## North-South Switch to Back Take **Position:** North South **Japanese Name:** N/A ### Introduction The "North-South Switch to Back Take" is an advanced technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu designed for smoothly transitioning from a controlling north-south position to taking your opponent's back. This technique requires precision, timing, and proper weight distribution. --- ### Step-by-step Instructions 1. **Set Up the North-South Position:** - Start by controlling your opponent from side control, making sure your hips are low and your head is facing their legs. - Transition into the north-south position by sliding around your opponent's head while maintaining control, keeping pressure on their chest with your body weight. 2. **Control the Opponent's Head and Shoulders:** - Slide your arms under their armpits, effectively 'scooping' them toward you. - Use your shoulder to apply pressure on their head, preventing them from regaining a defensive posture. 3. **Secure the Back of Your Opponent's Gi (or Lapel):** - Reach under your opponent's armpit with your inside hand (hand closer to their head). - Grab their near-side lapel or back of their belt/Gi skirt. 4. **Switch Your Hips:** - Pivot your hips to face the same direction as your opponent’s. - Maintain chest-on-chest pressure with your north-south position. 5. **Create the Opening:** - Lure your opponent to turn slightly on their side by pulling gently with the lapel grip and applying consistent pressure with your shoulder. - During the forced tilt, you should feel an opening between their torso and the mat. 6. **Slide Your Hook In:** - As they turn, quickly shoot in your far leg (the one closer to their legs), inserting it between their body and the mat as your first 'hook.' - Your knee should slide under their rib cage. 7. **Roll & Insert the Second Hook:** - Continue rolling your opponent over their shoulder and pull them onto you, using the lapel grip to guide them. - As the roll completes, insert your second hook by capturing their waist with your second leg/foot. 8. **Establish Back Control:** - Secure the seatbelt grip immediately with one arm over the shoulder and one under the armpit. - Tighten the grip by placing the control hand's hand on your opposite shoulder while covering the control arm's hand with your free hand. ### Tips - **Maintain Pressure:** Keeping constant chest pressure prevents escapes and increases your chance of smoothly transitioning to the back. - **Be Patient:** Baiting your opponent and reading their movement is crucial; force nothing but capitalize on openings. - **Balance:** Keep your weight distributed evenly in north-south to avoid reversal attempts as you set the hooks. --- This technique, while effective, should be practiced under the guidance of an instructor, especially for nuances like grip adjustments and pressure application which are essential for mastery. Always prioritize safety and effectiveness in all training scenarios. ---