Escapes · getting out from underneath
Yoko-shiho-gatame escape by trap, bridge and roll
Three actions in one movement, and the syllabuses name all three: trap an arm so they cannot post, bridge to lift their weight, and roll in the direction the bridge sends them.
Demonstrations
Ordered by provider, player included. Choose your own order.
Every provider with a demonstration here is hidden in your provider settings.
Seen a better demonstration? Suggest a video
Key points
- Trap, then bridge, then roll: in that order, without pausing
- Bridge onto the shoulder nearest them, not straight up
- Keep your elbows tight to your ribs throughout
Step by step
Left-handed: these steps are written right-handed, as the syllabuses write them. Read every left as a right and every right as a left, and the throw is yours.
- You are held in Yoko-shiho-gatame, their chest across yours at right angles and both of their arms passing around you.
- Bring both of your elbows in tight against your own ribs to stop them getting deeper.
- Trap their near arm against your body with your near hand so they cannot post it on the mat.
- Plant your feet flat and close, then bridge sharply, driving your hips up and towards their head.
- As their weight lifts, turn hard into them, rolling in the same direction as the bridge.
- Come out on top, on your knees or in your guard, and release the trapped arm once you are clear.
From the other side
A tight bridge from underneath is felt before it is complete. Sprawl your legs wider, drop your hips onto the mat, and get your near hand free and posted: a hold with a low centre and a wide base survives the bridge.
VI judo notes
The order matters more than speed. Feel their arm against your side and clamp it, feel both of your feet flat on the mat, then bridge. If any one of those is missing the roll will not come, and you will know without needing to see it.