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Kimura 🚧

Quick Introduction​

The Kimura is a figure-4 shoulder lock that can be applied from virtually any position. Named after Masahiko Kimura who famously defeated Helio Gracie with it, this technique is both a submission and a powerful control position.

Technique Overview​

Type: Joint lock (shoulder rotation)

Available from: Side control 🚧, guard, half guard 🚧, turtle, scrambles

Finish: Shoulder hyperrotation using figure-4 grip leverage

Kimura Variations (3 Main Applications)​

🎯 From Side Control (Classic)​

Setup Position

Side control with opponent's near arm exposed

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Establish side control position
  2. Opponent's near arm is bent (defensive position)
  3. Grab their wrist with your same-side hand
  4. Thread your other arm under their elbow
  5. Grab your own wrist (figure-4 grip)
  6. Lift their elbow while keeping wrist controlled
  7. Rotate their arm toward their back/head

Critical Details

  • Figure-4 grip must be tight
  • Keep their elbow close to your body
  • Lift elbow, control wrist
  • Pressure toward their back, not away from body

Tactical Advantage

Highest percentage position; excellent control even if don't finish; sweeps available; works gi and no-gi

⚔️ From Guard (Offensive)​

Setup Position

Closed or open guard with opponent posting hand on mat

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Opponent posts hand on mat beside your head
  2. Overhook their arm with your same-side arm
  3. Grab their wrist with your other hand
  4. Sit up and establish figure-4 grip
  5. Break them down while keeping grip
  6. Roll them or finish from seated position

Critical Details

  • Catch the post immediately
  • Sit up quickly before they pull out
  • Can sweep even if they defend submission
  • Common setup from closed guard

Tactical Advantage

Catches posting attempts; sweep or submit option; controls dangerous arm

🔄 From Turtle (Crucifix Entry)​

Setup Position

Opponent in turtle position with arm isolated

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Opponent in defensive turtle
  2. Isolate one of their arms
  3. Get figure-4 Kimura grip
  4. Use Kimura control to take back or roll to mount
  5. Finish Kimura or transition to better position

Critical Details

  • Kimura grip creates control for transitions
  • May not finish but gets dominant position
  • Essential turtle attack
  • Can threaten to force reactions

Tactical Advantage

Control position leading to back or mount; forces opponent to give up position; multifunctional attack

Important Observations (General Rules)​

Core Principles​

  1. 🎯 Control wrist and elbow - Lose either, lose the submission
  2. 💪 Figure-4 grip is key - Must be tight and maintained
  3. ⏱️ It's a position not just submission - Creates control and opportunities
  4. 🔄 Rotate toward back/head - Natural shoulder movement direction
  5. 🎮 Application selection - Choose based on where you are:
    • Side Control → Highest finish rate
    • Guard → Catches posts, creates sweeps
    • Turtle → Control for transitions

Connection to Theories​

Applying core principles:

  • Leverage: Small adjustment creates large force on shoulder
  • Control Position: Functions as more than just submission
  • Isolation: Separate arm from body's defensive support

Common Mistakes​

⚠️ Loose figure-4 grip - They escape or you lose control

⚠️ Not controlling wrist - Arm rotates and escapes

⚠️ Pushing away from body - Wrong direction, won't finish

⚠️ Rushing the finish - Lose position for failed submission

⚠️ Letting elbow drop - Reduces pressure and control

⚠️ Forgetting it's a control - It's not just a finish, use it to transition

🎯 Next Steps​

After mastering kimura:

  1. Learn from all positions → Side control, guard, half guard applications
  2. Use for control → Practice using kimura grip to create transitions
  3. Study combinations → Kimura to armbar 🚧 and back takes

🔗 Related Resources​