⚠️ SAFETY: Kimura from Half Guard targets the Shoulder joint and rotator cuff. Risk: Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus tendons). Release immediately upon tap.
The Kimura from Half Guard is one of the most versatile shoulder locks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, applicable from both top and bottom positions. From bottom half guard, the Kimura serves as a powerful sweep, back take, and submission threat that capitalizes on the opponent’s commitment to passing. The technique exploits the natural underhook battle that occurs in half guard, transforming defensive frames into offensive attack chains. The submission targets the shoulder joint through a figure-four grip configuration, creating rotational pressure on the glenohumeral joint and surrounding connective tissue. What makes this variation particularly effective is its capacity to create dilemmas: opponents must choose between defending the submission, preventing the sweep, or stopping the back take. This multi-threat system exemplifies modern half guard strategy, where single techniques branch into complete attacking sequences based on defensive reactions.
Category: Joint Lock Type: Shoulder Lock Target Area: Shoulder joint and rotator cuff Starting Position: Half Guard Success Rates: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%
Safety Guide
Injury Risks:
| Injury | Severity | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus tendons) | High | 3-6 months with surgical intervention possible |
| Shoulder dislocation (anterior or posterior) | CRITICAL | 6-12 weeks minimum, potential chronic instability |
| Labral tear (glenoid labrum damage) | High | 4-8 months with surgery |
| Bicep tendon strain or rupture | Medium | 6-12 weeks |
Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum from control to finish
Tap Signals:
- Verbal tap (any vocalization)
- Physical hand tap on opponent or mat
- Physical foot tap on mat or opponent
- Any distress signal or movement cessation
Release Protocol:
- Immediately release rotational pressure (stop arm movement)
- Release figure-four grip configuration
- Return arm to neutral position slowly
- Release positional control completely
- Check partner for injury before continuing
Training Restrictions:
- Never spike or jerk the submission application
- Never use competition speed during training rolls
- Always allow clear tap access (hand/foot free)
- Never apply full rotation in drilling without partner consent
- Avoid repeated applications on same partner in single session
Key Principles
- Control before submission - Establish figure-four grip and positional control before applying rotational pressure
- Hip connection - Maintain hip-to-hip connection to prevent opponent from rolling forward and escaping
- Elbow isolation - Keep opponent’s elbow tight to their body and away from mat to prevent posting
- Progressive rotation - Apply shoulder rotation gradually in training, allowing partner time to recognize danger
- Multiple threat integration - Use Kimura as entry point for sweeps, back takes, and submission chains
- Grip hierarchy - Prioritize figure-four completion over positional advancement until grip is secure
- Weight distribution - Shift weight to prevent opponent’s hip escape while maintaining submission control
Prerequisites
- Establish underhook on opponent’s arm from bottom half guard position
- Opponent commits weight forward or attempts to flatten you out
- Secure wrist control with your free hand (2-on-1 grip configuration)
- Create enough space to swim figure-four grip through
- Opponent’s trapped arm is away from their body and vulnerable
- Your legs maintain half guard control preventing immediate escape
- Head positioning controls opponent’s upper body preventing forward pressure
Execution Steps
- Establish Underhook and Wrist Control: From bottom half guard, establish a deep underhook on opponent’s far arm while they attempt to crossface or consolidate top position. With your free hand, grip their wrist of the underhook arm (creating 2-on-1 control). This initial control prevents them from withdrawing the arm and sets up the figure-four entry. Keep your head tight to their chest to prevent them from driving forward with shoulder pressure. (Timing: Initial setup phase) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Create Space and Swim Figure-Four: Create a small frame with your underhook side elbow against their hip while pulling their wrist across your centerline. This generates the space needed to swim your underhook hand through and grab your own wrist, completing the figure-four grip. The opponent’s arm should form roughly a 90-degree angle at the elbow. Ensure their elbow stays tight to their body (not posting on mat) which maintains vulnerability. (Timing: 2-3 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Secure Figure-Four and Hip Connection: Lock in the figure-four grip configuration with your palm-to-palm or wrist-to-wrist connection. Simultaneously close distance and reconnect your chest to their chest, eliminating space they could use to roll forward. Your half guard legs should be actively controlling their trapped leg. This hip-to-hip connection is critical - without it, they can granby roll forward and escape before you can apply pressure. (Timing: 1-2 seconds) [Pressure: Firm]
- Walk Shoulders to Perpendicular Angle: Using small hip movements and shoulder walking, begin to angle your body perpendicular to your opponent (creating an ‘L’ shape with your bodies). This changes the angle of attack on their shoulder joint and prepares multiple finishing options. Keep their elbow isolated close to their ribs throughout this movement. If they resist by driving into you, this creates the back take opportunity; if they pull away, it opens the sweep. (Timing: 2-3 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
- Create Shoulder Rotation Decision Point: Begin applying slow, controlled rotation to their shoulder by pulling their wrist toward their back while keeping their elbow stationary near their ribs. In training, this rotation should be extremely progressive (3-5 seconds). The opponent faces a trilemma: defend the Kimura (exposing their back), base out with their free hand (opening sweep), or roll with the pressure (entering the submission sequence). Monitor their reactions carefully. (Timing: 3-5 seconds progressive application) [Pressure: Firm]
- Finish or Transition Based on Defense: If opponent remains stationary and doesn’t tap: continue rotation until they tap (in training, stop at 70-80% rotation). If they turn into you to relieve pressure: release half guard, secure seat belt grip, and take the back. If they post their free hand to prevent rotation: use that posting as a pivot point to execute the Kimura sweep to top position. If they roll forward: follow them over, maintaining the Kimura grip and establishing top control or continuing submission in the scramble. (Timing: Variable based on opponent response) [Pressure: Maximum]
Opponent Defenses
- Opponent grabs their own belt or gi pants to prevent figure-four completion (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: Control their wrist first with both hands, break the defensive grip by extending their arm away from their body, then quickly swim your figure-four through before they can re-grip
- Opponent rolls forward over their trapped shoulder to escape rotational pressure (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Maintain figure-four grip throughout their roll, release half guard, and follow them to their back. You’ll arrive in turtle or back control with Kimura grip still intact. This often leads to the back take or armbar transition
- Opponent posts free hand on mat and drives weight through it to prevent rotation (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Use their posted hand as a pivot point to execute the Kimura sweep. Hip escape to create angle, use your legs to elevate their trapped side, and sweep them over their posted arm to achieve top position while maintaining the Kimura grip
- Opponent pulls their elbow tight to their body and hunches forward to minimize rotation range (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: This defensive posture often exposes their back. Transition to the back take by releasing your half guard, getting your bottom hook in, and securing seat belt control. Alternatively, use the Kimura grip to off-balance them and set up alternative submissions
- Opponent explosively withdraws their arm before figure-four is secured (Effectiveness: High) - Your Adjustment: If they successfully pull their arm free early, transition immediately to alternative attacks like the guillotine (if their head is low) or re-establish half guard control and restart the sequence. Prevention is better: secure wrist control early and don’t commit to figure-four until proper setup
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the minimum application time for shoulder rotation during training, and why is this critical? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The minimum application time is 3-5 seconds of progressive, smooth rotation. This is critical because the shoulder joint is extremely vulnerable to sudden torque, and rapid application can cause rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocation, or labral damage before the partner has time to recognize the danger and tap. Slow application in training protects your partner’s long-term health while still teaching proper finishing mechanics. Competition speed is faster but should never involve jerking motions.
Q2: What are the three primary threats created by the Kimura from half guard, and how does the opponent’s defense determine which path you take? A: The three primary threats are: (1) the Kimura submission itself through shoulder rotation, (2) the sweep to top position when opponent posts their free hand, and (3) the back take when opponent turns into the grip to relieve pressure. The opponent’s defensive choice determines your path: if they stay stationary and defend the rotation, continue to submission; if they post out, execute the sweep; if they turn toward you, take the back. This trilemma structure makes the position so powerful.
Q3: Why is maintaining hip-to-hip connection critical during Kimura execution from bottom half guard? A: Hip-to-hip connection prevents the opponent from performing a granby roll (forward roll over their shoulder) to escape the submission. Without this connection, there’s space for them to roll forward, which both escapes the Kimura and potentially reverses the position. The connection must be maintained from figure-four completion through the initial rotation phase. Only release it intentionally when transitioning to the sweep or back take based on their defensive reactions.
Q4: What immediate actions must you take after your partner taps to a Kimura from half guard? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: Immediately: (1) stop all rotational pressure on the shoulder, (2) release the figure-four grip configuration, (3) slowly return their arm to a neutral position avoiding sudden movements, (4) release all positional control including half guard, and (5) check with your partner about their shoulder condition before continuing training. Never release explosively or drop their arm suddenly, as this can cause additional injury even after the tap.
Q5: Why must you keep the opponent’s elbow isolated close to their body and off the mat during Kimura setup and execution? A: Keeping the elbow isolated close to the ribs and off the mat maintains the structural vulnerability of the shoulder joint. If their elbow touches the mat, they gain a posting base that allows them to generate counter-pressure and escape the rotational mechanics of the submission. The isolated elbow position maximizes leverage for shoulder rotation while minimizing their defensive options. This positional detail is the difference between a tight, high-percentage submission and a defended escape opportunity.
Q6: What is the proper grip configuration for the Kimura figure-four, and what common grip mistake reduces effectiveness? A: The proper figure-four uses a palm-to-palm or wrist-to-wrist grip where you control the opponent’s wrist with one hand and grip your own wrist with the other hand, creating a closed loop. The common mistake is gripping your own fingers instead of wrist, which creates a weaker connection that can be broken under pressure. Another error is crossing your arms incorrectly so that rotation moves the wrong direction. The figure-four should be tight and secure before any rotational pressure is applied.
From Which Positions?
Expert Insights
- Danaher System: The Kimura from half guard represents one of the most sophisticated applications of dilemma-based grappling in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. What makes this particular variation so powerful is not merely the submission itself, but rather the systematic branching structure it creates. From a single initial control position - the figure-four grip on the opponent’s arm from bottom half guard - you generate three distinct offensive pathways: the submission finish through shoulder rotation, the sweep to top position when they post defensively, and the back take when they turn to relieve rotational pressure. Each defensive option they choose opens a different avenue of attack. The key to mastering this system is understanding that you’re not hunting for a single technique, but rather creating a position where the opponent has no good defensive option. Every choice they make leads to positional or submission disadvantage. From a safety perspective in training, the shoulder joint’s vulnerability to rotational stress demands extremely progressive application - never less than three to five seconds from initial pressure to finish. The rotator cuff and labrum can be catastrophically damaged by explosive application, making smooth, controlled pressure both a technical and ethical imperative.
- Gordon Ryan: In competition, the Kimura from bottom half guard is one of my highest percentage attacks because it creates immediate scoring opportunities regardless of how the opponent defends. If they defend the submission correctly, I’m sweeping them and taking top position for points. If they make a mistake in their defense, I’m taking their back for more points or finishing the submission outright. The key difference between training and competition application is the speed of progression - in competition, I’m applying pressure much faster because the opponent is prepared and expecting it, but I’m never using jerking or explosive movements because those are actually less effective and easier to defend. The smooth, progressive application works better even at higher speeds. From a strategic perspective, I use the Kimura threat to force reactions: aggressive opponents who drive into me expose their backs, defensive opponents who pull away give me the sweep, and opponents who try to muscle through it often tap to the shoulder lock. The setup requires excellent wrist control from the initial underhook battle - if you lose wrist control, they’ll pull their arm free before you can establish the figure-four. Most people make the mistake of rushing the grip configuration; I take the time to secure it perfectly even in competition because a loose figure-four means they’ll escape and you’ve wasted energy. The hip connection is also non-negotiable - maintain chest-to-chest contact or they’ll granby roll over their shoulder and escape every time.
- Eddie Bravo: The Kimura from half guard is fundamental to the entire 10th Planet system, especially when integrated with the lockdown and electric chair sequences. What most people don’t realize is that the Kimura grip itself is a control position, not just a submission setup. Once you have that figure-four locked in from bottom half guard, you’re controlling their entire upper body structure and can use it to set up a crazy amount of options. In our system, we use the Kimura grip to enter the truck position, set up the twister, hit the electric chair, and obviously go to the back or finish the shoulder lock itself. The rolling Kimura entry is huge for us - when they’re postured up and defensive in your half guard, the forward roll generates momentum that helps you establish the grip even against stronger opponents. One thing I always emphasize with students is the safety aspect in training - the shoulder is delicate, and we’ve all seen people get hurt from aggressive Kimura applications. In the 10th Planet academy, we have a culture of tapping early to shoulder locks and applying them slowly in training. Save the fast applications for competition. The other key detail is staying connected with your hips - if you let them create space, they’re gonna granby out of there, and you just burned all that energy for nothing. Keep your chest on their chest, control that wrist, and you’ve got options for days. The beauty of half guard is it’s this neutral position where both people feel like they have a chance, and that’s when they make mistakes - the Kimura is how you capitalize on those mistakes systematically.