SAFETY: Kimura from North-South targets the Shoulder joint, rotator cuff, and surrounding ligaments. Risk: Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis damage). Release immediately upon tap.
The Kimura from North-South is a powerful shoulder lock that exploits the vulnerable arm position inherent to north-south control. This submission represents a high-percentage finishing option from one of the most stable top positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The north-south position provides exceptional control over the opponent’s upper body while creating natural opportunities to isolate and attack the near-side arm. When the opponent frames or attempts to create space, their arm becomes exposed to the figure-four grip that characterizes the Kimura lock. The mechanical advantage from north-south is significant—you can generate rotational pressure on the shoulder joint while maintaining heavy chest pressure that prevents hip escape. The angle of attack differs from traditional side control or guard-based Kimuras, requiring adaptations in grip placement and finishing mechanics. Understanding the proper application speed and safety protocols is essential, as the north-south angle can generate extreme leverage on the shoulder complex with minimal warning to training partners.
From Position: North-South (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Kimura from North-South?
- Maintain heavy chest pressure throughout the attack to prevent escape via hip movement
- Isolate the near-side arm by controlling the wrist before establishing the figure-four grip
- Position your hips perpendicular to opponent’s body to maximize rotational leverage
- Use your head pressure on opponent’s far shoulder to prevent them turning into you
- Create the figure-four grip with your arms forming a strong structural frame
- Apply rotational pressure away from opponent’s head while lifting the elbow upward
- Monitor partner’s tap signals constantly as north-south angle creates rapid joint stress
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Kimura from North-South?
- Establish stable north-south control with chest pressure across opponent’s sternum and diaphragm
- Opponent’s near-side arm must be extended or framing against your body (not trapped under their body)
- Your hips positioned perpendicular to opponent’s torso for maximum leverage angle
- Control opponent’s far shoulder with your head pressure to prevent them turning away
- Your base is wide and stable with knees spread to resist opponent’s hip escape attempts
- Grip control established on opponent’s wrist before committing to the figure-four lock
Execution Steps
How do you execute Kimura from North-South step by step?
- Secure North-South Control: From north-south position, distribute your weight heavily across opponent’s chest and upper torso. Your head should pressure their far shoulder to prevent rotation. Spread your knees wide for base and position your hips perpendicular to their body. The opponent will naturally frame or push against your body with their near-side arm, creating the opportunity for attack. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to establish stable control)
- Isolate and Control the Wrist: As opponent extends their near-side arm to frame or create space, thread your arm closest to their legs underneath their forearm. Capture their wrist with a firm grip, pulling it slightly away from their body. Your grip should be palm-to-palm with your thumb toward their thumb, creating strong wrist control that prevents them from pulling the arm back to safety. (Timing: 1-2 seconds to secure wrist control)
- Establish Figure-Four Grip: While maintaining wrist control with your lower hand, reach your upper arm (the one near their head) over the top of their arm and grab your own wrist to complete the figure-four configuration. Your upper arm’s elbow should be positioned over their elbow, creating a strong structural frame. Ensure your grip is tight and your arms form a solid mechanical connection—any looseness here reduces your leverage significantly. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to establish secure grip)
- Adjust Hip Position and Create Angle: With the figure-four secured, adjust your hips to optimize leverage. Your hips should remain perpendicular to opponent’s body. Some practitioners step their leg closest to opponent’s head across and over to create additional base. Maintain chest pressure while creating slight space for your arms to work. The angle is critical—you want your body positioned so that rotating away from opponent’s head creates maximum torque on their shoulder. (Timing: 1-2 seconds for positioning)
- Apply Lifting Pressure to Elbow: Begin the submission by lifting opponent’s elbow upward toward the ceiling while maintaining your figure-four grip. This lifting motion creates initial stress on the shoulder joint. Your upper arm (the one controlling the elbow) does most of the work here. Keep your elbows tight to your body for maximum mechanical efficiency. Apply this pressure SLOWLY over 2-3 seconds, monitoring carefully for tap signals. (Timing: 2-3 seconds progressive pressure)
- Rotate Arm Away from Head: While maintaining upward elbow pressure, begin rotating their entire arm away from their head—toward their legs. This rotational movement creates extreme torque on the shoulder joint, particularly the rotator cuff and anterior capsule. The combination of lifting and rotating generates the submission. Apply this rotation EXTREMELY SLOWLY over 3-4 seconds. The north-south angle creates deceptive leverage—what feels like moderate pressure to you is intense stress on their shoulder. Stop immediately at any tap signal. (Timing: 3-4 seconds with progressive pressure)
- Control and Finish: Continue the controlled rotation while maintaining all other pressure points—chest weight, head pressure on far shoulder, and figure-four grip integrity. If opponent attempts to roll toward the submission to relieve pressure, maintain your hip position and follow their movement while keeping the rotational stress constant. The submission finishes when shoulder joint stress forces the tap. In training, stop well before maximum pressure and release immediately upon tap. (Timing: Variable based on opponent response—always controlled)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 60% |
| Failure | North-South | 25% |
| Counter | Half Guard | 15% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Kimura from North-South?
- Opponent pulls elbow tight to body and hides arm (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Before they can fully retract the arm, use your chest pressure and head position to bait them into re-extending the arm to create space. Alternatively, transition to far-side armbar or switch to alternative attacks like the north-south choke to force them to react. → Leads to North-South
- Opponent rolls toward the submission (into you) to relieve shoulder pressure (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow their roll by moving your hips in the same direction while maintaining the figure-four grip. As they roll toward you, they often expose their back—be prepared to transition to back control by releasing the Kimura and establishing seat belt control. → Leads to Half Guard
- Opponent bridges explosively to disrupt your base (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain wide knee base and heavy chest pressure to absorb the bridge. If they create significant disruption, temporarily release rotational pressure (not the grip) and reestablish positional control before continuing the submission. Prioritize position maintenance over submission completion. → Leads to North-South
- Opponent grabs their own belt or gi pants with trapped hand (grip fighting) (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: This defensive grip actually immobilizes their arm in a vulnerable position. Maintain your figure-four and continue applying rotational pressure—their own defensive grip prevents them from following the rotation, increasing joint stress. They will typically release the grip quickly once pressure increases. → Leads to game-over