North-South Headscissors
Varietyヘッドシザーズ(Heddo Shizāzu)
TransliterationTranslation: Head Scissors (katakana loanword)
Overview
The north-south headscissors applies the leg-based head squeeze from the north-south position, where the attacker is positioned head-to-head above the supine opponent. [1] The attacker captures the opponent's head between the thighs while lying in the north-south orientation, then squeezes the adductors to compress the neck. [1],[2] The north-south position provides unique leverage because the attacker's body weight presses downward onto the opponent's chest, limiting breathing and creating multiple pressure points simultaneously. [2] This variant often occurs as a transition when the attacker moves from side control to north-south and catches the opponent's head during the transition. [2],[3]
History & Origin
North-south headscissors combinations developed in modern submission grappling where the north-south position was explored for offensive potential beyond the standard north-south choke. [1] Competition grapplers discovered the headscissors as a reliable control and submission option from this underutilised position. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Difficult to secure from north-south position but devastating when locked — the opponent has limited escape options with the attacker's weight stacked on their chest [1]
Lineage
A catch wrestling technique adapted to BJJ; explored by Neil Melanson and other catch-influenced grapplers [1]
Competition Record
Very rare at competition; more of a novelty technique than a primary attack [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Position & Entry
Variants
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
Headscissors use the thighs to squeeze the head laterally; risk of neck strain
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Training Notes
Common Mistakes
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
Sources & References
Japanese grappling/BJJ standard terminology; JBJJF competition usage
Official Japanese BJJ federation — competition rules and terminology
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
Japanese terminology sourced from Japanese grappling/BJJ standard terminology; JBJJF competition usage
Community
Athletics
shoulder and chest pressure, hip sprawl endurance
heavier upper body, broad shoulders
deltoids, pectorals, core, hip extensors
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the North-South Headscissors work?
The north-south headscissors applies the leg-based head squeeze from the north-south position, where the attacker is positioned head-to-head above the supine opponent. The attacker captures the opponent's head between the thighs while lying in the north-south orientation, then squeezes the adductors to compress the neck.
Where does the North-South Headscissors come from?
North-south headscissors combinations developed in modern submission grappling where the north-south position was explored for offensive potential beyond the standard north-south choke. Competition grapplers discovered the headscissors as a reliable control and submission option from this underutilised position.
Is the North-South Headscissors legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes are the safest submission cat…; IJF: legal — Legal (shime-waza) — strangulation techniques are one of three permitted subm…; ADCC: legal — Legal; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — choke submissions are among the most common finishes in MMA; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the North-South Headscissors?
Danger rating 7/10. Headscissors use the thighs to squeeze the head laterally; risk of neck strain
How do I set up the North-South Headscissors?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Create the Threat → Secure the Hold → Finish.
How do I defend against the North-South Headscissors?
Standard counters include: Early Recognition — identify the submission attempt early and begin defence immediately / Posture and Base — maintain strong posture and base to prevent submission setups / Grip Fight — deny the attacker their preferred gripping configuration.
What are the variants of the North-South Headscissors?
Common variants: Standard north-south choke (shoulder drives into the neck from north-south position); Paper-cutter variation (uses the forearm blade across the throat from the north-s…); Transition finish (applied during the walk-around from side control to north…).
How effective is the North-South Headscissors in competition?
Very rare at competition; more of a novelty technique than a primary attack
What are common mistakes when doing the North-South Headscissors?
Top errors to watch for: Not sliding the hips far enough forward — the head must be between the thighs, not near the chest; insufficient hip a… / Losing top pressure while adjusting — maintain chest-to-chest weight while sliding the hips forward; lifting up allow… / Not locking the figure-four — the figure-four is essential from north-south; without it, the opponent can push the le… / Squeezing with knees instead of thighs — target the carotid arteries with the inner thigh surfaces.
What are other names for the North-South Headscissors?
The North-South Headscissors is also known as Heddo Shizāzu, North-South Scissor Strangle, Top Position Kubi-basami.