From guard, the arm bar, omoplata, and triangle choke all play nicely off of each other. Frequently, the defense of one will open opportunities for the others. We’ve done a little bit with arm bars and omoplatas, so it’s time to add triangles into the mix.
My approach will be based on Ryan Hall’s Triangle DVD series. His approach is different than traditional triangle instruction, but he makes a solid case for the mechanical advantages of his version. The video below covers the finishing sequence:
Legs too short?
Danaher shows how to cut an angle to remove your opponent’s shoulder from the triangle. The trapped shoulder what is blocking the legs from locking correctly. His movement emphasizes trapping the arm not the shoulder.
In the next video, option 1, switch to omoplata is honestly my standard solution. I don’t finish triangles often, but I hit omoplatas a lot. “Look at the triangle as a position” is consistent with what Danaher and Hall say about it, but might not be specific enough to be useful. “Say ‘to heck with form’ and use your meaty thighs to power through” isn’t necessarily what I hoped for either. I include the video since it illustrates a common dilemma. It’s not just you.
Lachlan Giles has an approach pretty similar to Ryan Hall’s but he suggests a different locking position with the leg. I appreciate the explanation about not pushing the opponent’s head away while turning to find the angle.