IMAC Dojo Judo Curriculum · Level 4
Judo Level 4: Ude Hishigi Waki Gatame — Connect arm control to the armpit and torso
Ude Hishigi Waki Gatame combines armpit control of an arm with hands at the wrist. Observe the body relationship, not the speed of downward pressure.
Compiled by Phoenix — Co-founder of IMAC Dojo
Thaninpong Supapitakpong (Phoenix)Co-founder of IMAC DojoUpdated 29 Sept 2026
- Author
- Thaninpong Supapitakpong (Phoenix)
- Published
- Last updated
- Sources
- 1
- Reading time
- 2 min
Short Answer
Ude Hishigi Waki Gatame combines armpit control of an arm with hands at the wrist. Observe the body relationship, not the speed of downward pressure.
Key Takeaways
- Watch the hands at the wrist.
- Trace the arm toward the practitioner’s armpit.
- Observe stopping when placement slips instead of increasing pressure.
Although two hands are visible, trace the partner’s arm to the practitioner’s armpit to find the control point named by the technique.
In this article
What the name tells us
腕挫腋固, ude-hishigi-waki-gatame, is a joint technique. Waki here refers to the armpit.
How the technique works
Kodokan describes both hands holding the wrist and the arm controlled at the armpit. Read both contact areas together; an instructor checks actual joint alignment.
Waki identifies tori's armpit as part of retaining uke's arm. Kodokan combines a two-handed wrist grip with the arm held at the armpit to control the elbow. Follow the relationship between wrist and upper arm, not arbitrary armpit pressure.
What to watch in the clips
- Watch the hands at the wrist.
- Trace the arm toward the practitioner’s armpit.
- Observe stopping when placement slips instead of increasing pressure.
A distinction worth noticing
Ude Garami interlocks the arms, while Hara Gatame relates the arm to the abdomen. Similar wrist grips do not establish an identical technique.
Because the torso participates, a small movement can change the load on the arm. Dropping the body is not something to imitate independently from a clip, particularly when uke cannot follow. Separate positioning from pressure.
Taking the lesson back to practice
Position without joint pressure under an instructor. Do not drop the body or jerk to finish. Agree on a stop signal and release immediately.
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.
Before pressure, ask whether uke can signal and tori can release promptly. Study control points and stopping, not the fastest entry or waiting for pain to confirm the lock.
Connect this with your next lesson
Ude Hishigi Waki Gatame — Video lesson 1
An IMAC Dojo clip accompanying Ude Hishigi Waki Gatame. Use the observations and distinctions in this article to guide your viewing.
Video published
Sources and further reading
- 腕挫腋固 — 講道館 柔道 技名称一覧 — 講道館ReferenceAccessed 29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does waki identify?
The practitioner’s armpit as part of arm control, not a target to strike.
Can the hands alone identify it?
No. Observe how the arm relates to armpit and torso.
What if it seems to require sudden pressure?
Stop for an instructor’s positioning check rather than use speed or a body drop to compensate.
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