Reverse Kesa-Gatame (Reverse Scarf Hold) is a powerful pinning position distinguished by its reverse orientation compared to traditional Kesa Gatame. While maintaining the perpendicular body alignment characteristic of scarf hold positions, the top player faces toward the opponent’s legs rather than their head, creating fundamentally different control mechanics and attacking opportunities. This reverse configuration naturally isolates the bottom player’s far arm while eliminating their ability to create defensive frames against the top player’s face and neck.
The position excels as both a controlling pin and an attacking platform. From the top perspective, practitioners can apply crushing chest pressure directly onto the opponent’s sternum and shoulder complex while simultaneously controlling the near arm and isolating the far arm for submissions. The reverse orientation creates unique mechanical advantages for Americana, Kimura, and arm triangle attacks, while also providing seamless transitions to mount, north-south, and back control based on opponent reactions.
From the bottom perspective, this position presents significant defensive challenges. The bottom player must immediately address the chest compression affecting breathing while working systematic hip escapes to create space. Unlike traditional side control escapes where frames against the opponent’s face are primary defensive tools, bottom players in Reverse Kesa-Gatame must rely on hip movement, bridging opportunities when the top player sits too high, and intelligent use of their free arm to create escape pathways to half guard or full guard recovery.
Strategically, Reverse Kesa-Gatame serves as an excellent transitional position in the pinning hierarchy. Top players often enter this position when opponents turn into them from standard side control, or when flowing between north-south and traditional pins. The position’s effectiveness increases significantly in no-gi grappling where collar-based controls are unavailable, making the direct chest pressure and arm isolation even more valuable. Understanding both perspectives of this position is essential for developing a complete pinning and escape game.
Key Principles
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Reverse orientation fundamentally changes defensive and offensive mechanics compared to traditional scarf hold variations
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Top player must drive chest pressure through hips directly into opponent’s sternum rather than using upper body weight
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Far arm isolation is natural consequence of body positioning, creating immediate submission opportunities without complex setups
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Bottom player cannot rely on face frames, requiring emphasis on hip escape mechanics and systematic space creation
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Position serves as excellent transition hub between side control, north-south, mount, and back control based on opponent reactions
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Weight distribution and base management with sprawled legs is critical for top player to resist bridge attempts
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Bottom player must prioritize breathing and immediate defensive action to prevent position consolidation and submission attacks
Top vs Bottom
| Bottom | Top | |
|---|---|---|
| Position Type | Defensive | Offensive/Controlling |
| Risk Level | High | Medium |
| Energy Cost | High | Medium |
| Time | Short | Medium to Long |
Key Difference: Reverse orientation eliminates defensive frames
Playing as Bottom
Key Principles
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Immediately establish defensive frames with free arm to prevent opponent from fully settling weight and consolidating control
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Protect neck and head from submission attempts by keeping chin tucked and maintaining space between shoulder and neck
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Create space through systematic hip escape movements, shrimping away from opponent’s weight to gradually extract trapped shoulder and arm
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Use bridge and turn mechanics to disrupt opponent’s base and weight distribution, particularly targeting vulnerabilities when they sit too high or lean too far forward
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Prevent opponent from transitioning to more dominant positions by controlling distance with frames and blocking hip movement
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Maintain awareness of submission threats specific to reverse scarf hold while executing escape sequences
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Systematically work to recover guard position rather than attempting to immediately stand or scramble
Primary Techniques
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- Success Rate: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%
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- Success Rate: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 60%
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- Success Rate: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 35%, Advanced 50%
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Frame and Shrimp → Closed Guard
- Success Rate: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 55%
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Technical Standup → Standing Position
- Success Rate: Beginner 15%, Intermediate 25%, Advanced 40%
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- Success Rate: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 60%
Common Mistakes
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❌ Flat on back with no frames established
- Consequence: Allows opponent to fully settle weight and consolidate control, making escapes exponentially more difficult and exposing neck to chokes
- ✅ Correction: Immediately establish frame with free arm against opponent’s hip or shoulder, turn slightly onto side away from opponent to create angle for hip escape
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❌ Attempting explosive bridge without proper setup
- Consequence: Wastes energy and often results in opponent transitioning to more dominant position like Mount or North-South when bridge fails
- ✅ Correction: Only bridge when opponent’s weight is committed too far forward; combine bridge with grip fighting to off-balance before explosive movement
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❌ Ignoring submission defense while focusing on escape
- Consequence: Gets caught in arm triangle, Americana, or Kimura while attempting to escape, losing position and match
- ✅ Correction: Maintain chin tucked, protect trapped arm, and keep free arm ready to defend neck; escape systematically rather than desperately
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❌ Pulling trapped arm without creating space first
- Consequence: Arm remains stuck and pulling motion often makes opponent’s control tighter, potentially damaging shoulder joint
- ✅ Correction: Create space through hip escape and frame before attempting to extract arm; use shrimping motion to gradually free shoulder
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❌ Bringing far knee toward opponent in escape attempt
- Consequence: Feeds leg to opponent for transition to Mount or knee-on-belly, worsening position significantly
- ✅ Correction: Keep far leg posted on mat for base; use near-side leg to shrimp and create distance while far leg maintains stable platform
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❌ Neglecting to control opponent’s far arm
- Consequence: Allows opponent to post freely for base or establish grips for submissions and position advancement
- ✅ Correction: Use free arm to control opponent’s far arm or wrist when possible, limiting their options and making escapes more effective
Playing as Top
Key Principles
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Reverse orientation eliminates opponent’s ability to use frames against your face and neck while creating unique submission angles
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Trapping the far arm under your armpit or with overhook removes opponent’s primary defensive tool and opens submission pathways
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Low hip position pressed against opponent’s ribs prevents shrimp escapes and guard recovery while creating breathing difficulty
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Direct chest-to-chest pressure through sternum restricts breathing and creates maximum discomfort with sustainable effort
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Wide leg configuration with strategic positioning provides stability against bridge and roll attempts while maintaining mobility for transitions
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Concentrating pressure points on opponent’s torso and shoulder creates maximum control efficiency without exhausting top player
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Reverse position naturally blocks common side control escape pathways including elbow escape and guard recovery
Primary Techniques
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- Success Rate: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%
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Transition to North-South → North-South
- Success Rate: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80%
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Kimura from Side Control → Kimura Control
- Success Rate: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%
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Americana from Side Control → Americana Control
- Success Rate: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 60%
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- Success Rate: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 55%
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Transition to North-South → Crucifix
- Success Rate: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 35%, Advanced 50%
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Back Take Generic → Back Control
- Success Rate: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 55%
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Transition to Mount → Knee on Belly
- Success Rate: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%
Common Mistakes
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❌ Sitting too upright with elevated chest and hips raised off opponent
- Consequence: Reduces chest pressure on opponent, allowing them to breathe more easily and create space. Upright posture also makes you vulnerable to being rolled or swept, as your center of gravity is too high. Opponent can more easily turn into you and recover guard.
- ✅ Correction: Keep your chest low and heavy on opponent’s torso, maintaining constant downward pressure. Your shoulders should be lower than your hips, creating a forward lean that maximizes weight distribution. Think about melting your chest into their upper body. If opponent can breathe normally or is attempting to bridge, you’re likely too upright.
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❌ Losing control of the trapped far arm
- Consequence: Opponent immediately uses freed arm to create frames, push your face, or establish defensive grips. This drastically reduces your control effectiveness and opens multiple escape pathways. The trapped arm is your primary control mechanism - losing it means losing the position advantage.
- ✅ Correction: Maintain constant tension on the trapped arm, either by clamping it under your armpit with elbow tight to your body, or with a firm overhook grip. Your armpit clamp should be complete - the arm must be fully secured, not just touching. You should feel resistance if opponent tries to extract their arm.
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❌ Narrow base with legs too close together
- Consequence: Unstable platform makes you vulnerable to bridge and roll escapes. Opponent can generate enough force to tip you over or create space for guard recovery. Narrow base also limits your ability to distribute weight effectively.
- ✅ Correction: Extend your far leg wide and long for maximum base width. Near leg should be bent but positioned to provide lateral stability. Your legs should form a wide tripod with your hips, creating a stable platform that’s difficult to upset. Adjust base width based on opponent’s escape attempts.
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❌ Facing too far toward opponent’s legs rather than perpendicular
- Consequence: Reduces chest-to-chest pressure and makes it easier for opponent to turn into you. Poor angle also limits your submission options and makes transitions less effective. You lose the primary advantage of the reverse position.
- ✅ Correction: Your back should face directly toward opponent’s head with your chest perpendicular to their centerline. Your sternum should press into their upper chest and shoulder area. Maintain this perpendicular angle while keeping hips low and base wide.
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❌ Using arms to post and support weight instead of chest pressure
- Consequence: Reduces the crushing chest pressure that makes this position so effective. Arm posting also tires your upper body quickly and signals to opponent that you’re not applying maximum pressure. Your arms should be free for transitions and submissions, not supporting your weight.
- ✅ Correction: Let your chest and core do the work of maintaining pressure. Your weight should rest through your torso onto opponent’s chest. Arms should be light, ready to control opponent’s movements or attack submissions. If your arms are tired, you’re using them too much for posting.
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❌ Staying static in position without threatening submissions or transitions
- Consequence: Allows opponent time to develop escape strategy and wait for opportunities. Referees may stand you up for stalling. Static control without advancement doesn’t capitalize on the position’s offensive potential.
- ✅ Correction: Constantly threaten submissions (kimura, americana, arm triangle) or position advancements (mount, north-south, back). Even if you’re not finishing, the threat of attack prevents opponent from relaxing and planning escapes. Move through submission threats in cycles to maintain offensive pressure.