What is juji katame?

Juji katame, also known as the cross armlock or the figure-four armlock, is a grappling technique used in martial arts, particularly in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It involves applying pressure to an opponent's shoulder joint and elbow joint to immobilize their arm and cause them to submit or tap out.

The juji katame technique is typically applied from the top position in grappling, where the person performing the technique is on top of their opponent. The grappler will trap one of the opponent's arms between their legs, then reach over the opponent's shoulder and grab their own wrist, creating a figure-four shape with their arms.

The grappler will then use their body weight to apply pressure to the opponent's shoulder and elbow, creating a painful and immobilizing hold. The opponent will typically tap out or submit to avoid injury.

Juji katame is often taught as part of basic grappling techniques in martial arts and is a staple of many self-defense and competition techniques. It can be applied from a standing position or from the ground and can be modified to fit various situations and body types.