SAFETY: Kimura from S Mount 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 S Mount leverages the perpendicular body angle and hip-to-shoulder connection to create devastating rotational force on the shoulder joint. The figure-four grip, secured when the opponent bends their arm to defend the armbar, transforms S Mount from a single-threat armbar position into a dual-threat attacking platform. Your control over the opponent’s torso through leg positioning means they cannot roll through or create the space needed for standard Kimura defenses. The submission finish relies on using your entire body to generate rotational force rather than arm strength, making it effective even against larger, stronger opponents when proper mechanics are applied.
From Position: S Mount (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Kimura from S Mount?
- Secure figure-four grip only after confirming hip-to-shoulder connection is tight and opponent cannot create space
- Use body rotation and hip drive to generate Kimura force rather than arm strength alone
- Maintain heavy hip pressure on opponent’s shoulder throughout the entire submission sequence to prevent rolling escapes
- Pin opponent’s elbow to the mat before initiating rotation to create the fulcrum point for maximum leverage
- Treat the Kimura and armbar as a linked pair - threaten one to open the other based on defensive response
- Control the pace of rotation progressively in training, never jerking or spiking the shoulder joint
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Kimura from S Mount?
- Established S Mount with perpendicular body alignment, near leg over head, far leg across torso
- Hip-to-shoulder connection is tight with no space for opponent to begin escape sequence
- Opponent’s near arm is isolated between your legs and accessible for grip acquisition
- Opponent has bent their arm in defense of the armbar, exposing the wrist for figure-four setup
- Your base is stable enough that transitioning to the figure-four grip will not compromise positional control
Execution Steps
How do you execute Kimura from S Mount step by step?
- Confirm S Mount Control: Verify your perpendicular body alignment is solid with hips tight against opponent’s shoulder. Near leg extends over their head with foot planted on the mat, far leg crosses their torso at chest level. The isolated arm should be between your legs with your hands maintaining wrist control throughout. (Timing: 2-3 seconds to verify position before grip change)
- Identify Kimura Window: Recognize the Kimura opportunity when opponent bends their trapped arm to defend the armbar threat. Their wrist becomes accessible as they pull their hand toward their body or grip their own collar. This bent-arm posture is the trigger to initiate the figure-four grip sequence rather than continuing to fight for arm extension. (Timing: Immediate recognition of bent-arm defense)
- Thread the Figure-Four: Slide your near hand under their wrist from the outside, threading between their forearm and torso. Maintain heavy hip pressure throughout the grip transition to prevent them from exploiting the brief moment when your hand positioning changes. Speed and smoothness matter here to prevent the opponent from straightening their arm during the transition. (Timing: 1-2 seconds for clean grip acquisition)
- Lock the Figure-Four Grip: Complete the figure-four by gripping your own wrist with your far hand, locking the configuration tight against their forearm. Both thumbs should point the same direction for maximum rotational control. Squeeze your elbows together to tighten the grip structure and eliminate any slack that would allow the opponent to slip free. (Timing: Immediate completion after threading)
- Pin the Elbow: Drive their elbow firmly to the mat using your body weight and the figure-four structure. Their upper arm pins between your hip and the floor, creating the critical fulcrum point for effective shoulder rotation. Without this elbow pin, the rotational force dissipates through the arm rather than concentrating on the shoulder joint. (Timing: 1-2 seconds to establish fulcrum)
- Apply Rotational Pressure: Move their hand in a controlled paint-brush arc toward their lower back, generating force through hip rotation and torso engagement rather than arm strength alone. Keep your chest low and elbows tight to your body. The rotation should feel like turning a steering wheel with your whole body, not pulling with your biceps. (Timing: 3-5 seconds of progressive rotation in training)
- Complete the Finish: Maintain constant hip pressure on their shoulder while continuing the rotation past the point of comfortable range of motion. Follow any defensive rolling attempts with your hips to prevent escape. Apply slowly and progressively, stopping immediately when you feel or hear the tap. Never release the grip suddenly after the tap to prevent rebound injury. (Timing: Controlled finish, immediate release on tap)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 62% |
| Failure | S Mount | 25% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 13% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Kimura from S Mount?
- Straightening the arm to prevent figure-four grip establishment (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Immediately transition to the armbar finish since the extended arm is now vulnerable. This is the core of the Kimura-armbar dilemma from S Mount. → Leads to S Mount
- Gripping own collar or lapel with trapped hand to resist rotation (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Strip the grip by peeling fingers one at a time or use your body weight to drive their elbow to the mat, which breaks the grip angle. Alternatively, switch to wrist-peeling technique. → Leads to S Mount
- Explosive hip escape toward your legs to create space and recover guard (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow their hip movement by scooting your own hips to maintain the hip-to-shoulder connection. If they create significant space, complete the Kimura rotation quickly before they fully escape. → Leads to Closed Guard
- Rolling toward the attacker to relieve rotational pressure on the shoulder (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Follow the roll with your hips, maintaining the figure-four grip and hip pressure. The S Mount leg configuration makes rolling extremely difficult, and following with your weight keeps the submission active. → Leads to S Mount