Armbar vs Kimura | Which BJJ Submission is Better?

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Common Mistakes in Armbar Vs Kimura

Training Tips for Armbar Vs Kimura

Learning Progression for Armbar Vs Kimura

1. Start with controlled drilling of the core mechanics at 30% resistance.
2. Progress to positional sparring: your partner starts in the relevant position and you practice Armbar Vs Kimura with moderate resistance.
3. Integrate into flow rolling — actively hunt for Armbar Vs Kimura opportunities without forcing.
4. Add to live sparring with full resistance. Focus on recognizing setups, not just finishing.
5. Record and review footage to identify timing gaps and mechanical errors.

In-Depth: Armbar vs Kimura: Complete Comparison

Biomechanics & Physics

The armbar leverages the principle of a lever to induce hyperextension at the elbow joint. The attacker's hips act as the fulcrum, while the opponent's bicep and tricep muscles are the resistance. By creating a strong hip clamp and isolating the opponent's arm, the attacker can generate significant force. The linear force vector is directed downwards through the opponent's forearm, pushing it away from their shoulder socket. Maintaining posture and using the attacker's body weight are critical. Conversely, the kimura focuses on rotational force at the shoulder joint, specifically internal rotation and adduction. The attacker establishes a figure-four grip, with their arm wrapping around the opponent's elbow and their other hand gripping their own wrist or bicep. The attacker's body then rotates their opponent's arm, forcing the shoulder into extreme internal rotation. This movement stretches the rotator cuff muscles and can force a submission before significant hyperextension is applied to the elbow. The key is maintaining a tight grip and using your body's rotation rather than brute strength.

Common Mistakes (Specific to This Technique)

• Armbar: Incomplete Hip Clamp/Falling Backward: When attacking an armbar from mount, failing to establish a tight hip clamp and instead leaning back too far allows the opponent to escape by bridging and potentially posturing up, relieving the pressure on the elbow.
• Kimura: Allowing Opponent to Turn In: When setting up a kimura from guard, if the opponent can turn their body towards the attacker, they can relieve the rotational pressure on the shoulder and often escape to a more dominant position or minimize the submission threat.
• Both: Over-reliance on Grip Strength: Attacking either submission solely with grip strength, without integrating proper body mechanics, leverage, and hip/body control, makes them easily defended and significantly less effective, especially against stronger or more experienced opponents.

Variations & Counters

The strategic interplay between the armbar and kimura extends to their transitions and counters. From a failed armbar attempt, particularly from guard, a common follow-up is to transition to an omoplata or a triangle choke. If the opponent defends the armbar by stacking, they can expose their back, leading to a potential back take. Conversely, a kimura attack can often be converted into other submissions or dominant positions. If the opponent tries to roll out of a kimura to escape the shoulder lock, a skilled practitioner can often follow them and secure a mount or side control. A failed kimura grip can also be a gateway to a guillotine choke if the opponent postures up defensively. Furthermore, the kimura grip itself can be used to initiate sweeps and takedowns, such as pulling the opponent forward into a guard pass or using the rotational pressure to destabilize their base. Understanding these interconnected options allows for a dynamic submission game, preventing opponents from simply focusing on defending one threat.

Drilling Recommendations

For drilling the armbar, begin with static setups from mount and guard, focusing on hip control and leg placement. Perform 10-15 repetitions per side, with light resistance from your partner who will tap immediately if the submission is applied correctly. Progress to drilling the transition from mount to a basic armbar, with your partner offering minimal resistance. For kimura drills, practice establishing the figure-four grip from various positions (guard, side control, north-south). Drill the grip and the initial rotational movement 10-15 times per side, with a partner resisting slightly by trying to pull their arm out. Then, practice the follow-through to a tap, where the partner offers moderate resistance. Focus on maintaining the grip throughout the entire motion. Integrate live drilling with limited submission attempts (e.g., 3-5 armbar and 3-5 kimura attempts per person per round) where partners are allowed to defend and escape, focusing on applying the techniques under pressure.

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