Wrist Control Series

Taught by the American Judo System team, the Wrist control series is a dominate system for turning over Judoka or have bellied down or turtled up trying to invoke a stand up by a referee. The Wrist control series consists of five sections. They are:

Tie up

The Tie up forces the Uke on their side and uses the skirt of the Gi Jacket to tie up the wrist and prevent the ability to use that arm to fight the turn over. The Tie up can be done when the Uke is on their side, or if their jacket is loose enough, before the turn-over is initiated.

Thread the Needle

Threading the needle builds on the fundamental wrist control and from there, if the arm comes loose, or it cannot be tied up we switch to the other arm, go chest to chest with a right arm cross face and drive Uke to the mat.

Sankaku

Again, building on the previous techniques. This technique comes from a failure to keep solid control and shoulder pressure under the scapula. The Sankaku presents itself if Uke is able to start building a base, before we can invoke pressure. Uke starts coming up to their knees and the right leg sneaks in the opening, and we roll Uke to their back. At this point, if the gi is untidy, we can look to tie the wrist.

If done properly, this becomes a dual threat, as it can be turned into a Sankaku Gatame (Triangle Hold Down) or Sankaku Jime (Triangle Strangulation)

Juji Roll

This is a snappy chain from the wrist control with Uke building up to a turtle position. The left that is on the head side goes under the chin, while the leg on the feet side, only the knee comes across, and then the Tori rolls through to the spiderweb Juji Gatame position.

Belt Turnover

This variation of the Wrist control turnover is done if the Uke switches their base and sits through in almost a Kesa Gatame leg position. The Tori's chest will change from the upper body to the lower body. Tori (in Seiza position) will reach between the legs, grab the belt and pull Uke onto their ramp that is their knees. At no point do we let go of the wrist control. Once ramped, Tori should lift with the belt grip throwing uke over their own shoulders and then dive to a pin.

Summary

The wrist control series is something that we teach at Red River Judo in order to invoke maximum pressure on a downed opponent, while working our way into a dominant pinning position.

For more information or demonstrations of the America Judo System's wrist control series, check out their website or, if you are member of USA Judo, you an access their content through USA Judo's member portal