BJJ Graph

North-South Choke

Jun 15, 202510 min read

North-South Choke

bjjtransitionsubmissionchokenorth_south

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Submission ID: S901
  • Submission Name: North-South Choke
  • Alternative Names: Head and Arm Choke from North-South, NS Strangle

State Machine Properties

Submission Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 85% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: Medium to High - technical difficulty assessment
  • Energy Cost: Medium - physical demand of execution
  • Time Required: Short to Medium - duration of submission attempt
  • Risk Level: Low to Medium - chance of position loss if failed

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for grip and arm control
  • Flexibility Requirements: Low for shoulder and chest positioning
  • Coordination Requirements: High for precise arm and body alignment
  • Endurance Requirements: Medium for sustained pressure during finish

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for clear movement sequence visualization:

From the North-South position, you start by sliding your non-choking arm under the opponent’s head to establish a base for control and leverage. Position your choking arm across their neck, ensuring your bicep and forearm form a V-shape to target the carotid arteries effectively. Connect your hands in a gable grip or clasp your choking hand around your opposite wrist or forearm to secure the hold, while dropping your shoulder and chest toward the mat to create downward pressure. Keep your head low and tight to the opponent’s body to prevent defensive space, maintain hip pressure to block turning or bridging attempts, and squeeze by expanding your chest and pinching your elbows together rather than pulling with your arms, adjusting the angle as needed to maximize compression on the carotid arteries until they submit due to the intense strangle.

Template: “From North-South, slide non-choking arm under head. Position choking arm in V-shape across neck. Connect hands in gable grip, drop shoulder for pressure. Keep head low, maintain hip control, squeeze with chest until submission.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish position (North-South)
  2. Initial Movement: Slide non-choking arm under opponent’s head for base
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent may attempt to frame or turn to escape
  4. Adaptation: Position choking arm across neck with bicep and forearm in V-shape
  5. Positioning: Connect hands in gable grip or wrist clasp, drop shoulder and chest
  6. Pressure Application: Keep head low, maintain hip pressure, squeeze with chest expansion
  7. Completion: Adjust angle for carotid compression, maintain control until submission

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Requirements: Gable grip or wrist clasp for secure control
  • Base/Foundation: Non-choking arm under head for leverage and stability
  • Timing Windows: Execute when opponent’s arms are occupied or extended
  • Leverage Points: Chest and shoulder pressure for carotid compression
  • Common Adjustments: Adjust arm angle and head position based on resistance

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Setup Quality: Security of arm positioning and grip control (+/-20%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing before opponent frames or escapes (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive mobility over time (+/-5%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding V-shape mechanics and pressure (+/-10%)
  • Positional Control: Effectiveness of hip pressure and head alignment (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Frame and Create Space: Framing to prevent pressure → North-South Escape (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: early reaction)
  • Roll to Side: Rolling to disrupt control → Side Control Escape (Success Rate: 20%, Conditions: strong hip movement)
  • Shoulder Walk: Walking shoulders to create angle → Guard Recovery (Success Rate: 15%, Conditions: quick adjustment)
  • Hand Fighting: Fighting arms to break grip → Defensive Position (Success Rate: 10%, Conditions: significant grip strength)
  • Bridge and Shrimp: Bridging to create space → Half Guard Recovery (Success Rate: 10%, Conditions: quick anticipation)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic for Opponent Behavior

If [north-south choke setup] is not fully secured:
- Execute [[Frame and Create Space]] (Probability: 25%)

Else if [rolling] can disrupt control:
- Execute [[Roll to Side]] (Probability: 20%)

Else if [shoulder walk] allows angle creation:
- Execute [[Shoulder Walk]] (Probability: 15%)

Else if [grip strength] permits breaking control:
- Execute [[Hand Fighting]] (Probability: 10%)

Else [optimal submission execution]:
- Accept submission (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Defensive Considerations

Common Threats During Attempt

Primary risks while attempting this submission:

  • Frame Creation: Opponent frames to prevent pressure → North-South Escape (Threat Level: Medium)
  • Position Loss: Opponent rolls or escapes control → Side Control Escape (Threat Level: Medium)
  • Counter Attack: Opponent walks shoulders for angle → Guard Recovery (Threat Level: Low)
  • Stalemate: Opponent breaks grip to stall submission → Defensive Position (Threat Level: Medium)

Format: [[Threat Type]] → [[Resulting Position]] (Threat Level: X)

Defensive Strategies

Methods to mitigate threats:

  • Grip Maintenance: Secure tight gable grip or wrist clasp to prevent breaks
  • Head Control: Keep head low and tight to avoid framing space
  • Hip Pressure: Maintain strong hip connection to block rolling or bridging
  • Angle Adjustment: Adjust shoulder and chest pressure to counter shoulder walks
  • Adaptation Readiness: Be prepared to switch to other submissions if defended

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “The North-South Choke’s precision in mechanical alignment is key. The V-shape of the arm targets carotid arteries efficiently. It’s a systematic finish from a dominant position.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “I use the North-South Choke to counter defensive reactions. Heavy chest pressure prevents escapes before the choke sets. It’s a high-percentage upper body attack.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “In 10th Planet, modified North-South Chokes connect with unorthodox controls like the Truck. It forces positional advancement even if unfinished. The threat opens other attacks.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Squeezing with arms only instead of chest expansion

  • Why It Fails: Reduces effective pressure on carotid arteries

  • Correction: Expand chest and pinch elbows for compression, not arm pull

  • Recognition: Pressure feels weak despite arm positioning

  • Error: Poor bicep and forearm alignment on neck

  • Why It Fails: Applies pressure to wrong areas, missing carotid targets

  • Correction: Ensure V-shape alignment with bicep and forearm on neck

  • Recognition: Opponent resists without significant discomfort

  • Error: Head positioned too high or away from body

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent to create defensive space or frame

  • Correction: Keep head low and tight to opponent’s body for control

  • Recognition: Opponent easily frames or turns to escape

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this submission:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent’s arms are occupied or extended after control
  • Avoid When: Opponent maintains strong frames or defensive posture
  • Setup Sequences: As a primary attack from North-South after establishing control
  • Follow-up Windows: Must complete within 5-10 seconds to prevent defense or counter

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Understanding of choke mechanics and carotid compression
  • Physical Preparation: Chest and shoulder strength for pressure application
  • Positional Knowledge: Control from North-South position
  • Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced - requires precise alignment and control

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the submission pressure in the North-South Choke?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to initiate the North-South Choke?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in arm positioning for this submission?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which grip is essential for the North-South Choke?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if the opponent frames to create space?”

Variants and Configurations

Different setups within the submission:

  • Traditional North-South Choke: Standard arm under head application
  • Modified Grip Variations: Gable, wrist, or RNC-style grips
  • One-Arm North-South Choke: Marcelo Garcia style with single arm
  • Inverted North-South Choke: Applied from bottom position
  • Japanese Necktie: Related mechanic with leg involvement

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Grip Familiarization: Practice gable grip and wrist clasp solo
  • Control Drilling: Work with partner on arm positioning under head
  • Pressure Integration: Add chest expansion and shoulder drop for compression
  • Positioning Practice: Incorporate head and hip control for stability
  • Live Application: Use in sparring with focus on timing and adjustments

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Slide, position, connect, drop, maintain, squeeze, adjust
  • Spatial References: Arm under head, V-shape on neck, shoulder to mat, head low
  • Pressure Dynamics: Carotid compression, chest expansion, neck strain
  • Momentum Descriptions: Controlled pressure, continuous adjustment, finishing squeeze

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Slide non-choking arm under their head for base”
  • Execution Guidance: “Position choking arm in V-shape, connect hands in gable grip”
  • Adjustment Prompts: “Drop shoulder, keep head low, squeeze with chest expansion”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Maintain control until they submit, watch for tap”

Technical Specifications

Control Mechanics

Scientific submission analysis:

  • Force Vectors: Compression force through V-shape arm on carotid arteries
  • Leverage Points: Chest and shoulder pressure as fulcrum for choke
  • Stability Factors: Head low and hip pressure for positional stability
  • Mobility Dynamics: Arm and shoulder adjustment for dynamic control
  • Energy Efficiency: Moderate energy use with high submission return

Success Factors

Elements that strengthen submission:

  • Grip Quality: Security of gable or wrist clasp control (+/-20%)
  • Arm Precision: V-shape alignment on neck for leverage (+/-15%)
  • Head Control: Effectiveness of low head positioning (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive resistance over time (+/-5%)
  • Experience Level: Familiarity with choke mechanics (+/-10%)

Validation Checklist

Every submission file must include:

  • All required properties with specific values
  • Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete execution steps list (minimum 7 steps)
  • Strategic advantages and common challenges
  • At least 3 high-probability counters with success rates
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Defensive considerations and strategies
  • Training progression pathway

Example Implementation

See Americana for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

  • Consistent submission data for state machine implementation
  • Detailed control mechanics for realistic modeling
  • Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
  • Educational value through expert analysis
  • Technical depth for authentic understanding
  • Structured counter analysis for complete coverage
  • Knowledge assessment integration
  • Training progression guidance

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all submission files to maintain consistency and educational value.

  • Arm Triangle - Similar head and arm choke mechanics
  • Kimura from North-South - Follow-up if choke is defended
  • Reverse Kimura - Alternative attack from North-South
  • D’arce Choke - Complementary choke with arm control
  • Guillotine - Secondary attack if opponent turns

Historical Context

The North-South Choke has been a staple in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling, evolving from traditional judo and wrestling controls into a refined blood choke. It gained prominence through practitioners like Marcelo Garcia, who showcased its effectiveness with unique one-arm variations. Its integration into modern BJJ systems emphasizes mechanical precision over strength, making it a high-percentage finish from a dominant position.

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels in gi and no-gi, scores as submission win
  • Strategic Use: High-percentage finish from North-South in competition
  • Versatility: Effective in both gi and no-gi formats
  • Tournament Impact: Often used to secure wins from dominant control positions

Safety Considerations

  • Pressure Control: Apply compression gradually to avoid sudden carotid damage
  • Partner Awareness: Monitor opponent’s response during application
  • Mat Space: Ensure adequate space for safe positioning
  • Release Timing: Release immediately upon tap to prevent unconsciousness
  • Neck Safety: Avoid excessive force beyond reasonable compression point

Submission Integration

Common North-South Choke combinations:

Training Applications

  • Positional Specialization: Essential for competitors focusing on North-South control
  • Competition Preparation: Strong submission for tournaments from dominant positions
  • Control Development: Builds understanding of head and arm choke mechanics
  • Tactical Exploration: Encourages multi-threat setups from North-South

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