Kuzure-Kesa-Gatame Tips | Riki Judo Dojo
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Kuzure Kesa Gatame·Riki Judo Dojo·Added by Admin
Riki sensei showed us several versions of kuzure-kesa-gatame (modified scarf hold) during judo class on 6-28-2021. 0:00 …
Kuzure Kesa Gatame
Genus崩袈裟固め(Kuzure Kesa-gatame)
TraditionalTranslation: modified scarf hold
Overview
The Kuzure Kesa Gatame (modified scarf hold) is the variation of kesa gatame where the controlling fighter underhooks the far arm instead of wrapping around the head, providing different control dynamics and attack options. [1] The underhook-based control is sometimes preferred over the head wrap because it provides better resistance to the opponent's escape attempts and transitions. [1],[2] Kuzure kesa gatame is one of the recognised pinning techniques in judo's official syllabus. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Kuzure kesa gatame (modified scarf hold) provides more arm control than standard kesa gatame by gripping under the opponent's far arm instead of around the head, reducing the risk of back exposure. [1]
Lineage
Kuzure kesa gatame is a traditional Kodokan judo variation of kesa gatame, listed in the Kodokan's official osaekomi-waza classification. [1]
Competition Record
Kuzure kesa gatame (modified scarf hold) is commonly used in judo competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Establishing and maintaining a controlling position relative to the opponent
Joints Involved — Body positioning determines which joints and limbs are available for control and attack
Force Vector — Varies by position — gravity, frames, hooks, and pressure dictate control dynamics
Positional Mechanic — Hierarchy of positions — each position offers different offensive and defensive capabilities
Position & Entry
From neutral position — Assume the fighting stance by placing feet at shoulder width, bending knees slightly, and establishing guard position
Before engagement — Establish the proper stance as the starting position before initiating or receiving attacks
Variants
Standard variation — primary positioning for control and attack
Offensive variation — configured for submission or striking opportunities
Transitional variation — positioned for quick movement to the next position
Defensive variation — prioritising stability and control over attack
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Top positions enable pressure and striking; rib compression risk under heavy pressure
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IBJJF — Legal, mount scores 4 points — highest-scoring po...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal, mount scores 2 points
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal dominant position
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— UWW — Legal, back exposure scores points, pin ends match ...
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal, pin scores points
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Kuzure kesa gatame (modified scarf hold) changes the head-side arm from wrapping the head to underhooking the far arm — it addresses the back-take vulnerability of standard kesa gatame (Kashiwazaki, Osaekomi, 1997)
✓The key difference: instead of wrapping the head, the near arm underhooks the opponent's far arm — this prevents them from using that arm to frame and escape
✓Kuzure kesa gatame is considered safer than standard kesa gatame because the underhook prevents the back take that threatens standard kesa
✓The sitting position and near-arm control remain the same as standard kesa gatame — only the head-side arm position changes
✓From kuzure kesa, the Americana on the underhook'd arm is readily available: the arm is already isolated
✓The position combines elements of kesa gatame (hip-sit position) with standard side control (underhook)
✓Kuzure kesa gatame is the preferred kesa variant for MMA: the underhook provides better control in a dynamic, striking environment
Common Mistakes
!Not securing the underhook deeply — the hand must reach the far shoulder blade for effective control
!Losing the near-arm clamp — the near arm must still be controlled as in standard kesa
!Sitting too far from the opponent — maintain the tight hip-to-side contact
!Not using the underhook to threaten the Americana — the submission threat keeps the opponent defensive
!Transitioning to kuzure kesa without understanding why — use it specifically when the back-take threat from standard kesa is a concern
!Not adjusting when the opponent turns toward you — follow their movement and maintain the underhook
!Using kuzure kesa without the base spread of standard kesa — the wide leg base is still required for stability
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Achieve Position — transition into this position through passing, sweeping, or scrambling
2Stabilize — establish controlling grips and weight distribution
3Maintain — adjust to the opponent's escape attempts to hold position
4Attack — launch offensive techniques from the stabilized position
Sources & References
Primary Source
Karate-Do Kyohan: The Master Text (Gichin Funakoshi, 1935)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Alias sources — [1] Kodokan Judo (Kano, 1986) [2] Dynamic Kodokan Judo (Kudo, 1967) [3] Dynamic Kodokan Judo (Kudo, 1967)
2BookBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique (Gracie & Gracie, 2001)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Kodokan Judo (Kano, 1986)
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
5CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Alias sources — [1] Kodokan Judo (Kano, 1986) [2] Dynamic Kodokan Judo (Kudo, 1967) [3] Dynamic Kodokan Judo (Kudo, 1967)
6CitationBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique (Gracie & Gracie, 2001)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Kodokan Judo (Kano, 1986)
Community
Athletics
Requires
balance, lower body stability, quick directional change
Favours
well-proportioned build with strong base
Key muscles
calves, quadriceps, core, hip stabilisers
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I control my opponent's arm in Kuzure Kesa Gatame?
Control of the opponent's arm is very important—bring the hand up tight to your body to maintain control, then come around smoothly. Riki Judo Dojo emphasizes that once you have solid arm control, you can transition into other techniques like shime wasa (chokes) and kansetsu wasa (joint locks) very quickly.
Where should my legs be positioned to prevent my opponent from bridging?
Your leg position must be under the opponent's shoulder, not lower on the ribs, because if your leg is too low, they can bridge easily. Riki Judo Dojo stresses keeping your legs spread out to distribute your weight across a wider area, preventing them from rolling you over.
What's the correct way to position my hips when entering Kuzure Kesa Gatame?
Shoot your foot through to bring your hips directly up to the side of the opponent's ribs, positioning your leg under their shoulder. This placement is critical for control and prevents them from escaping via bridge.
How does the Kuzure Kesa Gatame work?
The Kuzure Kesa Gatame (modified scarf hold) is the variation of kesa gatame where the controlling fighter underhooks the far arm instead of wrapping around the head, providing different control dynamics and attack options. The underhook-based control is sometimes preferred over the head wrap because it provides better resistance to the opponent's escape attempts and transitions.
Where does the Kuzure Kesa Gatame come from?
Kuzure kesa gatame is a traditional judo pinning technique, one of the officially recognised osaekomi-waza in the Kodokan judo syllabus. The 'kuzure' prefix means 'modified' or 'broken,' indicating it is a variation of the standard kesa gatame.
Is the Kuzure Kesa Gatame legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal, mount scores 4 points — highest-scoring position; IJF: legal — Legal, osaekomi (pin) — 10-19 seconds scores waza-ari, 20 seconds scores ippon; ADCC: legal — Legal, mount scores 2 points; Unified MMA: legal — Legal dominant position; UWW: legal — Legal, back exposure scores points, pin ends match by fall; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal, pin scores points
How dangerous is the Kuzure Kesa Gatame?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate — top positions enable pressure and striking; rib compression risk under heavy pressure
How do I set up the Kuzure Kesa Gatame?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Position → Stabilize → Maintain → Attack.
How do I defend against the Kuzure Kesa Gatame?
Standard counters include: Posture Control — maintain strong posture to limit the opponent's offensive options / Escape to Neutral — work back to standing or a neutral position.
What are the variants of the Kuzure Kesa Gatame?
Common variants: Standard variation (primary positioning for control and attack); Offensive variation (configured for submission or striking opportunities); Transitional variation (positioned for quick movement to the next position); Defensive variation (prioritising stability and control over attack).
How effective is the Kuzure Kesa Gatame in competition?
Kuzure kesa gatame (modified scarf hold) is commonly used in judo competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Kuzure Kesa Gatame?
Top errors to watch for: Not securing the underhook deeply — the hand must reach the far shoulder blade for effective control / Losing the near-arm clamp — the near arm must still be controlled as in standard kesa / Sitting too far from the opponent — maintain the tight hip-to-side contact / Not using the underhook to threaten the Americana — the submission threat keeps the opponent defensive.
What are other names for the Kuzure Kesa Gatame?
The Kuzure Kesa Gatame is also known as Kuzure Kesa-gatame, Modified Scarf Hold, Broken Kesa Gatame, Kuzure Kesa Gatame (崩袈裟固め).