Escape Kesa-Gatame Position
Image Above: The gold-colored character represents the defensive position of the kesa-gatame position. The defensive player has their head and inside arm controlled by the offensive player, while their outside arm and legs are free.
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:
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.
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.
Escape System. Combine the inside arm and rolling escape for a more effective escape system.
1. Inside Arm Escape
How to Escape By Getting the Inside Arm OutVariation #1: Using outside arm to trap opponent's arm
YouTube Clip: Kesa Gatame Sucks! Here's How to Defend It
Synopsis: If your opponent is fighting for your hidden arm, you can be sneaky and trap it with your outside hand. You can use that as leverage to get your inside arm against his hip and escape.
Instructor: Robin Geiseler
Time: 27 seconds
Variation #2: Turn your hips toward your opponent for leverage to get your elbow out
YouTube Clip: Kesa Gatame Escape - The Basics
Synopsis: Turn towards your opponent and then rip your elbow out. This will allow you to go for the back of your opponent.
Instructor: Tom Davey
Time: 41 Seconds
2. Rolling Escape
How to Escape By Rolling Your OpponentVariation # 1: Use your opponent's counter-reaction (from the sit up) to get the roll
YouTube Clip Link: Kesa Gatame Sucks! Here's How to Defend It
Synopsis: When in bottom kesa-gatame, try and sit up. If this works, that's great. Otherwise, your opponent will pressure into you, which will help you get the roll.
Instructor: Robin Geiseler
Time: 60 seconds
Variation #2: Running your feet into your opponent to get your hips underneath their hips
YouTube Clip: Kesa Gatame Escape - The Basics
Instructor: Tom Davey
Synopsis: Hold your opponent tight and run your feet into your opponent until your hips are underneath them. Then bridge bringing your opponent to the opposite side.
Time: 60 Seconds
3. Escape System
How to Combine the Inside Arm Escape and the Rolling Escape for an Effective Escape SystemYouTube Clip: Kesa Gatame Escape - The Basics
Synopsis: Combine the inside arm escape and the rolling escape to create an effective escape system.
Instructor: Tom Davey
Length: 41 Seconds