Glossary of Judo waza (techniques) terms

Gyaku-juji-jime (Reverse cross strangle)

Summary

This Shime waza (strangling techniques) presses the carotid artery and stops the flow of blood.

Features of this Waza

The Gyaku-juji-jime (Reverse cross strangle) is a Shime waza (strangling techniques) in which Tori (Player executing technique) grasps Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) collar with both hands which are crossed (normal grip).

Waza details

As the Waza name implies, Tori (Player executing technique) grasps Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) collar with both strangling hands which are crossed. There are three cross strangle Waza: the Nami-juji-jime (Normal cross strangle), the Gyaku-juji-jime (Reverse cross strangle), and the Kata-juji-jime (Half cross strangle). Each of these entails a different collar grasp method.
In this Gyaku-juji-jime (Reverse cross strangle) collar grasp, the palms of both strangling hands are facing upward.
Tori (Player executing technique) thrusts all four fingers of both hands deeply into the inside of Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) collar with outer sides of both thumbs against Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) left and right carotid arteries. This reverse cross strangle is even more effective than the normal cross strangle. Although this strangle can be performed while sitting astride Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) who is supine, or from beneath him, etc., the grasping technique is what defines this Waza. When performing this strangle maneuver, Tori (Player executing technique) pulls Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) strongly against him, and uses both legs to restrict Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) freedom of movement.
The strangle can also be executed effectively by firmly grasping the back of Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) collar. Because Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) may attempt to escape by pushing both of Tori (Player executing technique) elbows upward, Tori (Player executing technique) can repel this by bending both elbows while raising his hips to bear down with his upper body against Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack).