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North-South

Quick Introduction​

North-south is a powerful head-to-head immobilization where you control your opponent with chest-on-chest pressure while facing opposite directions. Offers unique submission opportunities, exceptional control, and serves as an important transitional hub between side control variations.

Position Overview​

From: Side Control, knee on belly, guard passes | Leads to: North-south choke, Kimura, Armbar, Side Control, Back Mount | Points: Counts as side control (3 points for the pass)

Standard North-South (Maximum Control)​

  1. From side control, step head-side leg over opponent's head
  2. Position your head near their head (ear-to-ear alignment)
  3. Bodies form straight line in opposite directions
  4. Drive chest directly onto their chest
  5. Sprawl legs back for wide base (push-up position)
  6. Arms encircle opponent's waist or control both arms
  7. Keep hips low, drive weight through chest
  8. Squeeze elbows tight, controlling their arms
  9. Constant downward pressure

Key detail: Entire body weight focuses through chest. Head near their head as additional control point. Wide sprawled legs for base. Extremely difficult to escape. Excellent resting position while maintaining dominance.

North-South Choke​

  1. From standard north-south, slide one arm under opponent's neck
  2. Thread arm across their far shoulder
  3. Clasp hands together on far side (gable grip)
  4. Position bicep against one side of neck, forearm against other
  5. Keep elbows tight; pull hands toward your body
  6. Drive chest pressure through arms into neck
  7. Squeeze like bicep curl while driving forward
  8. Walk body toward their head to increase angle

Key detail: Bicep presses one carotid, forearm presses the other. Chest pressure drives force through arms. High-percentage when locked properly. Works in gi and no-gi. Opponents often underestimate danger until deep.

Kimura/Arm Attack Position​

  1. From standard north-south, identify target arm
  2. Control wrist with one hand
  3. Thread other arm under their elbow
  4. Grip your own wrist (figure-four grip)
  5. Maintain chest pressure while attacking
  6. Rotate their hand toward head for kimura
  7. If they extend to defend → switch to americana
  8. If they keep arm bent → step over for armbar

Key detail: Multiple submission options from one control. Arm isolation creates offensive chain. Defending arms often exposes neck for chokes.

Core Principles​

  1. Downward pressure fundamental — Drive chest straight down; make them carry your entire weight
  2. Arm control critical — Control at least one arm at all times; both is ideal
  3. Patience pays — Position is very secure; exhaust opponent before attacking if needed
  4. Transitional hub — Excellent for moving between side control variations
  5. Pressure angle — Different from side control; creates unique defensive challenges

Common Mistakes​

MistakeFix
Hips piked upKeep hips low and heavy; piking reduces pressure
Head too far awayKeep close to opponent's head; removes control otherwise
Driving with shoulders onlyFull chest pressure, not just shoulders
Loose arm controlEncircle tightly; opponent uses free arms to frame and escape
Narrow baseWide sprawled legs; narrow base = easy to roll
Rushing submissionsEstablish heavy pressure first; control before attack

Next Steps​

  1. Kimura - Primary arm attack from north-south
  2. Side Control - Transitions between variations
  3. Back Mount - When opponent turns to escape