How to Do the North-South Choke in BJJ
The north-south choke is a sneaky submission from the north-south position. Made famous by Marcelo Garcia, it uses shoulder and arm pressure to compress the carotid arteries. It's particularly effective because opponents often don't realize they're being choked.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Arm wraps around the neck from north-south
- 2 Shoulder drives into the side of the neck
- 3 Sprawl your hips back to create pressure
- 4 Gable grip or RNC grip the hands
- 5 Walk your hips to the choking side
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Not walking hips far enough
- ⚠️ Shoulder not tight to neck
- ⚠️ Hips too high
- ⚠️ Grip too loose
- ⚠️ Rushing the choke
🔄 Variations
- → Arm-in north-south
- → Transition from kimura attempt
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Turn toward opponent
- → Frame and hip escape
- → Bridge toward choking arm
Track Your North-South Choke Progress
Log every time you practice the North-South Choke 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 Choke? ▼
The North-South Choke 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 Choke 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 Choke? ▼
The North-South Choke 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.