Kami-shiho-gatame (upper four quarters)

Throw your partner slowly with a shoulder throw so that he lands in front of you on the mat. From here drop to both knees resting your head, on your partner's chest, at the same time letting go with both hands and inserting them under both shoulders of the opponent and down until you catch his belt at both sides. Having caught his belt, pull it up sharply to his chest and clamp in tight with your elbows with the side of your head pressing down tight on the opponent's chest. This is the basic position. Depending on individual preference, you can either kneel with the opponent's head caught tightly between your legs as above or stretch out both legs resting slightly on one side of the opponent's body. As in the first hold, lock in tightly with both arms and keep the same relative positions if your partner moves.

Important points, keep your arms locked in tightly under both the opponent's shoulders and keep the side of your head pressed tightly down on his chest - not his stomach.


Yoko-shiho-gatame (side four holding)

Get your partner to step forward with his right foot and throw him with the ankle sweep using your left foot. Your opponent should land horizontally in front of you. From this position drop instantly down, with your chest bearing down on his. Release your left hand grip and insert it round his neck catching his collar. Pull in strongly with the left arm so that your left shoulder comes against the side of his head. Your right arm can hold in a variety of positions. In this case over the opponent's legs catching his trousers. As in the previous hold, the legs can either be up close in a kneeling position or stretched out straight. Use whichever is effective or comfortable. Study the plates for the positions of the head, arms and legs. There are several variations of this hold but this is the basic one.