spider triangles

Taught by:Andre Galvao Bernardo Faria Craig Jones Gordon Ryan John Danaher Keenan Cornelius Lachlan Giles Marcelo Garcia Mikey Musumeci Nathan Merkle Rob Shiffler Roger Gracie

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Spider Triangles Technique

Japanese Name: Sankaku Jime (N/A for specific variation)
Position: Open Guard
Top or Bottom: Bottom

Introduction

The "spider triangles" is an effective submission technique that integrates the use of the spider guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This technique is advantageous as it combines control, leverage, and precision to secure a triangle choke from the bottom position.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Establishing Spider Guard:
- Start in the open guard position. Place your feet on your opponent's biceps. Make sure your legs are bent slightly and not locked out.
- Secure the sleeve grips. Ideally, you'll maintain a firm grip on both of your opponent's sleeves.
Set Up the Triangle Base:
- As you control the sleeves, focus on one side to attack and release the opposite bicep control.
- With the release, drop your leg into the opponent's armpit. Use the remaining foot (still on the opponent's bicep) to pull them forward slightly to break their posture.
Positioning for the Triangle:
- Use the foot in the armpit to push your opponent's arm across their torso. This side will become the trapped arm once the triangle is applied.
- Simultaneously, bring your opposite leg over your opponent's neck. Aim to bring your calf under the opponent's neck in the crook of your knee.
Closing the Triangle:
- Release the sleeve grip of the arm that is under your clamping leg and lock it with your free foot to complete the triangular configuration.
- Pull your opponent's head downward while lifting your hips towards their face to apply pressure.
Securing the Triangle:
- Adjust your angle by swiveling to the side, usually at a 90-degree angle to your opponent, while cinching in the triangle for more force.
- Squeeze your knees together, arch your hips, and pull the opponent's head towards you for the choke. It's crucial to have one arm of the opponent inside your legs and the other outside to prevent their escape.
Additional Tips:
- Keep your transitions smooth between each step, as hesitation can lead to your opponent posturing out.
- Practice maintaining control over the sleeves throughout the maneuver to limit your opponent's mobility.

Conclusion

The "spider triangles" from open guard demand dexterity and timing. As you master the control phases from the spider guard, the triangle setup becomes more natural, leading to an effective choke finish. This technique is a cornerstone skill that BJJ practitioners often find invaluable, especially against those expecting traditional closed guard triangles. Keep refining the steps for optimized efficiency during sparring or competition.

How to Execute

# Spider Triangle from Open Guard

## Setup
- **Initial Position Details**: Begin in the open guard with your opponent kneeling in front of you. You should have your legs in a "spider guard" configuration, which means your feet are in contact with your opponent's biceps.
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: Establish a strong grip on both of your opponent's sleeves. Your right hand should grip their left sleeve, and your left hand should grip their right sleeve. Your feet should be actively pushing against their biceps to maintain control and distance.

## Steps
1. **Create an Angle**: Start by pushing off on your opponent's right bicep with your left foot while pulling their right sleeve with your left hand. Simultaneously, drop your right foot to the mat and pivot your hips to the left to create an angle.
   
2. **Bring the Leg Over**: Once you have created a sufficient angle, lift your right leg and bring it over your opponent's right shoulder. Your right calf should rest on their neck, setting up the initial triangle position.

3. **Secure the Triangle**: Immediately after bringing your right leg over, switch your left grip from the sleeve to the back of your opponent's head. Pull their head down to break their posture.

4. **Lock the Triangle**: Slide your left leg up and over your right ankle to lock the triangle. Your right leg should be perpendicular to your opponent's neck, and your left leg should clamp down tightly over your right ankle.

5. **Adjust and Tighten**: If needed, adjust your angle by scooting your hips to the left more, ensuring your right leg cuts across the back of their neck. Squeeze your knees together and pull down on your opponent’s head to tighten the choke.

6. **Finish the Triangle**: To apply pressure and finish the submission, push your hips up while pulling their head down, simultaneously squeezing your knees together.

## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**: 
  - Maintain strong grips on your opponent's sleeves throughout the setup to control their posture and movement.
  - Keep your opponent's posture broken by pulling their head down as soon as you lock the triangle.
  - Your leg across your opponent's neck should be as perpendicular as possible for maximum effectiveness.

- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
  - Failing to create a proper angle before attempting to lock the triangle. This can make it difficult to secure the submission.
  - Not adjusting your hips to tighten the triangle. Always ensure your leg is cutting across the neck.
  - Allowing your opponent to posture up before securing the triangle, which can result in losing control and the submission opportunity.

spider triangles

About This Technique