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BeginnerArm Triangle
Kata Gatame
Taught by:Andre GalvaoBernardo FariaCraig JonesGordon RyanJohn DanaherKeenan CorneliusLachlan GilesMarcelo GarciaMikey MusumeciNathan MerkleRob BiernackiRob ShifflerRoger Gracie
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About This Technique
Arm Triangle
The Arm Triangle Choke, also known as Kata Gatame in judo, is a popular submission technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that targets the opponent’s carotid arteries using one's own arm and shoulder. This choke can be executed efficiently to finish a match or gain superior control.
Possible Positions
- Top
- Side Control
- Mount
- Half Guard
How to Perform the Arm Triangle
Setup from Side Control:
- Secure Side Control:
- Begin by establishing a dominant side control position on your opponent.
- Keep your weight distributed across their chest and hips.
- Isolate the Near Arm:
- Use your own outside arm (the one closest to their head) to drive their arm across their neck, forcing their biceps to press into the opposite side of their neck.
- Thread the Arm:
- Slide your arm that was under their head through, under their far arm, elevating their shoulder while maintaining pressure with your body.
- Establish the Grip:
- Use your other arm to clasp your hand to either your own bicep or to make a gable grip clasp.
- Your head should be tight against their arm, locking everything in place.
- Secure Position:
- Adjust your body and establish a cross-face with your shoulder on the trapped arm.
- Transition to Mount (Optional):
- If comfortable, step over into the mount position to increase the pressure and control of the choke.
Finishing the Choke
- Adjust Your Head:
- Keep your head on the mat adjacent to the opponent’s head, maintaining pressure.
- Apply Pressure:
- Walk your trapped arm further up their arm while squeezing with your biceps and shoulder.
- Your aim is to compress both arteries on either side of their neck.
- Tighten and Finish:
- Increase shoulder pressure by keeping your hips low and squeezing any slack from the grip.
- Lean your upper body towards the opponent's shoulder, creating the necessary pressure to finish the choke.
Tips
- Maintain close contact throughout to prevent escapes.
- Proper head positioning is crucial to keeping the choke tight.
- Use gradual pressure to proceed with the choke; a rush can lead to lack of tightness and effectiveness.
How to Execute
Arm Triangle from Side Control
Performing the Arm Triangle from Side Control involves precise positioning and control to effectively apply pressure and secure the submission. Follow these detailed steps:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Establish Side Control
- •Position Yourself: Begin in a strong side control position. Your chest should be across your opponent's chest, with your knees wide for stability. Your far-side arm should be under your opponent’s head, while the near-side arm controls their near-side hip.
- •Manage Weight: Ensure your weight is distributed through your chest, applying pressure to keep your opponent pinned.
Step 2: Set Up the Arm Triangle
- •Clear the Near-side Arm: Use your near-side arm (the one controlling the hip) to push your opponent’s near-side arm across their face, aiming to get it across their neck. You can use your shoulder to assist in this movement by driving into their arm.
- •Trap the Arm: Once their arm is across, use your shoulder pressure to pin their arm against their neck. This helps in isolating their arm and setting up the choke.
Step 3: Move to North-South
- •Transition Your Position: Slide your body to a north-south position while maintaining pressure. Your near-side arm should now move to wrap around their head, ensuring their arm stays trapped across their neck.
- •Secure Your Grip: With the arm around their head, reach your hand towards your opposite bicep to lock your arms in a figure-four grip. Your other hand should be on the back of their head, reinforcing the grip.
Step 4: Adjust the Position
- •Adjust Your Body: Begin to walk your hips towards your opponent’s head, ensuring that their shoulder is driven into their neck. This action increases the pressure necessary for the choke.
- •Flatten Your Body: Lower your head and chest towards the mat, maintaining tight pressure on your opponent’s neck and head.
Step 5: Apply the Choke
- •Tighten the Grip: Squeeze your arms together, ensuring your bicep and shoulder press into either side of the opponent’s neck.
- •Maintain Patience and Pressure: Continue applying pressure evenly. The choke should come on gradually but effectively as you maintain your squeeze.
Step 6: Finish the Submission
- •Observe the Opponent: Watch for signs of tapping or verbal submission. Be ready to release immediately upon their tap or any indication of distress.
- •Release Safely: Once the opponent taps, release the choke carefully and assume a safe position to prevent any potential counterattacks.
Tips:
- •Stay Calm: Maintain control and patience throughout the process. Rushing can lead to mistakes or loss of position.
- •Breathing: Focus on your breathing to maintain calmness and ensure you’re not using excessive energy.
- •Pressure Control: The success of the arm triangle depends heavily on how well you can apply and maintain pressure. Practice this aspect diligently.
By following these steps, you can effectively execute an Arm Triangle from Side Control, ensuring control and precision throughout the technique.
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