Pinning holds – Martial Arts Videos

Full mount
The mount, or mounted position, is a dominant ground grappling position, where one combatant sits on the other combatants torso with the face pointing towards the opponent’s head. This is very favourable for the top combatant in several ways. The top combatant can generate considerable momentum for strikes such as punches or elbows to... more »
How to do a full mount pin in Judo
Learn how to do a full mount pin in this free martial arts video (tate shiho gatame) from master Judo instructor Richard... more »
How to do a pillow hold in Judo
Learn how to do a pillow hold (makura kesa gatame) with this online Judo lesson for beginners in this free martial arts video from master Judo instructor Richard... more »
How to do a top of head pin in Judo
Learn how to do a top of head pin (kami shio gatame) in this free martial arts video from master Judo instructor Richard... more »
Kami shiho gatame
Kami shiho gatame (north-south hold) i the most common pinning hols applied from the north-south position in combat sports using a gi. Kami shiho gatame involves pinning the opponent’s arms to his or her side, typically by grabbing the opponent’s belt and using the arms to press the arms of the opponent inwards. Kami... more »
Kata gatame
Kata gatame (shoulder hold) is one of the seven mat holds, Osaekomi-waza, of Kodokan Judo. It is also one of the 25 techniques of Danzan Ryu’s constriction arts, Shimete, list. In grappling terms, it is categorized as a side control hold. In Judo it is primarily a hold down as to submit a stronger... more »
Kesa gatame
The kesa gatame (scarf hold) is a common pinning technique used in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This technique is typically used immediately following a throw or other takedown, and while waiting for or creating a submission. This technique, like other pins, allows the person on top to rest while creating stress for the opponent.... more »
Kuzure kami shio gatame
Kuzure kami shio gatame is one of the seven mat holds, osaekomi waza, of Kodokan Judo. In grappling terms, it is categorized as a north-south hold and it’s a variant of kami shio gatame. ... more »
Kuzure yoko shio gatame
Kuzure yoko shio gatame (broken lateral four quarters) is a Judo pinning hold very similar to yoko shio gatame (Kuzure means “variant”). Tori’s right arm passes bteween Uke’s legs and wraps round Uke’s left leg and locates onto Uke’ jacket. Tori’s left arm goes over Uke’s left shoulder and locks onto Uke’s... more »
Makura kesa gatame
Makura kesa gatame (pillow scarf hold) A strong ground hold in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that lends itself well to MMA fighting with striking. The tori holds the uke in a Kesa Gatame, but the leg of the tori nearest the mat is brought up towards and underneath the uke’s head so that tori... more »
Neil Adams effective fighting
Neil Adrian Adams is a British judoka who won numerous Olympic and World Championship medals in judo. His achievements include a gold medal at the 1981 World Judo Championships in Maastricht, the Netherlands, plus silver medals in the 1980 and 1984 Summer Olympic Games and the 1983 Judo World Championships. Adams was also five-time... more »
Tate shiho gatame
Tate shiho gatame, known as “Montada” in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the seven mat holds, Osaekomi waza, of Kodokan Judo. In grappling terms, it is categorized as a mounted position. In tate shiho gatame you sit astride your opponent knees up high under armpits to avoid being bucked or alternatively lying on top... more »
The scarf position in Sambo
Learn the scarf position (Judo “kesa gatame“) in Sambo martial arts in this free self-defense training video. Expert: Stephen R.... more »
The shoulder lock move in Sambo
Learn how to do the shoulder lock move from scarf position in Sambo martial arts. Fee self-defense training video by Expert Village. Expert: Stephen R.... more »
Ushiro kesa gatame
Ushiro kesa gatame (rear scarf hold) is a Judo pinning hold, one of the variations of kesa gatame. To perform the technique, sit down by their head on one side of a laid-down partner – with your legs in the same direction as theirs. The arm nearest your opponents head goes either under their... more »
Yoko shio gatame
Yoko shio gatame (side four quarters hold) is a pinning hold used in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tori (White) Is to the side of Uke with both knees spread wide apart. Tori has passed one hand under Uke’s neck and grips lapel of Uke’s Gi. The other hand has passed between Uke’s leg and... more »