SAFETY: Kimura from High Mount 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 High Mount requires securing the figure-four grip on the defender’s wrist while maintaining the elevated mount platform. The high mount position provides exceptional leverage for the finishing rotation because gravity and body weight supplement the rotational force applied through the figure-four grip. The key distinction from other Kimura attacks is that you work from directly above your opponent rather than beside them, which eliminates many standard Kimura defenses and creates a direct downward line of force through the shoulder joint. Success depends on isolating the arm without sacrificing mount position, maintaining hip pressure to prevent the defender from rolling, and applying smooth progressive rotational force toward the mat. The figure-four grip must be tight with elbows squeezed together to prevent the defender from extracting their arm during the finishing sequence.
From Position: High Mount (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Kimura from High Mount?
- Maintain forward hip pressure on the defender’s upper chest throughout the entire attack sequence to prevent bridging escapes
- Isolate the target arm before committing to the figure-four grip to avoid losing mount position during the transition
- Keep elbows squeezed tight together after securing the figure-four to eliminate slack and prevent arm extraction
- Use your entire body structure to drive the rotation rather than relying on arm strength alone
- Pin the defender’s elbow to the mat as the fulcrum point before initiating rotational pressure
- Stay prepared to switch between Kimura and Americana based on the direction the defender moves their forearm
- Apply finishing pressure progressively to allow training partners time to tap safely
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Kimura from High Mount?
- Established high mount with knees positioned near or above the defender’s armpits, providing access to their arms
- Forward weight distribution with hips driving into the defender’s upper chest to prevent bridge escapes during the attack
- At least one of the defender’s arms isolated from their body through grip stripping, frame breaking, or positional pressure
- Sufficient base stability to maintain mount position while transitioning one or both hands to the figure-four grip
- Defender’s far-side arm controlled or monitored to prevent them from framing on your hip during the wrist capture
Execution Steps
How do you execute Kimura from High Mount step by step?
- Identify and isolate the target arm: From high mount, select the arm that is most exposed or least protected. Swim your near-side hand under the defender’s elbow while maintaining forward pressure through your hips. Your chest weight should pin their upper body to the mat while your hand position begins disrupting their defensive frame and separating their elbow from their ribs. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Capture the wrist with a C-grip: Secure a firm C-grip on the defender’s wrist with your same-side hand, pulling their hand away from their body and toward the mat beside their head. This wrist capture must be immediate and decisive because the defender will attempt to retract their arm the instant they feel the grip. Use your chest weight to trap their elbow against the mat as you establish wrist control. (Timing: 1 second)
- Thread the figure-four grip: Slide your opposite hand under the defender’s trapped arm at the tricep level and grip your own wrist, completing the figure-four lock. Your forearm should press firmly against the back of their tricep near the elbow, creating the lever that will generate rotational force on the shoulder joint. Squeeze your elbows together tightly to eliminate any slack in the grip configuration. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Pin the elbow to the mat as the fulcrum: Drive the defender’s elbow toward the mat beside their head using steady downward pressure through your figure-four grip. This step establishes the critical fulcrum point for the shoulder rotation. Their elbow must be on or near the mat before you begin rotating, otherwise the submission lacks the mechanical advantage needed to finish against a resisting opponent who can still move their arm through space. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Adjust hip position for optimal leverage angle: Shift your hips slightly toward the trapped arm side, angling your body to maximize rotational leverage while keeping your weight on the defender’s chest. This subtle angle change transforms the finish from a muscular pulling motion into a structural rotation where your entire body weight and positioning drive the submission rather than just your arms pulling against the defender’s resistance. (Timing: 1 second)
- Apply controlled rotational pressure toward the mat: Begin rotating the defender’s wrist toward the mat behind their back using a smooth, progressive arc. The rotation should move their hand in a paintbrush motion toward their hip while their elbow remains pinned to the mat as the fulcrum. Increase pressure gradually in training, allowing your partner time to recognize the submission and tap before the shoulder joint reaches its structural limit. (Timing: 2-4 seconds)
- Complete the finish with structural pressure: Continue the controlled rotation until the opponent taps or you reach the natural endpoint of shoulder external rotation. Maintain chest pressure on the defender’s upper body throughout the entire finishing sequence to prevent them from rolling toward you to relieve rotational pressure on the shoulder. The finishing force comes from your body structure and weight distribution, not from muscular effort in your arms. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 62% |
| Failure | High Mount | 25% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 13% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Kimura from High Mount?
- Straightening the trapped arm to break the figure-four angle (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Immediately transition to armbar by stepping over their head and falling back, or switch to a straight armbar from mount since their arm is already extended. The straightened arm is a gift for armbar attacks. → Leads to High Mount
- Clasping hands together or gripping own lapel to prevent wrist isolation (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use two-on-one grip breaking by peeling their fingers with both hands, or drive their elbow toward the mat to create a lever that separates the grip. You can also attack the other arm while they commit both hands to defense. → Leads to High Mount
- Explosive bridge and roll toward the Kimura side to escape mount (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Post your outside foot wide for base when you feel the bridge coming. If they succeed in rolling you, maintain the figure-four grip and finish the Kimura from guard or transition to a sweep from the new position. → Leads to Closed Guard
- Tucking the elbow tight to the body and turning away to prevent arm isolation (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Use your knee to wedge against their elbow and pry the arm away from their body. Alternatively, threaten the back take as they turn away, which forces them to face you and re-expose the arm for the Kimura. → Leads to High Mount