Kesa-gatame (袈裟固), the scarf hold, is typically the first groundwork technique taught to beginners. This fundamental pinning hold teaches the core principles of ground control that apply to all osaekomi-waza (pinning techniques).
Understanding the Name
The word "kesa" refers to the Buddhist monk's sash that drapes diagonally across the body. "Gatame" (or "katame") means hold or lock. The name describes how your arm wraps diagonally across your opponent's chest, similar to how the kesa crosses a monk's torso.
The Basic Position
In hon-kesa-gatame (basic scarf hold), you control your opponent who is lying on their back:
Body Position
- Sit beside your opponent's right side, with your right hip pressed against their right side
- Your chest presses down on their chest at an angle
- Your head stays low, near their shoulder
- Spread your legs wide for a stable base—right leg forward, left leg back
- Keep your hips heavy and low to the ground
Arm Position
- Right arm: Wraps around their neck, controlling their head. Your armpit should be tight against their shoulder.
- Left arm: Traps their right arm by hugging it against your body. Grip above their elbow and keep your elbow tight to your ribs.
The Principles of Control
Kesa-gatame teaches several principles that apply to all groundwork:
1. Control the Head
Where the head goes, the body follows. By controlling your opponent's head with your right arm, you limit their ability to turn or create space. If they can't lift their head, they can't effectively bridge or escape.
2. Eliminate Space
Space is your enemy in groundwork. Keep your chest pressed against theirs, your hip tight against their side, and eliminate any gaps they could exploit. A good pin feels suffocating because there's no room to move.
3. Control an Arm
By trapping their arm, you reduce their options by half. Without their arm, they can't push you away effectively or create the leverage needed to escape.
4. Stay Heavy
Your weight should feel like it's sinking into your opponent. This isn't just about body weight—it's about pressure. Push your hips toward the mat and keep your center of gravity low.
Common Mistakes
Rising Up Too High
Beginners often rise up on their knees or lift their hips. This reduces pressure and makes you easier to escape from. Keep your seat on the mat or very close to it.
Loose Arm Control
If you don't keep their arm pinned tightly to your body, they can slip it free and push against your face or chest to create space.
Head Position Too High
Keeping your head up exposes you to counter-attacks and makes it easier for your opponent to roll you. Stay low and heavy.
Feet Too Close Together
A narrow base makes you unstable. Spread your legs wide to resist your opponent's bridging and rolling attempts.
Adjusting to Escape Attempts
A pin is not static—you must constantly adjust to your opponent's movements:
If They Bridge
When your opponent drives their hips up, widen your base and drop your weight. Think of sinking through them rather than fighting against the bridge.
If They Turn Into You
If they try to turn toward you, tighten your control of their head and arm. You may need to transition to a different pin like Yoko-shiho-gatame.
If They Try to Roll You
Post your forward leg out to prevent rolling. Keep your weight distributed and be ready to switch the direction of your base.
— Traditional Judo Teaching"In ne-waza, pressure is everything. If they can breathe comfortably, you haven't established control."
Variations of Kesa-gatame
As you advance, you'll learn variations that offer different control options:
- Kuzure-kesa-gatame: Modified version where you control under their arm instead of around their neck
- Ushiro-kesa-gatame: Reverse scarf hold, sitting facing their legs
- Makura-kesa-gatame: Pillow version with their head on your thigh
Conclusion
Kesa-gatame is your introduction to the world of ne-waza. The principles you learn here—head control, eliminating space, arm control, and pressure—are the foundation for all groundwork in Judo. Practice this hold until it becomes second nature, and you'll find that transitions to other pins and submissions become much easier. Remember: a strong pin is not about holding someone down with brute force, but about applying intelligent pressure that makes escape feel impossible.