The Ultimate Guide to Mastering the North South Choke in BJJ: Techniques and Escapes

The North South choke is a powerful submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that can quickly end a match when applied correctly. It is a technique that combines control, pressure, and timing to force an opponent to tap out or lose consciousness. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, understanding how to execute and escape the North South choke will add a valuable tool to your grappling arsenal.

This guide breaks down the essential details of the North South choke, including step-by-step instructions on how to perform it, common mistakes to avoid, and effective escapes to defend against it. To help you visualize the technique, two instructional videos are embedded: one showing how to apply the choke and another demonstrating how to escape it.

What Is the North South Choke?

The North South choke is a submission hold that targets the opponent’s neck by applying pressure with the arms and body from the north-south position. In this position, the attacker is lying chest-down on top of the opponent, who is on their back, with their heads pointing in opposite directions. The choke compresses the carotid arteries, restricting blood flow to the brain, which can cause the opponent to tap out or lose consciousness if held long enough.

This choke is effective because it combines positional control with a tight submission, making it difficult for the opponent to escape once properly locked in. It is often used in both gi and no-gi BJJ, as well as in mixed martial arts (MMA).

How to Perform the North South Choke

Mastering the North South choke requires attention to detail and proper body positioning. Here is a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Achieve the North South Position

   Start by moving from side control or mount to the north-south position. Your chest should be on top of your opponent’s chest, with your head near their hips and your body aligned opposite to theirs.

   
   

2. Control the Opponent’s Arms

   Use your arms to pin your opponent’s arms to the mat or control them to prevent escapes. This limits their ability to defend the choke.

   
   

3. Position Your Arms for the Choke

   Slide one arm under your opponent’s neck, reaching across their throat. Your bicep and forearm should press against the sides of their neck.

   
   

4. Lock Your Hands

   Use a gable grip (palm-to-palm) or a palm-to-wrist grip to lock your hands together firmly. This grip secures the choke and allows you to apply pressure.

   
   

5. Apply Pressure with Your Body

   Lower your chest and hips onto your opponent while squeezing your arms and driving your shoulder into their neck. Keep your head close to the mat to maintain control and prevent escapes.

   
   

6. Adjust and Tighten

   Small adjustments in arm position and body weight can increase the choke’s effectiveness. Focus on maintaining tight control without giving your opponent space to breathe or move.

   
   

For a detailed visual guide, watch this video on how to do the North South choke:

Common Mistakes When Applying the North South Choke

Even experienced grapplers can make errors that reduce the choke’s effectiveness. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Poor Positioning

If your body is not aligned correctly, the choke will lose pressure. Make sure your chest is firmly on your opponent’s chest and your head is low.

• Loose Grip

A weak or sloppy grip allows the opponent to slip out. Lock your hands tightly and maintain control.

• Not Controlling Opponent’s Arms

If the opponent can move their arms freely, they can defend or escape. Pin their arms or control them effectively.

• Applying Pressure Too Early

Rushing the choke before securing position can lead to escapes. Take your time to set up properly.

How to Escape the North South Choke

Escaping the North South choke requires quick thinking and proper technique. Here are some effective escapes:

1. Frame and Create Space

   Use your arms to frame against your opponent’s hips or shoulders. Push to create space and relieve pressure on your neck.

   
   

2. Bridge and Shrimp

   Bridge your hips upward to disrupt their balance, then shrimp (hip escape) to move your body away and regain guard or another defensive position.

   
   

3. Turn Into the Opponent

   If possible, turn your body toward your opponent to reduce the choke’s pressure and create an opening to escape.

   
   

4. Use Hand Fighting

   Fight to break the grip locking the choke. Removing their hands can weaken the submission.

   
   

5. Stay Calm and Breathe

   Panicking wastes energy and makes escapes harder. Stay calm, focus on technique, and wait for the right moment.

   
   

Watch this video for a step-by-step demonstration of how to escape the North South choke:

Practical Tips to Improve Your North South Choke

• Drill Regularly

Practice the choke with a partner to build muscle memory and timing.

• Work on Transitions

Learn to move smoothly into the North South position from other dominant positions like side control or mount.

• Strengthen Your Grip

A strong grip helps maintain control and apply pressure.

• Study Opponent Reactions

Pay attention to how different opponents defend and adjust your technique accordingly.

• Combine with Other Submissions

Use the North South choke as part of a sequence to keep your opponent guessing.

Mastering the North South choke adds a reliable submission to your BJJ game. By focusing on proper positioning, grip, and pressure, you can finish matches decisively. Equally important is knowing how to defend and escape this choke to avoid being caught off guard. Use the videos and tips in this guide to practice both applying and escaping the North South choke, and you will see improvement in your grappling skills.