SAFETY: Kimura from Turtle targets the Shoulder joint, rotator cuff, and associated ligaments. Risk: Rotator cuff tear (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis). Release immediately upon tap.
The Kimura from Turtle is a powerful shoulder lock submission that capitalizes on the opponent’s defensive turtle position. When executed properly, this technique isolates the arm through a figure-four grip while controlling the opponent’s posture, creating significant torque on the shoulder joint. The turtle position provides unique mechanical advantages for the Kimura, as the opponent’s weight distribution and defensive posture naturally expose the arms. This submission can be approached from various angles including traditional top turtle control, front headlock positions, or transitional scrambles. The Kimura from turtle serves multiple strategic purposes: it can be used as a direct finish, as a powerful control position to break down the turtle and transition to back control, or as a means to roll the opponent and establish dominant top positions like mount or side control. The technique’s effectiveness stems from the combination of grip control, hip pressure, and proper angle creation that prevents the opponent from defending effectively while maintaining the structural integrity needed to apply safe, controlled pressure to the shoulder joint.
From Position: Turtle (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Kimura from Turtle?
- Establish firm figure-four grip with proper hand positioning before applying any rotational pressure
- Control opponent’s posture and prevent forward movement using body weight and hip pressure
- Create the proper angle by positioning perpendicular or slightly past perpendicular to opponent’s body
- Isolate the arm by keeping the elbow tight to your body and preventing escape routes
- Apply pressure through controlled rotation of the forearm toward the opponent’s head, not through explosive jerking motions
- Maintain constant connection between your chest and the opponent’s shoulder to prevent space creation
- Use your hips and legs to control the opponent’s base and prevent them from rolling through the submission
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Kimura from Turtle?
- Opponent is in defensive turtle position with weight distributed on hands and knees
- You have established top control with at least one hand controlling near the opponent’s head or shoulders
- Opponent’s arm is exposed and accessible, ideally with elbow away from body or reaching forward
- You have created an angle that allows access to the arm without being directly behind opponent
- Your base is stable with good positioning to prevent opponent from standing or rolling
- You have broken opponent’s defensive posture or created commitment that exposes the arm
- Space exists to insert your arm under opponent’s arm and establish the figure-four grip
Execution Steps
How do you execute Kimura from Turtle step by step?
- Secure initial arm control: From top turtle position, identify the exposed arm (typically the arm furthest from you or posting forward). Use your near hand to control the opponent’s wrist or tricep area. Apply downward pressure to prevent them from pulling the arm back to their body. Position your body at approximately 45-90 degrees to their torso to create the proper attacking angle. (Timing: Establish control before opponent recognizes the threat)
- Thread your attacking arm: Thread your attacking arm (same side as their exposed arm) underneath their arm, moving from outside to inside. Your forearm should pass under their tricep/elbow area. Keep your elbow tight and maintain constant contact with their arm. Your hand should emerge on the inside of their arm, near their head. Maintain hip pressure on their back to prevent them from sitting back or rolling away. (Timing: Quick insertion while maintaining control)
- Establish figure-four grip: With your threading arm now under their arm, reach across and grab your own wrist with your opposite hand, creating the characteristic figure-four configuration. The opponent’s wrist should be controlled with your initial controlling hand. Ensure the grip is tight and positioned with your forearm across the back of their shoulder. Your elbows should be close together, creating a solid structural frame. The opponent’s arm should be bent at approximately 90 degrees or slightly more. (Timing: Secure grip before applying rotational pressure)
- Adjust body position and angle: Once the figure-four is secured, adjust your body position to optimize leverage. Move your hips and chest closer to the opponent’s shoulder, eliminating space between your chest and their shoulder blade. Your body should be positioned perpendicular or slightly past perpendicular to the opponent’s body. Establish a strong base with your legs, typically with one knee on the mat and the other foot posted for stability. Keep your head low and chest tight to their shoulder to prevent them from rolling. (Timing: Positional adjustment before applying submission pressure)
- Break opponent’s base: Use your body weight and hip pressure to break the opponent’s turtle posture. Drive your chest into their shoulder while pulling their trapped arm slightly away from their body. This forces them off balance and prevents them from using their base to defend. You may need to use your legs to hook or control their far leg to prevent rolling. The goal is to flatten them slightly or force them to post with their free hand, making the Kimura inevitable. (Timing: Progressive pressure to establish control)
- Apply controlled rotational pressure: With everything secured, begin applying the submission by rotating their forearm toward their head (or in some variations, toward their back). The rotation should come from your entire upper body structure, not just your arms. Keep the opponent’s elbow tight to your body as you rotate. Apply pressure SLOWLY and progressively over 3-5 seconds minimum in training. Watch for the tap and be prepared to release immediately. The pressure should feel like a continuous, controlled rotation rather than a sudden jerk. Maintain chest-to-shoulder contact throughout to prevent escape. (Timing: Slow, progressive application over 3-5 seconds minimum)
- Maintain control through finish or transition: If the opponent taps, immediately stop rotational pressure while maintaining positional control, then release as per safety protocol. If they defend by rolling with the pressure, be prepared to follow them into the roll while maintaining the figure-four grip, potentially transitioning to mount or side control. If they attempt to sit back, use the Kimura grip to take their back or transition to a more dominant position. The Kimura from turtle is as much a control position as a submission, offering multiple attacking and transitional opportunities. (Timing: Maintain until tap or transition opportunity)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 60% |
| Failure | Turtle | 25% |
| Counter | Half Guard | 15% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Kimura from Turtle?
- Pulling trapped arm back to body and tucking elbow tight (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Before they can fully retract the arm, use your body weight to drive into their shoulder and control their posture. Move your hips forward to cut off the angle of escape. If needed, use your legs to hook their far leg and prevent them from sitting back. Alternatively, abandon the submission and transition to back control or another dominant position while maintaining the Kimura grip for control. → Leads to Turtle
- Rolling forward or to the side with the Kimura direction (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow the roll while maintaining the figure-four grip and keeping your chest connected to their shoulder. As they roll, use the momentum to establish mount or side control position. The Kimura grip remains intact and can be used to control them in the new position. Some practitioners intentionally use the Kimura to initiate this roll, accepting the positional advancement even if the submission doesn’t finish. → Leads to Half Guard
- Standing up or attempting to posture up from turtle (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use the Kimura grip to prevent them from fully standing. Pull their trapped arm down and across their body while driving your weight into their shoulder. This typically forces them back to the mat or allows you to take their back as they attempt to stand. If they do achieve standing position, you can use the Kimura grip to execute a standing Kimura or transition to other takedown opportunities. → Leads to Turtle
- Grabbing their own gi or belt with the trapped hand (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: If they secure a defensive grip on their gi or belt, breaking this grip becomes the immediate priority. Use your free hand to strip the grip, or adjust your angle to make maintaining the grip painful or impossible. You can also use increased hip pressure and body weight to force them to release the grip to post and defend their base. In some cases, transitioning to a different attack while maintaining top control may be more efficient. → Leads to Turtle
- Bridging explosively or bucking to create space (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Anticipate the explosive movement and maintain heavy chest pressure on their shoulder. Use your legs to establish a wide, stable base that cannot be easily displaced. As they bridge, their energy expenditure often creates better submission opportunities as they tire. If they create momentary space, immediately close the distance and re-establish chest-to-shoulder contact. Their explosive movements often expose other attacks like the transition to back control. → Leads to Turtle