Kesa Gatame (Scarf Hold)
Kesa gatame (scarf hold) and its cousin reverse kesa come from judo. The top player sits through next to the opponent, controls the head or far shoulder and traps an arm. In BJJ it is a strong transitional pin from side control with americanas, armlocks and shoulder locks, but it gives up the back if held carelessly.
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Also called scarf hold, kesa, kesa-gatame, headlock pin, reverse kesa, reverse scarf hold.
Kesa Gatame Top
You are in scarf hold or reverse scarf hold. Stay heavy, keep the arm trapped and attack.
- Control Hip and leg position that stop the bridge and the roll, and when to use reverse kesa instead. 3
- Submissions The leg-assisted armlock, americana, shoulder locks and chokes available from scarf hold. 6
- Transitions Moving between kesa, reverse kesa, side control and mount without giving up the position. 4
Kesa Gatame Bottom
You are caught in scarf hold. Protect the arm and neck, then escape to the back or recover guard.