SAFETY: Kimura from Butterfly Guard targets the Shoulder joint, rotator cuff, and shoulder capsule. Risk: Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis). Release immediately upon tap.
Attacking the Kimura from Butterfly Guard requires coordinating upper body grip mechanics with lower body hook management to maintain positional control while isolating and rotating the shoulder. The seated posture provides natural advantages for securing the figure-four grip, while the hooks create constant base disruption that prevents the opponent from mounting effective defenses. Success depends on recognizing the moment when the opponent’s hand becomes available, typically during sweep defense or grip fighting, and transitioning smoothly from guard play to submission attack without sacrificing hook position or posture.
From Position: Butterfly Guard (Bottom)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Kimura from Butterfly Guard?
- Maintain hook pressure throughout the attack to prevent opponent from posturing away or creating distance to break the figure-four grip
- Secure the wrist before committing to the figure-four to avoid telegraphing the attack and giving the opponent time to retract their arm
- Use the opposite hook as an elevator to create rotational space while the near hook controls distance and prevents escape
- Keep elbows tight to your body during the figure-four lock to maximize mechanical advantage and minimize the grip space the opponent can exploit
- Drive the finish by rotating the opponent’s wrist behind their back using hip movement and core rotation, not just arm strength
- Chain the Kimura attempt with sweep threats so the opponent must choose between defending the lock and maintaining base
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Kimura from Butterfly Guard?
- Established butterfly guard with both hooks active and seated upright posture maintained
- Opponent’s arm exposed through posting, grip fighting, or defensive reaction to sweep attempt
- Initial wrist control secured on the target arm before committing to the figure-four
- Upper body angle adjusted so your chest faces the target shoulder, creating optimal leverage for the rotation
- At least one hook actively engaging the opponent’s thigh to prevent them from disengaging during grip establishment
Execution Steps
How do you execute Kimura from Butterfly Guard step by step?
- Create the opening: Initiate a butterfly sweep or underhook attack to force the opponent to post their hand on the mat or extend their arm defensively. The key is generating a reaction that exposes the wrist rather than trying to grab a tucked arm. (Timing: 0-3 seconds)
- Secure wrist control: Capture the exposed wrist with your same-side hand using a C-grip around the wrist, thumb on top. Immediately pull the wrist toward your hip to begin isolating the arm from the opponent’s body and prevent retraction. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Establish the figure-four grip: Thread your opposite arm over the opponent’s trapped arm and grip your own wrist to complete the figure-four lock. Your forearm should press against the back of their forearm just above the wrist, creating the lever for rotation. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Adjust angle and hooks: Angle your body so your chest faces the opponent’s trapped shoulder. Maintain the near-side hook to prevent them from pulling away, and use the far-side hook to elevate slightly, compromising their base and creating rotational clearance. (Timing: 1-3 seconds)
- Break defensive grip: If the opponent grabs their own shorts, belt, or opposite hand to defend, use a combination of wrist peeling, hip bumps with the hooks, and angle changes to separate their hands. Pull their elbow tight to your body and use short, sharp hip movements to break the connection. (Timing: 2-5 seconds)
- Finish with controlled rotation: Drive the opponent’s wrist behind their back using hip rotation and core engagement while keeping the elbow pinned to your torso. Apply slow, steady rotational pressure on the shoulder joint, painting the wrist toward the ceiling. Maintain hook pressure throughout to prevent escape. (Timing: 2-4 seconds)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 62% |
| Failure | Butterfly Guard | 25% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 13% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Kimura from Butterfly Guard?
- Opponent straightens arm to prevent figure-four grip establishment (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Transition to a straight armbar or switch to wrist control and pull the arm across your body to bend the elbow before re-establishing the figure-four → Leads to Butterfly Guard
- Opponent grabs own shorts or belt to block rotation (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use hook elevation to bump their hips and break the grip connection, or peel the defensive hand by wedging your fingers under their grip while maintaining the figure-four → Leads to Butterfly Guard
- Opponent drives forward aggressively to stack and smash through the guard (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use the forward momentum to roll to the Kimura Trap position, maintaining the grip while transitioning to a top finishing position as they overcommit their weight → Leads to Butterfly Guard
- Opponent circles toward the Kimura side to relieve rotational pressure (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Follow their rotation by scooting your hips and adjusting your angle to maintain perpendicular alignment to the trapped shoulder, or use the movement to transition to a sweep → Leads to Closed Guard