 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "North–south choke" – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(March 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| North-South Choke | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Classification | Chokehold |
| Style | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| AKA | Kami-shiho-gatame |
| Parent hold | North-south position |
TheNorth–south choke is a choking technique ingrappling, employed exclusively from thenorth–south position, and classified as anair choke-hold. It closely resembles one of the seven mat holds, orosaekomi-waza, of Kodokan Judo,Kuzure kami shiho gatame. This technique is comparable in procedure to theD’arce choke, except that the practitioner is 180 degrees opposite their opponent.
When a practitioner is in north-south position, (with opponent lying supine, practitioner is prone, positioned 180 degrees their opposite, contacting the opponentchest-to-chest), the practitioner will encircle the opponent’s neck with eitherarm. The practitioner then uses theribcage 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 aGable grip, palm-to-palm, with hands in 90-degree variation one from another. Almost simultaneously, the practitioner willsprawl their hips backward and down, to circumvent any danger fromsweeps. To finish the submission the practitioner will lower theshoulder that corresponds to the arm that encircles the opponent’s neck, reducing the supply of oxygen to the brain, by constricting thecarotid artery.[1]
Notable mixed martial artists who have utilized the choke includeJeff Monson,Rani Yahya,Mike Russow and Jimmy Ambriz. As of 2016, Monson has 17 victories that have come by way of north-south choke. 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 isBrazilian jiu-jitsu black belt,Marcelo Garcia. At least 4 of his 55 (approximately 7%)victories have come by north-south chokes.[2] Recent studies have shown that the north-south choke takes an average time of 9.4 seconds to render an opponent unconscious once applied correctly.[3]
The practice of applying this or any chokehold to ahuman being is extremely dangerous if used improperly or recklessly. Extended periods of choking deprive the brain ofoxygen, leading to unconsciousness and ultimatelybrain 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."