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Kuzure Variations Top | BJJ Position Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202516 min read

Kuzure Variations Top

bjjstatepincontrolkuzurejudo_variations

State Properties

  • State ID: S257
  • Point Value: 3 (Dominant control position)
  • Position Type: Pin/control position
  • Risk Level: Medium
  • Energy Cost: Low to Medium
  • Time Sustainability: Medium to Long

State Description

Kuzure Variations Top represents a family of “broken” or modified scarf hold positions derived from classical Judo pinning techniques but adapted for BJJ’s dynamic ground fighting environment. The term “Kuzure” in Japanese means “broken” or “modified,” indicating variations that deviate from the standard forms while maintaining core controlling principles. These variations typically involve non-standard arm control configurations, asymmetric body positioning, or hybrid elements combining multiple pinning concepts. Unlike standardized pins like traditional Kesa Gatame or orthodox side control, Kuzure Variations emerge during transitions, scrambles, or as creative responses to opponent’s defensive movements, making them highly situational yet exceptionally versatile.

The strategic value of Kuzure Variations lies in their adaptability—they represent transitional control states that bridge between major positions while maintaining offensive opportunities. Advanced practitioners use these variations as creative solutions to positions that don’t fit standard categories, demonstrating the principle that effective control doesn’t always conform to textbook positions. Understanding Kuzure Variations develops positional fluidity and the ability to maintain control even when standard positions are unavailable or compromised.

Visual Description

The practitioner maintains top position with body oriented at variable angles relative to the opponent (typically 30-60 degrees from perpendicular), with arm control configurations that deviate from standard patterns—this might include under-arm control combined with opposite-side head control, over-arm wrapping with underhook, or asymmetric grips that secure one side while attacking the other. The practitioner’s hips maintain strategic pressure against the opponent’s torso or shoulder, but positioning may be higher or lower than traditional pins depending on the specific variation. Weight distribution varies based on the configuration, with pressure applied through strategic points—chest, shoulder, hip, or head—to limit opponent’s movement while enabling offensive transitions. The practitioner’s legs may be spread wide for base, tucked for mobility, or configured asymmetrically with one extended and one bent based on immediate tactical needs. The opponent experiences restricted but not completely immobilized movement, with their defensive options limited by the unorthodox control configuration that doesn’t follow predictable patterns. This creates a dynamic control state where the practitioner maintains dominance through adaptable positioning rather than rigid structural rules, enabling creative transitions and submission attacks from non-standard angles.

Key Principles

  • Adaptive Control Mechanisms: Utilize non-standard control configurations that emerge situationally rather than being predetermined
  • Transitional Awareness: Recognize Kuzure Variations as bridges between standard positions rather than terminal destinations
  • Creative Problem-Solving: Apply control principles flexibly to maintain dominance when standard positions are unavailable
  • Pressure Versatility: Apply pressure through variable points based on current configuration rather than fixed patterns
  • Opportunistic Offense: Exploit submission and transition opportunities unique to each variation’s configuration
  • Dynamic Base Management: Adjust base configuration to match the specific requirements of each variation
  • Positional Fluidity: Flow seamlessly between Kuzure Variations and standard positions based on opponent reactions

Prerequisites

  • Mastery of standard scarf hold variations (Kesa Gatame, Modified Scarf Hold)
  • Understanding of side control fundamentals
  • Proficiency with transitional control principles
  • Recognition of arm control opportunities from multiple angles
  • Adaptability and creative positioning skills
  • Experience with non-standard pinning scenarios

State Invariants

  • Top player maintains dominant position with some form of upper body control
  • Control configuration deviates from standard positional templates
  • Opponent’s movement is restricted but escape patterns differ from standard positions
  • Transitional readiness maintained for movement to standard positions or submissions
  • Pressure applied through at least two strategic contact points
  • Base configuration supports current control while enabling rapid adjustments

Defensive Responses (When Opponent Has This State)

Offensive Transitions (Available From This State)

Counter Transitions

Expert Insights

John Danaher: Views Kuzure Variations as the “connective tissue” of positional control systems, representing transitional states that skilled practitioners navigate unconsciously while progressing between major positions. Emphasizes that these variations shouldn’t be taught as discrete positions but rather as natural emergences that occur when standard positions are compromised or during creative offensive sequences. Systematizes Kuzure understanding by focusing on core controlling principles—arm control, weight distribution, base configuration—that persist across variations rather than memorizing specific configurations. Advocates for training practitioners to recognize and maintain control through Kuzure states rather than abandoning them to return to familiar positions, as this develops true positional mastery.

Gordon Ryan: Uses Kuzure Variations extensively in competition as creative solutions to sophisticated defensive responses that prevent standard positioning. Focuses on maintaining offensive pressure through these transitional states rather than viewing them as temporary compromises. Emphasizes what he terms “opportunistic control” where the practitioner accepts non-standard positioning if it offers submission opportunities or prevents opponent’s escape progression. Advocates for developing comfort with asymmetric and unorthodox control configurations, as elite opponents often force practitioners out of standard positions and success depends on maintaining dominance through variations.

Eddie Bravo: Has developed entire submission systems that intentionally utilize Kuzure-like positioning, viewing non-standard configurations as opportunities for creativity rather than compromises. Emphasizes that many of his 10th Planet techniques exist in these “broken” states that don’t fit traditional categorization but offer unique offensive advantages. Focuses on teaching practitioners to embrace positional uncertainty and maintain control through creative application of fundamental principles rather than rigid adherence to positional templates. Advocates for exploring Kuzure Variations deliberately in training to develop adaptability and discover unconventional submission paths.

Common Errors

  • Abandoning non-standard positions prematurely → Missing submission opportunities and allowing opponent to recover → Correction: Recognize control value of Kuzure Variations and maintain offensive pressure before transitioning → Recognition: If you’re constantly returning to side control without attacking, you’re not utilizing Kuzure opportunities
  • Static positioning in transitional states → Opponent adapts and escapes from unfamiliar positions → Correction: Maintain dynamic pressure and constant positional adjustment in Kuzure Variations → Recognition: If opponent is making steady escape progress, increase movement and pressure variation
  • Insufficient pressure application → Treating Kuzure as weak positions requiring quick transition → Correction: Apply strategic pressure through available contact points to establish control before attacking → Recognition: If opponent moves freely under Kuzure control, pressure is inadequate
  • Neglecting submission awareness → Missing arm lock and shoulder lock opportunities unique to variations → Correction: Study submission entries specific to common Kuzure configurations → Recognition: If you transition away without testing submissions, you’re missing offensive value
  • Poor base configuration → Instability in non-standard positions leads to reversals → Correction: Adapt base to match specific variation requirements, widening or narrowing as needed → Recognition: If opponent’s escapes move you significantly, base needs adjustment
  • Lack of transitional awareness → Getting “stuck” in Kuzure without pathways to improvement → Correction: Maintain awareness of connections to standard positions and plan transition timing → Recognition: If you feel uncertain about next move, identify nearest standard position
  • Rigid adherence to techniques → Attempting to force Kuzure Variations rather than flowing into them naturally → Correction: Allow Kuzure positions to emerge during transitions and scrambles rather than deliberately seeking them → Recognition: If you’re “setting up” Kuzure positions, you’re misunderstanding their situational nature

Training Drills

  • Transitional Flow Between Standard and Kuzure Positions: Partner offers 50% resistance while practitioner flows between side control, Kesa Gatame, Kuzure Variations, and north-south. Focus on recognizing when positions naturally transform into variations and maintaining control through transitions. Emphasize smooth adaptation rather than forced positioning. 10 minutes of continuous positional flow with role switches.
  • Kuzure Recognition and Maintenance Drill: Start from various standard top positions with partner attempting specific escapes. When escape forces non-standard positioning, recognize the Kuzure Variation that emerges and maintain control rather than immediately returning to standard position. Practice identifying submission opportunities from each variation. 15 scenarios, 1 minute each, cycling through different starting positions.
  • Creative Control Problem-Solving: Partner establishes unusual defensive configurations (asymmetric frames, partial underhooks, etc.) that prevent standard positioning. Practitioner must find and maintain control through Kuzure-like positions that address the specific defensive configuration. Develop adaptive problem-solving skills. 10 scenarios, 2 minutes each with progressive resistance.
  • Submission Entries from Kuzure States: Isolate common Kuzure configurations and practice specific submission entries (arm locks, shoulder locks, chokes) that are available from each variation. Start with cooperative partner establishing exact positioning, progress to resistant partner. 20 repetitions of each submission type across 3-4 common Kuzure configurations.
  • Scramble to Control Sequences: Start from neutral or transitional positions (scrambles, guard passing moments, failed sweep attempts) and develop control through whatever positions naturally emerge, often Kuzure Variations. Focus on maintaining offensive pressure throughout transitional chaos rather than waiting for standard positions. 5-minute rounds with 30-second scramble initiations, continuous action.

Decision Tree

If opponent creates underhook and begins turning:

Else if opponent’s far arm is extended and vulnerable:

Else if opponent frames and creates significant space:

Else if current variation provides strong control but unclear offense:

Else (stable control with submission opportunity):

Position Metrics

  • Success Rate: 65% control retention (competition data)
  • Average Time in Position: 20-60 seconds (transitional nature)
  • Submission Probability: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 35%, Advanced 50%
  • Transition Advancement Probability: Beginner 55%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 85%
  • Position Loss Probability: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 20%, Advanced 12%

Optimal Paths

Fastest submission path (direct attack): Kuzure Variations Top → Kuzure Kesa Arm Lock → Arm Lock Control → Won by Submission Reasoning: Opportunistic arm locks are often immediately available from Kuzure configurations due to unconventional arm positioning

High-percentage path (systematic control): Kuzure Variations Top → Transition to Side Control → Side Control → Mount → Submission Chain → Won by Submission Reasoning: Converting Kuzure to standard side control provides familiar pathways with higher success rates

Alternative submission path (shoulder lock): Kuzure Variations Top → Kimura from Kuzure → Kimura Control → Won by Submission Reasoning: Asymmetric positioning often creates kimura opportunities from unexpected angles

Positional advancement path (mount progression): Kuzure Variations Top → Mount Transition → Mount → Mount to Armbar → Won by Submission Reasoning: Using Kuzure as bridge to mount bypasses common side control escape sequences

Conservative path (standardization): Kuzure Variations Top → Transition to Kesa Gatame → Kesa Gatame → Submission from Kesa → Won by Submission Reasoning: Converting to familiar Kesa Gatame provides proven control with established submission chains

Origins and Evolution

Kuzure variations have existed in Judo for decades as recognized deviations from standard osaekomi-waza (pinning techniques), with specific forms like Kuzure Kesa Gatame and Kuzure Kami Shiho Gatame documented in official Judo curricula. In BJJ, the concept of “broken” positions evolved differently—rather than being codified variations, they emerged as transitional states that practitioners learned to exploit during competitive development. Modern BJJ has increasingly recognized the value of these non-standard positions as legitimate control states rather than mere transitions, particularly as defensive sophistication has made standard positions more difficult to maintain. The contemporary understanding treats Kuzure Variations as a category encompassing any controlled top position that doesn’t fit traditional templates but maintains offensive viability.

Competition Considerations

Kuzure Variations score as side control (3 points in IBJJF) when established control is demonstrated for 3 seconds, though referees may hesitate if positioning appears too transitional. In ADCC, these variations establish dominant position scoring. Strategic application involves using Kuzure states as creative solutions when opponents successfully defend standard positions—rather than struggling to force orthodox positioning, accepting and exploiting the variation often provides faster paths to submission or improved position. Time management consideration: Kuzure Variations work best as transitional states leading somewhere rather than terminal positions, so maintain awareness of match time and points when deciding whether to stabilize into standard positions or continue attacking from variations.

Timing Considerations

Best Times to Enter: During transitions between major positions, when scrambles create non-standard positioning, when opponent’s defensive movements prevent standard position establishment but create control opportunities

Best Times to Attack: Immediately upon recognizing the specific Kuzure configuration and available submissions, before opponent adapts to the non-standard positioning and develops defensive responses

Vulnerable Moments: During initial establishment when position is still forming, when attempting to force Kuzure positioning rather than allowing natural emergence, when maintaining static control without offensive progression

Fatigue Factors: Kuzure Variations can be energy-efficient if practitioner accepts the positioning, but become exhausting if constantly attempting to force conversion to standard positions

Computer Science Analogy

Kuzure Variations Top function as “exception handling states” in the BJJ state machine, representing controlled responses to conditions that don’t match standard state definitions but still maintain system stability. These variations implement a form of “graceful degradation” where the control system continues operating effectively even when optimal conditions for standard states are unavailable, preventing system failure (loss of position) while maintaining offensive capabilities. The concept parallels “polymorphic behavior” in object-oriented programming, where different implementations (variations) satisfy the same interface requirements (top control) through varied internal mechanisms, providing flexibility and adaptability to unexpected input conditions (opponent defensive movements).

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