Kata-Gatame/ Head and arm choke/ Arm Triangle choke is used as a hold down in Judo, and it is mostly used as a choke in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts.
There are many schools of thought regarding the best positioning for the top attacking partner. Some advocate laying flat on the ground with the hips low. Others prefer turning to a 90 degree angle, while others like to put a knee on the ground and drive forward.
Famed MMA coach and Catch Wrestler Neil Melanson shows some game changing adjustments for the Katagatame.
Important points that Neil stresses in his version are bicep placement, wide base, and putting pressure. Neil needs just one hand to finish the arm triangle and put a tremendous amount of pressure.
If you are interested in learning more about Catch Wrestling, specifically as it pertains to competition grappling, you should check out Neil Melanson. If you haven’t heard of Neil Melanson you’ve probably heard of the various champions he’s coached (Blackzilians team and Extreme Couture)
Neil learned his skills from the Hayastan Grappling system, developed by Gokor Chivechyan and Gene LeBell. He is considered one of the foremost experts on Catch Wrestling. For more information about Neil’s impressive grappling style, pick up his DVD set in which he covers some of his coveted techniques.
