Kimura

SAFETY: Kimura targets the Shoulder joint, rotator cuff, and shoulder capsule. Risk: Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis). Release immediately upon tap.

Position Variants

From Position	Success Rate	Top Injury Risk	Key Difference
Armbar Control	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Butterfly Guard	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Crucifix	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Flattened Half Guard	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Front Headlock	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Gift Wrap	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Closed Guard	58%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor)
Half Guard	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus tendons)
High Mount	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Kesa Gatame	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Kimura Trap	50%	Shoulder dislocation (glenohumeral subluxation or full anterior dislocation)
Knee Shield Half Guard	50%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Knee on Belly	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Kuzure Kesa-Gatame	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Lasso Guard	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Lockdown	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Modified Mount	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Modified Scarf Hold	50%	Shoulder dislocation or torn rotator cuff from excessive external rotation
Mount	72%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor)
New York Control	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
North-South	58%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis damage)
Overhook Control	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Quarter Guard	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Reverse Kesa-Gatame	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Reverse Scarf Hold	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
S Mount	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Scarf Hold Position	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Shoulder of Justice	50%	Shoulder dislocation or subluxation from forced internal rotation beyond anatomical limits of the glenohumeral joint
Side Control	62%	Shoulder dislocation (anterior or posterior)
Standing Position	58%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus tendons)
Turtle	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)
Twister Side Control	62%	Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)

The Kimura is one of the most versatile and high-percentage shoulder locks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, named after judoka Masahiko Kimura who famously used it to defeat Helio Gracie in 1951. This figure-four grip shoulder lock attacks the opponent’s arm by rotating it behind their back, creating severe pressure on the shoulder joint, rotator cuff muscles, and shoulder capsule. What makes the Kimura exceptional is its applicability from virtually every position in grappling - top, bottom, standing, or transitional - making it a fundamental technique that spans all belt levels. The Kimura serves dual purposes: as a direct finishing submission and as a powerful control position that opens numerous sweeps, transitions, and secondary attacks. The grip itself creates such dominant control that even without completing the submission, practitioners can use it to manipulate opponents, take the back, or advance position. The mechanical advantage generated by the figure-four grip allows smaller practitioners to control and submit larger opponents through proper technique rather than strength alone.

Category: Joint Lock Type: Shoulder Lock Target Area: Shoulder joint, rotator cuff, and shoulder capsule Success Rate: 62% (average across variants)

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)	High	3-9 months with potential surgery requirement
Shoulder capsule damage and dislocation	CRITICAL	6-12 months, may require surgical repair
Labral tear (glenoid labrum)	High	4-8 months, often requires arthroscopic surgery
Bicep tendon strain or rupture	Medium	6-12 weeks for strain, 3-6 months for rupture

Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum in training, allowing partner time to recognize danger and tap

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (saying ‘tap’ or making any verbal distress sound)
• Physical hand tap (multiple taps with free hand)
• Physical foot tap (multiple taps with either foot)
• Any distress signal including screaming or unusual sounds

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately stop all rotational pressure the instant tap is felt or heard
2. Return the arm toward neutral position (externally rotate back to starting position)
3. Release the figure-four grip completely
4. Allow partner to self-assess shoulder mobility before continuing
5. Never release suddenly or allow arm to spring back forcefully

Training Restrictions:

• Never spike or jerk the submission - rotation must be smooth and controlled
• Never use competition speed or surprise attacks in training
• Always ensure partner has at least one hand free to tap
• Do not apply while partner is in awkward body position that prevents tapping
• Never combine with weight pressure that restricts breathing while finishing
• Respect immediate taps without testing partner’s pain tolerance

Variation Details

Kimura from Closed Guard: Opponent postures in your closed guard. Break their posture by pulling their head down and attacking the posting arm. Secure the Kimura grip and either finish by opening your guard and rotating, or use the grip to sweep them over your shoulder. (When to use: When opponent posts their hand on the mat or reaches for grips, exposing their arm)

Kimura from Side Control: Classic position for Kimura. Opponent’s near arm is isolated as they frame or attempt to escape. Slide your under-arm through, secure the grip, and rotate their hand toward their back while maintaining chest pressure. (When to use: Most common and highest percentage position when opponent frames with near arm)

Kimura from Mount: When opponent frames or benches to create space from mount, attack the extended arm. Secure the grip and either finish from mount or use it to transition to S-mount for better leverage. (When to use: When mounted opponent pushes or frames, extending their arm)

Kimura from Half Guard: Secure the Kimura grip on opponent’s underhook or crossface arm. Use the control to prevent their pass and either sweep them using the grip as leverage or transition to the back as they defend. (When to use: Essential half guard technique when opponent commits to underhook or crossface)

Kimura from Turtle: Opponent is in turtle and posts an arm for base. Secure the Kimura grip and use it to roll them to their side or back, maintaining the grip throughout the rotation for a finish or back take. (When to use: When turtle opponent posts an arm wide for base, creating the opportunity)

Kimura from Standing: During standing exchanges, secure the Kimura grip on opponent’s lead arm. Use it to control their posture and either throw them with the grip or take them down while maintaining control. (When to use: In stand-up exchanges when opponent reaches or posts their arm)

Kimura from North-South: Transition to North-South and isolate the near arm. Secure the Kimura grip with modified body positioning and rotate their hand toward their own hip, using your body weight for control. (When to use: Natural transition from side control or when opponent turns into you)

Reverse Kimura: Instead of rotating their hand toward their back, rotate it toward their head and away from their body. This creates wristlock pressure combined with shoulder rotation. (When to use: When traditional Kimura angle is blocked but you maintain the grip)

Rolling Kimura: From standing or scrambling positions, secure the grip and initiate a rolling motion, using momentum to take opponent to the mat while maintaining the Kimura control throughout the roll. (When to use: During scrambles or when opponent resists static Kimura attempts)

From Which Positions?

• Side Control
• Mount
• Closed Guard
• Half Guard
• Turtle
• North-South
• Kimura Trap
• Open Guard
• Clinch

Related Submissions

• Americana - Closely related shoulder lock with opposite rotational direction, direct chain partner from all shared positions
• Far Side Armbar - Common transition when opponent straightens arm to defend Kimura grip
• Arm Triangle - Complementary submission from side control when Kimura defense exposes the neck
• Guillotine Choke - Alternative submission chain from front headlock and scramble positions
• Ezekiel Choke - Complementary choke option from shared top control positions like mount
• Darce Choke - Related choke accessible during half guard Kimura scrambles and transitions
• Flying Armbar - Dynamic transition option from standing Kimura grip exchanges
• Monoplata - Alternative shoulder lock using leg pressure with similar rotational mechanics
• Armbar Finish - Direct transition when opponent straightens arm during Kimura defense
• Baratoplata - Hybrid shoulder lock combining Kimura grip mechanics with leg entanglement
• Cross Collar Choke - Complementary gi attack creating submission dilemmas from shared top positions
• Belly Down Armbar - Transition option when Kimura defense involves rolling to turtle position

Additional Related Content

• Kimura Trap - Specialized control position built entirely around Kimura grip mechanics
• Kimura to Back Take - Primary transition when opponent defends Kimura finish by rolling or turning
• Side Control - Most common and high-percentage position for Kimura application
• Half Guard - Key position for bottom player to attack Kimura on opponent’s underhook
• Gift Wrap - Alternative shoulder control position that can transition to Kimura
• Crucifix - Advanced control position where Kimura can be applied with both arms trapped
• Americana - Closely related shoulder lock with opposite rotational direction
• North-South - Common transition path from side control through north-south to Kimura setup
• Mount - Dominant position offering Kimura opportunities when opponent frames or pushes
• Closed Guard - Fundamental guard position for bottom player Kimura attacks on posting arms
• Front Headlock - Transitional position where Kimura grip creates snap-down and submission opportunities
• Overhook Control - Guard control position where overhook transitions naturally into Kimura grip

Match Outcome

Successful execution of Kimura leads to → Game Over

All submissions in BJJ ultimately converge to the same terminal state: the match ends when your opponent taps.