Skip to content
Positional
Submission · choke

North-south choke

A choke from north-south top. One arm wraps his neck from above, the other blocks his way out.

Flow map
1 in · 1 out
Starting position
TopNorth-South
You are hereNorth-south chokeSubmission
Where it leads
Match overTap
Prerequisites
  • Stable north-south with your weight on his chest
  • One arm free from under his shoulder, ready to go in
  • His neck isn't fully defended: you have at least one way in
Mechanics · 4 steps
I
Free your arm from under his shoulder and slide it under his neck
Coming in from the shoulder side is less defended than coming in from the front. Surprise works for you.
Correctness test ·Your arm is deep under the back of his neck, biceps and shoulder tight to his neck.
II
Lock your grip on the other side of his neck
The second hand blocks his way out and closes the choke.
Correctness test ·Your grip is solid and your elbow stays close to his neck.
III
Drop your hips and drive your weight into his chest
Body weight is what matters: arm strength alone won't close the choke nearly as well.
Correctness test ·Let your body sink and load his neck.
IV
Keep the weight on and don't let his head turn
A turning head opens space around your arm. Lose the weight and you lose the choke.
Defenses · if he… then you…
Opponent
Tucks his chin hard to keep your arm out from under his neck
Your response
Wait for the moment he lifts his chin, or turn him slightly, then go in fast.
Opponent
Rotates by walking his legs around
Your response
Hold your grip tight and follow the rotation.
Common mistakes
Not enough body weight
Arm strength alone won't close the choke: he gets out.
Arm not deep enough
You aren't really compressing the neck: he can escape or turn.
Lying there passively
You have to put your weight down, but you also have to be ready to turn and follow him.
DRILLS · IMPROVEMENT EXERCISES
Section in development. Plan: for each technique/position I'll add solo or partner drills to strengthen your movement patterns and timing.