### Technique Overview Kuzure Kesa Gatame is a modified scarf hold used primarily in Judo and BJJ for maintaining a dominant position. Transitioning to an armbar from this hold is a common and effective attack. ### Position - **Top** - **Side Control** ### Japanese Name - **Kuzure Kesa Gatame** ### Step-by-Step Instructions #### Setting Up Kuzure Kesa Gatame 1. **Acquire Side Control** - Begin in side control with your opponent lying face-up perpendicular to you. - Keep a strong base by distributing your weight evenly through your knees and hands. 2. **Transition to Kuzure Kesa Gatame** - Slide your right arm under your opponent's head, ideally placing your shoulder into their jaw to control their head movement. - Your left hand reaches behind your opponent's tricep, securing a good grip to control their far arm. - Lean your weight forward over your opponent, maintaining chest-to-chest contact. 3. **Adjust Positioning** - Raise your left knee slightly off the mat, so it is pressing against the side of your opponent's body. This helps control their movement. - Stretch your right leg out to the side for balance and stability. #### Transitioning to the Armbar 4. **Isolate the Arm** - Start creating space between you and your opponent; use your grip on the opponent's far arm to pull it across your chest. - Apply pressure with your left forearm against the trapped arm's tricep to lock it in place. 5. **Create a Frame** - Bring your left knee up near your opponent's shoulder, framing under their arm to prevent them from pulling it back down. - Control their wrist with your right hand to prevent escape. 6. **Begin the Transition** - Lift your body slightly, allowing you to pivot and sit back into a more perpendicular position to your opponent. - As you pivot, bring your left leg over the opponent's head, ensuring your knee is aligned with their ear. 7. **Finalize the Armbar** - Squeeze your knees together while securing their wrist with both hands. - Lean back slowly to extend their arm straight, applying pressure above the elbow to finish the submission. ### Key Details: - Ensure your weight remains distributed to prevent losing control during the transition. - Keep a tight grip on the opponent's arm throughout the technique to prevent escape. - Use your hips to apply pressure rather than pulling on the arm with your upper body. With practicing these details, the transition from Kuzure Kesa Gatame to an armbar becomes an effective method of securing a submission. Mastery of weight distribution and grip control is crucial to successfully executing this technique.