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North South Position: Complete BJJ Technique Guide
Master the North South Position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Complete breakdown of grips, positioning, and attacks. Track your guard game with JitsAI.
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2026-02-17
# North South Position: Complete BJJ Technique Guide
## What is the North South Position?
The North South Position is a fundamental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique that every practitioner should master. Whether you're a white belt just starting out or an experienced grappler refining your game, understanding the mechanics and timing of this technique will elevate your BJJ.
## How to Perform the North South Position
Here's a detailed breakdown based on expert instruction:
# North-South Position
All right, guys, let's understand a bit about the north -south position. What's the
north -south? And why does the north -south happen? So basically, we start with our
opponent playing guard. And then once I'm trying to pass his guard, I realize that
my opponent has a really flexible legs, and he can replace the guard very easy.
So he always bring the feet and he always like end up replacing the guard replace
the guard and he always can replace the guard right so in order to block this i
don't stay close to his legs i try to go over his head so once i start passing
in order to stay away from his legs i end up on this position okay
So this is called the north -south position. I have my chest on his chest. What is
the best way to hold? I have both of my arms underneath his arms. And then if I
need, I can take my knees out of the floor, pinning him down, and then I go back
on my knees again. Okay? Again, why does the north -south position is good because
I'm away from his legs. Also another way to hold north -south, I have one arm
underneath his arm and the other arm over his arm.
This is also a good option. Why? Because I have more attacks. I can start attacking
his arms here like arm bars or Kimuras, okay? So Basically,
this is how you hold the north south. Grips, yes, you can hold the belt,
you can hold the ghee, and put your chest on his chest. If you feel he's pushing
you too much, you can also take your knees out of the floor. Okay? Once you feel
that he's getting tired, you drop on your knees again. So this is a basic way to
go to north -south position, and this is what is the north -south position.
## Key Points to Remember
When drilling the North South Position, focus on these essential details:
1. **Positioning** — Your body position determines your success rate
2. **Timing** — Wait for the right moment, don't force it
3. **Grip** — Secure proper grips before committing to the technique
4. **Finish** — Follow through completely once you initiate
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many practitioners struggle with the North South Position because they:
- Rush the technique without proper setup
- Neglect the importance of base and balance
- Forget to control their opponent's reactions
- Don't drill both sides equally
## When to Use the North South Position
The North South Position works best when:
- Your opponent's weight distribution creates an opening
- You've set up the technique with proper grips
- You can commit fully to the movement
- You have a follow-up ready if the initial attempt fails
## Track Your North South Position Progress
The fastest way to improve any BJJ technique is tracking your training. JitsAI helps you:
- **Log every session** in 30 seconds with voice notes
- **Identify patterns** in what's working and what isn't
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**Stop guessing. Start tracking.**
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*This technique guide is based on instruction from Professor Henrique, covering the North South Position as part of the JitsAI Fundamentals Course.*