Tate-shiho-gatame 縦四方固
(Vertical Four-Corner Hold)
Classification: Katame-waza → Osae-komi-waza (Holding Techniques)
Tate-shiho-gatame is a powerful full-mount control position where tori pins uke from above, using both legs on either side of uke’s torso. The name translates to “vertical four-corner hold,” as tori aligns with uke’s body in a straight (vertical) direction.
Execution
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Sit on top of uke, with your knees on either side of their hips.
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Lean forward to apply chest pressure and control their upper body.
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Pull uke’s arm across the face and bring your other arm under uke’s head, then interlock your hands or grip your own wrist, belt, or gi.
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Keep your hips low and knees wide to maintain balance and minimise uke’s ability to bridge.
Note: This technique is especially effective when transitioning from a throw or during groundwork when you achieve a dominant top position.
Escapes
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Leg entrapment:
Uke can trap one of tori’s legs with their own by shifting their hips and wrapping a leg around tori’s knee. Once the leg is controlled, the hold is considered broken. -
Action-reaction bridge:
Uke pushes against tori’s neck or shoulder in one direction, prompting tori to apply counter-pressure. When this resistance comes, uke quickly bridges to the opposite side, using the momentum to roll tori over. -
Back-grab roll:
Uke reaches around and grabs tori’s back or belt, then uses a strong bridge combined with twisting motion to roll tori off and reverse the position.
Tip: These escapes are more effective when uke stays calm, uses controlled bridging (not flailing), and times their movement with tori’s shifting weight.
Variations
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Arm-under-neck control:
Instead of clasping hands, tori may wrap their arm around uke’s neck and grab their own belt, trapping uke’s head securely in place. -
Deep belt grip:
Tori threads their arm deep underneath uke’s torso to grab the back of uke’s belt for maximum torso control and pinning stability. -
Gi grip variation:
Rather than clasping hands, tori grabs uke’s gi collar with the arm under the neck, combining positional control with fabric tension. -
Transition to Sankaku (triangle hold):
From tate-shiho-gatame, tori can slide a foot over uke’s shoulder, bring the other leg around the neck, and lock the triangle. By shifting weight forward, tori transitions into sankaku-gatame, combining control with a potential submission.
Biomechanics
Tate-shiho-gatame relies on chest pressure, gravity, and wide base control. The arms secure the head and shoulder while the knees and hips prevent escapes. The vertical body alignment and downward force limit uke’s ability to move or generate power, making this one of the most dominant pins in judo.
Did you know?
Tate-shiho-gatame is not only used in judo but also found in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (mount position) and other grappling arts. Its versatility lies in the transitions it offers—tori can attack arms, move into triangles, or switch to different osaekomi-waza with minimal movement. This position is often taught in kata, but is just as valuable in randori or competition due to its strong control and submission potential.