BJJ North-South Attacks — Kimura, Chokes & Back Takes
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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.
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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.
Related Techniques
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More Questions
How do I prevent my opponent from escaping the North-South position?
Control their hips and shoulders tightly. Maintain pressure through your chest and hips, and consider using your legs to hook their legs or hips to prevent them from turning into you or bridging out.
What are the most common mistakes people make when attacking from North-South?
A common mistake is not establishing strong control before attempting a submission, allowing the opponent to escape. Another is neglecting to adjust your weight distribution, which can lead to losing the dominant position.
When is the best time to transition to a different submission from North-South?
If your primary submission attempt is being defended effectively, look for opportunities to transition. For example, if the Kimura is being defended, you might be able to transition to a Von Flue choke or even attempt a back take if they expose their back.
Common BJJ Problems & FAQ
When facing a larger opponent in North-South, their size creates a natural frame that pushes your arms apart. To secure a Kimura grip, focus on driving your shoulder into their bicep to create a slight angle, then use your hips to bridge and shrimp your body *under* their arm, allowing you to close the distance and establish a tight gable grip on their wrist.
The most common mistake is extending your arm too far, creating an easy target. Instead, keep your elbow bent and tucked close to your own body, using your forearm as a shield. As you initiate the Kimura, simultaneously use your free hand to control their opposite shoulder or head, preventing them from posturing up and isolating your arm.
If your Kimura grip breaks, immediately use your hips to drive *away* from your opponent's head, creating space. As you create this space, pivot your body so your chest faces their side, and use your legs to hook their hips or thighs, preventing them from turning back into you and securing your hooks for the back take.