### Reverse Kesa Gatame Transition Reverse Kesa Gatame, also known as the "Reverse Scarf Hold," is a versatile position commonly used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo for both control and transitions. Although primarily a transitional position, it offers significant control and can help set up submissions or advance into other dominant positions. Below, we explore its application step-by-step. #### **Position**: - **Side Control** #### **Japanese Name**: - **Ushiro Kesa Gatame** --- ### **Step-by-Step Instructions**: 1. **Establish Side Control:** - Begin in the traditional side control position by sitting to your opponent’s side, with your chest on theirs. Control their near arm by trapping it under your armpit. 2. **Move to Reverse Position:** - Shift your weight from your chest to your hips by swiveling your body. Bring your top arm across your opponent’s waist and place your hand on the mat by their far side. - The key is distributing your weight properly across their body to maintain control. 3. **Leg Positioning:** - Slide your far leg under your opponent's head, while the other leg stays near the opponent's waist, keeping a low base. - Your body should now be facing your opponent’s lower body, essentially taking a reverse facing position. 4. **Control and Pressure:** - Keep your hips low and close to the opponent's torso. Ensure that you're applying enough pressure to maintain control, without giving them space to escape or replace guard. - This position gives you leverage over their upper body, rendering them less mobile. 5. **Submissions & Transitions:** - Depending on the setup, you can move directly to submission attempts such as: - **Arm triangle**: Use the position to trap your opponent’s arm and head for submissions. - **Kimura**: With their arm isolated, turning their arm behind their back can lead to a Kimura. - Alternatively, use it as a transition to advanced dominant positions like the full mount by swinging your free leg over, sitting atop their torso. 6. **Maintaining Strategy:** - While in Reverse Kesa Gatame, safeguard against counters by regularly shifting weight and maintaining contact. Their potential escapes tend to originate from creating space, so ensure there is minimal to none. ### **Key Details to Remember**: - **Balance Control**: Ensure that your base remains strong by using the ground to stabilize through your off-hand. - **Pressure**: Apply constant pressure, adjusting your grip as necessary to maintain control. - **Position Transition**: Always stay aware of offensive and defensive opponent movements to seamlessly transition to maintain control. The Reverse Kesa Gatame can be a valuable addition to your grappling arsenal when executed with precision and awareness. Practice the transitions and weight distribution to fully capitalize on this position's potential.