Learn to execute the powerful Kimura submission in BJJ with this comprehensive guide. Discover step-by-step instructions, common mistakes, variations,...
Joint Lock
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Intermediate
The Kimura is a highly effective and versatile shoulder lock submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, named after judoka Masahiko Kimura. It targets the shoulder joint, creating immense pressure through external rotation and abduction of the opponent's arm. This powerful technique can be applied from numerous positions, making it a staple in any grappler's arsenal.
Technique Map
graph LR
Joint_Lock["Joint Lock"]:::catNode
Joint_Lock --> Kimura
Kimura["Kimura"]:::currentNode
Kimura -.-> Armbar["Armbar"]:::relNode
Kimura -.-> Americana["Americana"]:::relNode
Kimura -.-> Omoplata["Omoplata"]:::relNode
Kimura -.-> Wrist_Lock["Wrist Lock"]:::relNode
classDef currentNode fill:#f97316,stroke:#fff,color:#fff,font-weight:700
classDef relNode fill:#141926,stroke:#1f2840,color:#a78bfa
classDef catNode fill:#1f2840,stroke:#7c6af7,color:#7c6af7,font-style:italic
How to Execute
1
Isolate your opponent's arm and secure a strong wrist control with your outside hand, ensuring their thumb is pointing upwards or sideways.
2
Reach over their isolated arm with your other hand and grab your own wrist, forming the classic 'Kimura grip' or 'figure-four' grip.
3
Use your body and legs to break their posture and control their upper body, preventing them from turning away or defending effectively.
4
Elevate their elbow towards their head while simultaneously pushing their wrist towards their hips, initiating external rotation of the shoulder joint.
5
Continue to drive the elbow up and rotate the wrist until you feel the submission, ensuring you maintain tight control throughout the movement.
Key Details & Tips
1
Common Mistake: Losing wrist control is the primary error; always keep a tight grip on their wrist as you establish your figure-four.
2
Control is King: The Kimura is less about strength and more about body mechanics and control; use your legs and hips to break posture and limit their movement.
3
Target the Shoulder: Focus on rotating the shoulder joint, not just bending the arm. The leverage comes from the elbow-wrist angle relative to the shoulder.
4
Maintain Pressure: Keep constant pressure on the opponent's arm and shoulder, preventing them from creating space or escaping the grip.
Variations
1
Kimura from Closed Guard: Often used to sweep or transition to an armbar, this variation involves breaking posture and threatening the shoulder from the bottom.
2
Kimura from Side Control: A dominant position to attack the Kimura, allowing for strong hip control and leverage to finish the submission or transition to other attacks.
3
Kimura Trap System: A series of attacks and transitions often initiated when an opponent turtles, leading to back takes, armbars, or the Kimura itself.
When to Use
The Kimura is best applied when you have dominant control over one of your opponent's arms, especially from positions like side control, closed guard, or half guard. It is also highly effective during scrambles or when an opponent attempts to turtle up, providing an excellent opportunity to isolate an arm and secure the grip. Furthermore, the Kimura can be used as a setup for other submissions like Armbars or even back takes, using the threat to open up new attack angles.
Counters & Defenses
1
Grip Break: Immediately pull your arm free or use your other hand to strip your opponent's grip as soon as they secure it.
2
Hug Your Own Arm: Bring your free hand to hug your trapped arm, preventing the external rotation and making it difficult for your opponent to create leverage.
3
Turn Into the Attack: Rotate your body towards your opponent, relieving the pressure on your shoulder and potentially allowing you to escape or reverse the position.
Elite Athletes Who Use This Technique
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Q: What's the difference between a Kimura and an Americana?
Both are shoulder locks, but they target the shoulder joint with different mechanics. The Kimura applies external rotation and abduction (arm away from body), typically with a figure-four grip over the opponent's wrist and elbow. The Americana (or Keylock) applies internal rotation and adduction (arm towards body), using a figure-four grip on the opponent's wrist and elbow, but in the opposite direction, often from top control.
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