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    Waki-gatame

    脇固 · わきがため · armpit armlock · said WAH-kee gah-TAH-meh

    The Kodokan calls this Ude-hishigi-waki-gatame (腕挫腋固).

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    Barred in competition

    Demonstrations

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    Waki-gatame illustration

    Where this technique is not allowed

    Restricted in competition when applied standing: the arm is trapped under tori's armpit with nowhere for the elbow to go, so uke cannot always submit in time. Current IJF rules grade the penalty by the risk, giving a shido where uke can still escape and hansoku-make where the lock is on and there is no escape. On the ground it is a legal armlock, taught, demonstrated and examined, and the BJA sets it as a 1st Dan fundamental skill.

    Under contest rules

    Depends on the form. Applied standing, the penalty follows the risk: a shido where uke can still escape, and hansoku-make where the arm is locked with no escape. On the ground it is a legal armlock and carries no penalty.

    Sport and Organisation Rules of the International Judo Federation: refereeing rules, 2026 edition, Articles 18.1.2 and 18.2.2.

    Still taught, demonstrated and examined, so it is written up in full here. The restriction above is a contest rule, not a reason to skip it. See the prohibited techniques list.

    About this technique

    The armpit armlock: uke's straight arm is clamped under tori's armpit and levered against the elbow with the whole body. Powerful and fast, which is why applying it as a standing technique is prohibited in competition; on the ground it is applied with particular care. Competition joint locks are restricted to the elbow and to senior age groups; learn and practise this only under instruction.

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    A technique to stretch and lock the opponent’s elbow joint by grabbing his right wrist with both hands and holding the arm under the left armpit.
    The Kodokan's definition

    Key points

    1. Their wrist gripped with both hands, arm clamped under your armpit
    2. Their thumb points up; your body, not your arms, applies it
    3. Ground technique only in competition; standing application is banned

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    grappling techniques

    At a glance

    , classification, Gokyo set, Kodokan number, contest rules, grades that require it
    What it is
    Katame-waza (grappling techniques).
    Kodokan number
    805 (WAK).
    Contest rules
    Depends on the form. Applied standing, the penalty follows the risk: a shido where uke can still escape, and hansoku-make where the arm is locked with no escape. On the ground it is a legal armlock and carries no penalty.
    Also written
    Ude-hishigi-waki-gatame.
    Required for

    Step by step

    These steps describe the standard right-handed form without relying on the video.

    1. On the ground beside your partner, take their extended right arm at the wrist with both hands, their thumb turned upward.
    2. Clamp their arm under your right armpit so your side and upper arm press along the back of their elbow.
    3. The Kodokan's definition traps the arm under your left armpit instead, so the lock works from either side.
    4. Keep their wrist tight to your chest, their arm straight, your body side-on to theirs.
    5. Apply by turning your trunk slowly away from their head, the whole body levering the elbow against your armpit.
    6. This lock arrives fast, so apply it more slowly than any other: small movement, constant attention, instant release at the tap.

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    Receiving it

    Your wrist is taken in both hands and your arm vanishes under their armpit, their whole body now framing your elbow; the leverage is severe and arrives with very little movement. Tap clearly at the first hint of pressure; this lock gives the least warning of any, and an elbow or shoulder can be injured before the pain becomes severe. Never snatch out of a lock with a twist.

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    VI judo notes

    Prohibited standing because the arm has nowhere to go and uke cannot submit in time, and that concern is sharper again when neither of you can see the arm. On the ground, take the wrist in both hands, clamp the arm along your side, and turn your trunk by the smallest amount that produces anything at all. Apply this more slowly than any other lock in judo.

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    In competition

    , how often it scores at IJF level, and two contests where it worked

    Senior IJF competition, 2020 to 2026, from 73,099 contests. Counts scores, not attempts.

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    In combinations, counters and transitions

    , 4 awaiting review

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    Reference pages elsewhere

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