BJJ North-South Position: Control and Submissions | BJJ App Wiki
☰Contents
- North-South Position Fundamentals
- North-South Control Keys
- North-South Choke Details
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📬 BJJ Wiki Newsletter
- Related Techniques
- Common Mistakes in North South Position
- Rushing the Setup
- Using Strength Over Technique
- Skipping Drilling
- Ignoring Defensive Reactions
- Related Video
- More Questions
Master BJJ north-south position: control, the north-south choke and kimura entries.
Control mechanics, north-south choke, kimura entries and transition options.
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North-South Position Fundamentals
North-south gives you head-side control and access to some of the most powerful chokes and shoulder locks in BJJ. Many grapplers skip this position — mastering it gives you a significant edge.
North-South Control Keys
- Keep chest-to-chest pressure like in side control
- Block their far hip with your knee to prevent bridging
- Keep your weight distributed — don't let them create space
North-South Choke Details
- From north-south, post one arm on the mat next to their far shoulder
- Slide your other arm under their near arm and behind their neck
- Bring your shoulder/bicep into the side of their neck
- Grip hands together and drop your shoulder weight
- Hip pressure combined with shoulder pressure completes the choke
Frequently Asked Questions
📬 BJJ Wiki Newsletter
Weekly techniques, tips and updates
Related Techniques
Common Mistakes in North South Position
Rushing the Setup
Attempting to finish before proper mechanics are in place results in failed attempts and positional loss. Prioritize position before submission.
Using Strength Over Technique
Muscling through setups creates bad habits and fails against stronger or more skilled opponents. Focus on leverage and angles.
Skipping Drilling
Techniques only become available in live rolling after extensive drilling. Regular repetition builds the muscle memory needed for execution under pressure.
Ignoring Defensive Reactions
Every technique has common counters. Learn the most frequent defensive reactions and have follow-up attacks ready.
Related Video
More Questions
What are the main goals when attacking from North-South?
The primary goals are to secure control, prevent escapes, and set up submissions like the kimura, armbar, or triangle choke. Maintaining a strong, tight base is crucial to keep your opponent from bridging or turning.
How do I prevent my opponent from escaping the North-South position?
To prevent escapes, focus on maintaining heavy hips and chest pressure directly on your opponent's torso. Control their head and arms to limit their movement and create opportunities for your attacks.
What are common mistakes beginners make in North-South?
Common mistakes include being too far away, allowing the opponent space to bridge or shrimp, and not controlling the opponent's head or arms. This lack of control makes it easy for them to escape or reverse the position.