North South Choke

What is the North-South Choke? (Definition & Historical Significance)

The North-South Choke is a grappling submission executed from the north-south position, where the attacker faces the opponent's feet while maintaining chest-to-chest contact. Historically underutilized, this choke rose to prominence through elite grapplers such as Jeff Monson and Marcelo Garcia. Monson notably secured 17 victories using this technique, earning it the nickname "Monson Choke." Marcelo Garcia further refined the choke, demonstrating that precise mechanics and leverage could overcome significant size disadvantages. Today, the North-South Choke is widely recognized as a high-percentage submission in both gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Biomechanics of the North-South Choke

The North-South Choke involves encircling the opponent's neck in a reverse-guillotine manner, compressing the carotid arteries and potentially restricting airflow. The attacker applies downward and angled pressure using their chest, shoulder, and torso, effectively cutting off blood flow to the brain. Proper execution relies on sprawling the hips, precise shoulder placement beneath the opponent's jawline, and effective distribution of bodyweight. Small positional adjustments, such as slight hip rotations or torso shifts, significantly enhance the choke's effectiveness.

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying the North-South Choke from Side Control

1. Transition from Side Control

Begin in side control, maintaining heavy chest pressure. When the opponent frames or extends their arms defensively, wrap one arm under their neck, similar to an inverted guillotine grip.

2. Secure the Grip

Connect your hands using a gable grip or S-grip beneath the opponent's head. Alternatively, certain variations allow finishing with a single-arm grip.

3. Chest and Shoulder Positioning

Sprawl your hips low and shift your chest and ribcage heavily onto the opponent's head and neck. Ensure your shoulder presses firmly into one side of their neck, while your torso or lat compresses the opposite side.

4. Adjust Angle and Hip Placement

Slide slightly backward toward your feet and rotate your hips or torso to tighten the choke. Maintain low hips and sprawled legs for stability and maximum pressure.

5. Finish the Submission

Drop your choking-side shoulder downward, driving weight through your chest and shoulder into the opponent's neck. Properly executed, this choke can render an opponent unconscious within approximately 9–10 seconds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Executing the North-South Choke

• Insufficient Chest Pressure: Allowing space between your chest and the opponent enables escapes or pressure relief. Maintain tight, heavy contact at all times.
• Incorrect Shoulder Placement: Pressing your shoulder into the opponent's face or chest rather than their neck reduces effectiveness. Ensure your shoulder sinks directly beneath their jawline.
• Neglecting Angle Adjustments: Remaining square without adjusting your angle weakens the choke. Small rotations and positional tweaks significantly enhance pressure.
• Failing to Isolate Defensive Arms: Allowing the opponent to frame or wedge their arms between you and their neck can stall or prevent the choke. Clear and control defensive frames before applying full pressure.

Defending and Escaping the North-South Choke

Effective defense against the North-South Choke involves early recognition and immediate action:

Early Framing and Turning

As soon as the opponent transitions toward north-south, frame against their shoulders or head and turn onto your side to prevent head isolation.

Hip Movement and Turtling

Bridge and shift your hips to create space, allowing you to shrimp or roll into a turtle position. This alleviates neck pressure and provides escape opportunities.

Last-Second Wedge Defense

If the choke is tight, push the opponent's head away to create a small gap, then insert your arm as a wedge. Pry downward on their choking arm to relieve pressure and attempt to turn onto your side.

Strategic Applications and Setups for the North-South Choke

The North-South Choke is versatile and effective in various scenarios:

From Side Control After Guard Passes

Capitalize on opponents framing or extending arms after passing guard, transitioning smoothly into the choke.

Transitioning from Failed Submissions

Convert unsuccessful arm-triangle or guillotine attempts into north-south control, immediately attacking the neck.

Using Kimura Grips

Threatening a Kimura can cause opponents to expose their neck, allowing a seamless transition into the choke.

Scramble Situations

Quickly securing north-south position during scrambles or after takedowns can catch opponents off-guard, enabling immediate choke setups.

Guard Passing Sequences

Certain guard passes naturally lead to north-south positioning, providing opportunities to apply the choke directly after passing.

Notable Competitors and Matches Featuring the North-South Choke

• Jeff Monson popularized the choke, achieving 17 victories and earning the nickname "Monson Choke."
• Marcelo Garcia refined the technique, successfully employing it at elite competitions such as ADCC 2005 and multiple Pan American Championships.
• Josh Barnett notably submitted Dean Lister using a modified North-South Choke at Metamoris 4.
• Other accomplished practitioners include Rani Yahya, who has effectively utilized the choke in high-level competition.

Tips for Mastering the North-South Choke

• Tight Head Isolation: Prioritize eliminating space and maintaining constant chest-to-neck pressure.
• Patience and Positional Control: Secure your position fully before applying choke pressure, avoiding premature squeezing.
• Small Positional Adjustments: Slight hip rotations and shoulder sinking dramatically increase choke effectiveness.
• Marcelo Garcia's Principles: Smaller grapplers should emphasize perfect body positioning and leverage rather than relying on strength, ensuring the choke remains inescapably tight.