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Judo technique

Gyaku-kesa-gatame

Learn the basics of Gyaku-kesa-gatame and its relationship to Kesa-gatame.

Start lessonLesson overview
Illustration of a reverse scarf-hold position in the Kesa-gatame family
Technique image: Gyaku-kesa-gatame reverses the scarf-hold angle from the Kesa-gatame family while keeping body connection and upper-body control.

Meaning

Reverse scarf hold

Pronunciation

gyah-koo keh-sah gah-tah-meh

Understand the technique

is a reverse scarf hold in the family. keeps the side-body connection and upper-body control of a scarf hold, but the body angle and control direction are reversed.

How it works

Set the reverse angle

Position the body beside uke in the reverse scarf orientation while keeping the torso connected across the upper body. The change is in tori's direction and angle, not in abandoning the side-control connection.

Control with base and body connection

Keep a stable base as uke turns or bridges, and use the torso to maintain contact rather than squeezing with the arms. The upper-body control should limit movement while leaving room for normal breathing.

Common mistakes

Squeezing instead of controlling

Trying to hold with neck pressure or arm strength loses the body-based control of the Kesa family. Do not block breathing, and release immediately for a tap or .

First learning focus

First identify the reversed body angle while preserving the familiar scarf-hold connection. Keep the base stable as uke moves before adding stronger upper-body control.

What you will learn

  • Recognize Gyaku-kesa-gatame as reverse scarf hold
  • Connect it to Kesa-gatame control
  • Recognize a basic escape idea

Key terms