Reverse Triangle

Last updated: June 20, 2026

What is a reverse triangle choke?

The triangle choke is one of grappling’s signature submissions: the attacker wraps their legs into a figure-four around the opponent’s neck and one arm, then squeezes until the carotid arteries on the sides of the neck are cut off. The reverse triangle is the same idea built from a different angle. Instead of forming the lock from the bottom with the head in front of you, the legs close around the neck from the side or from behind, so the choke is “reversed” relative to the classic guard triangle.

That change of angle is the whole point. Because the reverse triangle is set up from positions where the opponent does not expect a submission, such as while they are passing the guard or trying to escape, it tends to arrive without warning. The pressure does not come from leg strength alone. The opponent’s own shoulder gets driven into one side of their neck while a leg closes the other side, which is what makes a well-placed reverse triangle so hard to ride out. Understanding the term mostly comes down to one shift: same figure-four, same blood choke, different orientation.

How the reverse triangle choke works

A triangle choke is a blood choke, not an air choke. It does not crush the windpipe; it pinches the carotid arteries shut so blood stops reaching the brain. According to a study cited by Wikipedia, a properly applied triangle takes an average of 9.5 seconds to put someone to sleep, which is why a tap usually comes quickly once the lock is tight.

In the reverse version, the figure-four is oriented the opposite way to a guard triangle. One leg crosses the back of the opponent’s neck, the other tucks under the trapped arm, and the attacker often turns onto a hip so the opponent’s shoulder is forced inward against their own neck. That shoulder pressure does as much work as the legs. From the outside, it can look like a tangle of limbs from the side or back instead of the clean, head-on triangle most fans recognise from guard, which is part of why it catches people off guard and why it can be tricky to spot in live commentary.

Reverse triangle vs standard triangle

Most searches for this term come from a single point of confusion: how the reverse triangle differs from the regular one, and whether “reverse” means the same as “inverted.” The short answer on naming is that English usage is not standardised. As Stephan Kesting of Grapplearts notes, some grapplers say “reverse triangle” while others say “inverted triangle” for closely related positions, and the Japanese terms vary too. For a viewer, the safest reading is that both describe a triangle locked from an unusual angle rather than the textbook version from guard.

Here is how the standard and reverse versions line up.

Standard (front) triangle	Reverse triangle
Usually applied from the bottom, in guard	Usually applied from side control, the back, turtle, or scrambles
Head is trapped in front of the attacker	Head is trapped from the side or behind
The classic, most-recognised version in MMA and BJJ	A less common variation that often arrives as a surprise
Built deliberately as part of a guard attack	Often a counter when an opponent passes or escapes

The mechanics overlap almost entirely. Both are figure-four blood chokes that use the opponent’s shoulder as part of the squeeze. The difference is orientation and the positions each one tends to come from.

Where the reverse triangle shows up

The reverse triangle lives in the messy, transitional moments of a match. Back takes, top or bottom side control, a turtled-up opponent, a scramble where heads and arms end up exposed: these are its home. The opponent is usually focused on passing or escaping, not bracing for a choke. That gap is what the position exploits. In gi grappling, it can flow out of collar and back attacks, and in no-gi, it surfaces as a counter to guard passes. For a fan watching, the cue is simple: a grappler closes their legs around a neck from the side or behind rather than pulling an opponent into guard.

Common misconceptions

The most common mistake is treating the reverse triangle as a completely separate submission. It is a variation of the triangle choke, not a different technique. A second misconception is that “reverse” and “inverted” are precise, fixed labels; in practice, they are used loosely and often interchangeably. A third is the idea that the choke is finished by squeezing the legs as hard as possible. The finish depends far more on angle and on pinning the opponent’s shoulder to their neck than on raw leg power, which is why a smaller grappler can apply it on a larger one. As with any choke, the safe response when caught is to tap early rather than wait, since blood chokes work fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a reverse triangle choke the same as an inverted triangle?

Often, yes. The two names are used loosely and frequently refer to the same family of triangles locked from an unusual angle. Usage is not standardised, so the exact meaning can depend on who is speaking.

Is the reverse triangle choke dangerous?

It is a blood choke, so it can cause unconsciousness within seconds if not released or tapped. In training and competition, it is considered safe when the person caught taps promptly, and the partner releases right away.

Who made the reverse triangle choke famous?

Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Braulio Estima is widely credited with bringing the position to prominence in the grappling world around the 2009 ADCC, where it surprised high-level opponents.

Can you use a reverse triangle choke in MMA?

Yes. Triangle variations, including inverted and reverse versions, are legal and have been used in MMA and submission grappling, though the standard front triangle remains far more common.

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Sources

1. Wikipedia. “Triangle choke.” Accessed June 2026.
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triangle_choke
2. NAGA Fighter. “What is the Reverse Triangle Choke?” Accessed June 2026.
   https://www.nagafighter.com/what-is-the-reverse-triangle-choke/
3. BJJ Fanatics. “Reverse Triangle: How To Make The Tightest Triangle Choke Ever.” Accessed June 2026.
   https://bjjfanatics.com/blogs/news/how-to-make-the-tightest-triangle-choke-ever-the-reverse-triangle
4. Grapplearts (Stephan Kesting). “The Five Types of Triangle Choke You Need to Know.” Accessed June 2026.
   https://www.grapplearts.com/five-triangle-chokes-you-should-know/
5. BJJ World. “The Hidden Secrets Of The Reverse Triangle Choke.” Accessed June 2026.
   https://bjj-world.com/reverse-triangle-choke/
6. Grappler HQ. “The Triangle Choke: A Complete Guide.” Accessed June 2026.
   https://www.grapplerhq.com/techniques/the-triangle-choke-complete-guide/

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