Kimura Control Top represents an offensive control position where the top practitioner has secured the Kimura grip on their opponent while maintaining top pressure and positional dominance. This position frequently emerges during passing sequences, from side control consolidation, or when capitalizing on opponent’s defensive frames that expose their arms. From top position, the Kimura grip transforms from a control mechanism into a direct submission threat, with the added advantage of gravity and weight distribution working in the top player’s favor.
The power of Kimura Control Top lies in its ability to simultaneously control the opponent’s movement, threaten submission, and facilitate transitions to even more dominant positions. Unlike bottom Kimura Control which must balance defensive and offensive priorities, top Kimura Control operates from a position of strength where the primary consideration is choosing between immediate submission finish or using the grip to advance to mount, back control, or north-south. The opponent’s defensive options are severely limited as any movement to escape the submission threat often exposes them to positional advancement.
Modern submission-focused competitors have demonstrated that Kimura Control Top can serve as a primary attacking position rather than merely a transitional control. The grip allows for nuanced pressure application, where subtle adjustments in angle, hip pressure, and shoulder positioning can force the opponent into increasingly compromised positions. Understanding how to maintain control while transitioning between submission finishing mechanics and positional advancement creates a systematic approach where every defensive reaction opens new attacking opportunities.
Position Definition
- Top practitioner maintains Kimura grip on opponent’s arm with wrist control and figure-four lock while applying downward pressure through chest and hips, creating constant shoulder rotation threat that restricts bottom player’s escape options and movement
- Top practitioner’s body weight is distributed strategically to prevent opponent from creating space or escaping, with hips low and chest pressure applied to control bottom player’s upper body while maintaining grip integrity throughout position changes
- Opponent’s trapped arm is isolated and elevated at an angle that threatens shoulder joint integrity, forcing defensive posture that limits their ability to frame, create space, or initiate escape sequences without increasing submission danger
- Top practitioner maintains perpendicular or angled positioning relative to opponent’s body to maximize leverage on shoulder joint while preventing opponent from rolling or turning into the grip to relieve pressure
Prerequisites
- Kimura grip established with proper wrist control and figure-four configuration from top position
- Top position advantage with ability to apply pressure and control opponent’s movement
- Opponent’s arm isolated and available for grip without strong defensive frames blocking access
- Understanding of shoulder rotation mechanics and safe pressure application for submission
- Ability to maintain top control while transitioning between submission and advancement options
Key Offensive Principles
- Maintain constant downward pressure through hips and chest while keeping Kimura grip tight to prevent space creation
- Use grip to isolate and control opponent’s arm while systematically removing their defensive frames and escape options
- Apply progressive pressure to shoulder joint, testing opponent’s defense before committing to full finish
- Transition smoothly between submission finishing mechanics and positional advancement based on opponent’s defensive reactions
- Control opponent’s near hip with free hand or knee to prevent them from rolling into or escaping the grip
- Create submission-or-advancement dilemma where defending Kimura exposes mount or back take opportunities
- Maintain low, heavy base with hips close to opponent to maximize pressure and minimize escape pathways
Available Attacks
Kimura from Side Control → Kimura
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 50%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
Transition to Mount → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Kimura to Back Take → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
North-South to Kimura → North-South
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Kimura from Turtle → Kimura
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Rolling Kimura → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Kimura from North-South → Kimura
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Side Control to Mount → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 50%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
Kimura from Mount → Kimura
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 55%
- Intermediate: 70%
- Advanced: 85%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent defends by flattening arm and creating strong defensive frame:
- Execute Transition to Mount → Mount (Probability: 60%)
- Execute North-South to Kimura → North-South (Probability: 55%)
If opponent rolls away from pressure to defend shoulder lock:
- Execute Kimura to Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Rolling Kimura → Mount (Probability: 55%)
If opponent’s arm is fully isolated with minimal defensive posture:
- Execute Kimura from Side Control → Kimura (Probability: 75%)
- Execute Kimura from North-South → Kimura (Probability: 70%)
If opponent attempts to create space with hip escape or bridge:
- Execute Side Control to Mount → Mount (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Kimura from Mount → Kimura (Probability: 65%)
If opponent turtles or turns to defend shoulder pressure:
- Execute Kimura from Turtle → Kimura (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Kimura to Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 65%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Direct Kimura from Side Control
Kimura Control Top → Isolate arm → Kimura from Side Control → Won by Submission
Mount to Kimura Finish
Kimura Control Top → Transition to Mount → Kimura from Mount → Won by Submission
Back Attack Path
Kimura Control Top → Opponent rolls to defend → Kimura to Back Take → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
North-South Kimura Path
Kimura Control Top → North-South to Kimura → Kimura from North-South → Won by Submission
Turtle to Back Take
Kimura Control Top → Opponent turtles → Kimura from Turtle → Kimura to Back Take → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 60% | 50% | 45% |
| Intermediate | 75% | 65% | 60% |
| Advanced | 90% | 80% | 75% |
Average Time in Position: 20-60 seconds before submission or position change