GB Technique: Deep Dive into the Arm Triangle Choke

This week on GB Technique we are going to look more in-depth at one of the very best No-Gi submissions – the Arm Triangle (or Kata gatame) choke.
This arm-in choke is one of the most successful submissions in professional MMA as well as submission grappling competition. Yet, it can be a little tricky to learn how to apply the correct squeeze and get the tap against an experienced opponent’s defense.
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The “Kata gatame” basic setup and performance with Prof. Philipe Della Monica
The details with competitor Prof. Kendall Reusing
1- Use the “Spider walking” fingers technique to open the opponent’s armpit and get their arm up alongside their head. Even if your opponent knows what you are doing, it is still very difficult for them to resist. Tip: you have more leverage if you apply your force closer to the opponent’s elbow than their shoulder.
2- Getting the tap isn’t just about squeezing as hard as possible. It’s more about making the grip tight. Tip: Use your head like a 3rd arm to apply pressure to keep the arm close to the neck. Use your head pressure to push the opponent’s shoulder into their carotid artery.
3- The 3 most important elements of the choke: the biceps tight against the neck to cut off the blood flow; the opponent’s shoulder shutting off blood flow on another side of the choke and your choking arm/shoulder under the opponent’s chin removing any space.
See also on GB Technique: Connecting Open Guards
Writer: Mark Mullen, Gracie Barra Black Belt