Side Control - Top Position

Lesson by Israel Ruiz on August 14, 2013

- Keep far underhook secured, pull opponent's shoulder TOWARDS you

- Keep opponent's inside elbow elevated - cup elbow or pull gi at the wrist

- Once the elbow is secured off the ground, switch hips to kesa gatame in order to push your knee under their elbow

- Switch hips back over into regular side control, but make sure the center of your body is aligned with their head, and not their chest (think about bench press position)

- Connect your elbow and knee together above opponent's head in order to really secure the arm

- Push knee closer/underneath opponent while keeping your elbow attached (elevate their shoulder)

- Swim your arm underneath the head and reach for their armpit- pull in tight

Modified Kesa Gatame Escape

Lesson taught by Dennis Hayes on August 13, 2013.

If you are in Modified Kasa Gatame, your opponent has the top position, secured with the underhook of your outside arm. They are able to easily move between modified kesa gatame and regular side control by rotating their hips.

To escape: 

1. Build frame with the inside arm by placing your forearm across the throat of your opponent and grabbing hold of their far shoulder. Do not use your thumb in the grab. Do not grab the gi or collar.

2. Oompa slightly and shift to your side in order to remove the underhook and get your elbow to the ground. Try and move your hips away from your opponent.

3. Quick, strong oompa- create the space to move the elbow of your framing arm into the armpit of your opponent. Move your hips away from your opponent. Keep creating space by oompa/moving hips away until you can move your elbow all the way through and circle your arm for the underhook. Make sure the reach upwards towards your opponents shoulder with the underhook. 

4. Once you secure the underhook and are reaching for the shoulder, turn hips over so you are on your knees. Use the underhook to push opponent's head towards the mat. If they are basing the the other hand, just grab the arm and pull the hand from the mat.

Other Kesa Gatame Escapes