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North-South Choke

Quick Introductionโ€‹

The north-south choke is a powerful submission from the north-south position that uses your arms to compress both sides of the opponent's neck while controlling them with your weight. This versatile attack can be applied as a pure choke or combined with a kimura shoulder lock, making it a high-percentage finish from a dominant control position.

Technique Overviewโ€‹

Type: Strangulation (blood choke - carotid arteries) or shoulder lock (kimura variation)

Station: Submissions - North-south position

Available from: North-south position (primary), transition from side control, scrambles, passing situations

Finish: Arms thread around neck creating compression, or kimura grip on arm while maintaining choke pressure

Leads to: Armbar, return to side control, mount transitions

North-South Choke Variations (3 Main Applications)โ€‹

๐ŸŽฏ Classic North-South Choke (Arm-In)โ€‹

Setup Position

North-south position with chest-to-chest pressure on opponent

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Establish solid north-south position
  2. Opponent's near arm is between your bodies
  3. Thread your near arm under their neck toward far side
  4. Your hand reaches through to their far shoulder
  5. Far arm wraps over their neck from opposite side
  6. Lock hands together (gable grip or hand-to-wrist)
  7. Squeeze elbows together toward each other
  8. Drive shoulder pressure down into their face/neck
  9. Expand your chest while compressing their neck
  10. Walk your legs toward their head to increase angle
  11. Maintain pressure until tap

Critical Details

  • Trap their near arm between your bodies (arm-in position)
  • Thread deep under neck, not just across throat
  • Both arms work together creating vice-like compression
  • Shoulder pressure into face prevents head movement
  • Elbows squeeze together, not pulling apart
  • Weight distribution keeps them flat
  • Head stays low and connected to their body
  • Angle adjustment with leg position is critical

Tactical Advantage

High control position; opponent can't see you; difficult to defend once locked; uses body weight effectively; can switch to other attacks easily; dominant psychological position

โš”๏ธ North-South Kimura Choke (Hybrid)โ€‹

Setup Position

North-south position with opponent's arm isolated

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. North-south position established
  2. Control opponent's near arm (wrist control)
  3. Bring their arm across their body toward opposite shoulder
  4. Figure-4 grip on their arm (kimura grip structure)
  5. Your bottom arm threads under their neck
  6. Top arm controls their wrist in kimura position
  7. Squeeze elbows creating dual pressure
  8. Option 1: Finish kimura shoulder lock
  9. Option 2: Maintain choke pressure with threading arm
  10. Option 3: Combine both for powerful submission
  11. Apply pressure until tap

Critical Details

  • Kimura grip standard: hand to own wrist
  • Threading arm creates choke pressure
  • Top arm creates shoulder lock pressure
  • Opponent must defend two submissions simultaneously
  • Very difficult to escape once locked
  • Can switch between choke and kimura
  • Excellent control throughout
  • Their own arm blocks their escape

Tactical Advantage

Dual threat submission; opponent must choose defense; high finish rate; uses their arm to assist choke; psychological pressure; demonstrates technical mastery

๐Ÿ”„ No-Gi North-South Choke (Modified)โ€‹

Setup Position

North-south position in no-gi or rashguard environment

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. North-south position without gi grips
  2. Near arm threads deep under their neck
  3. Hand reaches to far side of neck/shoulder
  4. Far arm wraps over their neck from opposite side
  5. Lock hands with gable grip or S-grip
  6. Create tight frame with your arms around neck
  7. Squeeze elbows together forcefully
  8. Drive shoulder/chest pressure into their face
  9. Walk feet toward their head
  10. Expand chest while maintaining squeeze
  11. Finish with compression

Critical Details

  • Without gi, must thread very deep
  • Gable grip or S-grip most secure
  • More reliance on body positioning
  • Tighter squeeze required than gi version
  • Slippery without gi material
  • Fast application important
  • Angle and pressure critical
  • May need to switch to arm-in guillotine

Tactical Advantage

Works in no-gi and MMA; no reliance on gi material; transition to other no-gi attacks; good from wrestling positions; MMA applicable submission

Important Observations (General Rules)โ€‹

Core Principlesโ€‹

  1. ๐ŸŽฏ Deep threading essential - Shallow position equals no pressure
  2. ๐Ÿ’ช Shoulder/hip pressure - Use body weight, not just arms
  3. โฑ๏ธ Position before submission - Secure north-south control first
  4. ๐Ÿ”„ Elbows squeeze together - Creates compression from both sides
  5. ๐ŸŽฎ Variation selection - Choose based on situation:
    • Classic arm-in โ†’ Highest percentage, learn first
    • Kimura hybrid โ†’ When arm is available, dual threat
    • No-gi version โ†’ Without gi material

Connection to Theoriesโ€‹

Applying core principles:

  • Weight Distribution: Full body weight immobilizes opponent
  • Leverage: Arms create mechanical advantage around neck
  • Two-Way Action: Both arms compress from opposite sides
  • Isolation: Trapped arm prevents escape
  • Positional Control: Dominant north-south enables submission
  • Angle Management: Leg position creates optimal pressure angle

Common Mistakesโ€‹

โš ๏ธ Not threading deep enough - Arm across throat instead of under neck, ineffective

โš ๏ธ Flared elbows - Elbows must come together, not pull apart

โš ๏ธ Sitting up or lifting head - Lose pressure and give escape opportunity

โš ๏ธ Static position - Must walk legs and adjust angle continuously

โš ๏ธ Forgetting shoulder pressure - Shoulder into face critical for control

โš ๏ธ Weak grip - Hands must lock securely, slippery from sweat

โš ๏ธ Releasing too early - Takes time to finish, be patient and maintain

๐ŸŽ“ Training Progressionsโ€‹

Solo Drillsโ€‹

  1. Threading Mechanics (5 minutes daily)

    • Practice threading motion on dummy or heavy bag
    • Focus on deep shoulder penetration
    • Build hand-locking coordination
    • Both sides equally
    • Develop muscle memory

  2. Hip/Shoulder Pressure Drill (10 reps each side)

    • From north-south on dummy
    • Practice driving shoulder into face area
    • Feel proper weight distribution
    • Build awareness of pressure points
    • Maintain tight connection

  3. Kimura Grip Speed (5 minutes)

    • Practice figure-4 kimura grip
    • Speed of grip establishment
    • Smooth transition to choke combination
    • Both arms working together

Partner Drillsโ€‹

Level 1: Cooperative (No Resistance)

  • Partner flat on back in north-south
  • Practice full sequence 10 times each side
  • Focus: Deep threading, proper grip, shoulder pressure
  • Stop at light pressure (safety critical)

Level 2: Light Resistance (25%)

  • Partner makes basic defenses (turning head, framing)
  • Practice maintaining position while setting up
  • Focus: Speed of setup, pressure maintenance
  • Don't force choke; feel the mechanics

Level 3: Positional Sparring (50%)

  • Start from north-south with choke as goal
  • Partner actively defends but stays in position
  • Focus: Timing, angle adjustment, grip fighting
  • Maintain position even if choke unavailable

Level 4: Live Application (100%)

  • Full rolling, hunt north-south from transitions
  • Focus: Position first, then submission
  • Combine with other north-south attacks
  • Tap early for safety (blood choke)

Common Setup Drillsโ€‹

Drill 1: Side Control to North-South Choke

  1. Start in side control position
  2. Transition to north-south (proper technique)
  3. Establish control (3 seconds)
  4. Attack north-south choke
  5. Partner defends
  6. Reset and repeat
  7. 10 reps each side

See side control concepts

Drill 2: North-South Choke to Kimura Flow

  1. Setup north-south choke (arm-in)
  2. Partner defends by pulling arm out
  3. Capture arm with kimura grip
  4. Attempt kimura or hybrid choke
  5. Partner defends
  6. Flow between attacks for 5 minutes

Drill 3: Passing to North-South Submission

  1. Pass guard directly to north-south
  2. Establish control
  3. Immediately attack choke
  4. Learn to capitalize on position
  5. 5 minutes flow drill

Progression Timelineโ€‹

Following training methods:

  • Week 1-2: Learn basic mechanics from static north-south (no resistance)
  • Week 3-4: Add light resistance, grip fighting
  • Week 5-8: Positional drilling with transitions
  • Month 3-6: Live application from north-south consistently
  • Month 6+: Add kimura variation, no-gi adaptation, teaching others

๐Ÿ”ง Troubleshooting Guideโ€‹

Problem: Can't Thread Arm Deep Enough Under Neckโ€‹

Solutions:

  1. Ensure you're truly in north-south (perpendicular to their body)
  2. Use your head to create space by lifting their head slightly
  3. Thread explosively when opportunity appears
  4. Make sure their near arm is trapped between bodies
  5. Adjust your angle closer to their head
  6. Practice threading motion repeatedly until smooth

Problem: Choke Feels Weak, No Pressureโ€‹

Solutions:

  1. Verify both arms are working together (squeeze elbows)
  2. Check threading depth (shoulder should be far side)
  3. Drive shoulder pressure into their face
  4. Walk legs toward their head to create angle
  5. Expand chest while squeezing
  6. Ensure grip is locked securely
  7. Be patient - pressure builds over time

Problem: Opponent Escapes by Turning or Bridgingโ€‹

Solutions:

  1. More shoulder/hip pressure to keep them flat
  2. Wider base with legs for stability
  3. Thread deeper before they react
  4. Use your head to control their head movement
  5. Maintain chest-to-chest pressure throughout
  6. Don't release pressure even slightly
  7. Anticipate bridge and counter with weight shift

Problem: Can't Lock Hands Togetherโ€‹

Solutions:

  1. Thread deeper with first arm
  2. Pull them closer with first arm before locking
  3. Try different grips (gable, S-grip, hand-to-wrist)
  4. Some body types harder - adjust angle
  5. Use gi material for assistance if available
  6. Practice grip variations to find best for you

Problem: Losing North-South Position During Setupโ€‹

Solutions:

  1. Establish position more solidly before attacking
  2. Don't overcommit if position isn't stable
  3. Keep weight distributed to prevent being rolled
  4. Use legs wider for base
  5. Abandon choke if losing position
  6. Position always before submission
  7. Return to side control if necessary

Problem: Kimura Variation Not Workingโ€‹

Solutions:

  1. Ensure kimura grip is proper (hand to own wrist)
  2. Their arm must be isolated and controlled
  3. Threading arm still provides choke pressure
  4. Don't forget the choke component
  5. Combine both pressures simultaneously
  6. May need to choose one or the other
  7. Practice each component separately first

๐Ÿ”„ Attack Chains & Combinationsโ€‹

North-South Choke โ†’ Armbar Flowโ€‹

When they defend choke:

  1. They pull arm free from trapped position
  2. Their arm is extended defending your grips
  3. Abandon choke setup
  4. Capture extended arm
  5. Transition to armbar from north-south
  6. Continuous pressure creates opening

Learn armbar technique

Side Control โ†’ North-South โ†’ Mountโ€‹

Complete top game system:

  1. Have side control established
  2. Transition to north-south
  3. Threaten north-south choke
  4. They defend by turning or framing
  5. Use their movement to transition to mount
  6. Maintain dominant position throughout

Learn side control concepts

North-South Choke โ†’ Kimura โ†’ Back Takeโ€‹

From north-south position:

  1. Attempt choke (arm-in)
  2. They defend by pulling arm out
  3. Capture arm with kimura grip
  4. They roll to defend kimura
  5. Maintain control and take the back
  6. Finish with rear naked choke

Guard Pass โ†’ North-South Submissionโ€‹

Capitalizing on position:

  1. Pass guard directly to north-south
  2. Don't settle, attack immediately
  3. Setup choke before they recover
  4. High percentage when timed correctly
  5. Demonstrates technical flow

๐Ÿ’ก Advanced Conceptsโ€‹

Historical Contextโ€‹

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Development:

  • North-south choke emerged from control position
  • Less common than mount/back chokes historically
  • Gained popularity in modern competition
  • Highly effective in no-gi and MMA
  • Technical submission showing mastery

Competition Evolution:

  • Increasingly common in high-level competition
  • Effective stalling-breaker from north-south
  • Forces action from dominant position
  • Used by champions across weight classes

From Different Positionsโ€‹

From North-South Position

  • Primary position for this choke
  • Highest control and pressure
  • Most common application
  • Learn this first

From Side Control Transition

  • Moving to north-south from side
  • Catch during transition
  • Less telegraphed
  • Opportunistic application

From Guard Passing

  • Pass directly to north-south
  • Immediate submission threat
  • High percentage timing
  • Capitalizes on their recovery attempt

Gi vs No-Gi Considerationsโ€‹

Gi Advantages:

  • Material provides grips and control
  • Can use collar for additional choke
  • More friction prevents slipping
  • Slightly easier to lock hands
  • Multiple grip options available

No-Gi Adjustments:

  • Must thread deeper (sweat factor)
  • Tighter squeeze required
  • Faster application needed
  • Body-based control critical
  • More explosive execution
  • S-grip or gable grip essential

Kimura Hybrid Detailsโ€‹

Pressure Distribution:

  • Threading arm: 60% choke pressure
  • Kimura arm: 40% shoulder lock pressure
  • Combined: Opponent can't defend both
  • Finishing either is high percentage
  • Psychological impact of dual threat

Decision Making:

  • If arm strong and resisting: Focus on choke
  • If neck defended well: Focus on kimura
  • If both available: Maintain dual pressure
  • Feel which is tighter and commit
  • Experience teaches recognition

๐ŸŽฏ Belt-Level Expectationsโ€‹

White Belt Goalsโ€‹

Referenced in Beginner's Journey:

  • Understand north-south choke mechanics (Month 6-8)
  • Execute from established north-south with cooperative partner
  • Learn proper threading and shoulder pressure
  • Safe application (tap early to chokes)
  • Recognition of position opportunity

Blue Belt Developmentโ€‹

Referenced in Skill Progression:

  • North-south choke becomes reliable from position
  • Combination with position transitions
  • Understanding of appropriate timing
  • Begin experimenting with kimura variation
  • Finish rate improves from north-south
  • Integration into top game system

Purple Belt Masteryโ€‹

  • North-south choke is part of complete top game
  • Comfortable with all variations
  • Teaching ability with clear demonstration
  • Strategic use of position and submission
  • High finish rate from position
  • Combinations flow naturally
  • Competition application
  • No-gi proficiency

๐ŸŽฏ Next Stepsโ€‹

After understanding north-south choke fundamentals:

  1. Perfect classic arm-in version first โ†’ Highest percentage application
  2. Master threading depth โ†’ Critical for effectiveness
  3. Learn position transitions โ†’ North-south position control
  4. Practice kimura hybrid โ†’ Adds dual threat dimension
  5. Study angle adjustment โ†’ Leg positioning creates pressure
  6. Add to top game system โ†’ Works with side control and mount

๐Ÿ”— Related Resourcesโ€‹

Position Prerequisitesโ€‹

Combination Techniquesโ€‹

Theoretical Foundationโ€‹

Progress Trackingโ€‹