BJJ Position: North-South

The north-south position is a dominant and controlling position that allows you to immobilize your opponent while setting up submissions and maintaining positional control. In this position, you are perpendicular to your opponent, with your head near their hips and your hips near their head.

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North/South Strangle – Finishing With 2 Hands by John Danaher

The key aspects of the north-south position

  1. Control: In the north-south position, control is established by maintaining strong pressure on your opponent’s upper body, with your chest pressed against their chest or torso. Your arms should be used to control their arms or to secure underhooks, while your legs are sprawled out wide for balance and base. It’s essential to keep your hips low and maintain pressure, continuously adjusting your position to prevent your opponent from escaping or regaining a more advantageous position.
  2. Offense: The north-south position offers several offensive options, primarily focused on submissions. Some common submissions from the north-south position include the north-south choke, the kimura, the armbar, and the americana. The choice of attack will depend on your opponent’s reactions, posture, and the specific grips you have established. Being patient and methodical in your attacks is crucial, as your opponent’s primary focus will be on escaping and defending against your submission attempts.
  3. Defense: While you are in a dominant position in the north-south, it’s important to be aware of your opponent’s potential escape attempts and work to maintain control. Common escape attempts from your opponent may include bridging and rolling, pushing your hips or head to create space, or attempting to slip their arm under your body to regain guard. Being aware of these potential threats will help you develop appropriate responses and maintain your dominant position.
  4. Transition: The north-south position can be used as a starting point for transitioning to other positions or setups, depending on your opponent’s reactions and your own preferences. You might transition to more dominant positions such as side control, mount, or even the back mount. Developing the ability to transition smoothly between the north-south and other positions can make you a more dynamic and adaptable grappler.

 

In summary, the north-south position is a dominant and controlling position that emphasizes control, attacking with submissions, and maintaining your dominant position while preventing escapes and counters. By focusing on these aspects, you can develop a strong north-south game that can be challenging for your opponents to deal with. Remember, the key to success in the north-south position is to stay active, constantly adjusting your grips, pressure, and body positioning to maintain control and create opportunities for offense while staying defensively aware.