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    chain

    Kesa-gatame to Hiza-gatame

    1. Kesa-gatame袈裟固
    2. Hiza-gatame膝固

    A partner who pushes hard on your chest to escape the scarf hold has given you a straight arm. The knee lock takes it without letting the hold go until you are ready. Age limits apply to joint locks; learn this only under instruction.

    Demonstrations

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    Step by step

    The whole sequence in words. Described in the standard right-handed form.

    1. Hold them in Kesa-gatame at their right side, their right arm trapped under your left armpit.
    2. Feel them straighten that arm and push against your chest to make space.
    3. Clamp the straightened arm to your chest with both of your hands, thumb side up, so the elbow points down.
    4. Turn your body away from them and bring your near knee against the back of their elbow.
    5. Sit back slowly so their elbow is pressed gently over your knee, keeping the arm tight to your chest.
    6. Apply pressure slowly and release the instant they tap. Never wrench a joint lock on.

    Receiving it

    Straightening your arm to push their chest away is the obvious escape from the scarf hold, and it is the one that gives the arm up. You will feel it clamped flat against their chest and their body turning away with your elbow over their knee. From there you have no leverage at all. Tap at pressure, not at pain, and give the tap clearly and loudly. If you want the hold rather than the lock, keep that elbow bent and work your body instead of your arm.

    VI judo notes

    Groundwork is continuous contact, so this chain reads the same for every judoka: you feel the arm straighten before you could ever have seen it. Keep your chest heavy on them while you change from hold to lock so the position does not slip while your hands are busy. Agree the tapping signal before you start, and stop the instant you feel or hear it. Age limits apply to joint locks; learn this only under instruction.

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