The Kimura is a figure-four shoulder lock that rotates the opponent’s arm behind their back to attack the rotator cuff and shoulder capsule, usable as both a finish and a controlling grip from nearly every position in grappling.
Safety
Kimura targets the Shoulder joint, rotator cuff, and shoulder capsule. Primary risk: Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis). Tap early; release immediately on the tap. Full safety guide ↓
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.
What positions can you finish from?
Mechanical variations (how the choke is finished)
- 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)
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:
- Immediately stop all rotational pressure the instant tap is felt or heard
- Return the arm toward neutral position (externally rotate back to starting position)
- Release the figure-four grip completely
- Allow partner to self-assess shoulder mobility before continuing
- 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