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)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Kimura from Back?
- 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
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Kimura from Back?
- Rear triangle position established with triangle legs locked around opponent’s neck and trapped arm
- Opponent defending the triangle choke by protecting neck, leaving trapped arm accessible
- Free hand access to opponent’s wrist on the trapped arm side
- Chest-to-back connection maintained with hips angled toward trapped arm
- Triangle lock secure enough to maintain control during grip transition
Execution Steps
How do you execute Kimura from Back step by step?
- Secure wrist control: Use your bottom hand to capture the opponent’s trapped arm wrist with a C-grip, thumb on top. The triangle structure prevents them from pulling the arm free while you establish initial control.
- Thread top arm: Thread your top arm under the opponent’s trapped arm, reaching over their tricep and under to connect with your wrist-controlling hand. Your forearm should cross behind their elbow joint.
- Establish figure-four grip: Connect your hands in the classic kimura figure-four configuration—your top hand grips your own wrist while maintaining the C-grip on opponent’s wrist. Squeeze elbows together to eliminate slack.
- Pin elbow to ribs: Pull the opponent’s elbow tight against their ribcage using the figure-four. This positioning maximizes your mechanical advantage by shortening the lever arm and preventing them from straightening their arm.
- Maintain triangle structure: Keep your triangle legs engaged around their neck and shoulder. The leg structure prevents them from rotating their torso to relieve shoulder pressure. Squeeze knees together to maintain compression.
- Apply rotational pressure: Rotate the opponent’s wrist toward their spine while keeping their elbow pinned to their ribcage. Move slowly and steadily, painting their hand toward their back in a controlled arc rather than jerking.
- Complete submission or transition: Continue rotating until opponent taps, or if they defend by creating space, immediately transition back to triangle choke or armbar. The grip position allows seamless transitions between these three attacks.
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Kimura Trap | 55% |
| Failure | Rear Triangle | 30% |
| Counter | Back Control | 15% |
Opponent Counters
How might your opponent counter Kimura from Back?
- Opponent grabs their own pants or belt to anchor the trapped arm (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Drive their elbow toward their hip to break the grip, or transition to armbar by extending their arm while they grip → Leads to Rear Triangle
- Opponent rotates their body to face you, reducing shoulder torque (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Tighten triangle legs and use chest pressure to prevent rotation, or accept the rotation and transition to mounted triangle → Leads to Back Control
- Opponent straightens arm to prevent elbow pinning (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Convert directly to armbar by controlling the wrist and extending hips against the straightened elbow → Leads to Rear Triangle
- Opponent bridges explosively to create space (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Follow the bridge maintaining chest contact, the triangle structure keeps them controlled through the movement → Leads to Rear Triangle
Safety Considerations
What are the safety concerns for Kimura from Back?
The kimura creates extreme rotational stress on the shoulder joint, specifically the rotator cuff muscles and glenohumeral capsule. Apply pressure slowly and continuously—never jerk or crank the submission. Give your training partner time to tap; shoulder injuries can occur within 1-2 seconds of proper pressure application. In training, release immediately upon any tap, verbal submission, or expression of discomfort. Be especially cautious with training partners who have previous shoulder injuries, as their range of motion and pain thresholds may be reduced. When drilling, establish clear communication about pressure levels before beginning. The combination of back control (which is disorienting) and shoulder lock can cause panicked reactions—be prepared to release if your partner tenses unexpectedly.