Marcelo shows a precise, repeatable north south choke that reliably finishes bigger athletes.
The Bottom Line
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.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Finishers seeking NS choke
Skip if: You want gi grips
Tech focus: North South Choke, Arm In North South, Kimura Entry
Biggest takeaway: Cover both carotids
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What You'll Learn
Marcelo Garcia distilled his signature north south choke into a step-by-step system that solves the usual feel problem. Entries, transitions, and finishing mechanics are taught with precise body placement and sequencing.
If you already reach north south but struggle to finish, this is the most referenced set by the community for making the choke reliable in no-gi. It is laser focused on one task: get to north south and finish consistently.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- North South Choke
- Arm In North South
- Kimura Entry
- Spin To Ns
- Lat Pressure
- Head Control
- Side To Ns Transition
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 59 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I put this first because it solves the classic 'feel' complaint with actionable cues that translate quickly to a higher finish rate.
Why Marcelo Garcia?
Marcelo Garcia is a 5x IBJJF world champion and 4x ADCC champion, renowned for guillotines, back attacks, and his trademark north south choke.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Favorite Marcelo set for many; finally made the north south choke click.
- Recommended repeatedly when people ask for a north south instructional.
- Details on neck coverage and elbow position fix common finishing issues.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Choke still feels 'feely' to some and takes reps to calibrate.
- Narrow focus; not for people wanting a full top-pin curriculum.
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Smart Alternatives
- High Percentage Chokes: No Gi by Lachlan Giles – Broader no-gi choke system that includes north south as a module. (Price: $79.00)
- First Principles Escapes: Headlocks, Side Control & North South by Stephen Whittier – If you struggle under north south, learn structured escapes first. (Price: $97.00, 6 vols, 2021)
- Systematically Attacking From Top Pins: Side Control & North South by Gordon Ryan – Comprehensive top pins with an entire section on north south. (Price: $349.00, 8 vols)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View The Complete North South Choke on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
