BJJ North-South Attacks — Kimura, Chokes & Back Takes
☰Contents
Attacking from BJJ north-south position — kimura, north-south choke, arm triangle transition, and back-take sequences.
Attacking from BJJ north-south position — kimura, north-south choke, arm triangle transition, and back-take sequences.
North-South as an Attacking Position
North-south is often treated as a transitional position, but at high levels it is a submission platform. The kimura, north-south choke, and D'Arce choke are all available, and the position provides ideal angles for back takes when the opponent turns.
North-South Kimura
From north-south, secure the near arm in a figure-four kimura grip. Turn your body perpendicular to theirs, walk toward their head, and apply upward rotational pressure on the wrist. The north-south kimura has a tighter angle than the side control version and is harder to defend.
Details
- Keep your chest near their head — distance reduces leverage
- The rotational direction is key: externally rotate and up, not just up
- Combo: if they pull the arm free, re-take and go to back
North-South Choke
The north-south choke (Peruvian necktie variant) is a blood choke applied from north-south. Slide one arm under the neck, cross the other arm over, link the hands, and squeeze while driving your shoulder into their carotid. Requires proper head positioning — your head should be to their armpit side.
D'Arce Choke Entry from North-South
When transitioning from north-south to side control on the opposite side, the D'Arce choke opportunity appears. Thread your arm under their near arm and around the neck, link the hands, and apply the modified arm triangle. A high-percentage no-gi submission.
Back Take from North-South
When the opponent turns into you from north-south to escape, follow their turn and establish back control. Keep your chest on their back, insert the seatbelt, and secure the hooks. North-south is one of the most natural back-take transitions in BJJ.
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FAQ
Yes — the kimura, north-south choke, and D'Arce are all available. High-level practitioners use north-south as a primary submission platform, not just a transitional step.
Slide one arm under the neck, cross the hands, and squeeze while pressing your shoulder into the carotid. Angle your body so your head is near their armpit for maximum pressure.
Maintain heavy chest pressure and use the crossface to control head direction. When they turn toward you, follow immediately to back control rather than resisting.