Reverse Scarf Hold - aka twister side control or ushiro kesa gatame
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Reverse Kesa Gatame·RGA South Herts·Added by Admin
The reverse scarf is a useful tool to have if you can't access regular side control or regular kesa gatame fully. It may…
Reverse Kesa Gatame
Genus裏袈裟固め(Ura Kesa-gatame)
TraditionalTranslation: reverse scarf hold
Overview
The Reverse Kesa Gatame positions the controlling fighter facing the opponent's legs rather than the head, with the arm wrapping around the opponent's waist or hip area. [1] Reverse kesa gatame provides different submission and transition options than standard kesa, particularly access to leg attacks and knee-on-belly transitions. [1],[2] The reversed orientation changes the control dynamics, making certain escapes easier but providing unique attacking angles. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Reverse kesa gatame provides excellent control while facing away from the opponent's head, offering access to arm locks and leg attacks that are unavailable from standard kesa gatame. [1]
Lineage
Reverse kesa gatame (ushiro-kesa-gatame or gyaku-kesa-gatame) is a traditional Kodokan judo pinning technique. [1]
Competition Record
Reverse kesa gatame (gyaku kesa gatame) is used in judo and BJJ 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 transition or scramble — Establish the controlling position by securing the key contact points and body alignment
From passing or sweeping — Arrive in the position after a successful guard pass, sweep, or takedown
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
Escaping Reverse Kesa Gatame (Reverse Judo Control) | Jiu-Jitsu Class (Part 1)
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Reverse Kesa Gatame·Knots and Collar·Added by Admin
In this comprehensive Jiu-Jitsu tutorial, 00:08 Understanding the Threats 04:26 Survival Tips 06:00 Escape Join us fo…
2 videos
What Instructors Say
Reverse Kesa Gatame (also called reverse scarf hold, twister side control, or ushiro kesa gatame) is a top-side-control position entered after guard passing when the passer cannot achieve a traditional cross-face side control. Both Knots and Collar and RGA South Herts emphasize that control of the upper-body space—particularly the opponent's armpit—is the defining feature of the position. Knots and Collar prioritizes defensive survival, teaching that the bottom player must maintain elbow position to protect the armpit space and prevent the top player from establishing a dominant shoulder-head control. The instructor details two defensive approaches: fighting directly by keeping the elbow outside, or filling the armpit space by placing the elbow on the mat. Escape relies on hip movement rather than shrimping; the bottom player turns slightly toward the top player, establishes heel-to-buttock positioning, points knees toward the opponent, then executes a sideways hip escape to reclaim space before using a knee frame and hand replacement to escape or take the back. RGA South Herts provides technical entry details, demonstrating the knee-slide guard pass transition into reverse kesa gatame, emphasizing proper weight distribution and knee placement for stability. Both instructors agree that the position offers strong control and threat potential but requires precise technical execution to maintain dominance—any error leaves the top player vulnerable to escape or reversal.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- Knots and Collar — Escaping Reverse Kesa Gatame (Reverse Judo Control) | Jiu-Jitsu Class (Part 1): Detailed defensive survival mechanics emphasizing armpit-space protection, elbow positioning, and sideways hip-escape technique for bottom player; explained how top player's control depends on accessing and maintaining the armpit space.
- RGA South Herts — Reverse Scarf Hold - aka twister side control or ushiro kesa gatame: Provided entry mechanics from knee-slide guard pass, terminology clarification (twister side control, ushiro kesa gatame), weight distribution and knee-frame positioning for top player control, and offensive finish options including chimera grip transitions and top-to-mount progressions.
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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
✓Reverse kesa gatame positions the top player facing the opponent's legs instead of their head — it is the strongest pin for attacking the far arm and transitioning to north-south (Kashiwazaki, Osaekomi, 1997)
✓In reverse kesa, the top player sits beside the opponent with the hip-sit position but faces toward the legs — the arm wraps around the far hip or underhooks the far leg
✓Reverse kesa gatame naturally sets up: the far-side armbar (the arm is right in front of you), the north-south transition (walk the body over the head), and leg attacks
✓The position is particularly strong in no-gi: the hip-level controls work without fabric grips
✓Reverse kesa gatame eliminates the back-take escape entirely — the top player faces the legs, making the back unreachable
✓The pressure in reverse kesa comes from the chest driving into the opponent's lower ribs and abdomen — a suffocating control
✓Reverse kesa is less commonly taught but highly effective — it is a tool for advanced practitioners who understand side control transitions
Common Mistakes
!Facing the legs without controlling the near arm — the near arm must still be managed to prevent frames
!Sitting too far from the opponent — the hip must be tight against their side
!Not using the chest to drive pressure — the chest presses into the lower ribs for control
!Staying in reverse kesa without attacking — the position is designed for arm attacks and transitions
!Not transitioning to north-south when available — reverse kesa naturally flows to north-south
!Using reverse kesa without understanding the escape paths — the opponent can bridge and shrimp; be ready to adjust
!Applying reverse kesa without practising the position — it requires specific training; it is not intuitive
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
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
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
body awareness, stability, control of weight distribution
Favours
athletic build with good proprioception
Key muscles
core, hips, legs for base stability
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the first thing I need to focus on when trapped in reverse kesa gatame?
According to Knots and Collar, survival comes first by maintaining armpit space—this keeps you safe against arm attacks and side control switches before you can attempt an escape.
How do I escape from reverse kesa gatame?
Knots and Collar teaches a two-step process: first establish survival by controlling the armpit space, then perform a hip escape by moving your hips sideways (not diagonally back) and fill the gap with your knee to regain position.
Why is it called a 'hip escape' rather than a 'shrimp' for this technique?
Knots and Collar explains that 'hip escape' is used because moving your hips sideways gives you the room to move in multiple angles, whereas 'shrimp' implies a different direction of movement.
What happens if I make mistakes in reverse kesa gatame position?
Knots and Collar warns that any mistake in maintaining proper position control can result in you being mounted or submitted, so you must be very tight with your positioning.
How does the Reverse Kesa Gatame work?
The Reverse Kesa Gatame positions the controlling fighter facing the opponent's legs rather than the head, with the arm wrapping around the opponent's waist or hip area. Reverse kesa gatame provides different submission and transition options than standard kesa, particularly access to leg attacks and knee-on-belly transitions.
Where does the Reverse Kesa Gatame come from?
Reverse kesa gatame is a traditional judo pinning variation, part of the broader osaekomi-waza system. It has been adapted in BJJ for its unique attacking angles and transition options.
Is the Reverse 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 Reverse 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 Reverse Kesa Gatame?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Position → Stabilize → Maintain → Attack.
How do I defend against the Reverse 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 Reverse 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 Reverse Kesa Gatame in competition?
Reverse kesa gatame (gyaku kesa gatame) is used in judo and BJJ competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Reverse Kesa Gatame?
Top errors to watch for: Facing the legs without controlling the near arm — the near arm must still be managed to prevent frames / Sitting too far from the opponent — the hip must be tight against their side / Not using the chest to drive pressure — the chest presses into the lower ribs for control / Staying in reverse kesa without attacking — the position is designed for arm attacks and transitions.
What are other names for the Reverse Kesa Gatame?
The Reverse Kesa Gatame is also known as Ura Kesa-gatame, Reverse Scarf Hold, Gyaku Kesa Gatame (逆袈裟固め), Ushiro Kesa Gatame (後袈裟固め).