45

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.

45
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

- **Get AI analysis** of your game after just 3 sessions

- **See your progress** over time with data you can trust

**Stop guessing. Start tracking.**

[Download JitsAI — Free for 7 Days](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/jitsai-level-up-your-bjj/id6749017903)

---

*This technique guide is based on instruction from Professor Henrique, covering the North South Position as part of the JitsAI Fundamentals Course.*

More Articles

Train Smarter, Stay Motivated!

Double Leg Takedown: Complete BJJ Technique Guide

Learn how to execute the Double Leg Takedown in BJJ with step-by-step instructions. Master this essential takedown technique and track your progress with JitsAI.

Single Leg Takedown: Complete BJJ Technique Guide

Learn how to execute the Single Leg Takedown in BJJ with step-by-step instructions. Master this essential takedown technique and track your progress with JitsAI.

Double Leg Takedown: Complete BJJ Technique Guide

Learn how to execute the Double Leg Takedown in BJJ with step-by-step instructions. Master this essential takedown technique and track your progress with JitsAI.

Single Leg Takedown: Complete BJJ Technique Guide

Learn how to execute the Single Leg Takedown in BJJ with step-by-step instructions. Master this essential takedown technique and track your progress with JitsAI.

Double Leg Takedown: Complete BJJ Technique Guide

Learn how to execute the Double Leg Takedown in BJJ with step-by-step instructions. Master this essential takedown technique and track your progress with JitsAI.

Single Leg Takedown: Complete BJJ Technique Guide

Learn how to execute the Single Leg Takedown in BJJ with step-by-step instructions. Master this essential takedown technique and track your progress with JitsAI.