Reverse Kesa Gatame
Position
Also known as:
Reverse Kesa-Gatame
Reverse Scarf Hold
Reverse Scarf Hold Top
Reverse Kesa Gatame is a side control variation where the top player faces toward the opponent's legs instead of their head, wrapping the near-side arm while sitting with the hip close to the opponent's torso. It offers strong chest-to-chest pressure and unique access to kimura and americana attacks while limiting the bottom player's hip escape options.
Quick Reference
Key principles
- · Heavy hip pressure against the opponent's near-side ribcage pins them to the mat and restricts breathing.
- · Control the near-side arm by hugging it tightly to your body to prevent framing and expose shoulder locks.
- · Keep your head low toward the opponent's hips to maintain a low center of gravity and resist bridge attempts.
- · Sprawl your legs wide and base with your far hand to resist being rolled toward the opponent's legs.
- · Anticipate the bottom player turning into you by shifting weight and transitioning to mount or north-south.
Execution
- 1 From standard side control, rotate your body 180 degrees so you face the opponent's legs while maintaining chest pressure on their torso.
- 2 Secure the opponent's near-side arm by wrapping it tightly against your body with your near arm, trapping it between your arm and ribcage.
- 3 Sit your hip tightly against their side, dropping your weight low and spreading your legs wide for a stable base.
- 4 Place your far hand on the mat near their far hip for additional balance and to block hip escapes.
- 5 Maintain constant downward pressure through your chest and shoulder while hunting for submissions or transitioning to mount or north-south.
Common mistakes
- × Sitting too upright with insufficient chest pressure allows the bottom player to create frames and initiate escapes.
- × Failing to control the near-side arm leaves the opponent free to post, frame against your neck, or turn into you for guard recovery.
- × Keeping legs too narrow or crossed gives the bottom player leverage to bridge and roll you over toward their legs.
Attacks & transitions
Offense available from Reverse Kesa Gatame.
Side Control To Mount
transition
3 less common
Americana From Side Control
submission
Kimura From Side Control
submission
Side Control To North-South
transition
Escapes & defense
Getting out of Reverse Kesa Gatame, or shutting it down.
