Overview
The rear triangle, also known as ushiro sankaku, is a powerful strangle configuration applied from behind the opponent, most commonly used when back control is secured and the rear naked strangle is difficult to finish. Unlike the traditional front triangle, the rear triangle traps the opponent’s head and arm between the attacker’s legs while the attacker remains seated or positioned behind the torso, creating an exceptionally stable form of control.
The position is frequently entered from back control, especially when the defender overcommits to hand-fighting on one side. By isolating one arm and throwing the leg over the opponent’s shoulder, the attacker locks a triangle around the head and arm while maintaining strong torso connection. This creates a devastating combination: a tight strangle threat, powerful rotational control, and immediate access to the opponent’s isolated arm for follow-up attacks.
Beyond the strangle itself, the rear triangle functions as a complete attacking hub. Common follow-ups include the Kimura, armbar, wristlocks, and various shoulder submissions on the trapped arm. Because the attacker remains behind the opponent—with legs controlling the upper body and hands free to attack—escaping the position is significantly more difficult than from standard triangle setups, making the rear triangle one of the highest-percentage finishing systems in modern no-gi grappling.
Related Techniques
Side triangle, Front triangle, Triangle, Armbar