North-South System
☰Contents
BJJ north-south position system — setup, weight distribution, north-south choke mechanics, kimura attacks, and transitions.
North-south is a top control position where you face your opponent's feet while their feet face yours. It's a transitional hub between side control variations and a submission position in its own right.
Getting to North-South
Sliding Around the Head
From side control, release the crossface and slide your body around their head in a circular motion. Keep chest pressure throughout — never let them sit up during the transition.
Weight Distribution
In north-south, hips drive down onto their chest. Arms wrap around both sides of their head to control movement. Your chest is the primary pressure point.
North-South Choke
Setup
Under-hook their far arm with your near arm. Your choking arm goes under their neck from the other side. Clasp your hands or grab your own bicep.
Finishing
Walk your legs toward their head while driving your shoulder into their carotid. The combination of shoulder blade compression and carotid compression creates the choke.
Kimura from North-South
Far Arm Attack
When they defend the north-south choke by posting with their far arm, that arm becomes vulnerable to kimura. Switch from choke setup to kimura figure-4 grip quickly.
Transitions
- North-south → Side control (either direction)
- North-south → Leg entanglements (slide toward their legs)
- North-south → Back (when they roll to escape)