Shoulder Lock Guide | BJJ App Wiki
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BJJ shoulder locks: kimura, americana, omoplata — mechanics comparison, entries from every position, and combining them into a system.
The three shoulder locks form a complete attacking system targeting the shoulder joint from different angles — mastering all three and their connections gives you options from every position.
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Kimura (Double Wrist Lock)
The kimura attacks the shoulder in internal rotation. Entry: grip the wrist with one hand and figure-four with the other arm, create leverage by pushing the hand toward the back. Available from: guard bottom (hip escape to angle), side control (step over the head), north-south, half guard. Gordon Ryan uses the kimura as a control system for back takes and sweeps, not just as a submission.
Americana (Key Lock)
The americana attacks the shoulder in external rotation — the opposite of the kimura. Entry from mount or side control: push the arm into an L-shape (hand by the ear), figure-four the wrist and elbow, drive the elbow down to the mat. Key: keep the elbow pinned to the mat and use your body weight rather than arm strength to finish.
Omoplata
The omoplata attacks the shoulder from the guard bottom using leg leverage: hip escape to create angle, swing your leg over the shoulder (as if for a triangle but continue rotating), lock the leg tight against their side, and sit up while driving your knee forward. The omoplata is both a submission and a sweep/back take platform.
Kimura vs. Americana vs. Omoplata
Kimura: internal rotation, best from guard bottom or north-south. Americana: external rotation, best from top positions. Omoplata: rotation + pressure, best from guard bottom. Together they form a 360-degree shoulder attack system where each technique creates transitions to the others.
Shoulder Lock Combinations
The key combinations: kimura to back take (if they roll to escape), americana to mounted triangle (if they move their arm), omoplata to triangle (if they posture), omoplata to back take (if they roll forward). Each shoulder lock should be treated as an entry to the next technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — shoulder locks apply direct pressure to the shoulder joint and rotator cuff. Always tap before feeling pain (not at the point of pain). Apply slowly in training. The kimura especially can cause injury if applied quickly.
The kimura trap is a modern system (popularized by IBJJF/ADCC competitors) where you use the kimura grip not just for the submission but for control: using it to sweep, take the back, maintain position, and threaten multiple attacks simultaneously.
Yes, the omoplata is legal at all belt levels in IBJJF gi and no-gi competition. It is considered a standard shoulder joint lock.
Related Guides
→ 🔗 Submission Chain Guide→ 🎯 High Percentage Attacks→ 🎯 Back Attacks Guide→ 🛡️ Guard Types Guide→ 👕 No-Gi ConceptsGet the BJJ Wiki Newsletter
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More Questions
How do I prevent my opponent from stacking me during an omoplata?
To prevent stacking, focus on maintaining hip control and keeping your hips heavy. You can also try to 'sit up' and use your legs to create space or transition to a different submission if they are successfully stacking.
What's the difference between a Kimura and an Americana?
Both are shoulder locks, but the grip and arm position differ. The Kimura uses a figure-four grip on the opponent's arm, with their elbow bent and palm facing up. The Americana is a straight armbar variation where the opponent's arm is extended, and you control their wrist and elbow.
When is the best time to transition from a failed omoplata attempt?
If your opponent defends the omoplata effectively by stacking or escaping, look to transition quickly. Common transitions include rolling to a sweep, attacking the back, or setting up a different submission like a triangle choke if they overcommit to defending.
Common BJJ Problems & FAQ
You are likely overextending your opponent's arm and creating a valgus stress on your own shoulder joint. To avoid this, keep your elbow tucked close to your body and use your hips to drive forward, rotating your opponent's arm with your forearm and wrist, rather than yanking with your biceps.
To prevent escape, establish a strong cross-face to control their head and pin their shoulder to the mat with your chest. Then, isolate their arm by keeping your elbow tight to their body and your forearm on their bicep, ensuring their elbow cannot bend to relieve pressure.
To counter the stack, you need to maintain hip connection and drive your hips forward to create space. As they stack, sit up and use your free leg to hook their hip, preventing them from driving their weight directly onto your shoulders and allowing you to continue rotating into the submission.