North-South

Also known as: 69 Position · Kami Shiho Gatame · Upper Four-Quarter Hold

Chest-to-chest with the players facing opposite directions, the top player’s weight over the opponent’s head and shoulders. Escapes that work from side control fail here because the hips are out of reach. Home of the north-south choke and kimura.

Gi & No-gi · Category: Top Control & Pins

What can you do from North-South?

Top player (positional score +7/10)

Submissions

• North-South Choke — A patient strangle from north-south: your arm scoops under their neck, your shoulder drops over their jawline, and the choke closes as your hips sink and walk back — famous for finishing without any visible squeeze.

Bottom player

This side of the position is about defending and rebuilding — see the escapes and transitions from the other role.

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