Reverse Kesa Gatame
Reverse kesa gatame (reverse scarf hold) is a side control variation where you face your opponent's legs instead of their head. It opens unique attack angles and can be harder to escape than standard side control.
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Setup and Position
Transitioning to Reverse Kesa
From standard side control, sit up toward their legs and swing your body to face their feet. Keep your near arm across their stomach, far arm controlling their near arm.
Weight Distribution
Sit heavy on their side, hip-to-hip contact. Extend your near leg as a base, keep your near arm controlling their hips, far arm trapping their arm against your body.
Attacks from Reverse Kesa
Kimura Attack
From reverse kesa, their near arm is perfectly set up for a kimura. Control their wrist, establish figure-4, and drive the arm behind their back while maintaining position.
Armbar from Reverse Kesa
When they extend their arm to push you away, secure the armbar by pinning their arm between your legs. Step over their head and lean back to finish.
Leg Attacks
Reverse kesa faces their legs — creating opportunities to transition into leg entanglements. When they try to escape, trap their near leg and switch to ashi garami or kneebar.
Escapes Your Opponent Will Attempt
- Bridging away (toward your legs)
- Framing and sitting up
- Rolling forward to turtle
- Standing up to peel your grip