🥋 The Triangular Balance: The Invisible Principle of Stability in Jiu-Jitsu
For a long time, I've been reflecting on a recurring pattern across various fields of knowledge: the triangle as a symbol of stability. In civil engineering, triangular structures form the foundation of bridges, towers, and roofs. In mechanics, tripods are used to ensure balance on irregular surfaces. Even in furniture—three-legged chairs or three-support tables. The triangle emerges as the most stable form possible.
"Three non-collinear points define a plane. If the three points are equidistant from each other, they form an equilateral triangle—the most symmetrical and balanced plane you can construct with three points."
— Basic principle of geometry
These examples made me return to a basic geometric concept, and that's when I started seeing this same principle… on the mats.
🧠 The Concept Emerges: Triangular Balance
During jiu-jitsu training, I noticed that whenever I felt most stable on top of my opponent, my body was forming triangles with contact points on the ground and on my adversary. Sometimes with feet and hands, other times with knees and head, or with shoulders and elbows. The pattern kept repeating.
I then began formulating an idea that became a foundational philosophy for me:
"The more efficient the triangle I form with my body, the harder it is to be unbalanced or swept."
And thus was born the concept of Triangular Balance in Jiu-Jitsu.
🔺 Defining Triangular Balance
In geometry, the equilateral triangle represents perfect force distribution and symmetry. In jiu-jitsu, this idea translates to using three strategic contact points to maintain multidirectional stability, resist sweeps, and distribute weight efficiently.
⚖️ Practical Applications
🦶 Side Control
- Point 1 & 2: Feet wide apart, lifting the knee off the ground
- Point 3: Chest pressing opponent's chest
→ Creates a stable triangle that prevents being pushed or inverted.
🤜 Mount Position
- Points 1 & 2: Knees on the ground
- Point 3: Head low or hand posted forward
→ Centralized stability, resistant to opponent's explosions.
💪 Knee Cut/Knee Slide Guard Pass
- Point 1: Hand pressuring hip or winning the collar tie
- Point 2: Knee on ground with shin pressuring opponent's leg
- Point 3: Head tucked under opponent's chin, pushing upward
→ Dynamic triangle that distributes weight with precision and mobility.
🌀 Movement with Structure
It's important to note: Triangular Balance is not a static position. It's a philosophy of continuous base adjustment. During the fight, we're always moving—but even in movement, we can reorganize our contact points to maintain functional triangles.
"Balance is not a motionless state, but a continuous sequence of micro-triangles."
🧘♂️ More Than Technique: A Way of Thinking the Game
Just as engineers use triangles to build bridges that last centuries, the BJJ practitioner can use triangles to sustain their base, pressure, and flow.
By applying this concept to your game, you begin to see what was previously invisible, and your control gains structure, not just strength.
The triangle is present in everything: in your body, on the mat, in the fight.
You can resist any direction… if you have three well-positioned supports.
🔬 The Science Behind the Art
What makes this concept so powerful is its foundation in physics and geometry. When you create a triangular base:
- Force Distribution: Pressure is spread evenly across three points, preventing any single point of failure
- Multidirectional Stability: Resistance to being moved in any direction
- Structural Integrity: The triangle cannot be collapsed without moving all three points simultaneously
- Energy Efficiency: Less muscular effort required to maintain position
📝 Training Applications
To develop your triangular balance awareness:
- Positional Training: In each dominant position, consciously identify your three contact points
- Resistance Drills: Have partners try to destabilize you while you maintain triangular structure
- Movement Flow: Practice transitioning between positions while maintaining triangular principles
- Video Analysis: Watch high-level competitors and identify their triangular patterns
🎯 Key Takeaways
- ✅ Triangular structures provide maximum stability with minimum energy
- ✅ Three strategic contact points resist multidirectional forces
- ✅ This principle applies to all dominant positions in BJJ
- ✅ Balance is dynamic—continuous micro-adjustments of triangular base
- ✅ Awareness of invisible geometric structures improves control
Track Your Progress
Start implementing triangular balance principles in your training and track your improvement with detailed session logs.
Document which positions feel more stable, note when you lose base, and track your progress as you develop this awareness. A structured training journal helps you identify patterns and accelerate your improvement.
Felipe Forbeck | Founder of BJJ Notes