SAFETY: Kimura from Mount targets the Shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint, rotator cuff). Risk: Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor). Release immediately upon tap.
The Kimura from Mount represents one of the highest-percentage shoulder lock attacks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, combining the dominant control of mount with the mechanical advantage of the double-wrist grip. This submission targets the shoulder joint through a figure-four grip configuration that isolates the opponent’s arm while leveraging superior positional control. From mount, the attacking grappler can transition seamlessly between maintaining positional dominance and applying submission pressure, creating a strategic dilemma where defensive movements often expose additional attacks. The technique’s effectiveness stems from the ability to use bodyweight, hip pressure, and precise angle creation to generate overwhelming torque on the shoulder capsule. Unlike Kimuras from other positions, the mount variation offers exceptional control over the opponent’s ability to roll or escape, making it particularly reliable in both training and competition scenarios. The submission can be finished while maintaining mount or used as a transition mechanism to take the back or establish other dominant positions.
From Position: Mount (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Kimura from Mount?
- Establish dominant mount control with heavy hip pressure before attempting the submission
- Secure the figure-four grip with maximum distance between your hands to create leverage
- Control the opponent’s elbow position - keep it tight to their body during setup
- Create the proper angle by positioning your body perpendicular to opponent’s trapped arm
- Apply rotational pressure in a circular motion toward opponent’s head, not straight up
- Maintain mount control throughout the submission to prevent escapes or counters
- Use progressive pressure application - build torque gradually to allow safe tapping
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Kimura from Mount?
- Establish stable high mount or S-mount position with hips low and heavy
- Control opponent’s near arm by isolating it away from their body
- Secure initial wrist control with your same-side hand (right hand to opponent’s right wrist)
- Break opponent’s defensive frames or grips using weight distribution and pressure
- Position your chest and shoulder pressure to limit opponent’s movement and breathing space
- Create angle by shifting your hips toward the trapped arm side
- Ensure opponent cannot use their free hand to defend the trapped arm effectively
Execution Steps
How do you execute Kimura from Mount step by step?
- Establish Mount Control and Isolate the Arm: From high mount, use your chest pressure and hip control to pin opponent flat. Bait or force their arm across their body by threatening attacks to the opposite side, or wait for them to frame against your chest. When the arm extends, immediately trap their wrist with your same-side hand (if attacking right arm, use your right hand). Pin their wrist to the mat or their chest to prevent retraction. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to establish position)
- Feed the Wrist and Secure Figure-Four Grip: While maintaining wrist control, thread your opposite hand (left hand for right arm attack) underneath their elbow and grip your own wrist, creating the figure-four configuration. Your grip should be as deep as possible on your wrist - the further from their arm you grip, the more leverage you create. Keep their elbow bent at approximately 90 degrees and tight to their torso during this transition. (Timing: 1-2 seconds for grip transition)
- Create Angle and Establish Base: Shift your hips and upper body toward the trapped arm side, creating a perpendicular angle to their body. Your chest should now be oriented toward their head rather than directly down on their torso. Maintain one knee tight against their ribs on the trapped arm side while extending the other leg for base. This angle is critical - it aligns your body mechanics for optimal torque application. (Timing: 1-2 seconds for positional adjustment)
- Lift the Elbow and Control Height: Using your figure-four grip, lift their elbow off the mat while keeping their hand pinned toward their body or the mat. The elbow should rise to approximately the height of their ribcage or slightly higher. This creates the necessary leverage arm for the submission. Keep their wrist close to their body - if their hand moves too far from their torso, the submission loses effectiveness. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Walk Hands Toward Head: While maintaining elbow height and grip integrity, begin moving their hand in a circular arc toward their head. The motion should be smooth and controlled, rotating the shoulder internally. Your hands move together as a unit - do not pull with one hand more than the other. The pressure increases progressively as you move through the arc. Watch for the tap, which typically comes when their hand reaches ear level. (Timing: 3-5 seconds progressive application)
- Finish or Transition: Continue the circular rotation until opponent taps. If they resist strongly or begin to roll, be prepared to transition: maintain your figure-four grip and follow their roll to take the back, or step over their head into an armbar position. Never release the grip prematurely - the Kimura control allows multiple submission and positional options even if the shoulder lock itself doesn’t finish immediately. (Timing: Until tap or transition initiated)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 60% |
| Failure | Mount | 25% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 15% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Kimura from Mount?
- Grabbing their own gi pants or belt (defensive grip) (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain pressure and use your bodyweight to break the grip by continuing the circular motion. Alternatively, post your hand on their head and use leverage to force their hand away from their body, then complete the arc toward their head. → Leads to Mount
- Rolling toward the trapped arm to relieve pressure (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Follow the roll while maintaining figure-four grip. As they roll, transition your legs to take the back with seat belt control, or use the momentum to transition to a crucifix position. The Kimura grip remains secure throughout the transition. → Leads to Closed Guard
- Bridging explosively to disrupt base and mount control (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Lower your hips and widen your base immediately when you feel the bridge. Post your head on the mat on the trapped arm side to prevent being swept. Keep the figure-four grip locked and maintain elbow height - even if mount is threatened, the submission pressure continues. → Leads to Closed Guard
- Straightening the trapped arm to prevent rotation (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: If they straighten the arm, you gain access to a straight armbar. Simply adjust your angle, bring your leg over their face, and fall back for the armbar. The Kimura grip naturally transitions to armbar control when they extend. → Leads to Mount
- Using free hand to push your face or create distance (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Pin their pushing hand with your head pressure or trap it with your free knee. Alternatively, threaten to transition your attack to their free arm, forcing them to retract the defensive hand. Your mount control and figure-four grip remain primary throughout. → Leads to Mount