Kimura Variations

⚠️ SAFETY: Kimura Variations targets the Shoulder joint (glenohumeral), rotator cuff, and supporting ligaments. Risk: Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus tendons). Release immediately upon tap.

The Kimura is one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s most versatile shoulder locks, targeting the glenohumeral joint through a figure-four grip configuration. Named after judoka Masahiko Kimura who famously used it against Helio Gracie in 1951, this submission applies rotational force to the shoulder while isolating the arm. What makes the Kimura exceptional is its adaptability across virtually every position in grappling - from bottom guard to top mount, from turtle to standing clinch. The basic mechanics remain consistent: secure a figure-four grip on the opponent’s wrist and your own wrist, isolate their elbow against your body, and create leverage by lifting their elbow while rotating their hand toward their back. However, the setup, control, and finishing details vary significantly depending on position and opponent response. The Kimura functions not only as a high-percentage submission but also as a powerful control position that opens pathways to back takes, sweeps, and positional advancement. Understanding the positional variations and their tactical applications transforms the Kimura from a single technique into a complete system that can dominate opponents at all skill levels.

Category: Joint Lock Type: Shoulder Lock Target Area: Shoulder joint (glenohumeral), rotator cuff, and supporting ligaments Starting Position: Multiple positions - Guard, Side Control, Mount, Turtle, Standing Success Rates: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus tendons)	High	4-8 months with surgical repair, 6-12 months return to training
Shoulder dislocation (anterior or posterior)	High	3-6 months, risk of chronic instability
Labral tear (glenoid labrum damage)	Medium	3-6 months, may require arthroscopic surgery
AC joint separation	Medium	6-12 weeks depending on grade
Biceps tendon strain or tear	Medium	4-12 weeks for strain, 3-6 months for complete tear

Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - minimum 4-6 seconds in training, never explosive rotation

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (saying ‘tap’ or any distress signal)
• Physical hand tap on partner or mat (multiple taps)
• Physical foot tap on mat or partner
• Any vocalization of pain or distress
• Cessation of resistance or going limp

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately stop all rotational pressure on the shoulder
2. Slowly lower the captured arm back to neutral position
3. Release the figure-four grip on the wrist
4. Allow partner to move their shoulder freely and assess
5. Check with partner before continuing training
6. If pain persists beyond 30 seconds, stop training and assess for injury

Training Restrictions:

• Never apply explosive or jerking motions to the shoulder joint
• Never compete at full speed in training - always use controlled progression
• Always ensure partner can tap with free hand before applying finishing pressure
• Never continue pressure after feeling structural ‘pop’ or ‘crack’ sounds
• White belts should practice positional control only, no finishing pressure for first 6 months
• Avoid training Kimuras with partners who have pre-existing shoulder injuries without explicit consent
• Never practice from positions that prevent clear tap access

Key Principles

• Figure-four grip integrity - Maintain tight wrist-to-wrist connection with elbows close together to prevent grip breaks and maximize rotational control
• Elbow isolation against body - Pin opponent’s elbow to your torso, hip, or ribs to create the fulcrum point that makes shoulder rotation effective
• Lift and rotate simultaneously - Apply pressure by elevating the elbow while rotating the hand backward, creating compound stress on the shoulder joint
• Posture and base management - Position your body weight and base to prevent opponent from rolling or standing to escape the submission
• Progressive pressure application - Build submission pressure gradually through positioning first, then control, then careful rotation
• Transitional awareness - Recognize when opponent’s defensive response opens opportunities for back takes, sweeps, or positional advancement
• Angle adjustment based on resistance - Modify your attacking angle and body position as opponent defends to maintain optimal leverage throughout

Prerequisites

• Secure figure-four grip on opponent’s wrist with your wrist (palm-to-palm or palm-to-back-of-hand depending on variation)
• Establish control of opponent’s elbow positioning against your body or between your arms
• Create sufficient angle relative to opponent’s shoulder line to generate rotational leverage
• Establish base and posture appropriate to the position (low base from guard, stable pressure from top positions)
• Break opponent’s defensive frames or grips that protect their arm from isolation
• Control opponent’s hip movement or ability to turn into the submission to prevent rolling escapes
• Position your body to block common escape routes (standing up, rolling forward, pulling elbow free)

Execution Steps

1. Establish positional control and isolate target arm: From your chosen position, use appropriate grips and body positioning to separate one of opponent’s arms from their defensive structure. From guard, this often means breaking posture and controlling their wrist. From top positions, it requires breaking their frames and capturing an arm as they attempt to create space. From turtle or standing, it involves controlling their arm during movement transitions. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
2. Secure the figure-four wrist grip: With their arm isolated, reach over and grip their wrist with your same-side hand (right hand on their right wrist or left on their left). Thread your opposite hand underneath their forearm and grab your own wrist, forming the characteristic figure-four shape. Keep your elbows tight together to prevent them from breaking the grip by pulling their elbow back. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Light]
3. Pin the elbow against your body: Bring their elbow tight to your torso, hip, or side of your ribcage depending on the position. This creates the fulcrum point for the shoulder lock. From guard bottom, pin their elbow to your ribs and chest. From side control or mount, pin it to your hip or lower abdomen. From turtle attacks, pin it against your side or hip. The elbow must stay connected to your body throughout the finish. (Timing: 1 second) [Pressure: Firm]
4. Adjust your body angle for optimal leverage: Position your body at approximately 45-90 degrees relative to their shoulder line, depending on the specific variation. From guard, this may mean angling your hips away. From top positions, it means positioning your chest and weight to prevent their rotation while maintaining the elbow pin. Your body angle directly affects the leverage quality and your ability to control their escape attempts. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
5. Control opponent’s hip and rotational movement: Use your legs, free arm, or body weight to prevent opponent from rolling toward the submission (which relieves pressure) or standing up to escape. From guard, use your legs to control their hips. From top, use your weight distribution and knee positioning. This control is critical before applying finishing pressure - without it, they will simply roll or stand to escape. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Firm]
6. Initiate the shoulder lock rotation: Begin applying submission pressure by slowly lifting their elbow upward (raising it toward their head level) while simultaneously rotating their hand toward the back of their own head or spine. The rotation should be smooth and progressive, not jerky. Focus on lifting the elbow first, then adding rotation. Their hand should move in a path that goes behind their own back. Stop immediately upon tap or any sign of structural distress. (Timing: 3-5 seconds minimum, stop on tap) [Pressure: Maximum]

Opponent Defenses

• Rolling forward toward the submission to relieve shoulder pressure (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Anticipate the roll and maintain figure-four grip while following their rotation, often transitioning to back control or mount as they complete the roll. Keep the Kimura grip active to control their posture in the new position.
• Pulling their elbow back toward their body to break the grip or reduce isolation (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Squeeze your elbows together tightly to maintain grip integrity, and use your body weight to keep their elbow pinned. If they succeed in reducing the angle, transition to a sweep, back take, or use the Kimura grip as a control position to advance.
• Standing up to create space and change the geometry of the submission (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: From guard positions, immediately adjust your leg positioning to prevent the stand-up or follow them up while maintaining the grip, transitioning to standing Kimura variations or back takes. Use their standing momentum against them.
• Grabbing their own gi or belt to create a defensive frame and prevent rotation (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Focus on breaking the grip by changing angles or using your free hand to strip their defensive grip. Alternatively, use the stalled position to transition to back control or sweep opportunities rather than forcing the finish.
• Turning their body toward you to reduce rotational leverage (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Allow the turn slightly while maintaining the figure-four grip, then use their rotation to transition to back control, mount, or other dominant positions. The Kimura becomes a pathway to position rather than the end goal.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Applying explosive rotational force to finish quickly [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Causes catastrophic shoulder injuries including rotator cuff tears and dislocations, potentially ending training partner’s career
  • Correction: Always apply pressure slowly and progressively over 4-6 seconds minimum. Focus on position and control first, submission second. Training partners’ long-term health is more important than getting the tap.
• Mistake: Failing to secure the elbow pin before rotating
  • Consequence: Opponent easily escapes by pulling their elbow away, or you lose control of the position entirely
  • Correction: Always establish the elbow connection to your body before adding rotational pressure. The elbow pin is the fulcrum - without it, there’s no effective leverage on the shoulder.
• Mistake: Neglecting to control opponent’s hips and rotational escape routes
  • Consequence: Opponent rolls toward the submission to escape, or stands up to relieve pressure and nullify the attack
  • Correction: Use your legs, weight distribution, or free arm to control their hip movement before finishing. Position your body to block rolling and standing escapes. Control first, submit second.
• Mistake: Allowing elbows to separate during the figure-four grip
  • Consequence: Opponent breaks your grip by pulling their elbow back, completely escaping the submission attempt
  • Correction: Keep your elbows squeezed tightly together throughout the entire sequence. Think of your arms as a single unit wrapped around theirs, not two separate limbs.
• Mistake: Continuing pressure after hearing or feeling structural ‘pop’ sounds from the shoulder [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Causes severe ligament or tendon damage, potentially requiring surgical repair and months of recovery
  • Correction: Immediately release all pressure if you feel or hear any popping, cracking, or grinding from the shoulder joint. These sounds indicate structural damage is occurring. Check with partner before continuing.
• Mistake: Positioning your body at poor angles that give opponent easy escape paths
  • Consequence: Opponent simply walks around your body or rolls away because you’re not blocking their movement
  • Correction: Angle your body 45-90 degrees to their shoulder line depending on position. Use your torso, legs, and free arm to wall off common escape directions. Your body should create barriers to their movement.
• Mistake: Abandoning the Kimura grip too early when opponent defends effectively
  • Consequence: You lose a powerful control position that could lead to sweeps, back takes, or positional advancement
  • Correction: Recognize that the Kimura grip is valuable even when the submission isn’t immediately available. Use it to control posture, prevent guard passing, set up sweeps, or transition to other attacks. It’s a system, not just a submission.

Variations

Kimura from Closed Guard Bottom: Classic bottom position setup where you break opponent’s posture, isolate one arm by overhooking or catching it extended, then apply figure-four grip while using your legs to control their hips and prevent rolling escapes. Can finish directly or sweep when they defend. (When to use: When opponent is postured in your closed guard or attempting to pass. Particularly effective when they post a hand on the mat or extend an arm to create space.)

Kimura from Side Control Top: Top position attack where you isolate the far arm as opponent frames against your chest, establish figure-four grip, then pin their elbow to your hip while posting on your outside leg for base. Finish by lifting elbow and rotating hand toward their back. (When to use: When opponent is framing with their far arm to create space for escape. Excellent when transitioning from side control to other positions as opponent moves.)

Kimura from North-South Position: Attack from north-south where you capture their near arm, thread your arm under theirs to secure figure-four grip, then sit back toward their legs while lifting their elbow. Your body weight prevents them from rolling, and the geometry creates excellent shoulder leverage. (When to use: During transitions through north-south or when opponent turns to their side to escape side control. Creates natural pathway from side control to mount via the Kimura.)

Kimura from Turtle Top: Control one of turtle opponent’s posting arms, secure figure-four grip while maintaining downward pressure on their hips, then finish by sitting back and rotating. Can also use the grip to flip them over or take the back. (When to use: When opponent turtles to defend guard passes or after takedown defense. Particularly strong when they post an arm wide to prevent being flattened.)

Kimura from Half Guard Top: Trap the underhook arm with figure-four grip when opponent attempts to use underhook for sweeps or recovery. Pin their elbow against your body while using your trapped leg and free arm to prevent them rolling under, then finish or transition to mount or back. (When to use: When opponent secures underhook in half guard bottom and attempts to come up or sweep. Converts their offensive tool into your submission.)

Standing Kimura from Front Headlock: Capture opponent’s arm during wrestling scrambles or standup exchanges, establish figure-four grip while controlling their head, then finish by lifting their elbow while driving them downward. Can lead to takedowns or ground control. (When to use: During standup exchanges, failed takedown attempts, or wrestling scrambles. Excellent for controlling opponent’s movement and posture in transition phases.)

Reverse Kimura (V-Lock/Chicken Wing): Variation where you attack the arm from the opposite direction, often from positions where the standard Kimura angle isn’t available. Grip configuration is reversed, applying pressure by pulling their hand toward their own face or opposite shoulder rather than behind their back. (When to use: When opponent’s arm positioning makes standard Kimura angle unavailable, or from certain turtle and back control positions. Also useful when transitioning between positions.)

Kimura from Mount Top: Control one arm with figure-four grip from high mount position, maintaining mount control with your legs while lifting their elbow and rotating. Often used to break opponent’s defensive posture or transition to armbar when they defend the Kimura. (When to use: When opponent keeps elbows tight in defensive mount posture or when posting an arm during escape attempts. Creates strong finishing opportunity or forces reactions that open other submissions.)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What are the two simultaneous actions required to generate effective shoulder pressure in the Kimura finish? A: Lifting the opponent’s elbow upward (raising it toward head level or higher) while simultaneously rotating their hand toward the back of their own head or spine. These compound movements create rotational force on the shoulder joint while the pinned elbow serves as the fulcrum. Doing only one without the other significantly reduces the effectiveness and may allow escapes.

Q2: Why must you control opponent’s hip movement and rotational ability before applying finishing pressure on the Kimura? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Because opponent’s most common and effective escape is rolling forward toward the submission, which relieves all pressure on the shoulder joint by changing the geometry. If you don’t control their hips with your legs, weight, or body positioning before finishing, they will simply roll to escape. Additionally, preventing standing escapes requires controlling their ability to get their hips under them. Position and control must precede submission attempts.

Q3: What is the correct response if you hear or feel a ‘pop’ or ‘crack’ sound from opponent’s shoulder during Kimura application? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Immediately and completely release all pressure on the shoulder and stop the submission attempt. These sounds indicate that structural damage (ligament tears, labral damage, or dislocation) may be occurring. Release the grip carefully, allow opponent to assess their shoulder, and do not continue training that technique without ensuring no injury occurred. These warning signs must never be ignored, as continuing pressure can cause severe, career-ending injuries requiring surgical repair.

Q4: Why is the Kimura considered a ‘system’ rather than just a single submission, and what are three examples of positions you can access using the Kimura grip? A: The Kimura is a system because the figure-four grip control provides leverage for sweeps, back takes, and positional transitions beyond just the shoulder lock finish. When opponent defends the submission by rolling, standing, or creating frames, the grip becomes a powerful control tool. Three common transitions: (1) Rolling to back control when opponent rolls forward to defend, maintaining grip to control their posture; (2) Sweeping from guard bottom by using the Kimura grip to off-balance opponent while elevating with your hips; (3) Transitioning from side control to mount by using the Kimura grip to break their frames and control their upper body during the position change. High-level grapplers recognize that forcing the finish is often less valuable than using the grip to advance position.

Q5: Why is the elbow-to-body connection critical in the Kimura, and what happens if you lose this connection? A: The elbow pinned against your body creates the fulcrum point that makes the rotational leverage effective on the shoulder joint. Without this connection, opponent can simply pull their elbow back toward their body, completely negating your rotational force and often breaking your grip entirely. The physics of the submission require a fixed pivot point (their elbow) against which you can rotate their shoulder - lose the pin and you lose all mechanical advantage regardless of how tight your figure-four grip is.

Q6: What is the minimum application time required for safe Kimura finishing pressure in training, and why is explosive rotation dangerous? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Minimum 4-6 seconds of progressive pressure application in training environments. Explosive rotation is extremely dangerous because the shoulder joint contains multiple soft tissue structures (rotator cuff tendons, labrum, ligaments, joint capsule) that can tear catastrophically under sudden rotational force. The shoulder is a highly mobile but relatively unstable joint, making it particularly vulnerable to explosive loads. Slow, progressive application gives training partners adequate time to recognize the danger and tap before structural damage occurs, and allows you to feel and respond to their tap immediately. Fast finishes are only appropriate in competition contexts where both athletes accept the injury risk.

Q7: What is the proper grip-breaking defense against the Kimura figure-four, and why does keeping your elbows together prevent this defense? A: Opponent’s most effective grip break is pulling their elbow back forcefully toward their own body, which creates separation and can break the wrist-to-wrist connection of the figure-four. When you keep your elbows squeezed tightly together (touching or nearly touching), your arms form a single structural unit that is much stronger against backward pulling force. The tight elbow positioning also maintains the elbow pin against your body, preventing them from creating the distance needed to break free. Conversely, if your elbows are separated, opponent can exploit the weakness in your structure by directing force between your arms, creating leverage that breaks your grip.

Training Progressions

Technical Understanding and Grip Mechanics (Weeks 1-2) (First 2 weeks)

• Focus: Learn figure-four grip formation, elbow pinning mechanics, and body positioning for each major variation. Practice grip security drills and understand leverage principles. Study anatomy of shoulder joint and injury mechanisms.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: No finishing pressure applied. Partner remains completely compliant. Focus entirely on mechanical understanding, grip formation, and body positioning. Learn to identify tap signals and practice immediate release protocols. Review shoulder anatomy and understand what injuries can occur with improper technique.

Positional Control and Setup Development (Weeks 3-4) (Weeks 3-4)

• Focus: Practice isolating opponent’s arm from different positions (guard, side control, turtle, etc.). Develop smooth entry mechanics and grip establishment. Work on maintaining control when opponent begins to move and respond. Learn to recognize when position is secure enough to begin pressure.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: Still no finishing pressure - stop at the point where rotation would begin. Partner provides light movement and basic defensive frames but does not actively try to escape. Focus on establishing secure control before any pressure. Practice controlling hip movement and preventing rolling escapes.

Controlled Pressure Application (Weeks 5-8) (Weeks 5-8)

• Focus: Begin applying very light finishing pressure with 6-8 second application time. Partner taps early to establish communication. Develop sensitivity to partner’s shoulder range of motion and limitations. Practice transitioning to back takes and sweeps when submission is defended.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: Maximum 30-40% of finishing pressure. Partner taps early (before feeling pain) to establish trust and communication patterns. Immediately release on any tap or distress signal. Discuss with partner after each attempt to ensure comfort and safety. Never practice with partners who have shoulder injuries during this phase.

Defensive Responses and Transition Chains (Weeks 9-12) (Weeks 9-12)

• Focus: Partner applies common defensive responses (rolling, pulling elbow, standing). Learn to follow their movement while maintaining grip control. Develop Kimura system understanding by chaining to back control, sweeps, or position advancement. Practice recognizing when to abandon submission for position.
• Resistance: Realistic resistance
• Safety: Increase to 50-60% finishing pressure with 5-6 second application. Partner defends actively but taps when feeling shoulder pressure. Practice maintaining safety during dynamic transitions and scrambles. Focus on not losing control during movement that could cause accidental injury.

Live Training Integration (Weeks 13-24) (Weeks 13-24)

• Focus: Integrate Kimura attacks and defenses into regular positional sparring and live rolling. Develop ability to recognize Kimura opportunities during fluid exchanges. Build instinctive reactions for both attacking and defending the position. Refine timing and setup mechanics against fully resisting opponents.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: Increase to 70-80% finishing pressure with 4-5 second application in training. Always maintain controlled application speed - never explosive. Respect all taps immediately. Communicate with regular training partners about shoulder mobility limitations or prior injuries. Stop if you hear or feel any structural sounds from shoulder.

Advanced Applications and Competition Preparation (Ongoing) (After 6+ months)

• Focus: Develop high-level setups, feints, and entries from unconventional positions. Study competition footage and expert instruction. Practice competition-speed application only with trusted partners in controlled preparation. Refine system understanding and positional transitions. Mentor lower belts on safe application.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: In training: maintain 4-5 second minimum application regardless of skill level. In competition: understand that faster application increases injury risk to opponent - use judgment about finishing speed based on stakes and opponent’s experience. Continue respecting all tap signals immediately. Teach safety protocols to training partners and newer students.

From Which Positions?

• Closed Guard
• Side Control
• Mount
• North-South
• Turtle
• Half Guard
• Open Guard
• Standing Position
• Front Headlock
• Kimura Control

Related Submissions

• Kimura
• Kimura from Guard
• Kimura from Side Control
• Kimura from Mount
• Kimura from Half Guard
• Kimura from North-South
• Kimura from Turtle
• Kimura from Standing
• Reverse Kimura
• Americana
• Americana from Side Control
• Americana from Mount
• Omoplata
• Omoplata from Guard
• Armbar Finish

Additional Related Content

• Kimura Trap System - Systematic approach to using Kimura grip for sweeps, back takes, and positional control beyond just submission
• Kimura Control - Control position that emphasizes using the figure-four grip for positional dominance rather than immediate submission
• Kimura Trap - Specialized half guard position built around establishing and maintaining Kimura grip control
• Kimura to Back Take - Transition technique that uses opponent’s rolling defense against the Kimura to secure back control
• Rolling Kimura - Dynamic variation where you roll through to maintain or establish Kimura grip during scrambles
• North-South to Kimura - Entry sequence from north-south position to Kimura submission
• Kimura Defense - Defensive concepts and techniques for escaping or preventing Kimura attacks
• Gift Wrap - Control position where opponent’s arm is trapped across their body, can transition to Kimura grip
• Overhook Control - Control position that can lead to Kimura entries when opponent attempts to defend or escape
• Deep Half Guard - Position from which you can attack Kimura on opponent’s far arm as they attempt to control your head
• Crucifix - Position that shares arm isolation concepts with Kimura and can transition between the two
• Triangle Choke - Alternative attack when opponent defends Kimura from guard by pulling their elbow free

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The Kimura represents one of grappling’s most versatile control mechanisms because it functions effectively across the entire positional spectrum - there is no position in jiu-jitsu where a Kimura grip cannot provide some tactical advantage. The fundamental mechanical principle is simple: you create a figure-four configuration that isolates the opponent’s arm while establishing a fulcrum point at their elbow, then apply rotational force through their shoulder’s weakest plane of motion. However, understanding the submission mechanics is merely the beginning - the true value lies in recognizing the Kimura as a systemic tool rather than an isolated technique. When opponent defends by rolling forward, you maintain the grip and secure back control. When they defend by standing, you follow them up and control their posture. When they defend by pulling their elbow free, you transition to sweeps or alternative submissions. The figure-four grip itself becomes a control position that opens multiple offensive pathways regardless of whether the submission finish is immediately available. From a safety perspective, the shoulder joint’s complexity demands respect - the glenohumeral joint sacrifices stability for mobility, making it particularly vulnerable to rotational forces. Always apply pressure progressively and systematically, building through positional control first, then leverage establishment, and only then careful rotation. The submission should feel inevitable to your opponent, not explosive. Study each positional variation independently - the Kimura from guard requires entirely different setup and control mechanics than the Kimura from side control or turtle. Master the system, not just the submission.
• Gordon Ryan: The Kimura is one of my highest-percentage submissions in both training and competition because it attacks from positions where I’m already dominant and it creates multiple offensive pathways simultaneously. In modern no-gi grappling especially, the Kimura grip is absolutely essential for controlling opponent’s upper body and preventing them from standing or creating scrambles. What makes it competition-proven is that even world-class grapplers struggle to defend it effectively once you establish proper control - they can delay the finish, but the grip itself restricts their options so severely that you maintain offensive initiative. From side control, I use the Kimura constantly when opponent frames with their far arm - it’s one of the most reliable ways to break their defensive structure and advance to mount or back control. From turtle, the Kimura shuts down their ability to stand or granby roll, and you can often finish it directly or flip them over into a dominant pin. The key competition insight is understanding when to finish versus when to use the grip for control - if I feel them defending strongly, I immediately start thinking about back takes or positional advancement rather than forcing a low-percentage finish. In training, I’m extremely careful with application speed because shoulder injuries can end careers and I need healthy training partners. In competition, I still apply progressive pressure but I’m willing to increase intensity more quickly when the stakes justify it. The difference between training and competition application speed must be crystal clear in your mind - training partners’ long-term health is more valuable than any tap. One critical detail: keep your elbows pinched together throughout the entire sequence or strong grapplers will break your grip by pulling their elbow back. The Kimura system, particularly combined with front headlock entries and turtle attacks, forms the backbone of my top game control across all my matches.
• Eddie Bravo: The Kimura is fundamental to the entire 10th Planet system because we built multiple guard positions and transition sequences around the figure-four grip control - it’s not just a submission, it’s a positional control mechanism that opens creative pathways most people don’t even see. From Lockdown half guard, we use the Kimura grip to off-balance opponent and set up Electric Chair submissions or sweeps to Deep Half entries. The beauty is that when you establish that grip from bottom positions, opponent is basically screwed - they can’t pass effectively because their arm is controlled, and if they try to defend by rolling or pulling away, you follow them and improve your position. In no-gi especially, the Kimura becomes even more powerful because there’s no gi grips for opponent to establish defensive frames. One of my favorite innovations is the Stoner Control position where you maintain the Kimura grip while controlling opponent’s head and posture - from there you can attack with the submission, transition to back control, or set up other techniques like the Vaporizer. The creativity comes from recognizing that the figure-four grip works from positions most people don’t traditionally attack Kimuras from - inverted positions, Rubber Guard variations, even during transitions and scrambles. Safety-wise, you’ve got to be really careful with training partners because the shoulder is fragile and people’s flexibility varies wildly - some people tap early, others are super flexible and can handle more rotation before they’re in danger. Establish clear communication with your regular training partners about their shoulder mobility and always build pressure slowly. The Kimura should feel like a chess position where opponent keeps losing pieces no matter what move they make - that’s the system mentality. We’ve had decades to develop creative entries and transitions around this grip at 10th Planet, and it remains one of the most reliable tools in the entire grappling arsenal.