How to Do the North-South Knee Tap Control in BJJ
Using your knees and shins near their shoulders in north-south to provide additional frames and control points. The knee placement prevents them from turning and gives you more attack leverage.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Knees or shins near their shoulders
- 2 Additional control beyond just chest pressure
- 3 Prevents them from turning to either side
- 4 Provides platform for transitional attacks
- 5 Can drive knees in for extra pressure
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Knees too high near their face
- ⚠️ Losing chest pressure for knee position
- ⚠️ Not attacking from the position
- ⚠️ Too much weight on knees losing balance
- ⚠️ Allowing them to push knees off
🔄 Variations
- → Knee to armpit control
- → Knee drive pressure
- → To mount from knee position
- → To side control transition
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Push knees off and bridge
- → Frame against knees
- → Turn aggressively past knees
- → Pull guard during knee transition
Track Your North-South Knee Tap Control Progress
Log every time you practice the North-South Knee Tap Control 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 Knee Tap Control? ▼
The North-South Knee Tap Control 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 Knee Tap Control 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 Knee Tap Control? ▼
The North-South Knee Tap Control is typically executed from north south. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.