Mastering North-South Position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Hello, BJJ enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into an essential guard position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: the North-South position. If you're new to BJJ or want to improve your understanding of this powerful position, you're in the right place. So, grab your gi, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and north south position bjj.
What is the North-South Position in BJJ?
The North-South position is a guard position where one person (the bottom player) is on their back, with their legs wrapped around their opponent's (the top player) torso, facing their head. It's called 'North-South' because the bottom player's head is pointing north, and their feet are pointing south. This position offers several submission opportunities and transitions to other guards or sweeps.
How to Achieve the North-South Position
To achieve the North-South position, start from the closed guard. Break your opponent's posture by using your elbows to control their shoulders or by gripping their lapels. Then, use your legs to create space and frame your opponent's hips. Once you've created enough space, insert one hook (foot) behind your opponent's knee, then the other. Now, use your legs to pull your opponent's torso down, turning their body and achieving the North-South position.
Submissions from the North-South Position
The North-South position offers several submission options. Here are a few:
Kimura
The Kimura is a powerful submission from the North-South position. To apply it, grip your opponent's same-side arm with both hands, controlling their wrist with your near-side hand. Use your far-side hand to control their shoulder or head. Now, extend your legs, lifting your opponent and applying pressure to their shoulder. If they defend, switch to an omoplata or continue to break their posture for other submissions.
North-South Choke
The North-South choke is a triangle-like submission. From the North-South position, grip your opponent's far-side collar with your near-side hand and their far-side sleeve with your far-side hand. Extend your legs, bringing your shins to your opponent's chest, and squeeze. This submission is highly effective against smaller opponents or when your opponent tries to escape by turning away from you.
North-South to Armbar
The North-South to armbar transition is a classic BJJ move. From the North-South position, grip your opponent's far-side sleeve with both hands. Extend your legs, breaking your opponent's posture. Now, use your legs to control their arm and roll over their body, finishing the armbar.
Escaping the North-South Position
While we love being in the North-South position, it's essential to know how to escape it. If you find yourself in this position, you can escape by:
- 1. Posturing up: Use your legs and hips to create space and break your opponent's control.
- 2. Turning away: Turn your body away from your opponent, breaking their grip and control.
- 3. Using frames: Frame your opponent's legs with your arms to create space and escape their control.
Conclusion
The North-South position is a powerful tool in every BJJ practitioner's toolbox. It offers a variety of submissions and transitions, making it an essential guard position to master. So, guys, get out there, drill these techniques, and make the North-South position your own! Until next time, keep rolling!