Flying Triangle
Flying triangle — jumping from standing to lock a triangle choke. Elevated risk; precise timing required.
Adapted from InGrappling, Flying Triangle. System Games did not invent this curriculum.
FamilyStandingLevelElitePerspectiveBottomIntentOffensiveSafetyElevatedMapView on graph →This technique has elevated risk. Make sure you've covered the prerequisites before attempting.
Manage injuries →Position map Connects to 2 positions across 2 relationshipsOpen in the map →12←Enters from
The flying triangle is a standing attack in which the attacker jumps and locks a triangle choke around the opponent’s head and arm before the opponent can respond defensively. The attack goes from standing directly to triangle position — bypassing the usual guard-pulling or takedown sequence that would normally precede a triangle setup.
The technique works only in a narrow set of conditions: the opponent’s arm must be positioned correctly (usually extended or in a collar tie grip that exposes the shoulder), and the attacker must be able to lock the triangle in the air before landing. The window is extremely small — an opponent who sees the jump and responds by posturing out, catching the body, or driving through can neutralise the attack and potentially create a slam or bodyweight counter.
The flying triangle is not a general-purpose attack. It is a specific-opportunity attack that requires precise reading, exact timing, and a complete triangle from the ground game as a foundation. It appears in competition at high levels because at those levels the setup conditions are actively created — they do not occur accidentally.
Elevated RiskFlying Triangle is an elevated risk technique. If the opponent catches the attacker mid-jump, they can drive forward, slam, or drive the attacker into the mat with their full weight. In some rulesets, slams are permitted as a counter to airborne attacks. Neck and shoulder injury risk is elevated if the landing is uncontrolled. Serious injury can occur on failed entry — the counter happens at the moment of the jump.
If you are new to this technique: read this section before anything else. Understanding the danger is part of understanding the technique.
The person applying the technique is responsible for releasing immediately.