SAFETY: Kimura from Lasso Guard targets the Shoulder joint, rotator cuff, and shoulder capsule. Risk: Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis). Release immediately upon tap.
The Kimura from Lasso Guard is an opportunistic shoulder lock attack available to the top player when the guard player over-commits to maintaining lasso control. When the bottom player threads their shin across your arm and focuses on extending the lasso, their non-lasso arm often becomes vulnerable—typically the hand gripping the collar or posting on the mat. By isolating this arm with a figure-four grip and applying controlled rotational force, the top player transforms a defensive guard-passing scenario into a direct submission threat.
This attack exploits the fundamental trade-off inherent in lasso guard: the bottom player commits significant body structure to maintaining the lasso, leaving secondary control points exposed. The top player must recognize the window when the non-lasso arm drifts away from a protected position—usually when the bottom player reaches for collar grips, attempts sweep setups, or adjusts hip positioning. Timing the Kimura entry during these moments of commitment dramatically increases finishing probability.
The Kimura from Lasso Guard creates a powerful tactical dilemma. If the bottom player defends the Kimura by releasing their lasso grips, the top player gains favorable passing position with the primary obstacle removed. If they stubbornly maintain the lasso while defending the Kimura, their posture collapses and the submission pressure compounds. This win-win dynamic makes the Kimura attempt valuable even when it does not result in a direct tap, as it systematically degrades the bottom player’s guard structure.
Category: Joint Lock Type: Shoulder Lock Target Area: Shoulder joint, rotator cuff, and shoulder capsule Starting Position: Lasso Guard From Position: Lasso Guard (Top) Success Rate: 62%
Safety Guide
Injury Risks:
| Injury | Severity | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis) | High | 3-9 months with potential surgery requirement |
| Shoulder capsule damage and dislocation | CRITICAL | 6-12 months, may require surgical repair |
| Labral tear (glenoid labrum) | High | 4-8 months, often requires arthroscopic surgery |
| Bicep tendon strain or rupture | Medium | 6-12 weeks for strain, 3-6 months for rupture |
Application Speed: SLOW and progressive - 3-5 seconds minimum in training, allowing partner time to recognize danger and tap
Tap Signals:
- Verbal tap (saying ‘tap’ or making any verbal distress sound)
- Physical hand tap (multiple taps with free hand)
- Physical foot tap (multiple taps with either foot)
- Any distress signal including screaming or unusual sounds
Release Protocol:
- Immediately stop all rotational pressure the instant tap is felt or heard
- Return the arm toward neutral position (externally rotate back to starting position)
- Release the figure-four grip completely
- Allow partner to self-assess shoulder mobility before continuing
- Never release suddenly or allow arm to spring back forcefully
Training Restrictions:
- Never spike or jerk the submission - rotation must be smooth and controlled
- Never use competition speed or surprise attacks in training
- Always ensure partner has at least one hand free to tap
- Do not apply while partner is in awkward body position that prevents tapping
- Never combine with weight pressure that restricts breathing while finishing
- Respect immediate taps without testing partner’s pain tolerance
Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 62% |
| Failure | Lasso Guard | 25% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 13% |
Attacker vs Defender
| Attacker | Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Execute and finish | Escape and survive |
| Key Principles | Identify the vulnerability window when the opponent’s non-la… | Keep your non-lasso elbow connected to your hip or ribs when… |
| Options | 6 execution steps | 4 defensive options |
Playing as Attacker
Key Principles
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Identify the vulnerability window when the opponent’s non-lasso arm extends for grips, posts, or adjustments before committing to the attack
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Establish heavy chest-to-chest pressure to flatten the opponent’s hips before attempting to secure the figure-four grip
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Keep both elbows pinched tight to your body throughout the grip establishment and finishing sequence to maximize rotational torque
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Control the opponent’s wrist firmly against your centerline before threading the figure-four—never reach for a loose arm
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Use the Kimura threat as a dual-purpose tool: finish the submission or force the opponent to abandon lasso grips, opening passing opportunities
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Rotate the captured arm toward the mat behind the opponent’s hip line using your entire body, not just arm strength
Execution Steps
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Control the target arm: When the opponent’s non-lasso arm extends for a collar grip, lapel control, or posts on the mat, imm…
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Drive chest pressure forward: Lower your chest directly onto the opponent’s torso, driving your weight through your sternum into t…
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Thread the figure-four grip: Slide your arm under the opponent’s controlled arm from the elbow side, threading between their bice…
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Clear remaining lasso entanglement: If your arm remains partially lassoed, use the downward pressure of the Kimura grip to push through …
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Rotate the arm behind their back: Keep your elbows tight to your torso and begin rotating the opponent’s wrist in an arc toward the ma…
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Apply controlled finishing pressure: Continue the rotational pressure smoothly and progressively until you feel the shoulder reaching its…
Common Mistakes
-
Reaching for the Kimura grip on a fully retracted arm instead of waiting for the opponent to extend
- Consequence: Opponent easily defends by keeping their elbow tight and may use your overextended reach to sweep you forward off your base
- Correction: Wait for the natural arm extension that occurs when the opponent reaches for grips, adjusts their lasso position, or posts on the mat before committing to the attack
-
Attempting the Kimura without first establishing chest pressure to control the opponent’s hips
- Consequence: Opponent retains full hip mobility to angle out, reguard, or sweep using the lasso leverage that remains completely active
- Correction: Drive chest pressure down to flatten the opponent’s hips before threading the figure-four grip, removing their primary defensive and offensive tools
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Keeping elbows wide and away from the body during the figure-four grip and rotation phase
- Consequence: Opponent easily frames against your extended elbows, creates space, and extracts their arm from the weakened grip configuration
- Correction: Pinch both elbows tight to your ribs throughout the entire sequence—the figure-four is strongest when the opponent’s arm is compressed directly against your torso
Playing as Defender
Key Principles
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Keep your non-lasso elbow connected to your hip or ribs whenever not actively gripping—the Kimura requires space between your arm and body to thread the figure-four
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Recognize the attack at the wrist control stage, before the figure-four establishes, when defense is simplest and most energy-efficient
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Use hip movement to create angles that prevent the top player from establishing the chest pressure needed to flatten you for the finish
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Prioritize arm retraction over maintaining secondary grips when you sense Kimura danger—releasing a collar grip costs far less than defending a locked submission
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If the figure-four locks, immediately grip your own belt, lapel, or shorts to create an anchor that prevents the attacker from generating rotation
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Be willing to abandon the lasso entirely if necessary to safely extract your arm from the Kimura threat—position recovery is always available
Recognition Cues
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The top player’s free hand reaches for and controls your non-lasso wrist or forearm with deliberate purpose rather than standard passing grips
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The top player suddenly drives chest pressure forward and down, flattening your hips against the mat in preparation for figure-four threading
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The top player begins threading their arm under your controlled arm from the elbow side, indicating figure-four grip establishment is imminent
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The top player’s posture shifts from an upright guard passing stance to a low, compressed position focused on controlling your arm rather than addressing your legs
Escape Paths
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Retract the arm early and grip your own lapel or belt to create an anchor against rotation before the figure-four locks completely
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Bridge toward the Kimura side and hip escape to create space, then pull the elbow free and immediately close guard around the attacker’s waist
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Release all lasso grips and use both hands to strip the figure-four grip at the wrist connection point while shrimping away to create distance
From Which Positions?
Match Outcome
Successful execution of Kimura from Lasso Guard leads to → Game Over
All submissions in BJJ ultimately converge to the same terminal state: the match ends when your opponent taps.