Your opponent will either tap out or lose consciousness due to lack of oxygen.

3. Defensive Techniques Against the Arm Triangle Choke

  1. Preventing the Setup:
    • The best defense is to prevent the setup of the arm triangle choke. Always ensure that you don’t allow your opponent to trap your arm across your neck. Maintaining strong posture and being aware of your opponent’s movement will help you avoid being put in a vulnerable position.
  2. Create Space:
    • If your opponent is starting to set up the arm triangle choke, the key defense is to create space between you and their neck. By turning into them or re-establishing some distance with your body, you can break their grip or avoid the choke entirely.
  3. Protect Your Arm:
    • Keep your trapped arm close to your body and make sure it is not isolated across your neck. Your arm should stay in a protective position, often bent or close to your torso. This makes it harder for your opponent to trap it and apply the choke.
  4. Bridge and Roll:
    • If you are caught in the submission and feel pressure building, bridging or attempting to roll into a more favorable position can sometimes help relieve pressure. By attempting to turn into your opponent or scramble, you may be able to escape or disrupt their control.

4. Counter-Defense for the Arm Triangle Choke

  1. Posture Up and Escape:
    • If your opponent is successfully transitioning into the arm triangle, one of the best ways to counter is to posture up and maintain a strong base. By lifting your torso, you can disrupt their grip and the positioning of the submission.
    • Shrimping or shrinking your body by shifting your hips can also help to free your trapped arm and create enough space to escape the choke.
  2. Move to the Opposite Side:
    • Another counter is to rotate your body to the opposite side of your opponent’s arm. This can be a difficult movement, but if done correctly, it can help you get out from under the pressure of the choke and regain a more neutral or dominant position.
  3. Defend by Blocking with Your Hands:
    • Use your free hand to press against the opponent’s head or neck to create space. This can disrupt their position and alleviate the pressure of the choke. You can also try to pry their arms off to relieve the choke.
  4. Use the Opponent’s Momentum:
    • If your opponent is attempting to squeeze or drive into the choke, use their momentum to help you escape. By shifting your weight or using their force against them, you may be able to free yourself or create an opening to move to a more advantageous position.

5. Keys to Success

  • Control the Arm and Neck: The key to the arm triangle choke is to first isolate and control your opponent’s arm while positioning your head against their neck. Keeping a tight grip on their arm and head ensures you can complete the submission successfully.
  • Apply Consistent Pressure: Once the arm triangle is set up, the most important factor is applying consistent pressure. Use your whole body to squeeze and tighten the choke. This requires good body positioning and the ability to stay balanced while exerting pressure.
  • Adjust Your Position: As you apply the choke, make small adjustments to tighten the submission further. Moving your body slightly or adjusting your grip can make the difference between an escape and a successful submission.
  • Control the Opponent’s Movement: The opponent will likely try to defend by creating space or moving their body. Constant control of their head and arm, combined with keeping them in the correct position, will prevent these escapes.

6. Common Mistakes

  • Not Closing the Triangle Properly: One common mistake is not completely closing the space between your body and your opponent’s neck. This can result in a loose choke that your opponent can escape.
  • Allowing Too Much Space: If you leave too much space around your opponent’s neck, they may be able to slip out of the choke or make adjustments to alleviate pressure.
  • Not Using Your Body Weight: A successful arm triangle choke often requires the use of your chest, shoulders, and body weight to apply pressure. If you are not actively using your body to squeeze, the choke may not be effective.

The Arm Triangle Choke is a highly effective submission technique that can be used to finish a fight when properly executed. Whether performed from side control, mount, or half guard, this submission targets the opponent’s neck and is an excellent tool for controlling and choking your opponent. Proper technique, control, and the ability to maintain pressure are key elements to finishing the arm triangle choke.