Initial Setup and Positioning

The practitioner begins by bringing the opponent down and placing both feet on the opponent's hips to create space and control. This positioning immediately signals when the technique is working, as the opponent will instinctively attempt a "chicken wing" arm defense. Recognizing this defensive response is the key indicator that the setup has succeeded.

The Crossover Arm Bar Concept

The crossover arm bar operates on the principle of controlling the opponent's arm without alerting them to the trap. Rather than immediately grappling for the arm, the top player reaches across and grabs the opponent's shoulder. This deceptive approach prevents the opponent from recognizing and defending against the incoming lock.

Shrimping and Arm Positioning

From the shoulder grip, the practitioner shrimps maximally while pushing the opponent backward to set up the lock. The trapped arm can then be secured by collapsing backward and grabbing the back of one's own thigh. If the opponent maintains strong defensive posture, the practitioner can instead stomp the hip and sit upward to complete the position.

Adapting to Defensive Posture

Against opponents with strong upright defensive posture, the technique adapts by pushing the opponent's head back at an angle toward the legs rather than applying direct pressure. This angular push creates space to shrimp sideways while clamping down on the head. The same fundamental mechanics apply regardless of whether the opponent is compressed or elevated.

Deception and Disguise

Success in this technique depends on maintaining a neutral demeanor and avoiding telegraphed arm control attempts. The practitioner should not visibly reach for or manipulate the opponent's arm, as this reveals the trap. By initially appearing to work for positional advantage rather than submissions, the opponent's defensive awareness remains low.

Escape Route: Triangle Setup

If the opponent successfully extracts their arm from the crossover position, the practitioner immediately transitions into a triangle choke setup. As the opponent pulls their arm free, the practitioner catches the opponent's shin with a "necktie" grip. This captured shin position can function as a reverse triangle or transition point for further submissions.

Triangle Refinement and Arm Control

Once the necktie grip is established on the opponent's shin, the practitioner can lock a traditional triangle with the other arm. If the triangle position lacks sufficient pressure, the second arm can be placed palm-down on the opponent's head, driving the elbow toward the inside of the thigh for increased choking pressure. This dual-arm configuration creates a tighter, more reliable submission angle.

Final Escape: Armpit Underhook Trip

Should both the crossover arm bar and triangle submissions fail, the practitioner resorts to an underhook of the opponent's armpit to execute a sideways trip. This technique serves as a reliable fallback mechanism that consistently achieves a positional advantage. This option ensures the practitioner always has a viable path forward regardless of the opponent's defensive choices.

TWO SUBMISSION TECHNIQUES FROM BOTTOM JUJI GATAME & SANKAKU JIME

welcomematstevescott

Ashi-Gatame

3 min read·8 key moments·PT6M9S video

Key Takeaways

•Initial Setup and Positioning
•The Crossover Arm Bar Concept
•Shrimping and Arm Positioning
•Adapting to Defensive Posture

This video shows how to effectively work from the bottom position applying different variations of Juji Gatame and Sankaku Jime. Done in a "no gi" situation in this video, these can work in a "gi" situation as well. Go to www.amazon.com or www.ymaa.com to get Steve Scott's books THE JUDO ADVANTAGE and JUJI GATAME ENCYCLOPEDIA. Our channel was started in 2010 as an extension of our program at Welcome Mat. Welcome Mat was founded in 1969 by Steve Scott in Kansas City, Missouri, USA and has produced thousands of successful students, athletes and coaches in a variety of grappling sports. View over a thousand videos on the subjects of judo, freestyle judo, Shingitai Jujitsu, sambo, submission grappling and sport jujitsu are on our Youtube channel. Browse through our playlists to see what we have on our channel. If a video is listed as "private" is it because that video is still in development or scheduled for later viewing. You can subscribe for free to our channel at http://youtube.com/user/welcomematstevescott. We strive to provide fundamentally sound and technically innovative skills and information on a variety of grappling sports. We appreciate your support! Please tell others about our channel. You can help support our channel by going to our online store and purchasing items. Go to http://www.WelcomeMatStore.com. We have a variety of books, shirts and other items for sale. Music for the Freestyle Judo show provided by YouTube Copyright Free Audio featuring "Fiend" by Sting and performed by the Jingle Punks and "All This Down Time" by Sting and performed by the Jingle Punks. Visit our club web site at http://www.WelcomeMatJudoClub. For information on the Judo Black Belt Association, go to http://www.judoblackbelt.com. Thank you for watching our video. Please tell others about our channel. Our videos are all original material and are copyrighted. Reproduction or showing these videos without the specific permission of Steve Scott is prohibited.

Related Techniques

Armbar Hara-Gatame Hiza-Gatame Straight Armlock Waki-Gatame

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about ashi-gatame?

This video covers initial setup and positioning, the crossover arm bar concept, shrimping and arm positioning. It provides detailed instruction from welcomematstevescott.

How long does it take to learn ashi-gatame?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.