Reverse Triangle: Back Triangle Mechanics

Reverse Triangle from Back Control

The reverse triangle is most naturally available from back control when the opponent turns away from your rear naked choke attempts, exposing their shoulder and neck from the back. When they turtle hard and tuck their chin, your legs are already in position to form the triangle from behind. Swing one leg over their shoulder and across their neck, then lock the figure-four behind their head. This faces the opposite direction from a guard triangle — your body is behind them and your legs face forward. The arm gets trapped inside the triangle on the same side as the locking leg.

Leg Configuration and Locking

The lock is created the same way as a regular triangle — the back of your knee rests on top of your opposite ankle in a figure-four. However, since you are behind the opponent, tighten the triangle by driving your hips forward into the back of their head while squeezing your thighs. This forward hip pressure combined with knee squeeze creates the carotid compression. One arm is typically trapped inside with their neck.

• Lock figure-four with back of knee over opposite ankle
• Drive hips forward while squeezing thighs for choking pressure
• Trap one arm inside — same side as the locking leg

Reverse Triangle from Turtle and Guard

Against a turtled opponent, you can attack the reverse triangle by placing your legs over their back and rolling them toward you, catching the triangle as they come over. From guard, the reverse triangle presents itself when the opponent stacks heavily and turns sideways — your legs are now in position to swing into a reverse triangle rather than a standard one. Many practitioners underutilize the reverse triangle because it is less commonly taught, giving it a surprise factor that can catch experienced opponents off guard in competition.