BJJ Video Series: Kesa Gatame

Kesa Gatame in Jiu-Jitsu is a side control position where you wrap one arm around your opponent's head while controlling their near arm, creating a powerful pinning hold. You use your body weight and positioning to immobilize them while maintaining control of their head and arm. It is used to set up submissions like arm locks and chokes, and offers excellent control for grinding out positional dominance. Being stuck in kesa gatame is about as comfortable as being slowly crushed by a friendly bear hug that never ends - except the bear has no intention of letting go! This is the position that makes opponents feel claustrophobic and desperate to escape, so we'll cover both the attacking techniques and crucial escape methods..