Kesa-Gatame Position for BJJ

What's Covered on This Page?

Surviving the Bottom Kesa-Gatame Position

The best way to survive the kesa-gatame position is to never be put in it. However, if that doesn't work, you need to know how and where to place the inside arm to avoid submissions. Here's what you should know:

1. How to prevent kesa-gatame. When  your opponent is transitioning from side control to kesa-gatame you need to get your arm inside like your are 'combing your hair'.

2. Where to place the inside arm. If your opponent already has you in kesa-gatame your arm needs to be glued to their torso and up into their armpit.

Escaping the Bottom Kesa-Gatame Position

The most common ways of getting out of the kesa-gatame position are by freeing the inside arm or getting your hips under your opponent to roll them and reverse the position. The two aforementioned escapes can be combined to make an effective escape system. You should know the:

1. Inside Arm Escape. If you can get your inside arm out, this will free up the back and put you in a much better position.

2. Rolling Escape. The principle of a rolling escape is to get your hips underneath your opponent; this will allow you to then reverse the position.

3. Escape System. Combine the inside arm and rolling escape for a more effective escape system.

Counter Offense from the Bottom Kesa-Gatame Position

Surviving and escaping bottom kesa-gatame are not the only options. A more advanced options that you have is to actually trap your your opponent's arm and turn this into an offensive opportunity. You should know how to:

1. Trap the arm and attack the neck. You can use your legs to trap your opponent's outside arm, this will then allow you to attack the back.

Offense for Kesa-Gatame Position (Control + Submit)

The offensive position in the kesa-gatame for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the person controlling their opponent's back. The offensive player is highly dominant in this position, with ample opportunity for attacks and low risk for a defensive attack. The top position involves having your opponent's head and arm inside and underneath your shoulder while using your arm to grab your leg for stability.

Submissions from the Top Kesa-Gatame Position

When in the offensive kesa-gatame position, you have the option of a head and arm choke, or you can attack the inside arm. What you should go for depends on your opponent's reaction. You Should know the following:

1. Head and Arm Choke. When the bottom player pushes at your head you can push his arm into a head and arm choke.

2. Americana. You can get the American if your opponent doesn't properly hide their arm. 

3. Kimura. When your opponent is properly hiding that inside arm, you can go for the kimura submission.

4. Offensive Attack Cycle. The head and arm choke, Americana, and kimura should all be combined to create an effective offensive attack system.