How to Do the North-South Escape in BJJ
Escaping north-south position requires specific technique since hip escape is difficult with their weight directly on your chest. Focus on turning to your side and creating space to turtle or recover guard.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Frame against their hips with both hands
- 2 Turn to one side rather than staying flat
- 3 Walk feet and hips away to create angle
- 4 Look to turtle or spin to guard
- 5 Prevent being flattened again
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Staying flat under their weight
- ⚠️ Reaching arms up giving kimura
- ⚠️ Not turning to the side
- ⚠️ Bucking without direction
- ⚠️ Not protecting neck from chokes
🔄 Variations
- → Turn escape to turtle
- → Granby roll from north-south
- → Sitout from north-south
- → Guard recovery from north-south
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Follow hips as they move
- → Switch to kimura
- → Transition to north-south choke
- → Re-establish side control
Track Your North-South Escape Progress
Log every time you practice the North-South Escape and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the North-South Escape? ▼
The North-South Escape is typically introduced at the blue belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. Building a technical foundation. Developing a guard game and understanding of timing.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The North-South Escape works in both gi and no-gi, though grip adjustments may be necessary. In no-gi, focus on body control and underhooks instead of gi grips.
How do I set up the North-South Escape? ▼
The North-South Escape is typically executed from north south bottom. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.