Ura-gatame
裏固うらがため
- Osaekomi-waza
Key idea
The defining action holds uke from beneath the back line while controlling an arm and leg rather than applying chest pressure from above.
Kodokan official demonstration
Kodokan technique list (opens in a new tab)YouTube (opens in a new tab)
How it works
The central principle of Ura-gatame is the coordinated action that holds uke from beneath the back line while controlling an arm and leg rather than applying chest pressure from above.
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 Ura-gatame is the coordinated action that holds uke from beneath the back line while controlling an arm and leg rather than applying chest pressure from above.
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 Ura-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 holds uke from beneath the back line while controlling an arm and leg rather than applying chest pressure from above.
Similar techniques
| Technique | Japanese name | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Uki-gatame | 浮固 | Uki-gatame uses the leg as a principal upper-body control; Ura-gatame holds uke from beneath the back line. |
| Tate-shiho-gatame | 縦四方固 | Tate-shiho-gatame mounts along uke’s torso while controlling the head-and-arm line and securing the lower body with the legs; Ura-gatame holds uke from beneath the back line. |
| Yoko-shiho-gatame | 横四方固 | Yoko-shiho-gatame controls across the torso from the side with one grip through the legs and another around the far collar; Ura-gatame holds uke from beneath the back line. |
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, Ura-gatame belongs to holding techniques. Its name is attached to the action that holds uke from beneath the back line while controlling an arm and leg rather than applying chest pressure from above, not to every contest exchange that ends in a similar fall or final position. The official Ura-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 Ura-gatame is the coordinated action that holds uke from beneath the back line while controlling an arm and leg rather than applying chest pressure from above. In this technique, timing, balance breaking and continuous control must work together. Pause the official Ura-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 Ura-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 holds uke from beneath the back line while controlling an arm and leg rather than applying chest pressure from above.
- When reviewing Ura-gatame, check that balance breaking, contact and direction stay connected from entry through the controlled finish.
Distinguishing this technique
The practical identifying feature of Ura-gatame is the holding orientation: holds uke from beneath the back line while controlling an arm and leg rather than applying chest pressure from above. 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.