Introduction: Pinning and Submission Integration

Holding an opponent and transitioning to submission techniques represents a complete art form within grappling. The instructor emphasizes that the goal extends beyond pinning for time alone—practitioners must master the seamless progression from positional control to forcing a tap-out. This integrated approach mirrors competitive scoring systems across Sambo, freestyle judo, and submission grappling tournaments.

North-South Position Setup

From the north-south kami-shiho-gatame (upper four corners pin), the top grappler drives both hands underneath the opponent's shoulders while gripping the belt tightly. The head is pinched between the knees to prevent bridge escapes, creating simultaneous control of both shoulders and head. This position is considered secure when the opponent cannot escape through bridging or lateral movement.

North-South Armlock Transition

From the established north-south pin, the instructor transitions to an armlock by squeezing with the shoulder while maintaining head control. Both arms wrap around the opponent's arm, pinning it down before the grip is adjusted to isolate the wrist. With the opponent's head already pinned, minimal pressure is required to complete the submission as the knees prevent arching and escape.

Kesa-Gatame Fundamental Control

The kesa-gatame (scarfold pin) position requires trapping the opponent's arm rather than circling it, preventing bridging and roll-out escapes. The instructor grips behind the knee while squeezing the head, making it mechanically difficult for the opponent to generate upward pressure. This arm placement directly opposite the grappler ensures the opponent cannot reach around the back to secure grips.

Kesa-Gatame to Armlock Finish

From the kesa-gatame position, the wrist is isolated and pushed downward toward the opponent's leg until the shin traps it. A slight hip elevation increases pressure while maintaining base integrity—a critical principle that prevents the opponent from reversing the position. The elbow can be further bent to increase submission intensity while keeping the pinning configuration stable.

Alternative Kesa-Gatame Submissions

When the opponent's arm is bent, the instructor demonstrates an armlock finish by placing the shin across the wrist with knee pressure. For more flexible opponents, trapping the wrist with the foot and squeezing the knees together generates maximum pressure. The key technical detail is bringing the foot back to grip the wrist rather than simply looping it, preventing arm repositioning during the squeeze.

Maintaining Base and Hip Position

Throughout all submission attempts, maintaining proper hip alignment and base position prevents the opponent from executing reversals or escapes. The grappler must never surrender postural control while chasing submission extensions. Proper hip positioning ensures the pin remains secure even if the opponent begins resisting the submission attempt.

Application Across Grappling Disciplines

These pin-to-submission progressions apply across multiple grappling formats including Sambo, freestyle judo, and submission wrestling. Competitors can adapt submissions to their sport's ruleset—utilizing chokes, joint locks, or leg techniques as appropriate. Dedicated practice of this integrated progression is essential, as many practitioners neglect the critical skill of converting positional dominance into forced submissions.

PIN FOR TIME AND APPLY THE SUBMISSION TECHNIQUE 2 Pins and 3 Armlocks

welcomematstevescott

Ashi-Gatame

3 min read·8 key moments·PT7M4S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction: Pinning and Submission Integration
•North-South Position Setup
•North-South Armlock Transition
•Kesa-Gatame Fundamental Control

This video shows how to control an opponent with Osaekomi Waza (Pinning Techniques) and apply different submission techniques. Go to www.amazon.com or www.ymaa.com to get Steve Scott's books THE JUDO ADVANTAGE, SAMBO ENCYCLOPEDIA 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. #osaekomi #osaekomiwaza #shimewaza

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 introduction: pinning and submission integration, north-south position setup, north-south armlock transition. 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.