Kesa-gatame 袈裟固 (Scarf Hold)
Classification: Katame-waza → Osae-komi-waza (Holding Techniques)
Kesa-gatame is a fundamental hold-down technique in judo, used to control an opponent on the ground. “Kesa” refers to the traditional Buddhist monk’s robe, which is draped over the shoulder and under the arm—mimicked by the arm positioning in this hold.
Execution
Tori sits beside uke, facing uke’s head from uke’s right side.
- With the left hand, tori grips uke’s judogi underneath uke’s right armpit.
- The right arm is placed around uke’s neck or shoulder area and grabs the fabric behind uke’s back or shoulder blade.
- Tori’s right leg is stretched out, and the left knee is bent, forming a stable base.
- The chest remains low and tight against uke’s torso, maintaining downward pressure and control.
Safety Considerations
- Children: Special care must be taken with young judoka. Their developing neck structures are vulnerable. Avoid letting them pull or hang around uke’s neck.
- Judoka with Down Syndrome: This technique should not be applied. Individuals with Down syndrome may have atlanto-axial instability (an unstable first vertebra), which can result in serious spinal injury if pressure is applied to the neck.
Escapes
Several escape strategies (kuzushi and kaeshi-waza) are used against Kesa-gatame:
- Leg trap: Uke hooks tori’s extended leg with their own legs to off-balance tori and break the hold.
- Bridge and crawl (ebi): Uke bridges and crawls away in the opposite direction to create space, placing a forearm against tori’s throat and attempting to sit up.
- Body lift: Uke closes the space, hugs tori’s waist, and bridges powerfully to roll tori over their own body.
Tip: All escapes benefit from provoking a reaction from tori. For example, pushing into tori can encourage a counter-force that makes it easier to reverse or escape.
Variations
- Kuzure-kesa-gatame (Modified Scarf Hold): Instead of wrapping the arm around the neck, tori controls uke’s far arm, reducing the risk to uke’s neck and increasing positional stability.
- Makura-kesa-gatame (Pillow Scarf Hold): “Makura” means pillow. In this variation, the arm around uke’s head is folded under uke’s neck, and the hand is either placed in the crook of tori’s own knee or gripping the pants. This can be reached from either the standard or kuzure version.