The Kimura from Back is a sophisticated shoulder attack initiated from the rear triangle position that exploits the trapped arm configuration to establish devastating rotational control over the opponent’s shoulder joint. Unlike the standard kimura grip applied from guard or side control, this variation leverages the superior back control to isolate the arm while the triangle structure prevents defensive rotation and posture recovery. The technique creates a submission dilemma where the opponent must choose between defending the shoulder lock, which opens the choke, or protecting the neck, which exposes the arm to finishing pressure.
From a strategic perspective, the Kimura from Back serves dual purposes as both a submission threat and a control tool. When the opponent successfully defends the initial triangle choke by protecting their neck, their defensive positioning often leaves the trapped arm vulnerable to kimura grip capture. The back control eliminates the standard kimura defense of grabbing one’s own thigh or belt, as the opponent lacks the necessary mobility to establish these anchors. This makes the submission percentage significantly higher than kimura attempts from other positions.
The technique exemplifies the principle of systematic attack chains from back control. Rather than abandoning position when the choke is defended, the practitioner transitions smoothly to the kimura while maintaining all back control elements. This cycling between attacks—triangle choke to kimura to armbar—overwhelms the opponent’s defensive capacity and eventually creates finishing opportunities through accumulated defensive fatigue.
From Position: Rear Triangle (Top) Success Rate: 58%
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Kimura Trap | 55% |
| Failure | Rear Triangle | 30% |
| Counter | Back Control | 15% |
Attacker vs Defender
| Attacker | Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Execute technique | Prevent or counter |
| Key Principles | Maintain chest-to-back connection throughout the kimura atta… | Protect your wrist immediately when you feel the attacker’s … |
| Options | 7 execution steps | 4 defensive options |
Playing as Attacker
Key Principles
-
Maintain chest-to-back connection throughout the kimura attack to prevent opponent rotation and escape
-
Use the triangle leg structure to pin the opponent’s torso while freeing hands for grip work
-
Capture the wrist before establishing the figure-four grip to prevent defensive grip fighting
-
Keep the elbow tight to the opponent’s ribcage to maximize rotational torque on the shoulder
-
Apply pressure by rotating the shoulder toward the spine rather than pulling outward
-
Create the dilemma—defending the kimura exposes the neck, defending the choke exposes the arm
Execution Steps
-
Secure wrist control: Use your bottom hand to capture the opponent’s trapped arm wrist with a C-grip, thumb on top. The tr…
-
Thread top arm: Thread your top arm under the opponent’s trapped arm, reaching over their tricep and under to connec…
-
Establish figure-four grip: Connect your hands in the classic kimura figure-four configuration—your top hand grips your own wris…
-
Pin elbow to ribs: Pull the opponent’s elbow tight against their ribcage using the figure-four. This positioning maximi…
-
Maintain triangle structure: Keep your triangle legs engaged around their neck and shoulder. The leg structure prevents them from…
-
Apply rotational pressure: Rotate the opponent’s wrist toward their spine while keeping their elbow pinned to their ribcage. Mo…
-
Complete submission or transition: Continue rotating until opponent taps, or if they defend by creating space, immediately transition b…
Common Mistakes
-
Releasing triangle lock to focus on kimura grip
- Consequence: Opponent escapes back control entirely when leg structure is abandoned
- Correction: Maintain active squeeze with triangle legs throughout the entire kimura attack sequence
-
Allowing opponent’s elbow to drift away from their body
- Consequence: Dramatically reduced leverage requiring excessive strength to finish
- Correction: Keep elbow pinned tight to opponent’s ribcage before initiating any rotation
-
Pulling the arm outward instead of rotating toward spine
- Consequence: Opponent can muscle through the pressure and arm may slip free
- Correction: Paint the wrist in an arc toward their spine while elbow stays fixed as the pivot
Playing as Defender
Key Principles
-
Protect your wrist immediately when you feel the attacker’s hand reaching for your trapped arm to prevent C-grip establishment
-
Keep your trapped arm’s elbow tight to your own body to deny the attacker the leverage needed for rotational finishing pressure
-
Use your free hand to actively grip fight and strip the attacker’s wrist control before the figure-four is locked
-
Avoid straightening your trapped arm as a defense since this directly exposes you to armbar transition from the same position
-
Maintain chin protection throughout kimura defense because the attacker can instantly switch back to the triangle choke
-
Work to extract your trapped arm from the triangle as the primary escape path, which eliminates both kimura and choke threats simultaneously
Recognition Cues
-
Attacker’s bottom hand reaches for your trapped arm’s wrist while their triangle legs remain locked, indicating the transition from choke to shoulder attack
-
You feel the attacker threading their top arm under your trapped arm near the tricep, which signals figure-four grip establishment is imminent
-
Attacker shifts hip angle toward your trapped arm side and reduces choke pressure momentarily, redirecting their attack from neck to shoulder
-
Your trapped arm begins to be pulled away from your body as the attacker works to isolate it from your torso for rotational control
Defensive Options
-
Strip wrist control early by using your free hand to peel the attacker’s C-grip off your trapped wrist before the figure-four connects - When: As soon as you feel the attacker’s hand reaching for your trapped arm wrist, before the figure-four is established
-
Pin your own elbow to your ribcage and grab your own lapel, belt, or waistband to anchor your trapped arm against rotation - When: When the attacker has established the figure-four grip but has not yet begun rotating your shoulder
-
Rotate your body toward the attacker, turning into them to reduce shoulder torque while working to extract your trapped arm from the triangle - When: When the kimura pressure is building and you need to relieve shoulder stress while creating escape opportunity
Position Integration
Kimura from Back occupies a central role in the rear triangle attack system, serving as the secondary threat that makes the primary triangle choke more effective. When opponents learn to defend the choke effectively, the kimura provides an alternative path to submission or superior control. The position connects directly to the fundamental BJJ principle of creating dilemmas through attack chains rather than single isolated techniques. From a game development perspective, proficiency in this technique transforms back control from a position where you chase the rear naked choke into a multi-threat platform. The kimura also connects to front headlock and crucifix systems—if the opponent partially escapes the back, the kimura grip often allows transition to these secondary control positions rather than losing the engagement entirely. Advanced practitioners use the kimura grip as a control handle for positional maintenance even when not actively pursuing the submission.