Unlocking Nicky Ryan's Signature Triangle from Butterfly Guard
Nicky Ryan has been turning heads in the grappling world with his technical prowess, especially during high-stakes events like ADCC. One standout moment was his slick triangle choke finished directly from the butterfly guard. This no-gi submission showcases the blend of timing, leverage, and precision that defines top-tier competitors. Coach Kent Peters provides an expert dissection of the sequence, making it accessible for grapplers at all levels—from beginners building fundamentals to advanced athletes refining their game.
Butterfly guard remains a cornerstone in modern no-gi grappling, particularly in competitions like ADCC where points and finishes matter most. It's versatile for sweeps, passes, and submissions alike, and Ryan's application elevates it further. Whether you're training for BJJ tournaments, MMA grappling phases, or wrestling exchanges, mastering this triangle can be a game-changer. Let's break it down methodically, starting from the basics and progressing to the finish.
Building a Strong Butterfly Guard Foundation
Before diving into the triangle, ensure your butterfly guard is rock-solid. Sit up with your back against the mat, feet hooked inside your opponent's thighs with shin bones pressing outward. This creates space and off-balances them forward.
- Key grips: Control the sleeves or triceps to prevent posture. Your elbows should stay tight to your body to block guard passes.
- Hip movement: Constantly shrimp and replace hooks to maintain control. In no-gi, frictionless grips mean you rely more on underhooks and leg control.
- Common pitfalls for beginners: Don't let your opponent post their hands on your hips—actively disrupt their base with knee pressure.
This setup is crucial in MMA too, where butterfly guard shines in bottom positions against strikers transitioning to ground control.
Entry into the Triangle Setup
Ryan's triangle emerges organically from butterfly when the opponent pressures forward. Here's how it unfolds:
1. Initial threat with sweeps: From butterfly, extend one leg to push the hip while pulling with the opposite arm. This forces the opponent to base out or circle away—both lead to openings.
2. Opponent's reaction: As they post a hand or shift weight, bait them into stepping up with one knee. Ryan uses this moment to swing his inside leg high across the back of their neck.
3. Leg elevation: The bottom leg (trapped one) slides up to secure the triangle frame. Your shin presses against their neck, while the knee of the crossing leg locks under.
Pro tip: In training, drill this entry slowly. Use a heavy bag or partner to simulate resistance, focusing on smooth leg switches. For Muay Thai or kickboxing practitioners crossing into grappling, this mirrors clinch breaks leading to takedowns.
Securing and Finishing the Triangle
Once the legs are in place, the real work begins. Peters emphasizes posture control and leverage:
- Arm trap: Pull the opponent's posting arm across your centerline using your opposite hand. This isolates their head and arm inside the triangle.
- Hip elevation: Bridge your hips explosively while squeezing your knees together. Rotate your hips to align the choke angle—aim for the carotid compression.
- Posture break: If they defend by hiding the elbow, switch to armbar threats or stack escapes to reopen the position.
In the ADCC match, Ryan adjusted mid-sequence as his opponent defended initially, circling his hips to tighten the figure-four lock. Advanced variation: Open the knee slightly for a late armbar finish if the triangle stalls.
Visual Breakdown of Key Frames
- Frame 1: Butterfly hooks engaged, opponent leaning forward.
- Frame 2: Leg swing initiates, trapping the arm.
- Frame 3: Full triangle locked, hips up for the squeeze.
- Frame 4: Tap out as pressure mounts.
Drills and Progressions for All Levels
Beginners: Start seated against a wall. Practice leg swings without a partner, focusing on height and speed. Progress to partner drills without resistance.
Intermediate: Live rolling from butterfly only. Force the triangle entry 3x per round. Track success rate and adjust grips.
Advanced: Spar under ADCC rules—no-gi, overtime scenarios. Film sessions to analyze like Ryan—note hip angles and grip fights.
MMA/Wrestling Integration: Use this in scrambles post-takedown. From turtle position, regain butterfly for the triangle threat, deterring top pressure.
Why This Works in Competition
Ryan's efficiency stems from threat layering: Sweep feints open the triangle. In BJJ, wrestling, or MMA, it exploits forward pressure common in pass-heavy metas. Stats from ADCC show triangles account for ~15% of submission wins in open divisions—leverage this data in your training.
Gear matters too: Rash guards prevent slips in no-gi, while quality grappling shorts allow free hip movement. Head over to Apollo MMA to gear up with top brands like Hayabusa or Scramble for your sessions.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---------|-----|
| Leg too low on neck | Swing higher, use momentum from hip escape |
| Weak squeeze | Elevate hips fully; engage core like a deadlift |
| Opponent stacks | Circle hips away, threaten omoplata |
| Grip slips in no-gi | Strengthen finger tension; use tape if allowed |
Peters advises 80% drilling, 20% live to ingrain muscle memory.
Taking It to the Next Level
Study Ryan's full ADCC run for context—pair this with his back takes from front headlock. Cross-train with wrestling for explosive entries, vital in MMA. Consistency yields results: Many students report submission rates doubling after 4 weeks of focused butterfly work.
Elevate your game with this breakdown. Whether competing or training recreationally, Nicky Ryan's triangle from butterfly is a must-have weapon. Grab your gear from Apollo MMA and hit the mats!
(Word count: 1028)
---
