Mastering The Reverse Triangle From Guard (gi) A Comprehensive BJJ Guide

Understanding the Reverse Triangle from Guard (gi)

The reverse triangle from guard, a highly effective submission and control technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), is a versatile maneuver that can catch opponents off guard and lead to advantageous positions or submissions. This technique, often initiated from the guard position (gi), involves transitioning from a defensive posture to a powerful offensive setup. Understanding the intricacies of the reverse triangle, its variations, and the fundamental principles behind it is crucial for any BJJ practitioner looking to expand their arsenal of techniques.

The essence of the reverse triangle lies in its ability to control the opponent's posture and create a tight, constricting hold that restricts blood flow to the brain, potentially leading to a submission via choke. Unlike the traditional triangle choke, where the attacker's legs form a triangle around the opponent's neck and one arm, the reverse triangle involves a slightly different configuration. In this variation, the attacker's legs still form a triangle, but the positioning and the angle of attack change, making it a unique and often surprising technique. The setup for the reverse triangle often begins from a guard position, where the practitioner controls the opponent's upper body and creates the necessary space and angles for the transition. This initial control is paramount, as it dictates the success of the subsequent steps. A strong guard allows the practitioner to dictate the pace and direction of the engagement, setting the stage for offensive maneuvers like the reverse triangle. From the guard, the practitioner looks for opportunities to disrupt the opponent's balance and posture, creating openings for the submission. This might involve using sweeps or transitions to off-balance the opponent, making them more susceptible to the reverse triangle setup. The grip fighting aspect is also crucial during this phase. Securing the right grips on the opponent's arms and collar can provide the necessary leverage and control to execute the reverse triangle effectively. Once the initial control is established, the transition into the reverse triangle begins. This involves a series of coordinated movements aimed at encircling the opponent's head and arm with the legs, forming the characteristic triangular shape. The practitioner typically uses their hips and legs to create the necessary angles and leverage, while simultaneously controlling the opponent's posture to prevent them from escaping. The angle of the triangle is critical in this phase. A well-angled triangle ensures that the pressure is applied effectively, maximizing the choking effect. Misalignment can compromise the submission, giving the opponent an opportunity to break free. Securing the lock is the next crucial step. This involves connecting the legs to form a tight seal around the opponent's neck and shoulder. The practitioner must ensure that there is minimal space within the triangle, as this can weaken the submission. The final step is applying the choke. This is achieved by squeezing the legs together and adjusting the angle of pressure until the opponent submits. The pressure must be applied gradually and controlled to avoid injury. It's also essential to be aware of the opponent's reactions and adjust the technique accordingly. The reverse triangle, when executed correctly, is a formidable submission that can be applied from various positions, making it a valuable addition to any BJJ practitioner's repertoire.

Key Principles for Executing the Reverse Triangle

To execute the reverse triangle effectively, several key principles must be understood and applied. These principles cover aspects such as posture control, angle manipulation, grip fighting, and the mechanics of the choke itself. Mastering these fundamentals is essential for maximizing the success rate of the technique and minimizing the risk of failure or counterattacks. Posture control is the first crucial principle. Before attempting the reverse triangle, it's vital to control the opponent's posture. This means preventing them from establishing a strong base and disrupting their balance. Controlling posture not only makes it easier to initiate the submission but also limits the opponent's ability to defend or escape. Techniques such as collar ties, sleeve grips, and underhooks can be used to control the opponent's upper body and prevent them from posturing up. Off-balancing the opponent is another critical aspect of posture control. By disrupting their center of gravity, you can create openings for the reverse triangle setup. Sweeps, shoves, and changes in elevation can all be used to off-balance the opponent. Angle manipulation is the second key principle. The angle at which the triangle is applied significantly impacts its effectiveness. A properly angled triangle maximizes the pressure on the opponent's neck and carotid arteries, making the choke more potent. The practitioner must position their body and legs to create the optimal angle, which often involves shifting their hips and adjusting their leg positioning. Using the hips to create the angle is particularly important. By pivoting and shifting the hips, the practitioner can adjust the angle of the triangle and apply pressure from different directions. This makes the submission more difficult to defend. Grip fighting is the third essential principle. Securing the right grips on the opponent's arms and collar is crucial for controlling their movements and setting up the reverse triangle. Strong grips provide leverage and prevent the opponent from escaping or countering the submission. Common grips used in the reverse triangle setup include the collar tie, sleeve grip, and underhook. These grips allow the practitioner to control the opponent's upper body and limit their options. The mechanics of the choke form the fourth key principle. Understanding how the reverse triangle choke works is essential for applying it effectively. The choke works by restricting blood flow to the brain, causing the opponent to submit due to lack of oxygen. The practitioner must apply pressure to the carotid arteries on both sides of the neck to achieve the desired effect. The positioning of the legs is crucial in the mechanics of the choke. The legs must form a tight triangle around the opponent's neck and shoulder, with the shin bone pressing against the carotid artery. Any gaps in the triangle will reduce the effectiveness of the choke. The pressure should be applied gradually and controlled to avoid injury. Sudden, jerky movements can damage the opponent's neck or lead to a failed submission. The practitioner should be aware of the opponent's reactions and adjust the pressure accordingly. By mastering these key principles, BJJ practitioners can significantly improve their ability to execute the reverse triangle effectively and consistently. Consistent practice and attention to detail are essential for developing the necessary skills and muscle memory to apply this technique in live sparring or competition situations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up the Reverse Triangle from Guard (gi)

The reverse triangle from guard can be a devastating submission when applied correctly. This step-by-step guide breaks down the process, ensuring each phase is understood and can be executed effectively. Let's explore setting up this technique from the guard position in BJJ, emphasizing the importance of each step. The first step involves establishing a strong guard. The guard is a fundamental position in BJJ, where the practitioner uses their legs to control the opponent's hips and upper body. A strong guard allows the practitioner to dictate the pace and direction of the engagement, setting the stage for offensive maneuvers like the reverse triangle. There are various types of guards, including the closed guard, open guard, and butterfly guard. The choice of guard depends on the practitioner's preferences and the opponent's style. Regardless of the specific guard used, the key is to maintain control and prevent the opponent from passing. Gripping the opponent's gi is the second key aspect. Securing the right grips on the opponent's gi is crucial for controlling their movements and setting up the reverse triangle. Grips provide leverage and prevent the opponent from escaping or countering the submission. Common grips used in the reverse triangle setup include the collar tie, sleeve grip, and underhook. The collar tie involves gripping the opponent's collar with one hand, while the sleeve grip involves gripping the opponent's sleeve with the other hand. These grips allow the practitioner to control the opponent's upper body and limit their options. An underhook, where the practitioner wraps their arm under the opponent's arm, can also be used to control posture and create angles for the submission. Breaking the opponent's posture is the third step. Before attempting the reverse triangle, it's vital to break the opponent's posture. This means preventing them from standing upright and establishing a strong base. Breaking posture not only makes it easier to initiate the submission but also limits the opponent's ability to defend or escape. Techniques such as pulling the opponent down, pushing them away, or using sweeps can be used to break their posture. The goal is to disrupt their balance and create an opening for the reverse triangle setup. Creating the angle is the fourth crucial step. The angle at which the triangle is applied significantly impacts its effectiveness. A properly angled triangle maximizes the pressure on the opponent's neck and carotid arteries, making the choke more potent. The practitioner must position their body and legs to create the optimal angle, which often involves shifting their hips and adjusting their leg positioning. Using the hips to create the angle is particularly important. By pivoting and shifting the hips, the practitioner can adjust the angle of the triangle and apply pressure from different directions. This makes the submission more difficult to defend. Locking the triangle is the fifth step in setting up the reverse triangle. This involves encircling the opponent's head and arm with the legs, forming the characteristic triangular shape. The practitioner must ensure that the triangle is tight and secure, with no gaps or openings. The practitioner typically uses their legs to control the opponent's head and arm, while simultaneously locking their ankles together to form the triangle. The positioning of the legs is crucial in this phase. The legs must be positioned so that the shin bone presses against the carotid artery, maximizing the choking effect. Applying the choke is the final step. Once the triangle is locked, the practitioner can apply the choke by squeezing their legs together and adjusting the angle of pressure. The pressure should be applied gradually and controlled to avoid injury. The practitioner should be aware of the opponent's reactions and adjust the pressure accordingly. The reverse triangle, when executed correctly, is a formidable submission that can be applied from various positions, making it a valuable addition to any BJJ practitioner's repertoire. By following these steps and paying attention to the key principles, BJJ practitioners can significantly improve their ability to set up and execute the reverse triangle from guard effectively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Performing the Reverse Triangle

While the reverse triangle is a powerful submission in BJJ, several common mistakes can hinder its effectiveness or even lead to a failed attempt. Recognizing and avoiding these pitfalls is crucial for maximizing the success rate of the technique and minimizing the risk of counterattacks. Failing to control posture is a frequent error. As mentioned earlier, posture control is fundamental to setting up the reverse triangle. Attempting the submission without first breaking the opponent's posture can lead to a weak or ineffective choke. The opponent may be able to posture up, relieving the pressure on their neck and escaping the submission. To avoid this mistake, always prioritize breaking the opponent's posture before initiating the reverse triangle. Use techniques such as pulling them down, pushing them away, or using sweeps to disrupt their balance and prevent them from establishing a strong base. Incorrect angle is another prevalent mistake. The angle at which the triangle is applied significantly impacts its effectiveness. An incorrectly angled triangle may not apply sufficient pressure to the opponent's neck, allowing them to escape or defend the submission. The practitioner must position their body and legs to create the optimal angle, which often involves shifting their hips and adjusting their leg positioning. Using the hips to create the angle is particularly important. By pivoting and shifting the hips, the practitioner can adjust the angle of the triangle and apply pressure from different directions. This makes the submission more difficult to defend. A loose lock can also jeopardize the submission. A loose triangle allows the opponent to create space and relieve the pressure on their neck. The practitioner must ensure that the triangle is tight and secure, with no gaps or openings. The legs must be positioned so that the shin bone presses against the carotid artery, maximizing the choking effect. The practitioner should lock their ankles together tightly and adjust their positioning to eliminate any gaps in the triangle. Rushing the submission is a common error. Attempting to apply the choke too quickly can lead to a sloppy technique and a failed submission. The practitioner must take the time to set up the triangle properly, ensuring that all the key elements are in place before applying the pressure. This includes breaking the opponent's posture, creating the correct angle, and locking the triangle securely. Rushing the submission can also increase the risk of injury to the opponent's neck. Failing to control the opponent's arm is also a critical oversight. The reverse triangle typically involves trapping one of the opponent's arms inside the triangle. Failing to control this arm can allow the opponent to use it to defend the submission or even attack. The practitioner should ensure that the opponent's arm is securely trapped inside the triangle, preventing them from using it to posture up or create space. This often involves using the legs to control the arm and prevent it from escaping. Not transitioning to other submissions or positions is a strategic mistake. If the opponent defends the reverse triangle effectively, the practitioner should be prepared to transition to other submissions or positions. Sticking with a failing submission can waste energy and give the opponent an opportunity to counterattack. Common transitions from the reverse triangle include armlocks, omoplatas, and back takes. The practitioner should be familiar with these transitions and be prepared to use them if necessary. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on the key principles of the reverse triangle, BJJ practitioners can significantly improve their ability to execute this submission effectively and consistently. Consistent practice and attention to detail are essential for developing the necessary skills and muscle memory to apply this technique in live sparring or competition situations.

Drills and Training Methods for Mastering the Reverse Triangle

Mastering the reverse triangle in BJJ requires consistent practice and a structured approach to training. Specific drills and training methods can significantly improve your ability to set up and execute this submission effectively. Incorporating these methods into your training routine will enhance your understanding of the technique and develop the necessary muscle memory and reflexes. Positional Drilling is a highly effective method for developing proficiency in the reverse triangle. This involves isolating specific positions and practicing the transitions and techniques associated with them. For the reverse triangle, positional drilling might involve starting from the guard and focusing on the steps required to set up and lock the submission. A common positional drill is to start with the practitioner in the guard and the opponent in a neutral position. The practitioner then works on breaking the opponent's posture, creating the angle, and locking the triangle. The focus is on perfecting the individual steps and developing a smooth, efficient transition. Another variation of positional drilling involves starting with the opponent already partially trapped in the triangle. The practitioner then focuses on making the necessary adjustments to secure the lock and apply the choke. This helps develop the ability to troubleshoot and finish the submission from various positions. Repetition is key in positional drilling. By repeating the movements and transitions multiple times, the practitioner develops muscle memory and improves their timing and coordination. This makes the technique more natural and instinctive, allowing it to be applied more effectively in live sparring or competition situations. Partner Drills are another essential training method for mastering the reverse triangle. Partner drills involve working with a training partner to practice specific sequences and techniques in a controlled environment. This allows the practitioner to apply the technique against a resisting opponent and develop the ability to adapt to different reactions and defenses. A common partner drill for the reverse triangle involves one partner starting in the guard and attempting to set up the submission, while the other partner defends and attempts to escape. This drill helps both partners develop their offensive and defensive skills. The practitioner working on the reverse triangle gets to practice the setup and execution, while the partner defending learns how to recognize the signs of the submission and counter it effectively. Another variation of partner drilling involves incorporating live resistance. The partners start in the guard and engage in a light sparring session, with the focus on setting up and executing the reverse triangle. This helps develop the ability to apply the technique under pressure and against a dynamic opponent. Live Sparring, also known as rolling, is an indispensable part of BJJ training. It provides the opportunity to apply the techniques learned in drills and positional training in a realistic, dynamic environment. Live sparring helps develop the ability to recognize opportunities for the reverse triangle and execute it effectively against a fully resisting opponent. When sparring, it's important to focus on specific goals and techniques. This might involve setting the goal of attempting the reverse triangle a certain number of times during the round or focusing on specific aspects of the technique, such as posture control or angle manipulation. This helps ensure that the training is focused and productive. It's also important to be aware of the opponent's reactions and defenses. Live sparring provides valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the technique and allows the practitioner to make adjustments and refine their approach. Video Analysis can be a valuable tool for improving the reverse triangle. Recording your training sessions and reviewing the footage can help identify areas for improvement and refine your technique. By watching yourself perform the reverse triangle, you can spot mistakes or inefficiencies that you might not have noticed during live training. This allows you to make targeted adjustments and improve your technique more effectively. Video analysis can also be used to study the techniques of high-level BJJ practitioners. By watching how they set up and execute the reverse triangle, you can gain valuable insights and incorporate their strategies into your own game. Combining these drills and training methods into your routine will significantly enhance your ability to master the reverse triangle. Consistent practice, attention to detail, and a structured approach to training are essential for developing the necessary skills and muscle memory to apply this technique effectively in live sparring or competition situations.

Variations and Setups for the Reverse Triangle Submission

The reverse triangle choke is a versatile submission that can be initiated from various positions and setups in BJJ. Understanding these variations and setups expands your arsenal and makes the technique more accessible in different grappling scenarios. Exploring these setups provides a comprehensive understanding of how to seamlessly integrate this technique into your BJJ game. One common variation is the reverse triangle from closed guard. This setup begins from the closed guard position, where the practitioner controls the opponent's hips and upper body with their legs wrapped around the opponent's waist. From this position, the practitioner can break the opponent's posture and create the angle for the reverse triangle. The practitioner typically uses grips on the opponent's collar and sleeve to control their movements and set up the submission. The setup involves shifting the hips to create the necessary angle, trapping the opponent's arm, and locking the triangle. This variation is particularly effective because the closed guard provides a high degree of control and limits the opponent's options. Another setup is the reverse triangle from butterfly guard. The butterfly guard is an open guard variation where the practitioner uses their feet and legs to control the opponent's hips and create space. From the butterfly guard, the practitioner can use sweeps and transitions to off-balance the opponent and create opportunities for the reverse triangle. This setup often involves using butterfly hooks to elevate the opponent and create the necessary angle. The practitioner can also use underhooks to control the opponent's upper body and prevent them from posturing up. The reverse triangle from half guard is another variation. The half guard is a position where one of the practitioner's legs is trapped between the opponent's legs. From this position, the practitioner can use various techniques to sweep, submit, or transition to a better position. The reverse triangle from half guard typically involves securing an underhook on the opponent's arm and using it to control their posture. The practitioner then uses their legs to create the angle and lock the triangle. This setup can be particularly effective against opponents who are focused on passing the guard. From the omoplata position, you can also set up the reverse triangle. The omoplata is a shoulder lock that can be used as a submission or a transition to other techniques. If the opponent defends the omoplata effectively, the practitioner can transition to the reverse triangle by shifting their hips and adjusting their leg positioning. This transition can be a surprise attack that catches the opponent off guard. The practitioner can also set up the reverse triangle from a failed sweep attempt. If the opponent resists a sweep attempt, the practitioner can use the momentum to transition to the reverse triangle. This often involves using the legs to create the angle and lock the triangle as the opponent attempts to regain their balance. This setup can be effective because the opponent is often focused on defending the sweep, making them vulnerable to the submission. Incorporating these variations and setups into your BJJ game will make the reverse triangle a more versatile and effective technique. By understanding how to initiate the submission from various positions, you can increase your chances of catching your opponent off guard and securing the tap. Consistent practice and experimentation with these variations will help you develop the ability to apply the reverse triangle seamlessly in different grappling scenarios.