Translation: half cross strangle
Kata Juji Jime is the half cross strangle — one hand grips the lapel palm-down while the other grips palm-up, creating an asymmetric cross choke that attacks from a slightly different angle than the normal version. [1] The mixed grip (one palm up, one palm down) creates a different pressure vector that can be harder to defend against. [1] One of the three Kodokan cross strangles. [1]
Classified in the Kodokan Judo syllabus. [1]
Kodokan judo lineage: Jigoro Kano (1860–1938) systematized this technique as part of the Kodokan judo curriculum. Transmitted through the Kodokan instructor system to judo federations worldwide. Adopted into BJJ through Mitsuyo Maeda → Carlos Gracie → the Gracie family lineage. [1]
Recognized Kodokan judo technique. Used in IJF World Championships and Olympic judo competition. Frequency varies by weight class and era. [1]
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
# YouTube-Beschreibung Die Papercutter Choke (Kata Juji Jime) aus der Seitenposition ist eine meiner absoluten Liebling…
Kata Juji Jime is a cross-collar choke variation taught primarily from guard position, distinguished from standard Juji Jime by its application when the opponent prevents insertion of the second hand. Peter Mettler Martial Arts demonstrates the technique across two contexts: from full guard and from side mount (where it becomes the "paper cutter choke"). In both positions, the core mechanics remain consistent: one hand is inserted deep into the collar with four fingers, positioning the wrist below the earlobe where the sternocleidomastoideus and carotid artery are located. The distinguishing feature of Kata Juji Jime is the use of a reaching grip around the opponent's trap or shoulder fabric with the second hand when direct collar access is blocked, rather than forcing a second collar grip. The choke is executed through body weight and leverage rather than isolated hand strength, with the operative forearm (the "blade"—the radius side) cutting into the neck via a rotating, lifting motion. Frame control with one elbow while the opposite forearm applies pressure is critical. The technique's advantage lies in maintaining closed guard position without compromising posture or structure while still achieving a submission, making it suitable for both gi jiu-jitsu and MMA applications.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
Blood choke.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Kano, J. Kodokan Judo. Kodansha International.
[1] Kano, J. Kodokan Judo. Kodansha International.
Official Kodokan ground technique classification system
Standard Japanese martial arts terminology (kanji/hiragana)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
[1] Kano, J. Kodokan Judo. Kodansha International.
grip strength, ability to establish mixed grip quickly
forearms, biceps, pectorals
Kata juji jime (half cross strangle) uses one hand palm-up and one hand palm-down on the opponent's lapels. The asymmetric grip creates a different pressure angle than nami or gyaku juji jime. (Kano, Kodokan Judo)
Your wrist should be positioned directly below the opponent's earlobe, where the sternocleidomastoideus muscle is located. This positioning allows you to apply pressure to the carotid artery for an effective choke.
Keep your elbow positioned lower than your wrist and frame your opponent's chin with your forearm. This makes it difficult for them to push against or frame your elbow, while also preventing the arm-under escape.
Rather than extending your forearm with tricep strength, hang onto the collar and use your body weight by leaning into your elbow. You can also pull on the collar to add additional weight and force to the choke.
Kata juji jime is used when you cannot enter your second hand for a traditional juji jime. Instead, you frame the opponent's leg with one elbow while using your blade (forearm) to cut and compress the neck through a rotating motion.
Kata Juji Jime is the half cross strangle — one hand grips the lapel palm-down while the other grips palm-up, creating an asymmetric cross choke that attacks from a slightly different angle than the normal version. The mixed grip (one palm up, one palm down) creates a different pressure vector that can be harder to defend against.
Classified in the Kodokan Judo syllabus.
IJF Judo: Legal: legal — Kodokan classified technique; IBJJF: Legal {src:IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024|/sources/IBJJF: legal — Rules-v6.0-June-2024.pdf}; Unified MMA: Legal {src:Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025|/sources/Unified: legal — MMA-Rules-August-2025.pdf}; FIAS Sambo: Legal {src:FIAS International Sambo Competition Rules|/sources/FIAS: legal — Sambo-Rules.pdf}
Danger rating 7/10. High — blood choke.
The standard setup chain: Nami Juji Jime defended → switch one hand to palm-up → Kata Juji Jime → From mount → one hand already in collar from control → add second hand palm-up → choke → Guard pass → immediately establish mixed grip → Kata Juji Jime before opponent recovers.
Standard counters include: Same as Nami Juji Jime — fight grips, posture up, tuck chin, turn to side.
Common variants: Strong side emphasis (more pressure on the palm-down side); Weak side emphasis (more pressure on the palm-up side); Quick setup (establishing the mixed grip rapidly from a scramble).
Recognized Kodokan judo technique. Used in IJF World Championships and Olympic judo competition.
Top errors to watch for: Both hands same orientation — that's Nami or Gyaku, not Kata / Shallow grip on the palm-up hand — loses the anchor / Not pulling elbows together — the cross must be tight / Confusing which hand goes where — practice until it's automatic.
The Kata Juji Jime is also known as Kata Juji Jime, Kata-Juji-Jime, Half Cross Choke, Katajujijime.
