We compared BJJ Fanatics instructionals focused on the north south position and choke. Rankings prioritize community sentiment, structure, applicability, instructor pedigree, and production quality.
The Complete North South Choke
Marcelo shows a precise, repeatable north south choke that reliably finishes bigger athletes.
Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Side Control & North South
A complete no-gi top-pin system that shows exactly when to enter and finish from north south.
Zone Jiu-Jitsu Side Control
A concept-first side control system that repeatedly channels opponents into north south for clean finishes.
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🥋 #1 The Complete North South Choke by Marcelo Garcia
Instructor: Marcelo Garcia
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 59 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Cover both carotids
Techniques: North South Choke, Arm In North South, Kimura Entry
- High Percentage Chokes: No Gi by Lachlan Giles – Broader no-gi choke system that includes north south as a module.
- First Principles Escapes: Headlocks, Side Control & North South by Stephen Whittier – If you struggle under north south, learn structured escapes first.
- Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Side Control & North South by Gordon Ryan – Comprehensive top pins with an entire section on north south.
You will learn a complete north south choke system with tight entries, control, and finish mechanics. You will not get a general top control curriculum. You will specifically improve finish rate from north south in no-gi.
✅ Pros
- The clearest finishing mechanics for north south choke available.
- Entries chain cleanly from common side control transitions.
- Short learning curve for dedicated drilling.
⚠️ Cons
- Very narrow scope beyond north south choke details.
- Older production feel compared to newer releases.
- No gi-specific collar options for kimono users.
💡 I put this first because it solves the classic 'feel' complaint with actionable cues that translate quickly to a higher finish rate. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #2 Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Side Control & North South by Gordon Ryan
Instructor: Gordon Ryan
Style: System Based, Footage Breakdown, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 7 hours and 41 minutes
Volumes: 8
Biggest takeaway: Transitions trigger submissions
Techniques: North South Choke, Kimura Dilemma, Yoko Sankaku
- The Roger Gracie Side Control System - Classic gi approach to control and pressure with north south transitions.
- Precise Pressure Passing by Paul Schreiner - Concept-driven top control that complements this set at lower cost.
You will learn a structured side control to north south system with layered submissions. You will not get gi-specific grips or collar chokes. You will build maintenance first, then attack with dilemmas.
✅ Pros
- Clear decision trees for moving into north south.
- Includes live rolling to contextualize timing.
- Strong maintenance instruction reduces scramble risk.
⚠️ Cons
- High price compared to peers.
- Length and repetition may deter casual learners.
- No gi-specific lapel options.
💡 I rate this just behind Marcelo for pure north south finishing because the value is in the integrated control system, not only the strangle details. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #3 Zone Jiu-Jitsu Side Control by Paul Schreiner
Instructor: Paul Schreiner
Style: Conceptual, System Based
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 3 hours and 13 minutes
Volumes: 6
Biggest takeaway: Use zones to funnel NS
Techniques: Armbar From Ns, North South Choke, Pressure Passing
- Connected Reaction No-Gi Passing by Paul Schreiner - Pairs well if you want passing entries that land directly in north south.
- Fundamentals of Side Control Escapes by Pedro Sauer - Build bottom defense to value-check your top control.
You will learn zone-based control that leads to north south and armbars. You will not get a submission-only move-dump. You will improve transitions and pressure that make finishes easier.
✅ Pros
- Excellent teaching clarity and organization.
- North south entries tied directly to pressure concepts.
- Works in gi and no-gi with minimal changes.
⚠️ Cons
- Less submission density than some prefer.
- Not a dedicated north south choke deep dive.
- Some sets from the same instructor outshine it for specific topics.
💡 I suggest this when you want reliable paths into north south without becoming submission-myopic. Recommendation: Buy it now.
🥋 #4 High Percentage Chokes: No Gi by Lachlan Giles
Instructor: Lachlan Giles
Style: System Based, Conceptual, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 5 hours and 6 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Link failures into NS
Techniques: North South Choke, Darce To Ns, Guillotine
- The Complete North South Choke by Marcelo Garcia - If you want a single-technique masterclass focused only on north south.
You will learn north south as part of a wider choke framework. You will not get a pinning system or gi collars. You will link failed attempts into better finishes.
✅ Pros
- Covers common errors and corrections for north south.
- Strong conceptual framing across choke families.
- Excellent value for the depth provided.
⚠️ Cons
- Less detail on top control maintenance.
- Not focused exclusively on north south choke.
- Some drills require a cooperative partner.
💡 I like this for athletes who want redundancy across choke chains, with north south as a reliable branch. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #5 First Principles Escapes: Headlocks, Side Control & North South by Stephen Whittier
Instructor: Stephen Whittier
Style: Conceptual, System Based, Drill Heavy
Best for: All Levels
Format: Both
Runtime: 4 hours and 52 minutes
Volumes: 6
Biggest takeaway: Posture precedes movement
Techniques: North South Escapes, Iron Pillow, Running Man
- Pin Escapes & Turtle Escapes: Go Further Faster by John Danaher - More exhaustive escapes; heavier time investment.
You will learn phased escapes from north south with clear postures. You will not learn attacking sequences. You will add principles that stop common recounters.
✅ Pros
- Principled approach that generalizes across variations.
- Focus on preventing mount and back exposure during escapes.
- Complements attack-focused sets to balance your game.
⚠️ Cons
- Production critiques on other sets may color expectations.
- Less content on top control or submissions.
- Some will want more live-sparring examples.
💡 I include this to ensure readers can survive north south, which paradoxically makes your own finishes higher later. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #6 Side Control & North South Top Mastery by Rayron Gracie
Instructor: Rayron Gracie
Style: System Based, Conceptual
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 3 hours and 22 minutes
Biggest takeaway: Flatten hips before finishing
Techniques: Pressure Lines, Side To Ns Transition, Arm Isolation
- The Complete Side Control System by Marcelo Garcia - Another approach to top pins with strong transitions.
You will learn pressure-focused transitions into north south with arm isolations. You will not get a choke-only focus. You will benefit most if you already use shoulder pressure.
✅ Pros
- Emphasizes hip control before submissions.
- Transitions are designed to beat common guard recoveries.
- Fresh competitive perspective on classic pins.
⚠️ Cons
- Fewer community reviews to validate long-term results.
- Less detail on north south choke mechanics than single-technique sets.
- Pressure style may not fit lighter athletes.
💡 I include this for readers wanting a contemporary, pressure-first top game that uses north south as a waypoint and a weapon. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #7 The Lapel Submission Matrix System: North South Matrix by Greg Hamilton
Instructor: Greg Hamilton
Style: Technique Collection, System Based
Best for: Intermediate
Format: Gi
Runtime: 2 hours and 43 minutes
Volumes: 3
Biggest takeaway: Lapel wraps unlock NS
Techniques: Lapel Chokes, Arm In North South, North South Control
- Side Control Setups & Submissions by Bernardo Faria - Broader gi submission options including transitions into north south.
You will learn lapel chokes and arm-in variations from north south. You will not get no-gi coverage. You will expand options when classic north south strangles stall in the gi.
✅ Pros
- Distinct gi-specific approach to a no-gi dominated topic.
- Affordable price point for experimentation.
- Pairs well with classic north south choke sets.
⚠️ Cons
- Niche to gi; limited transfer to no-gi.
- Less emphasis on positional maintenance.
- Naming and style may not resonate with everyone.
💡 I include this as a budget gi add-on for players who want to attack north south beyond the classic strangle. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
🥋 #8 Off With Their Head: The Arm Triangle by Neil Melanson
Instructor: Neil Melanson
Style: System Based, Technique Collection
Best for: Intermediate
Format: No-Gi
Runtime: 3 hours and 32 minutes
Volumes: 4
Biggest takeaway: Catch details add squeeze
Techniques: Arm Triangle, North South Choke, Kimura To Ns
- Ryan Hall Arm Triangle - Well-regarded arm triangle mechanics if you prefer a pure BJJ style.
You will learn arm triangle pathways that include north south options. You will not get a north south-only curriculum. You will add finishing variations that complement classic strangles.
✅ Pros
- Budget price for a broad choke toolkit.
- Includes explicit north south chapters and transitions.
- Distinct perspective compared to standard BJJ instruction.
⚠️ Cons
- Focus is wider than north south alone.
- Presentation style divides opinions.
- Less emphasis on top-pin maintenance.
💡 I include this as a budget-friendly way to deepen head-and-arm finishing, including north south variants that you can port into any system. Recommendation: Wait for daily deal.
North south choke vs arm triangle: when to choose each
Both use your shoulder line to compress the neck. The arm triangle needs their arm across their neck; the north south choke does not. If you lose the arm across during darce/arm triangle battles, switch to north south and drop the shoulder to seal the far carotid. If your opponent frames well in north south, pummel to a head-and-arm and step to mount for the arm triangle. In gi, lapels add options from north south that do not exist in no-gi.
Why your north south choke fails (and quick fixes)
Most failures are space issues, not squeeze. Cover both sides of the neck: elbow tight on the near side and your lat/rib on the far side. Sprawl back to remove their bridge and turn their chin away to hide their airway. If they free the arm from darce, immediately switch grips for north south. If they insert a knee, switch to side control and re-enter later.
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