MAT: SIDE CHOKE -- LEG-OVER JUJI GATAME
Description
This defense employs a classic judo armbar technique called "juji gatame". This is a great armlock applied on the ground or standing.
It begins when uke attempts a side choke on tori, who is on his back on the mat, ideally turned slightly toward uke. As uke is moving his hands in, tori should turn even more toward uke, and pull his right knee up and across his chest, so as to horizontally block uke across the midsection, with the toes of his right foot beside uke's right ribcage, and the knee on uke's left ribcage. This should stop uke's momentum and his ability to approach close enough to apply an effective choke. Simultaneously, tori must secure uke's right wrist with both hands. This should not be difficult if this is timed such that uke has already committed his weight. The grab on uke's right wrist must be with both of tori's hands from underneath, with palms over the top of uke's wrist and thumbs underneath uke's wrist. In the same motion, or trailing it only slightly, tori must throw his left leg overtop of uke's head and lodge the back of his knee on the left side of uke's neck. Tori should now be able to pry uke's body down to the floor by arching his back and using his left leg as a lever while maintaining his grip and pulling on uke's right arm. As uke falls on his back, tori must be sure to maintain his lower leg position under uke's right ribs, and his left knee across uke's neck.
During this process, tori must use both hands to stretch out uke's right arm, to keep uke's body as close to tori's as possible - this will ensure the effectiveness of the armlock. Tori should now be at right angles to uke, with uke on his back with tori's left leg over his throat, and right leg bent maximally, and right foot under uke's side. Tori's left leg keeps uke from sitting up, his right leg as well as his grip on uke's right wrist keeps uke from spinning either way and defeating the armlock, and the grip on uke's wrist also helps tori keep uke as tight as possible. If there is any space between tori's buttocks and uke's right side, tori should eliminate it by siting up, pulling on uke's outstretched arm, and scooting in closer. Once the optimal position is attained, tori should clamp uke's arm above or at the elbow, pull back on uke's arm, with uke's palm up so that the elbow is being bent the wrong way. If uke is extremely flexible, tori may be required to arch his back and lift his hips off the floor to obtain a submission.
Finer points - ideally, uke's right arm should be pinned to tori's chest the entire time. Just be careful about putting the move on too quickly if you have uke's arm pinned; in this mode, the armlock comes on very quickly.
Steps
- Uke attempts right side choke.
- As uke moves in, tori draws up his right knee and places his lower leg horizontally to maintain space.
- As uke's hands are landing on the shoulders/neck for the choke, tori grabs uke's right wrist with both of his own hands, coming in from below (don't contort your right arm to get over his left, just ignore his left arm).
- Tori throws his left leg over uke's head, placing his left calf on the other side of uke's neck.
- Tori levers uke onto his back, by pulling uke's neck down with his left leg, arching his back, and pulling uke's right arm toward him to achieve full extension of the arm, and to snugly pull tori's buttocks next to uke's ribcage.
- Tori sits up and pulls straight up on uke's arm while scooting buttocks as close as possible to uke's right ribcage.
- Once uke is on his back and tori is as close to possible to uke, tori applies the armlock by tightening his thighs around uke's arm above the elbow, and holding uke's arm to his chest as he leans back.
- If necessary, tori may bridge on feet and upper back in order to bring his pelvis off the ground to obtain a submission from a very flexible uke.
See Also
MAT DEFENSES
CHOKE AND STRANGLE DEFENSES