Mastering the North-South Choke: Efficient Setup & Execution

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, certain submissions carry an air of quiet effectiveness—techniques that aren't flashy but end fights fast. The North-South choke is one of those hidden gems. It’s subtle, highly effective, and often underestimated. But once mastered, it becomes one of your arsenal's most reliable and high-percentage submissions.

At ROLLBLISS, we’re all about refining efficient, no-nonsense grappling. And the North-South choke fits right in—it’s tight, clean, and doesn’t rely on freak athleticism. In this deep dive, we’ll break down how to set it up efficiently, tighten the mechanics, troubleshoot common issues, and build confidence in this powerful submission.

Key Takeaways

• The North-South choke is a powerful, efficient top-position submission
• Success depends on positioning, shoulder pressure, and isolating the neck
• Use it after side control passes or failed upper-body submissions
• Avoid common mistakes like lifting your grip or letting the opponent move
• Drill it intentionally and use body mechanics—not strength—to finish

What Is the North-South Choke?

The North-South choke is a blood choke that compresses both carotid arteries using your shoulder and arm while you are positioned above your opponent’s head, facing opposite directions—hence the name.

Unlike flashy chokes from the back or guard, this one is delivered from top control, making it a perfect finish after a pass or scramble. It’s particularly powerful in no-gi because it doesn’t require grips, just strong positioning and control.

Why the North-South Choke Works So Well

• Low-risk setup: You’re in a dominant position with limited exposure to sweeps or submissions.
• Great for bigger grapplers: Uses pressure and weight distribution.
• Ideal after failed side control subs: A natural progression after kimura, americana, or arm triangle attempts.
• Minimal strength required: When done right, the technique does the work—not brute force.

Step-by-Step Setup for the North-South Choke

Step 1: Establish Strong Side Control

Start in solid side control. Make sure your hips are low, your knees are connected, and your underhook is deep. You should have full chest-to-chest pressure with no gaps.

Pro tip: If your opponent is defending tightly, threaten an americana or kimura to get them to turn or expose the neck.

Step 2: Transition to North-South

Shift your hips and rotate around the head of your opponent. Your chest should now be over their face or neck, and your body should be aligned in the opposite direction. Keep your base low and wide to avoid being rolled.

Key detail: Control the far hip with your arm or body to prevent them from following or re-guarding.

Step 3: Thread Your Arm Under the Neck

Use your near-side arm to thread under your opponent’s neck, deep enough that your bicep is under one side of their neck and your forearm is snug to the other. Your elbow should be close to their shoulder or ribs.

This is the arm that will form the choking pressure.

Step 4: Drop Your Shoulder and Sprawl

Drop your choking-side shoulder toward their neck and sprawl your hips back to increase pressure. At this point, your body should form a frame over theirs.

Keep your weight centered—not too far forward or you’ll give space to escape.

Step 5: Gable Grip and Squeeze

Connect your hands with a Gable grip (palm-to-palm, no thumbs). Your non-choking arm supports the structure and adds squeeze.

From here:

• Pull your elbows in slightly
• Drop your shoulder even deeper
• Maintain chest pressure

Avoid lifting or arching—this loosens the choke. Instead, think of compressing in and down.

Finishing Details That Make the Choke Work

Here’s where good becomes great. Focus on these finishing mechanics:

Neck Isolation

Make sure your opponent's chin is turned slightly away from your choking arm. The choke will feel loose if their chin is tucked or turned into you. Use your body and arm positioning to guide the chin naturally.

Stay Heavy and Low

This isn’t a strength move—it’s a pressure move. Drop your hips and sprawl wide. Make your opponent feel your weight compressing their neck and chest.

Head Control

Trap their head between your body and the mat. If their head is free to turn or move, the choke becomes easier to escape.

Breathe and Settle

Don’t rush. Once you’re in position, apply steady, consistent pressure. If the choke is properly applied, many opponents won’t tap immediately but will fade out in seconds.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Too Much Space Under the Neck

Fix: Get your choking arm deeper and drop your shoulder before you connect your grip.

Opponent Can Turn or Re-guard

Fix: Control the hips with your body or free arm, and keep your weight centered over the chest.

You're Using Arm Strength Only

Fix: Use body weight and shoulder pressure. Think of it like a guillotine from the top—compression, not squeeze.

Chin Is Blocking the Neck

Fix: Use your arm frame or head to gently turn their chin away before locking the grip.

When to Hunt the North-South Choke

• After passing guard to side control
• After failed kimura or americana
• When an opponent turns away to escape side control
• When you want to wear down a defensive grappler
• In no-gi, when collar-based chokes aren’t available

It’s also a great surprise attack for opponents overly focused on defending armbars or shoulder locks.

Training the Choke: Drills and Progressions

To develop the North-South choke, try these drills:

1. Positional Sparring

Start from North-South and try to finish the choke against light resistance. As your technique improves, work up to full resistance.

2. Choke-and-Hold Rounds

Don’t always chase the tap. Practice applying the choke slowly and precisely, holding pressure for 5–10 seconds without rushing. This helps you refine control and feel the mechanics.

3. Flow Drill: Side Control → North-South → Choke → Reset

Develop smooth entries by repeating the transition and setup over and over until it becomes automatic.

Why ROLLBLISS Grapplers Love the North-South Choke

At ROLLBLISS, we embrace the intelligent side of grappling. The North-South choke reflects everything we value:

• Efficiency over force
• Clean, reliable technique
• Game-changing subtlety

It’s the perfect weapon for athletes who want to stay ahead technically—not just athletically. And when you’re drilling smart and finishing tight, you need gear that lets you move freely and hold control.

Explore our newest compression gear, rash guards, and training shorts—engineered for precision-focused grappling—at ROLLBLISS.com.

Conclusion

If you want to add a high-percentage finish to your top game, the North-South choke is a must-have. It’s quiet but deadly, and when applied properly, it’s one of the most satisfying submissions in BJJ.

Start adding it to your positional flows, refine the details, and trust in the technique. The tap might not come with a bang—but it will come quickly, and efficiently.

At ROLLBLISS, we’re here to help you sharpen every layer of your game—subtle or explosive.
Train smart. Finish clean. Roll with intention.

FAQs

1. Is the North-South choke legal in all competitions?

The North-South choke is legal in most gi and no-gi competitions for adult divisions, provided it doesn’t involve neck cranks or spine twisting. Always check specific rules for your tournament.

2. Do I need a lot of strength to finish the North-South choke?

No. The choke relies more on position, leverage, and shoulder pressure than raw strength. When done right, it’s highly effective regardless of size.

3. Why can’t I get the tap even when it feels tight?

Most likely, there’s space under the neck or the chin is in the way. Adjust your shoulder pressure, turn their chin slightly, and ensure you use your body weight—not just your arms.