Juji-Gatame Meaning in Judo

Juji-Gatame is a joint lock that targets the elbow of an opponent. The attacker lies across the chest of the defender during the move. One leg rests over the face while the other crosses the torso. This position secures the arm between the thighs of the attacking player. The athlete pulls the wrist upward while arching the hips into the elbow. Tension on the joint forces the opponent to tap for a submission. A player often transitions into this hold from a failed throwing attempt. Proper execution requires keeping the knees squeezed tightly together for maximum control. This pressure prevents the defender from rotating the arm to escape the lock. Success depends on isolating the shoulder and wrist at the same time. This technique remains one of the most common ways to win on the ground.