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Judo technique

Kesa-gatame

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

Start lessonLesson overview
Illustration of Hon-kesa-gatame, a scarf hold in the Kesa family
Technique image: This Kesa-gatame family example shows tori beside uke, controlling the near arm and head area with a stable scarf-hold position.

Meaning

Scarf hold

Pronunciation

keh-sah-gah-tah-meh

Understand the technique

is a scarf-hold principle within . sits beside , controls the near arm and head-side area, and uses chest connection with a stable base to prevent uke from turning free.

How it works

Secure the side position

Sit close beside uke with the torso connected across the upper body. Keep the near arm controlled without twisting it, and use the head-side control to limit uke's ability to turn toward tori.

Stabilize with the body

Keep a broad, adjustable base and distribute pressure through the chest and torso rather than through the arms. Follow uke's bridge or turn with the base so the connection remains controlled.

Common mistakes

Turning control into neck pressure

Squeezing the neck, covering the face, wrenching the shoulder, or continuing after a tap or is not hold-down control. Keep breathing space, control through the body, and release immediately when the hold must stop.

First learning focus

First make the side position stable with chest connection and a comfortable breathing space. Add firmer arm and head-side control only after the base remains balanced when uke moves.

What you will learn

  • Recognize the name Kesa-gatame
  • Understand the basic control idea of Kesa-gatame
  • Recognize a basic escape idea

Key terms