University Judo Club: Judo History: The Origin of Kesa Gatame

Our Tradition: Kosen + Contemporary Olympic

The Auckland University Judo Club style fuses Kosen and contemporary Olympic Judo. The current Sensei is Rick Littlewood (7th Dan, from Kodokan Judo and the NZJF). Sensei Rick has trained extensively at Doshisha University, Kyoto, and studied under Kimura Mitsuro (8th Dan), affectionately known as “Mr. Sankaku,” and Ebii Goichi (9th Dan), the “god of Newaza.” His present Judo Sensei is Isao Okano from Ryuzukei University. The Club was founded in 1960 by Jerry Van Kylenburg. We are an affiliated member of the New Zealand Judo Federation (NZJF).

03 July 2009

Judo History: The Origin of Kesa Gatame

[By Phillip J] Hi Guys, As you know this hold is one of the easiest when done with the correct applications. However have you ever thought where its name come from ???

Kesa is a jpn buddhist robe, I guess you can see the off shoulder slope from left neck to right armpit. The osae komi was named over 100 yrs ago. The Photo here dates from about 1870.