Kata-gatame
肩固かたがため
- Osaekomi-waza
- Katame-no-kata
Key idea
The defining action pins the head-and-arm unit together using the side of the neck and both arms from beside uke.
Kodokan official demonstration
Kodokan technique list (opens in a new tab)YouTube (opens in a new tab)
VISUAL GUIDE
How to read the movement
The central principle of Kata-gatame is the coordinated action that pins the head-and-arm unit together using the side of the neck and both arms from beside uke.
- Tori
- the person applying the technique
- Uke
- the person receiving the technique
- Red line
- main direction or point of contact
AT A GLANCE
Classification representative
IN SEQUENCE
Three basic phases
- 1Establish the position
- 2Restrict upper-body movement
- 3Maintain a responsive base
Original AI-generated educational illustration for TokyoWaltz, 2026. A simplified three-stage concept; practise under qualified instruction.
PLAY WHEN NEEDED
Watch the basic movement slowly
- 1Starting pointEstablish the position
- 2Decisive actionRestrict upper-body movement
- 3CompletionMaintain a responsive base
1 / 3Starting point— Establish the position
Follow the red line and phase indicator. The guide does not autoplay or loop.
How it works
The central principle of Kata-gatame is the coordinated action that pins the head-and-arm unit together using the side of the neck and both arms from beside uke.
Entry
Establish the position
Move into the relationship shown in the official demonstration and establish position before adding pressure. Keep the transition controlled.
Control
Restrict upper-body movement
The central principle of Kata-gatame is the coordinated action that pins the head-and-arm unit together using the side of the neck and both arms from beside uke.
Hold
Maintain a responsive base
Keep a stable base and adjust as uke moves. Maintain the recognised control without relying on sudden or uncontrolled pressure.
Key points
- To identify Kata-gatame, watch for the moment the holding orientation becomes decisive rather than naming the technique from the landing alone.
- The official definition centres on an action that pins the head-and-arm unit together using the side of the neck and both arms from beside uke.
Similar techniques
| Technique | Japanese name | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Ushiro-kesa-gatame | 後袈裟固 | Ushiro-kesa-gatame controls from a reverse scarf-hold orientation with the hip turned toward uke’s head and upper body; Kata-gatame pins the head-and-arm unit together using the side of the neck and both arms from beside uke. |
| Kami-shiho-gatame | 上四方固 | Kami-shiho-gatame controls the torso from above the head with symmetrical belt-side grips and chest-to-upper-body pressure; Kata-gatame pins the head-and-arm unit together using the side of the neck and both arms from beside uke. |
| Kuzure-kesa-gatame | 崩袈裟固 | Kuzure-kesa-gatame holds the upper body from the side with scarf-hold pressure; Kata-gatame pins the head-and-arm unit together using the side of the neck and both arms from beside uke. |
Reference
Open the detailed source material when you need definitions, technical distinctions, training context, or references.
Official definition
What this technique is
Within the Kodokan list, Kata-gatame belongs to holding techniques. Its name is attached to the action that pins the head-and-arm unit together using the side of the neck and both arms from beside uke, not to every contest exchange that ends in a similar fall or final position. The official Kata-gatame demonstration is therefore the best starting point for recognizing the technique before comparing variations in timing, grip or stance.
Core principle
The central principle of Kata-gatame is the coordinated action that pins the head-and-arm unit together using the side of the neck and both arms from beside uke. In this technique, timing, balance breaking and continuous control must work together. Pause the official Kata-gatame demonstration before the decisive action and check what support remains, where contact is maintained and whether tori is lifting, reaping, blocking, rotating, wrapping or applying controlled pressure.
Detailed execution
Key recognition points
- To identify Kata-gatame, watch for the moment the holding orientation becomes decisive rather than naming the technique from the landing alone.
- The official definition centres on an action that pins the head-and-arm unit together using the side of the neck and both arms from beside uke.
- When reviewing Kata-gatame, check that balance breaking, contact and direction stay connected from entry through the controlled finish.
Distinguishing this technique
The practical identifying feature of Kata-gatame is the holding orientation: pins the head-and-arm unit together using the side of the neck and both arms from beside uke. Compare that action with neighbouring names in the same Kodokan category. If the contact point, control route or sacrifice direction changes, the result may belong under a different official name even when the landing position looks similar.
Training and safety
Training and safety
Practise positional entry, breathing space, and safe escape responses under a qualified Judo instructor. Release pressure promptly when a partner signals discomfort.