Ushiro-kesa-gatame 後袈裟固 (Reverse Scarf Hold)
Classification: Katame-waza → Osae-komi-waza (Holding Techniques)
Ushiro-kesa-gatame is a hold-down technique categorized under osae-komi-waza, where tori controls uke from the side — but unlike the standard kesa-gatame, tori faces away from uke’s head, looking toward uke’s legs. Ushiro (後) means “rear” or “reverse”, and the name refers to this opposite body positioning.
While less commonly taught than the standard version, Ushiro-kesa-gatame is especially useful when uke attempts to escape or reverse position, and tori manages to maintain control by turning in the opposite direction.
Execution
From a side control position, tori moves into Ushiro-kesa-gatame as follows:
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Tori lies beside uke, chest against uke’s ribs, facing toward uke’s legs.
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One arm (often the far arm) controls uke’s near arm across the chest or traps it at the hip.
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The other arm may control uke’s far leg, belt, or hip to prevent rotation.
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Tori maintains a tight base with legs spread wide for stability, and the chest remains low.
This “reverse” variant requires strong awareness of body positioning to maintain pressure while preventing uke from rotating toward their stomach or regaining guard.
Escapes
Uke can attempt several common escape strategies:
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Rotation away: Uke crawls or shrimp-moves away from tori, attempting to create space and turn onto their stomach.
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Arm release and roll-out: Uke focuses on freeing the trapped arm, which often weakens tori’s control and allows a roll-out toward guard or turtle.
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Neck pull escape: Uke grips tori’s collar or neck area and pulls backward, forcing tori to adjust posture or fall back. Uke may then turn and reverse the position — provided tori doesn’t rotate safely and flatten uke.
Note: In this variation, it is crucial for tori to avoid remaining underneath uke if reversed, as this can result in loss of control or an osaekomi against them.
Transitions and Variations
Ushiro-kesa-gatame can be entered from various dynamic positions:
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From side control: Tori traps uke’s arm and rotates over it, facing uke’s feet.
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From a failed pin attempt: When uke turns into tori during Kesa-gatame or Kuzure-kesa-gatame, tori may rotate away to secure the reverse position.
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From guard pass or scramble: Tori wraps around uke’s waist or leg and spins through into the reverse pin.
Tori may also link Ushiro-kesa-gatame into other holds (e.g. Kami-shiho-gatame) or submissions such as arm locks or head-and-arm chokes, depending on hand placement and body control.