So, you’ve heard about the classic triangle choke, but have you heard about the cryangle choke? This is the name of a triangle variation, that is finished with the opponent’s leg inside the triangle lock. At first, this may sound very odd. In fairness, this assumption would be correct – as the cryangle is an odd submission and is not really a common sight.
In fact, if we’re being fully honest then it’s arguably a bit of a gimmicky move that isn’t easy to perform on someone of a similar size or skill level to yourself. Because of this, you’ll seldom see a cryangle in a competition or in MMA. Instead, you’re more likely to see a troll brown belt do it for a joke in the gym against an unsuspecting white belt. Nonetheless, variety is the spice of life and if you’re looking for something different then the cryangle is a fun submission to explore.
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How the cryangle got its name
Imagine a submission that is so humiliating that it makes you want to cry. This is where its name comes from. Obviously, the ending of its name also comes from the fact that it’s mechanically very similar to a regular triangle choke. Sometimes, people also call it the leg-in triangle choke which is probably a more sensible nickname. Nonetheless, as this is far from a sensible submission, it’s certainly worthy of its name, the cryangle.
How to do the cryangle choke
There are mainly two ways of entering the cryangle choke. The first method is from a top position in guard, whereas the second is from a bottom, closed guard position. Although there are more entries into the cryangle – these are the main two.
Cryangle from top
To perform the cryangle from the top position, you should be sat in deep half guard. Now, let’s imagine that your opponent is under your leg like you’re a pillow. From here, you’ll want to free your legs from the opponent’s leg entanglement. This won’t be easy, but if you lean over their head then it may help your legs and feet escape.
Often, most people will either use this to pass the guard or instead take the back. However, if you want something different, then this is where the cryangle comes in handy. As you’ve freed your legs, you should then fall down as if you’re going for a normal triangle. However, at the same time, you should also have your leg under the opponent’s leg.
You can finish this submission from a mount, or by dropping back to the bottom position. Then, you’ll want to lock up a triangle, with the opponent’s head, arm, and leg inside your legs. As you would with a regular triangle, you can then squeeze to get the submission.
Cryangle from the bottom
As mentioned, another common cryangle position is from the closed guard. Imagine your opponent has stood on one knee whilst inside your closed guard. Then, their leg comes out of the closed guard. Ideally, they should try to keep it in for defensive purposes and the avoidance of getting swept. However, some people may step out of the closed guard. Alternatively, you can try to off-balance them and pry their leg out in the process.
After this, you should then try to get their foot on the mat and break their posture, as you would with a regular triangle. Then, you should shoot your legs up and lock them around their legs, arm, and head. You have now entered the cryangle and can finish it as you usually would. Just remember to keep their leg pressing into their neck to cut off their carotid arteries.
Why the cryangle is low percentage
You’ll need long legs
Firstly, the cryangle relies on having long legs. This means that if you’ve got smaller limbs, then it may be virtually impossible to finish. Sadly, this applies to many people. Therefore, you should only go for the cryangle if you’re of a lanky build. Unlike something like a rear naked choke, this submission is not suited for everyone and relies heavily on having a specific body type.
It can be tough to cut off the blood supply
Secondly, the cryangle can be difficult to finish if the opponent is tough or has broad shoulders. Whilst this can be the case for normal triangles, it’s even more so with the cryangle. For instance, not only does your leg have to cover the shoulder and head – it now has to cover the leg as well.
So, even if you do manage to lock it up, it may not even be possible to finish anyway as there may be enough space for the arteries to survive.
Cryangle entries are difficult
Typically, normal triangles can be found almost everywhere. Whether you’re on the top or even in bottom side control, you can get them anywhere. However, the cryangle is very limited. For starters, not many people play deep half guard anyway. Also, having someone step one leg out of your full guard is equally as unusual. Because of this, even if your cryangle game was elite level, it would still be tough to find common entries.
Conclusion
As established, although you could choke someone unconscious with a cryangle choke – it’s still not a very common submission. In short, there’s a lot going on that you need to apply to make it work. For example, it’s not easily available in the first place. However, even when it is, trying to finish it is not exactly easy either.
As a result, it’s fair to say that the cryangle is pretty low percentage and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Whilst it may be a fun move to hit in the gym, you probably won’t be winning any BJJ competitions anytime soon using it either. Regardless, BJJ is meant to be fun for most people so if you’re looking for something quirky to add to your game – then the cryangle could be something to explore.
