North-South Position Overview
The north-south position is an advanced side control variation that allows a grappler to transition from a lateral pin into a dominant headlock-adjacent control. The instructor demonstrates both proactive entries from established side control and reactive entries when the opponent attempts to escape. Multiple submission options and positional variations will be explored from this setup.
Proactive Entry from Side Control
To enter north-south proactively, the grappler first secures an underhook while in side control, then switches it with the cross-face arm and places the hand on the opponent's chest. The former underhook arm extends across the opponent's hip and glutes to prevent them from following the transition. The grappler then sprawls and walks sideways toward the north-south position while maintaining contact with their ribs near the opponent's neck.
Reactive Entry During Escape Attempt
When the opponent initiates an underhook escape (ab escape) by inserting their elbow between the grappler's hip and body, the grappler recognizes the escape attempt and immediately executes the same grip switch and hip block. This reactive timing converts a potential positional loss into a dominant north-south position before the opponent can fully establish the escape.
Positional Control and Head Placement
Maintaining a low position with the ribs compressed against the opponent's neck is critical for control and submission effectiveness. The grappler keeps their elbow tucked while positioning their body as low as possible relative to the opponent's head, minimizing space for leg-based escapes. Head placement directly beside the opponent on the mat maximizes pressure and prevents the opponent from rotating their chin away from the choke threat.
North-South Choke Submission
The north-south choke is applied by cupping the far arm underneath and blocking while sliding down with body pressure rather than arm strength. The grappler squeezes their shoulders and ribs together while laying beside the opponent, with continuous downward sliding motion increasing choke pressure. Importantly, the grappler should not lift and squeeze but instead maintain consistent pressure through body weight and positional pressure.
Technical Execution and Common Mistakes
Practitioners often release pressure prematurely because they cannot see their opponent's head and underestimate choke tightness. The submission should be approached like a flow choke—continuous sliding and pressure-building rather than explosive squeezing. Patience and maintaining position while the opponent's physiological response develops leads to successful tapouts.
Arm Attack from North-South Position
An alternative submission targets the opponent's trapped arm by transitioning into a reverse triangle (ushiro kasakatami) setup. The grappler maintains the tight north-south position while walking back up the opponent's body, keeping the trapped arm secured in front of their torso. The side of the grappler's body relative to the opponent's head determines which arm becomes the target of the submission.
North South
Key Takeaways
- •North-South Position Overview
- •Proactive Entry from Side Control
- •Reactive Entry During Escape Attempt
- •Positional Control and Head Placement
North South We take a look at the north south position, some submissions (the north south choke and the scorpion death lock) and a variant of the position ending up with a kimura. Chapters 0:00 - Start 0:40 - Entering the position 3:08 - North South choke 6:41 - Scorpion death lock 9:35 - Seated North South 11:16 - Kimura 11:55 - Summary ! Remember to put on notifications to receive an update anytime we drop a new video ! For more content, videos, solo drills and behind the scenes click on this link: https://www.patreon.com/Energia_martialarts?fan_landing=true Visit BJJ Fanatics for Leglocks Unlocked: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/all/products/the-keys-to-leg-locks-by-tum-energia-voorn To check out our gear go to: https://www.energia-martialarts.com/gear Instagram: @Tumenergia Instruction: Tum Energia Assisting: Storm ten Kate Music: Mr. Ortiz #North South #northsouthchoke #scorpion death lock #kimura #bjj #submission #energiamartialarts #strangle #submissiongrappling #mma #brazilianjiujitsu #UFC #submission #triangle #rearnaked choke #headlock
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard north-south?
This video covers north-south position overview, proactive entry from side control, reactive entry during escape attempt. It provides detailed instruction from Energia Martial Arts.
How long does it take to learn standard north-south?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing standard north-south?
Practitioners often release pressure prematurely because they cannot see their opponent's head and underestimate choke tightness. The submission should be approached like a flow choke—continuous sliding and pressure-building rather than explosive squeezing. Patience and maintaining position while the opponent's physiological response develops leads to successful tapouts.
