Waki Gatame: Definition and Mechanics

Waki Gatame is the final technique of Hijiwaza, utilizing a side locking mechanism applied to the side of uke's body. The practitioner stretches uke's arm and elongates it down the side of the body, creating a lock that simultaneously controls both the wrist and elbow joint.

Standing vs. Ground Applications

While Waki Gatame can progress to the ground in a judo-style finish if uke's posture collapses, the classical kata form typically maintains an upright standing position. In the standing lock, the practitioner uses isometric body contraction—specifically pectoral and trapezius muscles—to create overwhelming control at the elbow.

Self-Defense Variations: Elbow Collision

In practical self-defense applications, Waki Gatame often results in elbow-to-elbow contact between practitioner and uke. This collision point requires minimal pressure to cause injury to the joint, effectively completing the lock immediately upon contact.

Classical Armpit Control Method

The traditional approach involves squeezing the arm into uke's armpit while maintaining an extended arm position. This method is designed to transition into a side fall, kneeling position, or seated position while maintaining continuous control.

Front-Facing Waki Gatame Form

When Waki Gatame is applied from the front—similar to techniques following Uda Haneri—the arm remains straight and extended rather than coiled. This inverted form creates positional vulnerability to low grappling attacks, requiring the practitioner to kneel on the same side to secure proper positioning.

Universal Principle: Arm Extension and Pressure

All variations of Waki Gatame share a common principle: the arm is straightened to the side, extended longitudinally, and pressured through the elbow or pulled via triceps, biceps, pectoral, and latissimus muscles. This fundamental structure remains consistent regardless of the entry method.

Primary Entry Methods

The most direct approach involves rising vertically over the top of uke's arm, emphasizing the upward function of the technique. Alternative entries include turning outward, stepping back, or executing an inside-out catch followed by an outward roll—all producing effective Waki Gatame locks.

Control as the Essential Element

Regardless of the specific variation employed, the fundamental objective remains constant: establishing and maintaining control through proper alignment and pressure application. Mastery of Waki Gatame requires extensive practice with various training partners to develop confidence in all entry methods.

Advanced Variations and Hip Mechanics

Advanced practitioners may execute Waki Gatame with minimal hand involvement or by turning away from uke to exaggerate the lock's effect. Hip rotation and positional adjustments further enhance the technique's effectiveness, though these refinements require significant experience to perform safely and reliably.

Aikido: Ju Nana Hon Kata - 10. Waki Gatame

Kaze Uta Budo Kai / Windsong Dojo

Waki Gamae

2 min read·9 key moments·PT5M51S video

Key Takeaways

•Waki Gatame: Definition and Mechanics
•Standing vs. Ground Applications
•Self-Defense Variations: Elbow Collision
•Classical Armpit Control Method

17 Basic Techniques: 10. Waki Gatame — side of chest arm lock As tori pushes through in the balance break, uke’s elbow naturally rotates over and becomes exposed. Tori continues to close the gap and draws uke out on the line square to his feet. This secondary balance break on the perpendicular line is often neglected, but allows for much greater control of uke with a minimum of force. As the inside hand controls the wrist into the yoke of the outside elbow, maintain pressure on uke’s triceps, just above his elbow. Do not let this arm bar devolve into an upper body strength contest. The lock is the by-product of the body positions; not the tension of the arms and shoulder muscles. Ju Nana Hon kata comprises the seventeen basic techniques of aikido. This is a kata of basic throws and control techniques. Some aikido schools refer to this as randori no kata. "The Seventeen", as we call it, is technical heart of requirements for first degree black belt. It allows students to build and internalize fundamental throwing and controlling principles that can then be used in randori and in the higher kata. http://www.windsongdojo.com http://www.kazeutabudokai.com

Related Techniques

Chudan No Kamae Gedan No Kamae Hasso No Kamae Jodan No Kamae

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about waki gamae?

This video covers waki gatame: definition and mechanics, standing vs. ground applications, self-defense variations: elbow collision. It provides detailed instruction from Kaze Uta Budo Kai / Windsong Dojo.

How long does it take to learn waki gamae?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.