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Judo technique

Kami-shiho-gatame

Learn the basics of Kami-shiho-gatame and how to escape from it.

Start lessonLesson overview
Illustration of Kami-shiho-gatame, a head-side four-quarter hold
Technique image: This Kami-shiho-gatame example shows tori controlling from near uke's head with a stable base and chest connection.

Meaning

Upper four-quarter hold

Pronunciation

kah-mee shee-hoh gah-tah-meh

Understand the technique

is an upper four-quarter hold within . controls from near head, stays in line with the body, and uses chest connection and a wide base to limit uke's turning and escape.

How it works

Control from the head side

Align the torso with uke's body from the head side and connect the chest across the upper body. The arms control the shoulders and upper body without pressing on the face, throat, or mouth.

Keep a wide, responsive base

Place the base wide enough to stay stable when uke bridges or turns. Let the chest and arms follow the movement as one unit, rather than trying to hold position with arm strength alone.

Common mistakes

Blocking breathing to hold position

Driving pressure into the face or throat is neither necessary nor acceptable for the hold. Maintain body connection with breathing space, and release immediately after a tap or .

First learning focus

First establish the in-line head-side position and a wide base that stays balanced. Add upper-body control gradually while keeping pressure away from the face and throat.

What you will learn

  • Recognize the name Kami-shiho-gatame
  • Understand the basic head-side control idea
  • Recognize a basic escape idea

Key terms