BJJ Graph

Kimura

Jun 15, 202510 min read

Kimura

bjjtransitionsubmissionjointlockshoulder_lock

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Submission ID: S601
  • Submission Name: Kimura
  • Alternative Names: Figure-Four Armlock, Chicken Wing

State Machine Properties

Submission Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 55%, Intermediate 75%, Advanced 85% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: Medium - technical difficulty assessment
  • Energy Cost: Medium - physical demand of execution
  • Time Required: Short to Medium - duration of submission attempt
  • Risk Level: Medium - chance of position loss if failed

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium-High for grip and upper body control
  • Flexibility Requirements: Low for body positioning
  • Coordination Requirements: Medium for precise grip and arm placement
  • Endurance Requirements: Medium for sustained control during finish

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for clear movement sequence visualization:

From a dominant position like Side Control or Half Guard Top, or even a defensive position like Closed Guard Bottom, you begin by controlling the opponent’s wrist or forearm with your same-side hand, ensuring a firm grip to isolate their arm. Thread your other arm under their upper arm near the tricep, reaching through to connect with a figure-four grip by grabbing your own wrist, locking their arm in a bent position. Establish a perpendicular angle relative to their body to maximize leverage, keeping their elbow tight to their torso to prevent escape, and bring their hand toward their lower back to create initial pressure on the shoulder joint. Apply rotational pressure by lifting their arm or rotating your body, maintaining control of their body to limit defensive movement, and increase the torque on their shoulder through their reactions until they submit due to the intense strain on the joint.

Template: “From Side Control or Guard Bottom, control opponent’s wrist with same-side grip. Thread other arm under their tricep, connect figure-four grip. Establish perpendicular angle, keep elbow tight, bring hand to lower back. Apply rotational pressure until submission.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish position (Side Control, Half Guard Top, or Guard Bottom)
  2. Initial Movement: Control opponent’s wrist/forearm with same-side grip
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent may attempt to pull arm back or posture
  4. Adaptation: Thread other arm under opponent’s upper arm near tricep
  5. Positioning: Connect to figure-four grip by grabbing own wrist, establish perpendicular angle
  6. Pressure Application: Bring opponent’s hand toward lower back, keep elbow tight to body
  7. Completion: Apply rotational pressure to shoulder, control body until submission

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Requirements: Figure-four grip on opponent’s arm for control
  • Base/Foundation: Stable position for leverage, varies by starting state
  • Timing Windows: Execute when opponent’s arm is posted or exposed
  • Leverage Points: Rotational pressure on shoulder via arm control
  • Common Adjustments: Adjust angle and body position based on resistance

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Setup Quality: Security of wrist control and figure-four grip (+/-20%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing before opponent retracts arm or defends (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive mobility over time (+/-5%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding shoulder torque mechanics (+/-10%)
  • Positional Control: Effectiveness of maintaining perpendicular angle (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Roll Through Defense: Rolling through to relieve pressure → Defensive Position (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: early reaction)
  • Grip Breaking: Breaking figure-four grip to escape → Neutral Position (Success Rate: 20%, Conditions: strong grip defense)
  • Hitchhiker Escape: Turning thumb down to rotate out → Guard Recovery (Success Rate: 15%, Conditions: quick adjustment)
  • Bridge and Roll: Bridging to disrupt position → Top Position (Success Rate: 10%, Conditions: significant leverage)
  • Counter Grip: Gripping to counter with own submission → Kimura Counter (Success Rate: 10%, Conditions: quick anticipation)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic for Opponent Behavior

If [kimura setup] is not fully secured:
- Execute [[Roll Through Defense]] (Probability: 25%)

Else if [grip strength] allows breaking control:
- Execute [[Grip Breaking]] (Probability: 20%)

Else if [arm rotation] can be neutralized:
- Execute [[Hitchhiker Escape]] (Probability: 15%)

Else if [body leverage] permits disruption:
- Execute [[Bridge and Roll]] (Probability: 10%)

Else [optimal submission execution]:
- Accept submission (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Defensive Considerations

Common Threats During Attempt

Primary risks while attempting this submission:

  • Grip Break: Opponent breaks figure-four grip → Neutral Position (Threat Level: Medium)
  • Position Loss: Opponent escapes arm control during setup → Defensive Position (Threat Level: Low)
  • Counter Attack: Opponent counters with roll or own submission → Kimura Counter (Threat Level: Low)
  • Stalemate: Opponent retracts arm to stall submission → Guard Recovery (Threat Level: Medium)

Format: [[Threat Type]] → [[Resulting Position]] (Threat Level: X)

Defensive Strategies

Methods to mitigate threats:

  • Grip Maintenance: Secure tight figure-four grip quickly to prevent breaks
  • Arm Control: Maintain wrist and elbow control to avoid escapes
  • Angle Adjustment: Adjust perpendicular angle to counter arm retraction
  • Body Positioning: Use body weight to limit rolling or bridging opportunities
  • Adaptation Readiness: Be prepared to switch to other submissions if defended

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “The Kimura is a position of control first and submission second. It forces predictable defensive responses, each countered by a prepared follow-up. It’s a systematic approach to dominating through grip.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “I use the Kimura primarily as a control position leading to back takes. Subtle grip details maximize control while minimizing defensive options. It’s about strategic positioning over brute force.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “In 10th Planet, the Kimura has unique setups from rubber guard and the Truck. It’s a threat that forces openings for techniques like the twister. Versatility is key in its application.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Insufficient figure-four grip or wrist control

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent to pull arm free or break grip

  • Correction: Ensure tight figure-four grip by grabbing own wrist securely

  • Recognition: Arm feels loose despite initial control

  • Error: Poor perpendicular angle during setup

  • Why It Fails: Reduces leverage for effective shoulder torque

  • Correction: Position body perpendicular to opponent for optimal angle

  • Recognition: Pressure feels weak despite proper grip

  • Error: Inadequate elbow control or body positioning

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent to escape or roll out of position

  • Correction: Keep opponent’s elbow tight to body, control their movement

  • Recognition: Opponent easily moves or rotates out of submission

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this submission:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent’s arm is posted or exposed
  • Avoid When: Opponent maintains strong arm retraction or grip defense
  • Setup Sequences: As a counter when opponent frames or escapes
  • Follow-up Windows: Must complete within 5-10 seconds to prevent defense or fatigue

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Understanding of shoulder lock mechanics and grip configurations
  • Physical Preparation: Upper body strength for effective control
  • Positional Knowledge: Control from multiple positions like Side Control or Guard
  • Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced - adaptable across skill levels

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the submission pressure in the Kimura?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to initiate the Kimura?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in figure-four grip for this submission?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which control is essential for the Kimura?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if the opponent retracts their arm to defend?”

Variants and Configurations

Different setups within the submission:

  • Traditional Kimura: Classic application from Side Control
  • Closed Guard Kimura: Applied from bottom Closed Guard
  • North-South Kimura: From North-South position
  • Reverse Kimura: Modified grip for unique scenarios
  • Kimura Trap System: Used as control for sweeps and transitions
  • Standing Kimura: Applied in standing or clinch positions

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Grip Familiarization: Practice figure-four grip solo
  • Control Drilling: Work with partner on wrist and elbow control
  • Angle Integration: Add perpendicular angle and body positioning to setup
  • Torque Practice: Incorporate rotational pressure for shoulder lock
  • Live Application: Use in sparring with focus on timing and adjustments

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Control, thread, connect, establish, bring, apply, maintain
  • Spatial References: Wrist grip, tricep underhook, perpendicular angle, lower back
  • Pressure Dynamics: Shoulder torque, rotational pressure, joint strain
  • Momentum Descriptions: Incremental control, continuous adjustment, finishing torque

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Control their wrist with your same-side grip”
  • Execution Guidance: “Thread arm under tricep, connect figure-four grip”
  • Adjustment Prompts: “Establish perpendicular angle, bring hand to lower back”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Apply rotational pressure until they submit”

Technical Specifications

Control Mechanics

Scientific submission analysis:

  • Force Vectors: Rotational torque through arm control on shoulder joint
  • Leverage Points: Figure-four grip as fulcrum for shoulder torque
  • Stability Factors: Body positioning for positional stability
  • Mobility Dynamics: Angle adjustment for dynamic control
  • Energy Efficiency: Moderate energy use with high submission return

Success Factors

Elements that strengthen submission:

  • Grip Quality: Security of figure-four control (+/-20%)
  • Angle Precision: Perpendicular alignment for leverage (+/-15%)
  • Arm Control: Effectiveness of wrist and elbow positioning (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive resistance over time (+/-5%)
  • Experience Level: Familiarity with shoulder lock mechanics (+/-10%)

Validation Checklist

Every submission file must include:

  • All required properties with specific values
  • Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete execution steps list (minimum 7 steps)
  • Strategic advantages and common challenges
  • At least 3 high-probability counters with success rates
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Defensive considerations and strategies
  • Training progression pathway

Example Implementation

See Americana for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

  • Consistent submission data for state machine implementation
  • Detailed control mechanics for realistic modeling
  • Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
  • Educational value through expert analysis
  • Technical depth for authentic understanding
  • Structured counter analysis for complete coverage
  • Knowledge assessment integration
  • Training progression guidance

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all submission files to maintain consistency and educational value.

  • Americana - Alternative shoulder lock with different angle
  • Armbar - Follow-up if Kimura is defended
  • Straight Armbar - Complementary arm lock from similar positions
  • Omoplata - Secondary attack from arm control
  • Mir Lock - Alternative if opponent counters with specific defense

Historical Context

The Kimura is named after Masahiko Kimura, a legendary Japanese judoka who used this shoulder lock to defeat Helio Gracie in a historic 1951 match in Brazil. This event significantly influenced the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, with the technique becoming a staple in BJJ. Its versatility has made it a foundational submission, adaptable across multiple positions and scenarios in both gi and no-gi grappling.

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, scores as submission win
  • Strategic Use: High-percentage finish in both gi and no-gi formats
  • Gi/No-Gi Specificity: Effective in both with no significant modification
  • Tournament Impact: Often used as a control mechanism and submission threat

Safety Considerations

  • Pressure Control: Apply torque gradually to avoid sudden shoulder damage
  • Partner Awareness: Monitor opponent’s response during application
  • Mat Space: Ensure adequate space for safe positioning
  • Release Timing: Release immediately upon tap to prevent injury
  • Shoulder Safety: Avoid excessive force beyond reasonable torque point

Submission Integration

Common Kimura combinations:

Training Applications

  • Gi/No-Gi Specialization: Essential for competitors in both formats focusing on joint locks
  • Competition Preparation: Strong submission for all tournament formats
  • Control Development: Builds understanding of arm control and shoulder torque mechanics
  • Tactical Exploration: Encourages multi-position submission and sweep setups

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