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.
Attacking with the Kimura from Lasso Guard top requires recognizing the moment when the bottom player’s non-lasso arm becomes vulnerable. The attack capitalizes on the guard player’s structural commitment to maintaining the lasso—their focus on sleeve control and shin placement creates a window where the free arm drifts into an exposed position. Success depends on rapid arm isolation, heavy chest pressure to pin the opponent’s hips, and controlled rotational finishing mechanics that attack the shoulder joint through the figure-four grip system. The dual-purpose nature of this attack makes it especially valuable: even unsuccessful attempts degrade the opponent’s guard by forcing them to release grips or compromise posture to defend.
From Position: Lasso Guard (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Kimura from Lasso Guard?
- Identify the vulnerability window when the opponent’s non-lasso arm extends for grips, posts, or adjustments before committing to the attack
- Establish heavy chest-to-chest pressure to flatten the opponent’s hips before attempting to secure the figure-four grip
- Keep both elbows pinched tight to your body throughout the grip establishment and finishing sequence to maximize rotational torque
- Control the opponent’s wrist firmly against your centerline before threading the figure-four—never reach for a loose arm
- Use the Kimura threat as a dual-purpose tool: finish the submission or force the opponent to abandon lasso grips, opening passing opportunities
- Rotate the captured arm toward the mat behind the opponent’s hip line using your entire body, not just arm strength
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Kimura from Lasso Guard?
- Established top position with base maintained against lasso guard sweeps and off-balancing attempts
- Opponent’s non-lasso arm identified in a vulnerable position—extended for grips, posting on the mat, or reaching across their body
- Chest pressure established or ready to deploy immediately to limit opponent’s hip mobility during the attack
- Free hand available and positioned to secure the initial wrist control before threading the figure-four grip
- Lasso control at least partially neutralized through posture or pressure to prevent being swept during the attack
Execution Steps
How do you execute Kimura from Lasso Guard step by step?
- Control the target arm: When the opponent’s non-lasso arm extends for a collar grip, lapel control, or posts on the mat, immediately pin their wrist to your centerline using your free hand. This initial wrist control must be firm and decisive—hesitation allows the opponent to retract the arm into a defensive position where the Kimura becomes unavailable. (Timing: Immediate upon recognizing arm extension)
- Drive chest pressure forward: Lower your chest directly onto the opponent’s torso, driving your weight through your sternum into their solar plexus. This flattens their hips against the mat, eliminating the angular hip movement that powers both lasso sweeps and Kimura defense frames. Keep your head low and tight against their shoulder to prevent re-establishing collar control. (Timing: Within 1-2 seconds of securing wrist control)
- Thread the figure-four grip: Slide your arm under the opponent’s controlled arm from the elbow side, threading between their bicep and torso. Grip your own wrist to complete the figure-four configuration. The grip should lock with their elbow pinched against your ribs—any space between their arm and your body significantly reduces the leverage available for the finishing rotation. (Timing: 2-3 seconds while maintaining chest pressure)
- Clear remaining lasso entanglement: If your arm remains partially lassoed, use the downward pressure of the Kimura grip to push through the opponent’s shin contact. The figure-four grip provides sufficient structural support to work your arm free while maintaining the submission threat. Many opponents release the lasso voluntarily at this stage to free their hips for Kimura defense. (Timing: 2-4 seconds of controlled clearing)
- 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 mat behind their hip. Use your entire upper body to generate rotation rather than isolated arm strength. The rotation should travel in a paint-brush arc—their hand sweeps from their centerline toward the space behind their far hip in a smooth, continuous motion. (Timing: 3-5 seconds of progressive rotation)
- Apply controlled finishing pressure: Continue the rotational pressure smoothly and progressively until you feel the shoulder reaching its anatomical limit. Monitor the opponent’s verbal and physical responses for tap signals throughout the entire finishing phase. The finish comes from steady incremental rotation combined with constant chest pressure that prevents any defensive hip escape or bridge attempt. (Timing: 3-5 seconds minimum, never rush)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 62% |
| Failure | Lasso Guard | 25% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 13% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Kimura from Lasso Guard?
- Straightening the captured arm and pulling elbow tight to the body to prevent figure-four establishment (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Switch to an Americana by redirecting the wrist pressure toward the mat instead of rotating behind the back, or use the grip disruption to advance your passing position since the defense weakens the lasso → Leads to Lasso Guard
- Bridging and rolling toward the Kimura side to relieve rotational pressure and create a scramble (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow the roll while maintaining the figure-four grip, transitioning to a mounted or side control Kimura position where the submission often becomes tighter due to the loss of ground support for the defender’s shoulder → Leads to Lasso Guard
- Releasing lasso grips entirely and pulling to closed guard to create defensive distance and remove the arm exposure (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Accept the guard change as a tactical win—the lasso obstacle is removed. Either maintain the Kimura grip through the transition or release to pass the weakened closed guard → Leads to Closed Guard
- Using the free leg to push on your hip and create frames to prevent the chest pressure needed for finishing (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Drive your weight through the frames using the Kimura grip as an anchor point. The opponent’s lasso leg commitment limits their ability to generate effective pushing force with the remaining leg → Leads to Lasso Guard