SAFETY: Kimura from New York Control 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 New York Control capitalizes on the rubber guard system’s inherent arm control to create one of the most efficient shoulder lock entries available from bottom position. The deep overhook that defines New York Control provides a natural pathway to the figure-four grip, bypassing the arm isolation phase that makes traditional guard Kimura setups difficult against resisting opponents. The bottom player converts existing overhook control into the Kimura grip while maintaining active leg pressure across the opponent’s back to prevent posture recovery, then uses hip escape mechanics to generate the rotational angle needed for the finish. Success depends on precise grip conversion timing, maintaining leg control throughout the transition, and applying progressive rotational pressure from an angle that maximizes mechanical advantage while minimizing the opponent’s defensive leverage.
From Position: New York Control (Bottom)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Kimura from New York Control?
- The overhook provides pre-existing arm isolation that eliminates the hardest phase of traditional Kimura setups
- Leg pressure across the opponent’s back must remain active throughout the grip transition to prevent posture recovery
- Hip escape toward the trapped arm creates the rotational angle that generates finishing torque on the shoulder
- Grip conversion from overhook to figure-four must be fast and precise to prevent defensive hand fighting
- The wrist drives toward the mat in a paintbrush arc while the elbow lifts away from the body for maximum rotational force
- Patience during the finish prevents defensive scrambles and allows progressive pressure that forces the tap
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Kimura from New York Control?
- Established New York Control with deep overhook fully threaded under the opponent’s armpit
- Active leg pressure across opponent’s back preventing posture recovery and base establishment
- Free hand positioned to control opponent’s wrist on the overhook side
- Opponent’s trapped arm pulled across your centerline restricting their defensive posting options
- Sufficient hip mobility to perform sharp hip escape during grip transition
Execution Steps
How do you execute Kimura from New York Control step by step?
- Secure deep overhook control: From established New York Control, verify your overhook arm is fully threaded under the opponent’s armpit with maximum depth, pulling their elbow tight across your centerline to restrict defensive posting and create the foundation for grip conversion. (Timing: 0-3 seconds)
- Control the opponent’s wrist: Use your free hand to grip the opponent’s wrist on the overhook side, pulling their hand away from your body and toward your hip. This isolates the arm and begins positioning for the figure-four Kimura grip transition. (Timing: 2-4 seconds)
- Convert overhook to figure-four grip: Thread your overhook arm under the opponent’s elbow while maintaining firm wrist control with your other hand. Clasp your own wrist to establish the figure-four Kimura grip, keeping elbows tight throughout the transition to prevent the opponent from extracting their arm. (Timing: 1-3 seconds)
- Hip escape to create finishing angle: Perform a sharp hip escape toward the trapped arm side, creating approximately a forty-five degree angle relative to the opponent. This lateral displacement generates the mechanical advantage needed for rotational force on the shoulder while maintaining leg control across their back. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Break defensive grip connections: If the opponent clasps their hands together or grabs their own body, use combined leg pressure and hip driving to peel their defensive grip apart. Push your knee into their arm while pulling the figure-four toward your hip to separate their hands and expose the shoulder. (Timing: 3-8 seconds)
- Apply controlled rotational pressure: With proper angle established and defensive grips broken, rotate the opponent’s wrist toward the mat in a paintbrush motion while lifting their elbow away from their body. Apply steady progressive pressure to the shoulder joint, allowing your partner time to recognize the danger and tap. (Timing: 2-5 seconds)
- Complete the finish: Continue driving the wrist toward the mat while maintaining your hip escape angle and active leg pressure across their back. The combination of figure-four leverage, rotational force, and positional control isolates the shoulder joint and produces the tap through controlled progressive pressure. (Timing: 1-3 seconds)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 62% |
| Failure | New York Control | 25% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 13% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Kimura from New York Control?
- Straightening the trapped arm to prevent figure-four grip establishment (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Maintain wrist control and use your legs to curl their arm back toward their body. If the arm stays straight, transition to an armbar attempt by swinging your leg over their face while controlling the wrist. → Leads to New York Control
- Clasping hands together in a defensive grip to prevent rotation (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Hip escape deeper to increase mechanical advantage, then use knee pressure against their top arm while pulling the figure-four toward your hip. Alternatively, switch to attacking the grip connection point with your legs. → Leads to New York Control
- Posturing up explosively to break New York Control structure and extract the arm (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Tighten leg pressure across their back and pull down with both arms simultaneously. If they partially escape, immediately transition to triangle or gogoplata setup as their posture creates space for leg attacks. → Leads to Closed Guard
- Rolling toward the Kimura side to relieve shoulder pressure (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Follow the roll by maintaining the figure-four grip and transitioning to top position. Their roll gives you a sweep opportunity where you end up in a mounted Kimura position with the grip already established. → Leads to New York Control