Overview
The kata gatame, commonly known as the arm triangle choke, is a classic head-and-arm strangle that uses the opponent’s own shoulder to compress one side of the neck while the attacker’s arm closes the opposite side. By trapping the opponent’s arm across their face and sealing the space around the carotid arteries, the kata gatame creates a powerful strangle that can be finished from both top and transitional positions.
In modern grappling, kata gatame is valued for its control as much as its finishing ability. It frequently emerges from dominant positions such as side control and mount, but also appears during guard passes, scrambles, and even from half guard. Because it limits the opponent’s ability to frame, turn, or create space, the arm triangle functions as both a submission threat and a positional pin that steadily forces defensive collapse.