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Positional
Transition · north south

Transition to north-south from side control

Moving from side control to north-south. You circle around his head to change your angle of attack.

Flow map
1 in · 1 out
Starting position
TopSide Control
You are hereTransition to north-south from side controlTransition
Where it leads
TopNorth-South
Prerequisites
  • Stable side control to start from
  • Enough weight on his chest to keep control while you move
  • A reason to switch: a better attack or an answer to his escape
Mechanics · 4 steps
I
Keep your weight on his chest the whole way
The weight on his chest is your control. Lose it halfway and you lose the position.
II
Walk your knees toward his head, circling around it
Circling around the head (not the hips) keeps his upper body under your control the whole time.
III
Finish head to hips: your head by his hips
That's what north-south is, and it gives you a new angle on his neck and arms.
IV
Drop your weight right away. Don't give him room to escape
Every moment without weight is a chance for him to swing his hips out.
Defenses · if he… then you…
Opponent
Swings his hips out in the middle of your transition
Your response
Wait until he settles before you start, or go fast and don't slow down halfway.
Opponent
Blocks your knees with his hands so you can't rotate
Your response
Clear his hands first or go back to side control. Don't force it.
Common mistakes
Taking your weight off too early
It gives him room to swing his hips out. You lose control halfway through.
Stopping halfway
Worse than either position: you lose what each of them gives you.
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.