Ude-garami
腕緘うでがらみ
- Kansetsu-waza
- Katame-no-kata
Key idea
The defining action bends and rotates the elbow through a figure-four style arm control using both hands.
Kodokan official demonstration
Kodokan technique list (opens in a new tab)YouTube (opens in a new tab)
How it works
The central principle of Ude-garami is the coordinated action that bends and rotates the elbow through a figure-four style arm control using both hands.
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 Ude-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 bends and rotates the elbow through a figure-four style arm control using both hands.
Similar techniques
| Technique | Japanese name | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Juji-gatame | 腕挫十字固 | Ude-hishigi-juji-gatame The principle is positional isolation and controlled extension of the elbow; Ude-garami bends and rotates the elbow through a figure-four style arm control using both hands. |
| Ude-hishigi-ude-gatame | 腕挫腕固 | Ude-hishigi-ude-gatame extends the elbow with two-hand control; Ude-garami bends and rotates the elbow through a figure-four style arm control using both hands. |
| Ude-hishigi-hiza-gatame | 腕挫膝固 | Ude-hishigi-hiza-gatame uses the knee as the controlling point to extend the elbow; Ude-garami bends and rotates the elbow through a figure-four style arm control using both hands. |
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, Ude-garami belongs to joint techniques. Its name is attached to the action that bends and rotates the elbow through a figure-four style arm control using both hands, not to every contest exchange that ends in a similar fall or final position. The official Ude-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 Ude-garami is the coordinated action that bends and rotates the elbow through a figure-four style arm control using both hands. In this technique, timing, balance breaking and continuous control must work together. Pause the official Ude-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 Ude-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 bends and rotates the elbow through a figure-four style arm control using both hands.
- When reviewing Ude-garami, check that balance breaking, contact and direction stay connected from entry through the controlled finish.
Distinguishing this technique
The practical identifying feature of Ude-garami is the joint-control structure: bends and rotates the elbow through a figure-four style arm control using both hands. 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
Joint locks must be applied progressively and released immediately when a partner signals. Practise only under a qualified Judo instructor; eligibility and permitted applications vary by age and ruleset.