Kesa Gatame is a grappling position that is used in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo. However, there are some key differences between the BJJ Kesa Gatame position and the Judo Scarf Hold position. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between these two positions.
The first major difference between the BJJ Kesa Gatame and the Judo Scarf Hold position is the way in which the position is initiated. In BJJ, the top person often transitions to Kesa Gatame from a side control or mount position. The top person may use their knee to block the opponent's arm and then slide their chest across the opponent's chest to secure the position.
In Judo, the Scarf Hold position is often initiated from a standing position, where the top person may throw their opponent to the ground and then secure the position. The top person may use their body weight to control the opponent's upper body and maintain the position.
The second major difference between the two positions is the way in which they are executed. In BJJ, the top person often uses a "floating" Kesa Gatame position, where they maintain minimal contact with the ground and use their body weight to maintain pressure on their opponent. This allows the top person to transition to other positions or submissions.
In Judo, the Scarf Hold position is often executed with a more static approach. The top person may use their body weight to maintain pressure on their opponent and prevent them from escaping. This allows the top person to secure the position and control their opponent.
The third major difference between the two positions is the way in which they are used. In BJJ, Kesa Gatame is often used as a transitional position, where the top person can move to other positions or submissions. Kesa Gatame is often used to set up submissions such as the Kimura or Americana.
In Judo, the Scarf Hold position is often used as a pinning position, where the top person can hold their opponent down for a set amount of time to score points. The top person may also use the position to tire out their opponent and prevent them from launching a counterattack.
In conclusion, while the BJJ Kesa Gatame and the Judo Scarf Hold position may look similar, there are some key differences in the way in which they are initiated, executed, and used. Understanding these differences can help BJJ and Judo practitioners to effectively utilize these positions in their training and competition.