Alias · Triangle system
Lateral triangle
Also known as Side Triangle — the canonical term used on this site.
Training background: descriptive
Descriptive — the lateral (side) triangle
Lateral triangle is a descriptive name for the side triangle — “lateral” naming the same sideways, perpendicular angle.
Etymology. “Lateral” and “side” both describe the attacker positioned to the side of the opponent rather than head-on; “triangle” names the strangle. The two labels are interchangeable, differing only in register.
Mechanics. The lateral angle sets the leverage: the strangle’s power comes from the angle of the legs to the neck, and the side position lines that angle across both carotids so a smaller squeeze finishes. The force angle, established by the lateral entry, supplies the choke rather than raw compression.
Cross-reference. “Side triangle choke” is a sibling alias. Full mechanical coverage on Side Triangle.