Ashi-garami
足緘あしがらみ
- Kansetsu-waza
- Katame-no-kata
Key idea
The defining action entangles the leg and applies extension to the knee joint through a wrapped lower-limb position.
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 Ashi-garami is the coordinated action that entangles the leg and applies extension to the knee joint through a wrapped lower-limb position.
This technique has specific competition restrictions. Practise only under qualified supervision; uke should submit early and tori must release immediately.
- 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
- 1Enter under supervision
- 2Isolate the joint line
- 3Apply and release safely
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 pointEnter under supervision
- 2Decisive actionIsolate the joint line
- 3CompletionApply and release safely
1 / 3Starting point— Enter under supervision
Follow the red line and phase indicator. The guide does not autoplay or loop.
How it works
The central principle of Ashi-garami is the coordinated action that entangles the leg and applies extension to the knee joint through a wrapped lower-limb position.
Entry
Enter under supervision
Enter from a controlled position under qualified supervision. Establish access to the required arm, collar, or body relationship without sudden force.
Position
Isolate the joint line
Establish the recognised controlling relationship described in the official definition and shown in the demonstration.
Controlled application
Apply and release safely
Apply gradually only until uke submits. Uke should submit early, and tori must release immediately.
Key points
- To identify Ashi-garami, watch for the moment the joint-control structure becomes decisive rather than naming the technique from the landing alone.
- The official definition centres on an action that entangles the leg and applies extension to the knee joint through a wrapped lower-limb position.
Similar techniques
| Technique | Japanese name | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Ude-hishigi-ashi-gatame | 腕挫脚固 | Ude-hishigi-ashi-gatame uses a leg hooked over the arm to extend the elbow; Ashi-garami entangles the leg and applies extension to the knee joint through a wrapped lower-limb position. |
| Ude-garami | 腕緘 | Ude-garami bends and rotates the elbow through a figure-four style arm control using both hands; Ashi-garami entangles the leg and applies extension to the knee joint through a wrapped lower-limb position. |
| Ude-hishigi-sankaku-gatame | 腕挫三角固 | Ude-hishigi-sankaku-gatame uses a leg triangle around the neck-and-arm line; Ashi-garami entangles the leg and applies extension to the knee joint through a wrapped lower-limb position. |
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, Ashi-garami belongs to joint techniques. Its name is attached to the action that entangles the leg and applies extension to the knee joint through a wrapped lower-limb position, not to every contest exchange that ends in a similar fall or final position. The official Ashi-garami 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 Ashi-garami is the coordinated action that entangles the leg and applies extension to the knee joint through a wrapped lower-limb position. In this technique, timing, balance breaking and continuous control must work together. Pause the official Ashi-garami 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 Ashi-garami, watch for the moment the joint-control structure becomes decisive rather than naming the technique from the landing alone.
- The official definition centres on an action that entangles the leg and applies extension to the knee joint through a wrapped lower-limb position.
- When reviewing Ashi-garami, check that balance breaking, contact and direction stay connected from entry through the controlled finish.
Distinguishing this technique
The practical identifying feature of Ashi-garami is the joint-control structure: entangles the leg and applies extension to the knee joint through a wrapped lower-limb position. 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
Do not attempt this action from text or video alone. Practise only where a qualified Judo instructor has confirmed that the training method, partner preparation and ruleset make it appropriate. The current IJF competition rules do not allow this application, and competition rules can change.
Competition rules
Competition note
The IJF Sport and Organisation Rules dated 14 August 2026 list the application of Ashi-garami among actions that are not allowed in IJF events and are penalised with hansoku-make. This competition rule does not remove the technique from the Kodokan's official technique list.