Reverse Kesa-Gatame Top

Reverse Kesa-Gatame Top is a dominant pinning position where the top practitioner faces away from the opponent’s head while maintaining chest-to-chest pressure and controlling the opponent’s far arm. This position is particularly effective for shutting down common side control escapes while providing unique submission opportunities and transitions. The reverse orientation creates different mechanical advantages compared to traditional scarf hold positions, specifically eliminating the opponent’s ability to frame against your face and neck. From this position, the top player can apply crushing chest pressure, isolate the far arm for submissions, and transition to mount, north-south, or back control. The position is especially valuable against defensive opponents who excel at creating frames from bottom side control.

Position Definition

• Top player’s chest maintains heavy contact with opponent’s upper torso, creating constant downward pressure through the sternum and pectoral muscles onto opponent’s ribcage and shoulder complex
• Top player’s back and shoulders face toward opponent’s head while hips remain low and heavy on opponent’s near-side ribs, creating a reverse orientation that eliminates traditional framing options
• Opponent’s far arm is trapped either under top player’s armpit with elbow clamped tight to ribs, or controlled with deep overhook grip that prevents arm extraction and defensive hand fighting
• Top player’s legs are configured in wide base with far leg extended and near leg bent, providing stable platform against bridge attempts while maintaining hip pressure on opponent’s torso
• Opponent remains flat on back with shoulders pinned to mat, unable to turn into top player or establish guard due to combination of chest pressure and arm isolation

Prerequisites

• Successful guard pass or transition from standard side control position
• Control of opponent’s far arm established before rotating into reverse position
• Understanding of weight distribution and pressure application through chest and hips
• Ability to maintain balance and base while facing away from opponent’s head
• Recognition of optimal timing to enter reverse kesa from side control transitions

Key Offensive Principles

• Reverse orientation eliminates opponent’s ability to use frames against your face and neck while creating unique submission angles
• Trapping the far arm under your armpit or with overhook removes opponent’s primary defensive tool and opens submission pathways
• Low hip position pressed against opponent’s ribs prevents shrimp escapes and guard recovery while creating breathing difficulty
• Direct chest-to-chest pressure through sternum restricts breathing and creates maximum discomfort with sustainable effort
• Wide leg configuration with strategic positioning provides stability against bridge and roll attempts while maintaining mobility for transitions
• Concentrating pressure points on opponent’s torso and shoulder creates maximum control efficiency without exhausting top player
• Reverse position naturally blocks common side control escape pathways including elbow escape and guard recovery

Available Attacks

Transition to Mount → Mount

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 45%
• Intermediate: 60%
• Advanced: 75%

Transition to North-South → North-South

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 50%
• Intermediate: 65%
• Advanced: 80%

Kimura from Side Control → Kimura Control

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 35%
• Intermediate: 50%
• Advanced: 65%

Americana from Side Control → Americana Control

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 30%
• Intermediate: 45%
• Advanced: 60%

Arm Triangle → Side Control

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 25%
• Intermediate: 40%
• Advanced: 55%

Transition to North-South → Crucifix

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 20%
• Intermediate: 35%
• Advanced: 50%

Back Take Generic → Back Control

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 25%
• Intermediate: 40%
• Advanced: 55%

Transition to Mount → Knee on Belly

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 40%
• Intermediate: 55%
• Advanced: 70%

Opponent Escapes

• Shrimp Escape → Open Guard (Opponent Success: 25%)
• Bridge and Roll → Scramble Position (Opponent Success: 20%)
• Elbow Escape → Half Guard (Opponent Success: 30%)
• Technical Stand-up → Standing Position (Opponent Success: 15%)
• Turtle Transition → Turtle (Opponent Success: 35%)

Escape Counters

• Transition to Mount → Mount
  • Opponent attempts to shrimp away and create space
• Transition to North-South → North-South
  • Opponent bridges and attempts to roll into you
• Back Take Generic → Back Control
  • Opponent turns into you to escape chest pressure
• Kimura from Side Control → Kimura Control
  • Opponent attempts to extract trapped arm
• Transition to Mount → Knee on Belly
  • Opponent creates space with hip escape

Decision Making from This Position

If opponent remains flat and defensive with minimal movement:

• Execute Kimura from Side Control → Kimura Control (Probability: 60%)
• Execute Americana from Side Control → Americana Control (Probability: 55%)
• Execute Arm Triangle → Side Control (Probability: 50%)

If opponent attempts to bridge and create space upward:

• Execute Transition to Mount → Mount (Probability: 70%)
• Execute Transition to North-South → North-South (Probability: 65%)

If opponent shrimps away attempting elbow escape:

• Execute Transition to Mount → Knee on Belly (Probability: 65%)
• Execute Transition to Mount → Mount (Probability: 60%)

If opponent turns into you exposing their back:

• Execute Back Take Generic → Back Control (Probability: 75%)
• Execute Transition to North-South → Crucifix (Probability: 55%)

Common Offensive Mistakes

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Training Drills for Attacks

Position Retention Against Progressive Resistance

Partner starts flat and defensive, gradually increasing resistance from 25% to 75% over 2-minute rounds. Focus on maintaining chest pressure, arm control, and base while opponent attempts various escapes. Reset if opponent escapes, emphasizing quick recovery to reverse kesa.

Duration: 5 rounds of 2 minutes

Submission Chain Flow Drill

From established reverse kesa, flow through kimura attempt, americana attempt, and arm triangle setup without finishing. Partner provides realistic defensive reactions to each submission threat. Emphasis on smooth transitions between attacks while maintaining position control.

Duration: 3 rounds of 3 minutes

Transition Sequence Practice

Start in reverse kesa, practice transitioning to mount when opponent shrimps, to north-south when opponent bridges, and to back when opponent turns in. Partner provides specific cues for each transition scenario. Focus on timing and weight distribution during transitions.

Duration: 4 rounds of 2 minutes

Entry Repetition from Side Control

Begin in standard side control, practice entering reverse kesa by securing far arm control and rotating your orientation. Repeat 10 times emphasizing smooth entry, then allow partner to provide resistance. Focus on maintaining pressure throughout the transition.

Duration: 10 minutes

Optimal Submission Paths

Direct Kimura Path

Reverse Kesa-Gatame Top → Kimura Control → Kimura

Arm Triangle Path via Mount

Reverse Kesa-Gatame Top → Mount → Arm Triangle

Back Attack Path

Reverse Kesa-Gatame Top → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke

Americana Control Path

Reverse Kesa-Gatame Top → Americana Control → Americana from Side Control

North-South Choke Path

Reverse Kesa-Gatame Top → North-South → North-South Choke

Success Rates and Statistics

Skill Level	Retention Rate	Advancement Probability	Submission Probability
Beginner	40%	35%	25%
Intermediate	55%	50%	40%
Advanced	70%	65%	55%

Average Time in Position: 45-90 seconds before transition or submission

Related Positions and Techniques

• Kesa Gatame - Traditional scarf hold variation - parent position with forward-facing orientation
• Scarf Hold Position - Alternative scarf hold variation with similar control mechanics
• Side Control - Entry position and fallback option if reverse kesa is compromised
• North-South - Natural transition target when opponent bridges
• Mount - Primary advancement position when opponent creates space with shrimp
• Kuzure Kesa-Gatame - Modified scarf hold variation with different arm control
• Kimura Control - Primary submission control available from reverse kesa
• Back Control - Transition target when opponent turns in to escape chest pressure
• Knee on Belly - Transitional position when opponent creates space
• Modified Scarf Hold - Alternative scarf variation with different control points