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Kimura from Side Control | BJJ Submission Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202517 min read

Kimura from Side Control

bjjsubmissionjoint_lockside_control

⚠️ SAFETY NOTICE

This submission can cause SHOULDER DISLOCATION, rotator cuff tears, and bicep tendon damage if applied improperly.

  • Injury Risks:
    • Shoulder dislocation (acute, requires medical attention)
    • Rotator cuff tears (weeks to months recovery)
    • Bicep tendon tears (severe, surgical repair possible)
    • Elbow hyperextension (secondary injury)
  • Application Speed: SLOW and progressive. 3-5 seconds minimum from lock to tap.
  • Tap Signals: Verbal “tap”, physical tap with free hand/feet on opponent or mat
  • Release Protocol:
    1. Release rotational pressure immediately
    2. Lower arm gently to neutral position
    3. Let go of grips slowly
    4. Check partner for shoulder discomfort
  • Training Requirement: Intermediate level with instructor supervision
  • Never: Apply explosive rotation or force arm past natural range of motion

Remember: Your training partner trusts you with their shoulder integrity. Respect the tap immediately and never crank the submission.

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Submission ID: SUB071
  • Submission Name: Kimura from Side Control
  • Alternative Names: Double Wristlock, Reverse Ude-Garami, Chicken Wing

State Machine Properties

Submission Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%
  • Execution Complexity: Medium - requires grip control and angle creation
  • Energy Cost: Medium - sustained grip strength and pressure
  • Time Required: Medium - 5-10 seconds for setup and finish
  • Risk Level: Medium - opponent can counter with roll or base recovery

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: High for grip and rotational control
  • Flexibility Requirements: Low for arm and shoulder positioning
  • Coordination Requirements: High for grip transition and angle management
  • Endurance Requirements: Medium for sustained pressure during finish

Visual Execution Sequence

From Side Control Top, you begin by isolating the opponent’s near arm, typically by controlling their wrist with your near hand and creating space to thread your far hand underneath their forearm. Your far hand reaches through and grasps your own wrist, forming a figure-four grip configuration (Kimura grip) with their arm bent at approximately 90 degrees and your elbow positioned outside their elbow. With the Kimura grip secured, you shift your weight back slightly and elevate their elbow away from the mat while simultaneously rotating their wrist toward their head, creating a powerful leverage system that applies rotational pressure to their shoulder joint. Your opponent experiences increasing pressure in their shoulder, feeling the joint approaching its rotational limit, recognizing the submission is inevitable, and taps repeatedly on the mat or your body. You immediately release the rotational pressure, gently lower their arm to a neutral position, and release the grip while monitoring your partner’s shoulder integrity.

Execution Steps

SAFETY REMINDER: Apply pressure SLOWLY over 3-5 seconds. Watch for tap signals continuously. Monitor partner’s shoulder range of motion.

Step-by-Step Execution

  1. Initial Grip (Setup Phase)

    • From side control, control opponent’s near wrist with your near hand
    • Opponent’s arm should be framed or accessible
    • Safety check: Ensure partner can tap with free hand

  2. Position Adjustment (Entry Phase)

    • Thread your far hand underneath opponent’s forearm
    • Reach through and grasp your own wrist (figure-four configuration)
    • Partner check: Verify Kimura grip is secure but not yet applying pressure

  3. Angle Creation (Alignment Phase)

    • Shift your weight back toward opponent’s head
    • Lift their elbow away from the mat
    • Create perpendicular angle between their arm and body
    • Speed: SLOW progressive movement

  4. Pressure Initiation (Execution Phase)

    • Begin rotating their wrist toward their head
    • Maintain elbow elevation
    • Watch for: Partner’s shoulder response, tap signals
    • Monitor: Range of motion limitations

  5. Progressive Tightening (Completion Phase)

    • Increase rotational pressure incrementally over 3-5 seconds
    • Keep their elbow elevated and away from body
    • Critical: WATCH FOR TAP continuously
    • Stop if shoulder makes any sound

  6. Submission Recognition & Release (Finish/Safety Phase)

    • FEEL FOR TAP: Hand tapping mat/body, foot tapping mat, verbal “tap”
    • RELEASE IMMEDIATELY:
      • Stop all rotational pressure instantly
      • Lower arm gently to neutral position
      • Release figure-four grip slowly
    • Post-submission: Ask “shoulder okay?”, check for discomfort

Total Execution Time in Training: Minimum 3-5 seconds from grip to tap. In drilling, apply even slower (7-10 seconds).

Anatomical Targeting & Injury Awareness

Primary Target

  • Anatomical Structure: Glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint), rotator cuff muscles
  • Pressure Direction: External rotation combined with posterior leverage
  • Physiological Response: Shoulder joint approaching rotational limit, increasing pain and instability

Secondary Effects

  • Bicep Tendon: Compression and tension stress on long head of bicep
  • Elbow Joint: Potential hyperextension if arm is straightened
  • Scapula: Stress on scapular stabilizers

INJURY RISKS & PREVENTION

Potential Injuries:

  • Shoulder Dislocation: Acute injury if rotation exceeds joint capacity. Requires immediate medical attention, 6-12 weeks recovery.
  • Rotator Cuff Tear: Partial or complete tear of rotator cuff muscles. Recovery: 3-6 months, possible surgical repair.
  • Bicep Tendon Damage: Strain or tear of long head bicep tendon. Recovery: 2-8 weeks depending on severity.
  • Capsular Damage: Tearing of shoulder joint capsule. Recovery: 4-12 weeks.

Prevention Measures:

  • Apply rotation SLOWLY and progressively (3-5 seconds minimum)
  • Never “spike” or “jerk” the submission
  • Keep elbow elevated to prevent elbow hyperextension
  • Stop at ANY sign of shoulder distress
  • Verbal check-ins during drilling: “Pressure okay?”
  • Release immediately upon tap signal
  • Respect individual shoulder flexibility variations

Warning Signs to Stop IMMEDIATELY:

  • Partner unable to tap (rare - always leave one arm free)
  • Shoulder makes any popping or grinding sound
  • Partner’s face shows extreme distress
  • Unusual resistance (shoulder may be injured)
  • ANY uncertainty about partner’s safety
  • Partner doesn’t respond to verbal check

Opponent Defense Patterns

Common Escape Attempts

Early Defense (Submission <70% complete - setup phase)

  • Frame and Recover → Side Control Bottom Defensive (Success Rate: 55%, Window: 3-4 seconds)
  • Defender action: Keep elbow tight to body, frame with free hand, hip escape
  • Attacker response: Isolate arm earlier, control posture, threaten submissions
  • Safety note: Best time to defend - submission not locked yet

Hand Fighting (Grip being established)

  • Grip Break Defense → Side Control Bottom (Success Rate: 40%, Window: 2-3 seconds)
  • Defender action: Fight grips before figure-four complete, pull arm back, create angle
  • Attacker response: Secure grip quickly, use weight to pin, switch attacks
  • Safety note: Window still exists for safe escape

Technical Escape (Kimura grip locked but pressure not applied)

  • Roll to Turtle → Turtle Position (Success Rate: 30%, Window: 1-2 seconds)
  • Defender action: Roll toward trapped arm, establish turtle position
  • Attacker response: Follow roll, maintain pressure, finish from new angle
  • Safety critical: Must execute immediately or risk injury

Inevitable Submission (Full pressure applied)

  • Tap Out → Terminal State (Success Rate: 0% escape)
  • Defender must: TAP IMMEDIATELY - multiple taps on mat/body or verbal “tap”
  • Attacker must: RELEASE IMMEDIATELY upon feeling/hearing tap
  • Safety principle: NO SHAME IN TAPPING - shoulder integrity is paramount

Defensive Decision Logic

If [Kimura grip not yet secured]:
- Execute [[Frame and Recover]] (Success Rate: 55%)
- Window: 3-4 seconds to prevent grip
- Action: Keep elbow tight, frame, create space

Else if [grip established] but [no rotation]:
- Execute [[Roll to Turtle]] (Success Rate: 30%)
- Window: 1-2 seconds before pressure
- HIGH URGENCY: Last safe escape window

Else if [rotation applied] AND [shoulder at limit]:
- Execute [[Tap Out]] (Immediate)
- Window: Tap before injury occurs
- CRITICAL: Tap multiple times clearly
- NO SHAME: Preserve shoulder health

Else [any shoulder pain or instability]:
- Partner should: Release immediately
- Defender: Tap even if uncertain
- TRAINING CULTURE: Better to tap early than risk injury

Training Progressions & Safety Protocols

Phase 1: Technical Understanding (Week 1-2)

  • Study Kimura mechanics without partner
  • Watch instructional content
  • Understand shoulder anatomy and injury risks
  • Learn tap signals and release protocols
  • Practice grip formation on stationary arm
  • No live application

Phase 2: Slow Practice (Week 3-4)

  • Controlled application with willing partner
  • Partner provides ZERO resistance
  • Focus: Grip acquisition and angle creation only
  • Speed: EXTRA SLOW (10+ seconds per rep)
  • Partner gives “tap” at 20-30% pressure (mild discomfort only)
  • Practice release protocol every single repetition
  • Instructor supervision required for first 10-20 reps

Phase 3: Progressive Resistance (Week 5-8)

  • Partner provides mild resistance to setup
  • Practice reading defensive cues
  • Speed: SLOW (7-10 seconds per rep from grip to tap)
  • Partner taps at 40-50% pressure
  • Develop sensitivity to shoulder tightness
  • Emphasize control over completion
  • Practice: If partner doesn’t tap at 50%, release and reset

Phase 4: Timing Development (Week 9-12)

  • Partner provides realistic but not full resistance
  • Recognize optimal opportunities (arm isolation moments)
  • Speed: MODERATE (5-7 seconds from grip to tap)
  • Partner taps at 60-70% pressure
  • Learn to transition to other attacks
  • Safety maintained as priority
  • Start recognizing “point of no return” feel

Phase 5: Safety Integration (Week 13-16)

  • Light rolling integration (50-70% intensity)
  • Proper tap recognition ingrained as reflex
  • Speed: Controlled in training (3-5 seconds minimum)
  • Partner taps at 70-80% pressure
  • Competition speed ONLY in competition
  • Respect partner safety absolutely
  • Develop reputation as safe training partner

Phase 6: Live Application (Ongoing - 4+ months experience)

  • Full sparring integration with safety emphasis
  • Read situations for Kimura opportunities
  • Apply at appropriate speed for context
  • Never sacrifice partner safety for “getting the tap”
  • Continue refining control and sensitivity
  • Mentor newer students on safety protocols

CRITICAL: Progress through phases only when previous phase is mastered. Rushing progression increases injury risk.

Expert Insights

John Danaher Perspective

“The Kimura from side control exemplifies the principle of mechanical efficiency through proper leverage structure. The figure-four grip creates a closed kinetic chain that multiplies applied force exponentially - your entire upper body strength is channeled through the opponent’s shoulder joint at its weakest rotational angle. The key technical element is maintaining perpendicular alignment between their arm and torso while elevating the elbow to prevent compensatory adjustments. In training, your objective is to achieve perfect angle and grip security where submission becomes inevitable. The finishing is secondary - if your structure is correct, the tap is automatic. Release immediately upon tap; there is no educational value in continuing pressure after submission is acknowledged.”

Key Technical Detail: Perpendicular arm angle and elbow elevation maximize leverage while minimizing risk.

Safety Emphasis: Danaher’s systematic approach emphasizes structural perfection over forceful application.

Gordon Ryan Perspective

“In competition, I finish Kimuras from side control in 2-3 seconds. In training, I take 5+ seconds minimum. The difference isn’t technique - it’s intent and respect. The Kimura from side control is incredibly powerful because you have weight advantage, positional control, and mechanical leverage all working together. I focus on isolating the arm early, often threatening other submissions to create arm exposure. Once the grip is locked, the finish is inevitable with proper angle. Your training partners allow you to practice this dangerous technique - honor that trust by being patient and controlled. If you’re cranking shoulders in the gym, you’re not building your game, you’re losing training partners.”

Competition Application: Ryan’s success comes from early arm isolation and threat creation, not dangerous application.

Training Modification: Competition intensity in competition, training intensity in training.

Eddie Bravo Perspective

“The Kimura from side control is one of my favorite positions because it’s both a submission and a control position that opens so many attacks. In 10th Planet, we call it Kimura Control - once you have the grip, you can force rolls, take the back, sweep if they’re on top, or finish the shoulder lock. Be creative with entries and setups, but be absolutely consistent with safety. The Kimura grip is so powerful that you can really hurt someone quickly if you’re careless. My rule: if you hurt a training partner with a Kimura because you went too fast or didn’t respect the tap, you don’t train. Period. There’s no excuse for injuring shoulders in training - this submission requires respect and patience.”

Innovation Focus: Endless applications of Kimura grip beyond just the submission.

Safety Non-Negotiable: Bravo’s culture values both innovation and absolute safety commitment.

Common Errors

Technical Errors

Error 1: Insufficient Grip Security

  • Mistake: Loose figure-four grip or improper wrist control
  • Why it fails: Allows opponent to slip arm out or reduce pressure, decreases leverage effectiveness
  • Correction: Ensure tight figure-four with strong wrist-to-wrist connection, thumbs interlocked
  • Safety impact: Loose grip tempts practitioners to compensate with excessive rotation

Error 2: Poor Angle Creation

  • Mistake: Keeping their arm parallel to body instead of perpendicular
  • Why it fails: Reduces mechanical advantage, allows shoulder to compensate with internal rotation
  • Correction: Create 90-degree angle between arm and torso, shift weight toward their head
  • Safety impact: Poor angle leads to forcing technique rather than using proper leverage

Error 3: Low Elbow Position

  • Mistake: Allowing their elbow to stay on or near the mat
  • Why it fails: Gives opponent base and structure to resist, reduces submission pressure
  • Correction: Lift elbow away from mat, keep it elevated throughout submission
  • Safety impact: Low elbow creates elbow hyperextension risk

SAFETY ERRORS (CRITICAL)

DANGER: Explosive Rotation

  • Mistake: Cranking rotation rapidly without progressive pressure
  • Why dangerous: No time for partner to recognize and tap - immediate shoulder damage risk
  • Injury risk: SHOULDER DISLOCATION, rotator cuff tear
  • Correction: Rotate progressively over 3-5 seconds minimum in training
  • This can cause permanent shoulder damage

DANGER: Ignoring Tap Signals

  • Mistake: Continuing rotation after feeling tap
  • Why dangerous: Partner already submitted - continued pressure causes injury
  • Injury risk: Unnecessary shoulder damage, complete breach of trust
  • Correction: RELEASE IMMEDIATELY upon any tap signal
  • This is the most serious error in BJJ

DANGER: Competition Speed in Drilling

  • Mistake: Applying full competition speed and pressure during drilling
  • Why dangerous: Partner not defending at full intensity, can’t protect shoulder adequately
  • Injury risk: Shoulder injury, rotator cuff damage
  • Correction: Match speed to drilling context - slow and controlled
  • Save competition speed for competition

DANGER: Forcing Past Natural Range

  • Mistake: Continuing rotation past partner’s shoulder flexibility limits
  • Why dangerous: Individual shoulder flexibility varies - some tap sooner than others
  • Injury risk: Capsular tears, dislocation, chronic shoulder instability
  • Correction: Respect the tap immediately regardless of when it comes
  • Never assume your partner has same flexibility as you

Variations & Setups

Primary Setup (From Side Control)

From Side Control Top:

  • Control opponent’s near arm with cross-face or isolation
  • Thread far arm underneath their forearm
  • Lock figure-four grip (wrist-to-wrist)
  • Success rate: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%
  • Setup time: 3-5 seconds
  • Safety considerations: Most common entry, ensure arm is isolated before rotating

Alternative Setup (From North-South)

From North-South Position:

  • Opponent defends with arm framed
  • Capture framed arm with Kimura grip
  • Walk feet toward their head while maintaining grip
  • Finish with rotation
  • Best for: When opponent pushes against you in north-south
  • Safety notes: Maintain control before applying pressure

Chain Combinations

After failed Americana:

  • Opponent straightens arm to defend
  • Switch to Kimura grip as arm extends
  • Complete submission from new angle
  • Transition cue: Feel arm straightening during Americana attempt
  • Safety: Smooth transition maintains control

After failed Armbar:

  • Opponent defends by pulling arm close
  • Capture bent arm with Kimura grip
  • Transition to side control
  • Decision point: When armbar extension is stopped
  • Safety: Don’t force if position is lost

No-Gi vs Gi Modifications

Gi Version:

  • Grips: Can use gi material for additional control
  • Advantages: More friction, harder to slip out
  • Adjustments: Same mechanical principles
  • Safety: Gi provides more control but also more leverage - be careful

No-Gi Version:

  • Grips: Direct wrist-to-wrist control essential
  • Modifications: May need tighter grip due to slipperiness
  • Advantages: Faster grip acquisition
  • Safety: Slippage can cause sudden pressure spikes - maintain smooth pressure

Knowledge Assessment

Question 1: Setup Recognition (Safety Critical)

Q: What position and controls must be established before attempting the Kimura from side control safely?

A: Starting position must be Side Control Top with stable positional control. Required controls: (1) Opponent’s near arm isolated and accessible, (2) Figure-four grip secured (wrist-to-wrist), (3) Weight distribution preventing easy escape, (4) Partner’s far arm free to tap clearly. Safety verification includes ensuring stable side control, proper grip before pressure, and confirmed tap signals.

Why It Matters: Attempting without proper setup increases injury risk and teaches poor technique.

Question 2: Technical Execution (Mechanics)

Q: What creates the submission pressure in the Kimura from side control, and what is the primary target?

A: Pressure is created by: (1) Figure-four grip providing mechanical advantage, (2) Elbow elevation removing structural support, (3) External rotation toward head applying torque to shoulder joint, (4) Weight advantage preventing escape. Primary target is glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint) and rotator cuff muscles. The technique works through rotational leverage at shoulder’s weakest angle.

Why It Matters: Understanding mechanics allows controlled application rather than forcing.

Question 3: Safety Understanding (CRITICAL)

Q: How fast should rotational pressure be applied in training, and what injuries can occur if applied improperly?

A: Application Speed: 3-5 seconds minimum in training (slower in drilling). Progressive rotation allowing partner to tap at any point.

Potential Injuries:

  • Shoulder dislocation (acute, requires medical attention)
  • Rotator cuff tear (weeks to months recovery)
  • Bicep tendon damage (2-8 weeks recovery)
  • Shoulder capsule tear (chronic instability risk)

Tap Signals: Verbal “tap”, physical tap with free hand/foot

Release Protocol: Stop rotation immediately, lower arm gently to neutral, release grip slowly, check partner

Why It Matters: Kimura can cause serious shoulder injuries if applied carelessly. Understanding risks prevents injuries.

Question 4: Defense Awareness (Tactical)

Q: What is the best defense against the Kimura from side control, and when must it be executed?

A: Best defense is early arm protection - keep elbow tight to body, frame with free hand, prevent grip establishment. Success rate: 55% if executed before figure-four grip secured. Once grip is locked, technical escape (roll to turtle) has 30% success but must be immediate. Once rotation begins and shoulder reaches limit, tap is only safe option. Physical indicators to tap: shoulder at rotational limit, sharp pain, feeling of instability.

Why It Matters: Knowing when to tap prevents injury. Smart grapplers tap to position before injury occurs.

Question 5: Anatomical Knowledge (Technical)

Q: What specific anatomical structure is targeted by the Kimura, and what makes this joint vulnerable?

A: Primary target is the glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint), specifically under external rotation stress. Vulnerability comes from: (1) Ball-and-socket design allows wide range of motion but less stability, (2) Rotator cuff muscles are relatively small compared to leverage applied, (3) External rotation is weakest movement plane for shoulder, (4) Joint capsule can tear under excessive rotation. Secondary targets: bicep tendon (compression), scapular stabilizers (stress).

Why It Matters: Understanding anatomy creates respect for technique’s power and importance of controlled application.

Question 6: Release Protocol (Safety Critical)

Q: What is the immediate action required when partner taps to Kimura, and how do you safely release?

A: Immediate Action: STOP ALL ROTATION instantly upon any tap signal.

Release Steps:

  1. Stop rotating (0.5 seconds)
  2. Lower arm gently to neutral position beside body (1 second)
  3. Release figure-four grip slowly (1 second)
  4. Separate from position (1 second)
  5. Verbal check: “Shoulder okay?” and wait for response
  6. Watch for signs of injury (grimacing, holding shoulder, reduced mobility)

Total Release Time: 3-4 seconds from tap to full separation with safety check.

Why It Matters: Proper release prevents injury during disengagement and demonstrates respect for training partner.

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels in gi and no-gi
  • Strategic Use: High-percentage submission from dominant position
  • Versatility: Works in both gi and no-gi formats
  • Tournament Impact: Common competition finish from side control

Historical Context

The Kimura (double wristlock) gained its name from Masahiko Kimura, a legendary judoka who famously used the technique to defeat Helio Gracie in 1951, breaking Helio’s arm when he refused to tap. This demonstration of the technique’s power cemented its place in BJJ history. The submission has since become a fundamental technique at all levels, valued for its mechanical efficiency and versatility from multiple positions.

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