Master The Kimura Lock: Your Ultimate Jiu-Jitsu Guide

Aug 27, 2025 by Natalie Brooks 54 views

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into one of the most powerful submissions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): the Kimura lock. This technique is a game-changer, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced grappler. We’re going to break down everything from the basic mechanics to advanced setups and troubleshooting. So, buckle up and get ready to master the Kimura!

Understanding the Kimura Submission in Jiu-Jitsu

In Jiu-Jitsu, the kimura submission is more than just a technique; it’s a versatile and effective tool that can be applied from various positions. At its core, the Kimura is a shoulder lock that puts immense pressure on the opponent's shoulder, elbow, and sometimes even the wrist. It’s named after the legendary Judoka, Masahiko Kimura, who famously used it to defeat Gracie in 1951. This submission is a staple in BJJ, MMA, and other grappling arts, prized for its high success rate and the pain it inflicts, often leading to quick taps.

What makes the Kimura so effective? It's the mechanics of the lock itself. The kimura lock works by isolating the opponent’s arm and cranking it behind their back, creating a painful angle at the shoulder joint. When applied correctly, it’s incredibly difficult to escape, making it a go-to submission for many grapplers. The beauty of the Kimura lies in its versatility. It can be applied from numerous positions, including side control, guard, and even from the back. This adaptability makes it an essential part of any grappler's arsenal. The submission not only threatens the shoulder but also the elbow and wrist, providing multiple avenues for finishing the fight or match. This complexity makes it a constant threat, keeping your opponent guessing and opening up other opportunities.

To successfully execute the Kimura, a solid understanding of its mechanics is crucial. It's not just about brute strength; it’s about leverage and precision. You need to control the opponent's wrist and arm, creating the necessary angle to apply the lock. This involves a specific grip, body positioning, and a methodical approach to tightening the submission. Mastering these elements transforms the Kimura from a simple hold into a formidable weapon. Understanding the kimura jiu jitsu submission also means recognizing the potential counters and how to defend against them. A well-trained opponent will be aware of the dangers of the Kimura and will try to defend by controlling your grips, creating space, or attempting to roll out of the submission. Being prepared for these counters is essential for maintaining control and securing the finish.

Key Grips and Control Points for the Kimura

Let's talk about the kimura grips because they are the foundation of a successful Kimura. The grip you use can make or break the submission, so it's super important to get this right. There are a couple of main grips we’ll focus on:

The Standard Kimura Grip: This is the most common grip and involves using a figure-four configuration. You grab your own wrist with one hand and hold your opponent’s wrist with the other. This creates a strong, secure hold that gives you maximum control.
The Gable Grip: This grip is another solid option, especially when you need extra strength. You interlock your fingers together, creating a tight hold on your opponent's wrist.

Once you have your grip, it’s all about control. You need to control your opponent’s wrist and their upper arm to effectively apply the Kimura. Here are some key control points:

Wrist Control: Controlling the wrist is the first step. This prevents your opponent from escaping and allows you to dictate the direction of their arm.
Elbow Control: Controlling the elbow is crucial for applying pressure to the shoulder joint. By keeping their elbow close to their body, you limit their ability to defend.
Shoulder Control: Ultimately, the Kimura is a shoulder lock, so controlling the shoulder is essential. Use your body weight and positioning to keep their shoulder in the danger zone.

Using these grips and control points effectively involves more than just strength. It's about technique and leverage. You need to position your body in a way that maximizes your control and minimizes your opponent’s ability to escape. This often means using your legs and hips to add extra pressure and stability. For example, if you’re applying the Kimura from side control, you can use your legs to hook their leg and prevent them from rolling. The more control points you establish, the tighter the lock becomes, and the higher your chances of securing the submission. Think of it like building a fortress – each control point adds another layer of defense, making it harder for your opponent to break free. Also, remember to maintain a tight grip throughout the entire process. Any looseness can give your opponent an opportunity to escape. Consistent pressure and control are key to a successful Kimura. Additionally, practice transitioning between different grips and control points. Sometimes you may need to adjust your grip to maintain control or to apply more pressure. Being adaptable in your approach will make your Kimura even more effective.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Do a Kimura

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to kimura properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you nail this submission. We’ll start with a basic setup from side control, which is one of the most common positions for applying the Kimura.

Establish Side Control: First, you need to secure a solid side control position. Make sure you have good pressure and control over your opponent. This means pinning their far hip with your leg and maintaining a tight grip on their upper body.
Isolate the Arm: Next, isolate the arm you want to attack. Typically, this is the arm closest to you. Use your body weight to keep their arm pinned to the ground.
Grip the Wrist: Reach down and grab your opponent’s wrist with your same-side hand. For example, if you're attacking their right arm, use your right hand to grip their right wrist. Make sure you have a firm hold.
Swim Under the Arm: Now, here’s a crucial step. Use your other hand to “swim” under their arm, reaching for your own wrist. This is where you’ll create the figure-four grip. Your hand should come up and over their arm, grabbing your own wrist.
Lock the Kimura Grip: Lock your hands together, forming the figure-four grip. This grip is the foundation of the Kimura and provides the leverage you need to apply the submission.
Adjust Your Position: This is where you start to apply the pressure. Angle your body towards your opponent’s head. This will help you create the necessary angle to crank the arm.
Apply the Lock: Start to pull their wrist towards you while pushing their elbow away from you. This creates a twisting motion that puts immense pressure on the shoulder joint. Continue to tighten the lock until your opponent taps. Remember to control the pace and gradually increase the pressure to avoid injury.
Troubleshooting: If your opponent is defending, there are a few adjustments you can make. You can try tightening your grip, adjusting your angle, or using your legs to control their body. If they try to roll, be ready to transition to a different position or submission.

This step-by-step kimura tutorial is a basic outline, but the key to mastering the Kimura is practice and repetition. Drill these steps regularly, and you’ll start to develop the muscle memory and coordination needed to apply the Kimura effectively. Also, try drilling with a partner who can provide resistance and help you troubleshoot any issues you encounter. Remember, the Kimura is not just about strength; it’s about technique and leverage. By focusing on the details and practicing consistently, you’ll be well on your way to adding this powerful submission to your arsenal. Additionally, it's important to understand the principles behind each step. For instance, angling your body isn't just a random movement; it's about maximizing the pressure on the shoulder joint. Similarly, controlling the wrist is not just about having a grip; it's about dictating the direction of the arm and preventing your opponent from escaping.

Advanced Kimura Techniques and Setups

Alright, now that we've covered the basics, let's level up our Kimura game. There are tons of kimura techniques out there, and mastering a few advanced setups can really make your submission game shine. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Kimura from the Guard: Applying the Kimura from the guard can be tricky, but it’s super effective if done right. From the closed guard, control your opponent's wrist and swim your other hand under their arm, just like in the basic setup. The key here is to break their posture and bring their arm across your body. You can use your legs to help control their posture and prevent them from pulling their arm back. Once you have the Kimura grip locked in, you can either try to finish the submission from the guard or use it to sweep to a more dominant position, like top side control.
Kimura from Turtle: The turtle position is a defensive posture, but it can also be a great setup for a Kimura. When your opponent is turtled up, they’re often focused on protecting their head and neck, which can leave their arms vulnerable. Control their wrist and swim your hand under their arm, securing the Kimura grip. From here, you can either step over their head and transition to a mounted Kimura or roll them onto their back to finish the submission.
The Electric Chair Kimura: This is a more advanced and flashy technique, but it’s incredibly effective when executed properly. From a seated guard, you trap one of your opponent’s arms and elevate them onto your shoulder, creating a precarious position. You then secure the Kimura grip and use the leverage of your legs and hips to apply the submission. This technique requires precise timing and coordination, but it can be a real game-changer.

These are just a few examples, but the possibilities are endless. The key to mastering advanced Kimura setups is to understand the principles behind them. It’s about recognizing opportunities, controlling your opponent's body, and using leverage to your advantage. Don't be afraid to experiment and develop your own variations. The best grapplers are those who can adapt and innovate, so start thinking outside the box and see what you can come up with. Also, remember that advanced techniques often require more precise timing and control. It's not enough to just know the steps; you need to be able to execute them smoothly and efficiently, even under pressure. This comes with practice and drilling. Spend time working on these setups in sparring and live rolling, and you'll gradually develop the sensitivity and coordination needed to make them work in real situations.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even the best grapplers make mistakes, especially when learning a new technique. The Kimura is no exception. Let’s go over some common mistakes people make when attempting a Kimura and how to kimura properly by fixing them:

Not Securing the Grip Properly: This is one of the most common mistakes. If your grip is loose or not locked in correctly, your opponent will likely escape. Make sure you have a tight, secure grip, whether you’re using the figure-four or gable grip. Practice locking your hands together quickly and efficiently, and focus on maintaining a strong hold throughout the submission.
Poor Body Positioning: Your body positioning is crucial for applying the Kimura. If you’re not angled correctly or you’re not using your body weight effectively, you won’t be able to generate enough pressure. Make sure you’re angled towards your opponent’s head and that you’re using your hips and legs to add extra pressure. Adjust your position as needed to maintain control and maximize leverage.
Telegraphing the Move: If you’re too obvious with your intentions, your opponent will see the Kimura coming and defend it. Try to set up the Kimura subtly, using other techniques and transitions to distract your opponent. Don't just reach for the arm directly; instead, create opportunities by controlling their posture and movement. Vary your attacks and keep your opponent guessing.
Using Too Much Strength: The Kimura is a technique that relies on leverage, not brute strength. If you’re trying to muscle the submission, you’re likely wasting energy and making it easier for your opponent to escape. Focus on using your body weight and positioning to create pressure, and let the technique do the work. Relax your muscles and focus on the mechanics of the submission.

By being aware of these common mistakes and actively working to correct them, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the Kimura. Remember, learning any new technique takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if you make mistakes; instead, use them as learning opportunities. Analyze what went wrong, make adjustments, and keep drilling. With consistent effort and attention to detail, you'll eventually develop the skill and coordination needed to apply the Kimura effectively.

Drilling and Training the Kimura

Okay, so now you know the theory, but the real magic happens on the mats. Drilling and training are key to making the Kimura a natural part of your game. Here’s how to get the most out of your training sessions:

Start with Positional Drilling: Positional drilling involves practicing the Kimura from different positions without resistance. This allows you to focus on the mechanics of the submission and develop muscle memory. Start with the basic setup from side control, and then move on to other positions like the guard and turtle. Work on transitioning smoothly between positions and grips.
Add Resistance Gradually: Once you’re comfortable with the basic mechanics, start adding resistance. This could involve having your partner offer light resistance or using a training dummy. The goal is to gradually increase the difficulty so that you can apply the Kimura under pressure. Focus on maintaining control and adapting to your opponent's movements.
Sparring and Live Rolling: Sparring and live rolling are the ultimate tests of your Kimura skills. This is where you’ll encounter real resistance and need to apply the submission in a dynamic environment. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different setups and variations. Pay attention to what works and what doesn't, and adjust your approach accordingly.
Specific Training Rounds: Dedicate specific training rounds to the Kimura. This means focusing solely on setting up and applying the Kimura during a sparring session. This focused approach can help you identify areas for improvement and develop a deeper understanding of the technique. Communicate with your training partners and let them know your intentions so they can provide appropriate resistance and feedback.

Remember, consistency is key. The more you drill and train the Kimura, the more natural it will become. Aim to incorporate the Kimura into your regular training routine, and you’ll gradually develop the skill and confidence needed to apply it effectively in competition or self-defense situations. Also, don't just focus on the submission itself; work on the setups and transitions that lead to the Kimura. A well-executed setup can make the difference between a successful submission and a failed attempt. Think about how you can integrate the Kimura into your overall game plan and use it to complement other techniques. By taking a holistic approach to training, you'll not only master the Kimura but also improve your overall grappling skills.

In Conclusion: The Power of the Kimura in Your Jiu-Jitsu Game

So, guys, that’s the Kimura in a nutshell! From basic grips to advanced setups, we’ve covered a lot. The Kimura is a powerful and versatile submission that can be a game-changer in your BJJ journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grappler, mastering the Kimura will definitely add a serious weapon to your arsenal. Remember, the key is to understand the mechanics, practice consistently, and be patient with yourself. It takes time to develop the skill and coordination needed to apply the Kimura effectively. Embrace the process, learn from your mistakes, and keep drilling. Before you know it, you'll be catching opponents with the Kimura left and right.

But don't just take my word for it – get out there on the mats and start practicing! Try the kimura jiu jitsu techniques we've discussed, experiment with different setups, and find what works best for you. The Kimura is a dynamic submission, and there's always more to learn. By continuing to explore and refine your technique, you'll not only improve your Kimura but also deepen your overall understanding of Jiu-Jitsu. And that, my friends, is what it's all about. Happy training, and see you on the mats!