Kata Gatame from Front Headlock
The front headlock is one of the most powerful control positions in no-gi — if you know how to finish from it. In this free YouTube instructional, Luke Martin breaks down a structured, step-by-step pathway to kata gatame from the front headlock, turtle, four-point, and mount — with three finishing mechanics you can test and refine for yourself.
🔐 MASTERING THE FRONT HEADLOCK → KATA GATAME TRANSITION
You’ll learn how to:
Lock up a palm-to-palm kata gatame (aka arm-triangle) straight from the front headlock
Use your quadricep and knee placement to wedge the strangle into place
Choose the right finishing angle based on your opponent’s posture and escape attempts
This isn’t a guillotine. This isn’t a loose front headlock. This is structured shoulder and artery compression that works from turtle, top ride, or even mount.
🧪 WHICH FINISH IS BEST? TEST & FEEL IT YOURSELF
Luke walks through three distinct finishing mechanics and gets feedback from the room on what works best:
Arch away from the opponent to generate tension
Crunch in elbow-to-knee for compact pressure
Extend the body + lift the wrist to stretch the neck while locking in compression
Each finish has its place. Some depend on your opponent’s defense, others on your own arm length, flexibility, or timing. The video shows how to try all three and spot which suits your style.
🔄 FROM FRONT HEADLOCK, TURTLE, OR FOUR-POINT
This class doesn’t stop at theory — you’ll see the strangle adapted across multiple situations:
Re-entry from front headlock when your opponent turtles
Reset from four-point when they start building up height
Mounted variation when you roll through but still maintain the grip
How to counter escape attempts by adjusting your angle or taking the back
You’ll even see tips on how to stop them slipping their shoulder line — the most common escape.
“Your goal is to keep their head low and armpit high. If they flip that angle, they’re out.” – Luke Martin
🧠 BONUS DETAIL: WHEN TO SWITCH TO THE BACK
If your opponent defends the strangle by turning in and sitting through, Luke shows how to:
Pinch the knees and maintain control
Transition to underhook and wrist grips
Insert bottom hook and take the back with control
This sequence turns a failed submission into a dominant position — seamlessly.
▶️ WATCH THE FULL INSTRUCTIONAL NOW
📺 Click here to watch on YouTube
💥 No membership needed
💻 No fluff — just real systems, refined pressure, and straight-to-the-point coaching
Sign up to Sydney West Online and get access to the full program.