Kneeling Back-Take Battle

A judo and ground wrestling game: in pairs and on their knees, each student tries to get behind their partner and wrap both arms around their waist, while the partner turns to protect their back. Students work on knee mobility, gripping, and anticipation.

How to play

1. One pair per mat, kneeling face to face with hands on each other's shoulders; start with a bow (2 min).
2. Guided practice: the teacher shows how to move a partner's arm aside and shuffle on the knees to the side to reach the back (3 min).
3. On the whistle, both try to get behind the other and hold a waist lock from behind for 3 seconds; each bout lasts 30 seconds max.
4. A successful waist lock scores 1 point and partners restart; play best of 5 (4 min).
5. Switch partners twice; in the last round, one attacks and the other only defends, switching after 20 seconds (6 min).

Rules

• Always on the knees: no standing up or jumping on a partner.
• The hold goes around the waist; never the neck or head.
• Two taps on the mat or on the partner stop the bout immediately.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: if kneeling is not possible, play seated and win by touching the partner's shoulder blade.
• Autism or shyness: start in the guided phase with the teacher and choose a trusted partner for the first switch.
• Fitness level: alternate bouts with 30-second rests and pair by weight.

Learning goals

• Move quickly and with balance on the knees.
• Anticipate an opponent's moves to protect the back.
• Respect the stop signal and the bow.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 13

Teacher tip

Explain that in wrestling sports, controlling the back gives an advantage, which is why players protect it. Watch that no one drops their full weight onto a partner.

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