Kimura

The Kimura, also known as a double wristlock, is a versatile and powerful shoulder lock submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grappling, and mixed martial arts. It applies rotational pressure to the shoulder joint by isolating and controlling the opponent's arm. Named after Masahiko Kimura, a legendary Judoka, this submission is effective both as an attack and a tool for positional transitions.

Key Concepts

Shoulder Lock

  • The Kimura works by twisting the shoulder joint beyond its normal range of motion.

Arm Isolation

  • The opponent’s arm is isolated in a bent position, forming a 90-degree angle.

Leverage and Grip

  • A Figure-Four Grip on the opponent’s arm provides control and maximizes the torque applied to the shoulder.

Execution Steps

Isolate the Arm

  • Secure the opponent’s wrist with one hand while positioning their arm at a 90-degree angle.

Establish the Figure-Four Grip

  • Slide your free arm under their arm, wrapping it around their triceps or elbow, and grab your own wrist to create the Figure-Four Grip.

Pin the Arm

  • Keep their wrist pinned to the mat or close to their body, preventing them from straightening or escaping.

Control the Shoulder

  • Use your body to block their upper body and shoulder from rotating, ensuring the pressure is isolated to their shoulder joint.

Apply Rotational Pressure

  • Slowly lift their elbow while pulling their wrist toward the back of their head, creating torque on the shoulder.

Common Entries

From Side Control

  • Secure the opponent’s wrist as they frame or push against you, then transition to the Kimura.

From Closed Guard

  • Break their posture and isolate their arm, rotating your body to secure the submission.

From Mount

  • Trap their arm as they push against your chest or hips and transition to the Kimura.

From Half Guard Top

  • Isolate their arm as they defend or frame, using the Kimura to attack or pass.

From Back Control

  • If the opponent defends the Rear Naked Choke, transition to the Kimura on their exposed arm.

From North South

  • Secure the opponent’s arm as they attempt to push or escape.

During Guard Passing Defense

  • Use the Kimura to counter their attempts to pass or post.

From Turtle Control

  • Trap their arm as they post or defend, transitioning into the lock.

Tips for Success

Tight Control

  • Keep the opponent’s arm pinned tightly to their body or the mat.

Isolate Their Shoulder

  • Prevent the opponent from rotating or escaping by controlling their upper body.

Gradual Application

  • Apply the submission slowly to avoid injury and give the opponent time to tap.

Use Your Hips

  • Engage your hips to generate additional power and control.

Transition Options

  • If the opponent defends, be prepared to switch to other submissions like the Armbar or Triangle Choke.

Positioning

The Kimura thrives in positions where the opponent’s arm is isolated, and you can control their posture and Fundamentals/Base. Tight connections and proper leverage are essential for success.

From Side Control

  • Secure the Kimura as the opponent attempts to frame or push against your shoulder or body.
  • Use it as an attack or a way to transition to other dominant positions.

From Closed Guard

  • Break the opponent’s posture and isolate their arm by pulling it across your centerline. Rotate your hips to lock in the submission.

From Half Guard Top

  • Trap their arm when they post or frame to defend against your pressure or passing attempts.

From Mount

  • Attack the Kimura when the opponent pushes against your chest or tries to bridge to escape.

From Knee on Belly

  • Apply pressure to force the opponent to expose their arm, allowing you to transition to the Kimura.

From North South

  • Secure the opponent’s arm as they attempt to push or escape from underneath.

From Turtle Control

  • Trap the opponent’s arm when they post or attempt to recover guard.

From Back Control

  • Transition to the Kimura when the opponent defends the Rear Naked Choke or exposes their arm during escape attempts.

During Guard Passing Defense

From Butterfly Guard

  • Elevate the opponent and trap their arm while setting up the Kimura during a sweep or transition.

From X Guard or Single-Leg X Guard

  • Trap the opponent’s arm when they post to maintain balance, transitioning to the Kimura.

From Scramble Situations

  • Capitalize on exposed arms during dynamic exchanges or failed Takedowns.

From Standing

  • Use the Kimura grip to control the opponent’s arm during takedown attempts or as a setup for throws and sweeps.

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