Judo Level 2: Kuzure Kami Shiho Gatame — Notice the diagonal approach and changed arm role

崩上四方固, kuzure-kami-shiho-gatame, names a modified upper four-corner hold. Kuzure means a changed form here, not a hold that has accidentally failed.

Kodokan describes a diagonal head-side approach, control of one partner arm and a belt grip on the other side, with the torso controlling the upper body. This asymmetry serves a function; the hands need not mirror each other.

Kuzure-kami-shiho-gatame differs through an oblique approach from the head end and control around one of uke's arms. Kodokan specifies both approach and grip. It is not simply ordinary kami-shiho-gatame shifted slightly sideways and renamed.

A misplaced grip that loses control is not automatically kuzure. This technique has identifiable controls, unlike Kami Shiho Gatame’s head-side arrangement gripping both sides of the belt.

Watch how the controlled arm affects uke's ability to turn the shoulder, while checking the belt hand and chest connection. If a gap lets uke change torso direction, tightening the arms can obscure a positional problem.

Ask an instructor to set the angle and check the controlled arm before adding resistance. If reaching opens a body gap, adjust distance first. Controlled contact makes the mechanism clearer than squeezing harder.

The Level here refers to the IMAC Dojo curriculum. Use the article and clips to prepare questions and review them with your instructor. Practical training needs a suitable partner, space and controlled conditions.

Compare with kami-shiho-gatame before full pressure is applied, when the arm route and torso angle are easier to see. Ask which connections must remain as uke starts moving. This separates the principle from details that vary with the partners' builds.