Pedro’s Juji Gatame – Cross Armlock:

Unlike the traditional juji gatame, which is “all or nothing” in terms of catching the arm, Pedro’s juji gatame can be done anytime you are able to sink one leg in and gain control of your opponent’s wrist.

Start by hooking one of your legs inside your opponent’s legs (right leg in the example) and feed your right hand through your opponent’s right arm.  Be sure to place your palm on the mat. (This prevents your opponent from pulling his arm into his body).  At the same time bring your left knee into your opponent’s left side to keep your balance, and begin to dig for a choke with your left hand.

If you are unable to get the collar with your left hand for a choke, bring your left hand to the other side of your opponent’s head and push his head away from his right arm with your forearm.

Bring your left knee to the other side of his head and grab his arm with two hands making sure to pull through the elbow joint at all times.  Try to work your left leg under your opponent’s head and really pull through the elbow joint. (The key is to separate your opponent’s arm from his body).

Pressure your opponent’s knee with your right leg to prevent him from standing up and make sure to keep your head facing the rear.  Your right arm should be through the elbow joint and your right hand grabs your left wrist.  Your left hand grabs your opponent’s right wrist.

Start to turn your opponent by making an ude garame motion with your hands and lifting your right leg.  Utilize your left leg by putting your left foot on the mat to push off – this is key in getting the strength to turn your opponent.

Once you have turned your opponent onto his back, make sure to pull through the elbow joint at all times and lean toward his head.  (DO NOT sit up and relax, but rather maintain pressure on the arm at all times).

Try to work your arms up to his wrist and grab your own gi for added leverage.  The arm that is closest to your opponent’s head should be the one that attacks his wrist (left arm in this case).

Once you break your opponent’s grip, sit straight back and straighten his arm.  To finish, squeeze your legs together, raise your hips off the floor, and pull the arm toward your chest (pinky finger facing down).

Links to Juji Gatame video clips:

Pedro’s Juji Gatame – Cross Armlock: reverse angle (Video)