North–south choke
| North-South Choke | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Classification | Chokehold |
| Parent style | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| AKA | Kuzure-kami shiho-gatame |
| Parent hold | North-south position |
The North–south choke is a choking technique in grappling, employed exclusively from the north–south position, and classified as an air choke-hold. It closely resembles one of the seven mat holds, or osaekomi-waza, of Kodokan Judo, Kuzure kami shiho gatame. This technique is comparable in procedure to the D’arce choke, except that the practitioner is 180 degrees opposite their opponent.
Technique description
When a practitioner is in north-south position, (with opponent lying supine, practitioner is prone, positioned 180 degrees their opposite, contacting the opponent chest-to-chest), the practitioner will encircle the opponent’s neck with either arm. The practitioner then uses the ribcage or side adjacent the arm that encircles the opponent’s neck to trap the opponent’s head so that avoiding the choke is less possible. The practitioner will then clasp their hands together, in a gable grip, palm-to-palm, with hands in 90-degree variation one from another. Almost simultaneously, the practitioner will sprawl their hips backward and down, to circumvent any danger from sweeps. To finish the submission the practitioner will lower the shoulder that corresponds to the arm that encircles the opponent’s neck, reducing the supply of oxygen to the brain, by constricting the trachea.
Use in combat sports
Several fighters have used this submission with success in MMA, possibly the most notable being Jeff Monson, 9 of whose 48 wins (19% overall, 39% of chokes) were won by north south choke. Other notable mixed martial artists who have utilized the choke include Rani Yahya, Mike Russow and Jimmy Ambriz. The North South choke is also commonly used in grappling only events; one of the most notable grapplers to use the choke with great success is Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Marcelo Garcia. At least 5 of his 57 (approximately 13% overall, 23% of chokes) victories have come by north south chokes.
Safety concerns
The practice of applying this or any chokehold to a human being is extremely dangerous if used improperly or recklessly. Extended periods of choking deprive the brain of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness and ultimately brain damage or death if not released. It is imperative, when practicing such techniques, that practitioners be completely aware of their opponent's physical state, and release the choke at any sign of the opponent losing consciousness or "tapping out."
See also
References
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