Groundwork chains

Ne-waza chains: the defence to one control is the opening for the next. Several of these finish in a joint lock, which is age-restricted in most federations and never applied quickly: work them slowly, under instruction, and release the instant your partner taps.

• Kesa-gatame to Hiza-gatameVideoA partner who pushes hard on your chest to escape the scarf hold has given you a straight arm. The knee lock takes it without letting the hold go until you are ready. Age limits apply to joint locks; learn this only under instruction.
• Kuzure-kami-shiho-gatame to Ushiro-kesa-gatameVideoTurning away from the broken upper four quarters hold is the standard escape attempt, and it hands you the reverse scarf hold. You follow the turn rather than fighting it.
• Kuzure-kesa-gatame to Ude-garamiVideoThe broken scarf hold leaves your partner's far arm free, and the usual thing they do with it is push. Ude-garami folds that arm back on itself. Age limits apply to joint locks; learn this only under instruction.
• Tate-shiho-gatame to Juji-gatameVideoThe commonest ne-waza chain in contest: they defend the lengthwise hold by pushing with an arm, and you swing a leg over to take it. Age limits apply to joint locks; learn this only under instruction.