Reverse Scarf Hold Bottom (Reverse Kesa Gatame Bottom) represents one of the more challenging defensive positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where the practitioner finds themselves on their back with the opponent controlling from a reverse scarf hold position. Unlike traditional scarf hold where the top player faces toward the bottom player’s legs, reverse scarf hold has the top player facing toward the head, creating unique control mechanics and escape challenges. This position is particularly difficult because the top player’s weight distribution and control points create significant pressure on the chest and shoulders while limiting hip mobility.
The bottom player in reverse scarf hold faces several interconnected problems: restricted breathing due to chest compression, limited hip movement preventing standard shrimping escapes, and the constant threat of arm attacks including kimura, americana, and straight armbar variations. The position demands patience, precise framing, and systematic escape sequences rather than explosive movements. Understanding the biomechanics of how the top player maintains control is essential for developing effective defensive responses.
Success in this position requires prioritizing survival first, then creating frames and space, and finally executing technical escapes to better positions such as guard recovery or reversal to top position. The defensive strategy emphasizes breath control under pressure, maintaining composure, and exploiting the top player’s positional weaknesses when they attempt to advance or submit. While challenging, systematic approach to this position can transform it from a desperate situation into an opportunity for calculated escape and potential reversal.
Position Definition
- Bottom player on their back with shoulders and upper back pinned to the mat, chest compressed by top player’s torso weight creating breathing restriction and postural control
- Top player’s hips positioned alongside bottom player’s chest/shoulder area with reverse orientation (facing toward head), distributing weight through hip and torso compression against ribcage
- Bottom player’s near arm typically controlled or trapped by top player’s underhook or overhook, limiting defensive framing options and creating submission vulnerability
- Bottom player’s far arm either trapped under top player’s body weight or struggling to create defensive frames against shoulder and neck pressure
- Top player’s legs sprawled or posted to prevent bottom player from creating angles or hip escapes, with base distributed to maintain heavy chest pressure
Prerequisites
- Opponent has achieved reverse scarf hold control from top position
- Bottom player is on their back with shoulders flat to mat
- Top player has secured control of at least one arm (typically near-side)
- Top player’s weight is distributed across bottom player’s chest and shoulder area
- Bottom player’s hip mobility is restricted by top player’s positioning
Key Defensive Principles
- Maintain breath control despite chest compression - use diaphragmatic breathing and remain calm to prevent panic and energy waste
- Protect near-side arm from being isolated for kimura or americana by keeping elbow tight to body and hand near opposite shoulder
- Create initial frames using far-side arm against opponent’s neck or shoulder to generate small amounts of space
- Focus on hip rotation and angle creation rather than pure bridge-and-roll escapes which are less effective against reverse orientation
- Use systematic escape sequences: survive pressure, create frames, generate space, recover guard or reverse position
- Prevent opponent from advancing to mount or north-south by controlling distance with frames and blocking hip movement
- Exploit top player’s base vulnerabilities when they reach for submissions or attempt to transition positions
Available Escapes
Elbow Escape → Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 45%
Bridge and Roll → Reverse Scarf Hold Top
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 25%
- Advanced: 35%
Hip Escape → Open Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 30%
- Advanced: 40%
Frame and Shrimp → Closed Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 18%
- Intermediate: 28%
- Advanced: 38%
Technical Standup → Standing Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 12%
- Intermediate: 20%
- Advanced: 30%
Shrimp Escape → Open Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 22%
- Intermediate: 32%
- Advanced: 42%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent maintains heavy chest pressure without attempting submissions:
- Execute Frame Creation → Defensive Position (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Hip Escape → Half Guard (Probability: 60%)
If opponent isolates near-side arm for kimura or americana:
- Execute Kimura Defense → Defensive Position (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Bridge and Roll → Reverse Scarf Hold Top (Probability: 40%)
If opponent attempts to advance to mount or north-south:
- Execute Re-Guard → Open Guard (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Elbow Escape → Half Guard (Probability: 50%)
If opponent’s base becomes compromised during transition attempts:
- Execute Bridge and Roll → Reverse Scarf Hold Top (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Technical Standup → Standing Position (Probability: 35%)
Escape and Survival Paths
Highest percentage escape to safety
Reverse Scarf Hold Bottom → Frame Creation → Hip Escape → Half Guard → Guard Recovery
Reversal path when opponent overcommits
Reverse Scarf Hold Bottom → Bridge and Roll → Reverse Scarf Hold Top → Transition to Mount
Standing escape path
Reverse Scarf Hold Bottom → Frame and Shrimp → Technical Standup → Standing Position → Guard Pull
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 55% | 10% | 5% |
| Intermediate | 70% | 20% | 10% |
| Advanced | 85% | 30% | 15% |
Average Time in Position: 45-90 seconds before escape or submission