katajujijime

Katajujijime is a shime-waza, or strangulation technique, used in the Japanese martial art of judo. It is a variation of the standard juji-jime (cross choke) and is characterized by a distinct grip configuration that creates a diagonal cross across the opponent’s neck. The name can be rendered as kata-juji-jime, with kanji often transliterated as形十字絞, reflecting its form-based cross choke.

In practice, katajujijime is applied from on-the-ground positions or during transitions when the practitioner can control the opponent’s upper body. The attacker positions one hand to grip a lapel on one side of the collar while the other hand crosses to assist, forming an X-like pressure across the throat. By tightening the grip and aligning the forearms and body, pressure is directed toward the neck to compress the carotid arteries and limit blood flow, potentially leading to a submission if the hold is sustained. Control of the opponent’s head and posture is important to prevent escape and to maintain the choke.

Safety and training considerations are central: as with all shime-waza, katajujijime should be practiced under supervision with awareness of safety protocols. Competitors should stop immediately if the opponent taps or shows distress. In sport judo, this technique is one of the officially taught variants of cross chokes and is distinguished from other juji-jime variations by its grip pattern and diagonal application.