escaping from kesa gatame

[Isaiah Mendoza]

I'll just paste my question from the comments.

when I attempt to put my leg under the controlling opponent he automatically responds by turning his body with mine, keeping my leg from getting under.

I'm not sure how much leverage is lost from not having my leg under, or if it's a crucial point for the technique (I saw ari bolden demonstrate it without knee under hip).

Any tips on the technique, and getting the leg under the hip? and is it necessary?

[Greg W]

You need to be very strong to roll him without you hip under his, tons of leverage lost without it. He usually goes over pretty easy with it under, even if he is big, but nearly impossible if he is big. You need to frame with your elbow against his hip the best you can even though he is trying to pull it up. Combine the framing with a solid push on the back of his head with the other. Elbow frame and push his face to the floor, these two combined with a good strong bridge should help to keep him from sliding the hip forward for the second you need to get under him.

[Chris Herzog]

No its not necessary, its more important to try and get his head on the ground (on your near side). Make sure to turn in and spoon him as close as possible, as you establish your waist lock. Bridge to your near side first, bringing his head to the mat, assuring his hips and pressure are now going forward. Then bridge over the far shoulder, all while keeping his weight over your head. So you are actually doing 2 bridges, the first one over your near shoulder (right in this instance), then roll across your shoulders maintaining a bridge over your far shoulder. Never let your hips settle after the initial bridge, maintain it so it keeps his hips in the air.

If he defends the initial bridge by posting his over hook , you can then drop the elbow to the mat, come to your knees, then pop out an take the back.

I was only pinned once in my entire Judo career, these two escapes are the reasons why