Makura / Pillow Hold
枕
Technical gripping detail slipping a thigh or arm under the opponent's head like a 'pillow' to secure pins.
Quick Facts
CategoryConcept / Principle
Pronunciation/[mah-koo-rah]/
Alternative NamesPillow hold, Head pillow leverage in pin
Definition
Makura ('pillow') leverages head elevation during ground control. By placing an arm or thigh beneath the opponent's neck, the defender flexes the opponent's cervical spine, breaking their bridging power and opening collar chokes.
Related Terms
Mount / Full MountMount
Highly dominant top ground position where a fighter straddles the opponent's torso.
Katame-waza / Ground Control固技 / 寝技Category of ground grappling techniques including hold-downs (Osaekomi), joint locks (Kansetsu), and chokes (Shime).
Gi Choke / Lapel Choke絞技Submission choking techniques in BJJ and Judo making tactical use of the opponent's gi lapels.