BJJ Graph

Modified Scarf Hold

Dec 09, 20257 min read

Modified Scarf Hold (Kuzure Kesa-Gatame) is a powerful pin position that combines elements of traditional scarf hold with side control positioning. This position offers exceptional control through chest-to-chest pressure while maintaining superior submission opportunities compared to standard side control variations.

The Modified Scarf Hold is characterized by the top player’s chest positioned directly over the bottom player’s chest, with the near arm controlled and the head typically trapped or pressured. Unlike traditional Kesa Gatame where the head is positioned at the opponent’s hip, Modified Scarf Hold maintains a higher chest position that allows for better weight distribution and submission attacks.

This position excels in both gi and no-gi contexts, though the control mechanics differ slightly. In gi, lapel and sleeve grips enhance control and create additional submission pathways. In no-gi, underhooks and head control become paramount for maintaining the position against explosive escape attempts.

The strategic value of Modified Scarf Hold lies in its ability to immobilize the bottom player while keeping multiple submission options readily available. The chest-to-chest pressure creates a suffocating feeling that drains energy and limits breathing, making it particularly effective for wearing down opponents over time.

From a tactical perspective, Modified Scarf Hold serves as an excellent transitional position. It can be entered from side control, mount transitions, or takedown completions. The position allows practitioners to maintain dominant control while setting up armbars, kimuras, and various chokes.

The learning curve for Modified Scarf Hold is moderate. Beginners can achieve basic control relatively quickly, but mastering the subtle weight distribution and pressure application requires significant mat time. Advanced practitioners develop the ability to flow between Modified Scarf Hold and other dominant positions while maintaining constant pressure and submission threats.

Competition applicability is high, particularly in gi competitions where the position scores as side control (3 points in IBJJF) and offers excellent opportunities for submission finishes. The position is equally effective in MMA and self-defense contexts due to its superior control and ground-and-pound potential.

Key Principles

  • Chest-to-chest pressure is the foundation of control - maintain constant downward force through your sternum

  • Control the near arm at all times - this prevents frames and creates submission pathways

  • Head position dictates pressure angles - keep your head heavy on opponent’s face or chest

  • Hip positioning determines mobility - stay on your toes ready to adjust to escape attempts

  • Submission opportunities emerge from control - establish the pin before hunting finishes

  • Weight distribution follows opponent movement - shift pressure dynamically to counter escapes

  • Breathing restriction accelerates opponent fatigue - use chest pressure to limit air intake

Top vs Bottom

 BottomTop
Position TypeDefensiveOffensive/Controlling
Risk LevelHighLow to Medium
Energy CostHighMedium
TimeShortMedium to Long

Key Difference: Chest pressure trades mobility for control

Playing as Bottom

→ Full Bottom Guide

Key Principles

  • Remain calm despite pressure - panic accelerates energy drain and clouds decision-making

  • Protect your breathing by creating micro-space with chin tuck and chest expansion

  • The trapped arm must be freed before effective escape becomes possible

  • Bridge only with specific purpose - random explosiveness leads to worse positions

  • Frame creation starts from the free arm - use it to create initial separation

  • Hip movement becomes available only after creating upper body space

  • Turtle is often the safest immediate escape destination from this position

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Attempting to bench press opponent off with free arm

    • Consequence: Exhausts energy rapidly without creating meaningful space, often leads to arm triangle setup
    • ✅ Correction: Use free arm to create frames at opponent’s hip and shoulder, not to push directly upward

  • ❌ Explosive bridging without setup or timing

    • Consequence: Opponent rides the bridge and transitions to mount or takes back when you land
    • ✅ Correction: Bridge only when opponent’s base is compromised or as part of specific escape sequence

  • ❌ Allowing near arm to be fully extended and isolated

    • Consequence: Creates immediate armbar or kimura threat while eliminating escape options
    • ✅ Correction: Keep near arm bent and close to body, fight to maintain elbow connection to ribs

  • ❌ Turning face into opponent’s chest

    • Consequence: Increases pressure on face, restricts breathing further, and can lead to ezekiel choke
    • ✅ Correction: Keep chin tucked down toward own chest, look away from opponent’s pressure

  • ❌ Remaining completely flat without hip movement

    • Consequence: Allows opponent to fully settle weight, maximizing pressure and submission opportunities
    • ✅ Correction: Immediately begin micro-adjustments to prevent opponent from settling their full weight

Playing as Top

→ Full Top Guide

Key Principles

  • Chest pressure is your primary control tool - maintain constant downward force through sternum

  • Control the near arm at all times - this prevents effective framing and creates submission pathways

  • Stay on your toes for mobility - you must be able to adjust to counter escape attempts

  • Head position amplifies pressure - keep your head heavy on opponent’s face or chest

  • Submission opportunities emerge from solid control - establish the pin before hunting finishes

  • Dynamic pressure beats static weight - adjust pressure angles as opponent moves

  • Transition readiness is essential - be prepared to move to mount or north-south when opponent turns

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Remaining completely static with all weight settled

    • Consequence: Allows skilled opponents to create micro-movements that accumulate into escape opportunities
    • ✅ Correction: Stay on toes with active weight distribution, ready to adjust pressure angles as opponent moves

  • ❌ Releasing near arm control to hunt submissions prematurely

    • Consequence: Opponent immediately uses freed arm to create frames and initiate escapes
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain near arm control until submission is fully locked and escape is impossible

  • ❌ Lifting head to look around or observe escape attempts

    • Consequence: Reduces overall pressure significantly and creates space for opponent to turn or bridge
    • ✅ Correction: Keep head heavy and active on opponent’s face or chest, feel their movements rather than watching

  • ❌ Posting far hand wide for base during submission attempts

    • Consequence: Creates leverage for opponent to roll you over during bridge attempts
    • ✅ Correction: Keep base narrow with weight centered over opponent’s chest, adjust with small steps

  • ❌ Hunting submissions before establishing solid control

    • Consequence: Opponent escapes during transition to submission, losing dominant position entirely
    • ✅ Correction: Build control systematically - chest pressure, arm control, then submission attacks