IMAC Dojo Judo Curriculum · Level 5
Judo Level 5: Sankaku Jime — Separate the triangle shape from the technique
Sankaku Jime is a strangle using triangular leg control. A similar shape appears in an elbow-joint technique, so examine its purpose too.
Compiled by Phoenix — Co-founder of IMAC Dojo
Thaninpong Supapitakpong (Phoenix)Co-founder of IMAC DojoUpdated 29 Sept 2026
- Author
- Thaninpong Supapitakpong (Phoenix)
- Published
- Last updated
- Sources
- 1
- Reading time
- 2 min
Short Answer
Sankaku Jime is a strangle using triangular leg control. A similar shape appears in an elbow-joint technique, so examine its purpose too.
Key Takeaways
- Compare arm position with the leg shape.
- Notice where the upper body can move.
- Watch full leg release when stopping.
Read leg position, the enclosed arm and upper-body control as separate observations.
In this article
What the name tells us
三角絞, sankaku-jime, combines triangle with strangle.
How the technique works
The legs control the neck and one arm together. That relationship matters more than a crossed-feet image alone.
Kodokan's sankaku-jime definition relates the head and one arm to tori's legs, not any arrangement of legs around a neck. Identifying the enclosed arm helps distinguish the actual structure from a triangle-like silhouette.
What to watch in the clips
- Compare arm position with the leg shape.
- Notice where the upper body can move.
- Watch full leg release when stopping.
A distinction worth noticing
Ude Hishigi Sankaku Gatame is a joint technique despite similar leg positioning. Jime therefore helps distinguish the purpose.
Ude-hishigi-sankaku-gatame has a similar leg base but is kansetsu-waza. Look at the additional controlling action rather than deciding the technique from the triangle alone.
Taking the lesson back to practice
Do not pull the head forcefully or practise to unconsciousness. Let an instructor arrange slow practice and stop immediately on a signal. Pain is not proof of correct technique.
The Level here refers to the IMAC Dojo curriculum. Use the article and clips to prepare questions and review them with your instructor. Practical training needs a suitable partner, space and controlled conditions.
Observe tori's hips with uke's shoulders and discuss them with your instructor. Do not pull a partner's head to make the picture tighter. Establish the structure and stopping signal before practical training.
Connect this with your next lesson
Sankaku Jime — Video lesson 1
An IMAC Dojo clip accompanying Sankaku Jime. Use the observations and distinctions in this article to guide your viewing.
Video published
Sources and further reading
- 三角絞 — 講道館 柔道 技名称一覧 — 講道館ReferenceAccessed 29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every leg triangle identify this technique?
No. Distinguish a strangle from elbow-joint control.
Why observe the arm?
One arm forms part of the relationship within the triangle.
What error should be avoided?
Forceful head pulling and retaining pressure after a stop signal.
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